What to pack for Araucanía by season

What to pack for Pucón or anywhere in La Araucanía depends on the season, but one rule holds all year: the climate is temperate and rainy, with pleasant summers and cold winters (source: Sernatur, chile.travel, January 2026), and in southern Chile it can rain in any month, even in summer (source: Sernatur, "Climate and weather").

Araucanía's climate in numbers

• Temuco: normal rainfall is 1,114.8 mm a year at the Maquehue station (source: Chilean Meteorological Office, DMC, checked on October 15, 2026).
• June is among the wettest months: Temuco's normal is 177 to 258 mm (source: DMC, 1991-2020 normals, quoted by Meteored). October is around 81 mm (same source, October 2024).
• Andes: rainfall reaches about 3,000 mm a year, and above 1,500 meters it falls as snow, with temperatures below 0 °C (source: Library of the National Congress of Chile, undated).
• Warmest months: highs of about 23 °C (same source).

The basics for any season

Dress in layers and bring hiking shoes, a swimsuit for the hot springs, a warm jacket and sunscreen (source: Sernatur, chile.travel). On trails, CONAF asks for hiking shoes, waterproof clothing and warm layers (source: CONAF, Malalcahuello National Reserve). Pack a rain jacket even if the forecast looks good.

Summer

• Sun: in January 2025 Chile's weather office reported an extreme UV index in La Araucanía, the top level of its scale (source: Meteochile, quoted by En Cancha, January 21, 2025). Wear sunscreen, a hat and long sleeves, and avoid the midday sun (same source).
• Horseflies (coliguachos): most common from December to February. A Universidad de Los Lagos academic recommends light-colored clothing, long sleeves and avoiding the hottest hours (source: La Tercera, January 13, 2025). The source does not mention repellents.
• Storms: some trails in Malalcahuello carry a lightning risk between November and April (source: CONAF).
• Villarrica volcano: climbing to the crater requires a certified guide and technical gear (source: Sernatur). See Villarrica Volcano.

Autumn and spring

The rain continues: in Temuco, April's normal is 52 to 108 mm and October's is around 81 mm (source: DMC, quoted by Meteored). Add waterproof shoes and a warm layer. See what each season offers in autumn and spring.

Winter

• Snow: between June and September, snow or ice can close access to several mountain destinations (source: Sernatur, chile.travel, May 2026). Huerquehue National Park may have snow on its trails in those months (source: CONAF).
• Snow chains: carry chains if you travel in snowfall season; for most of those destinations a 4WD or at least a high-clearance vehicle is recommended (source: Sernatur, May 2026). On the Las Raíces pass, on route CH-181 between Curacautín and Lonquimay, chains are mandatory in winter (source: Araucanía Andina). Check road conditions with Vialidad (MOP) or Carabineros before setting off.
• Clothing: dress warmer than you think you need to (source: Sernatur). For skiing at Corralco Ski Resort, wear layers: mountain weather changes fast (source: Sernatur).
• Signal: mobile coverage is limited or non-existent in several mountain areas (source: Sernatur).

More seasonal ideas for summer and winter. And if you are traveling without a car, see Getting around Araucanía without a car.

Information reviewed on October 15, 2026. Weather and road conditions change: check the forecast at meteochile.gob.cl and CONAF and Vialidad notices before you travel.