Frontal systems and rain in Chile

In central and southern Chile, rain arrives mainly in winter with frontal systems (sistemas frontales): air masses advancing from the Pacific and the south.

What they bring

A frontal system drops rain on the central valley (Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción), snow on the Andes and, at times, wind and heavy swells on the coast. Their intensity varies greatly year to year with El Niño and La Niña.

How to anticipate them

Check the multi-day forecast and weather alerts: frontal systems usually show up one or two days ahead. Useful for planning trips to the mountains or along Route 5.