What's the weather like in Santiago in March
Temperature
Slightly decreasing temperatures in March make Santiago much more comfortable during the day. Santiago's average monthly temperature in March is 18°C. Daytime averages are 29°C at the beginning of the month but quickly dip towards 26°C, for a monthly average of 27°C. Nights cool off correspondingly, to 9°C.
Rainfall
Like January and February, March is very dry in Santiago. Rainfall totals are still less than 10mm of rain, produced on average over two days. The probability of precipitation is 5%.
Sunshine Hours
Santiago has some shorter days in March, but clear skies still account for nine hours of sunshine throughout the day. The average length of the day in March is 12 hours 8 minutes. The chances of an overcast or mostly cloudy sky are 11% at the beginning of March, increasing to 21% by the end of the month.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in Santiago continues to climb throughout March. Relative humidity is 66% in the beginning of the month and climbs to 71% by the end of the month. This is still a very comfortable humidity level, one that some people will even consider to be very dry.
Wind
Santiago sees an average wind speed of 2.7 m/s in March, declining through the month. Easterly winds start to dominate, slowly replacing the chances of westerly or southerly winds seen in January and February.
Sea Temperature
The Pacific Ocean, near Santiago on the west coast of Chile, averages 16°C. March is still considered a good time of the year to visit the beach in Chile.
Dress Code
The dress code in Santiago in March is very similar to January and February. Dress comfortable for hot days. Shorts, skirts, sandals, and t-shirts are perfectly fine for daytime. Chileans tend to dress up a little more at night when they hit the restaurants and nightclubs, but not too dressy. You'll also want to prepare for the rapidly dropping temperatures that happen when the sun goes down. Long pants and a light jacket or sweater will keep you warm. Check the Santiago 14-day forecast for the most up-to-date information before leaving home.
Santiago Hotels in March
Hotel Magnolia
The four-star Hotel Magnolia is a cute boutique hotel located in a restored Spanish Colonial mansion built in 1929. The 42 contemporary rooms are bright and airy, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, light wood surfaces, minifridges, and spacious bathrooms. Suites with separate living rooms are also available. Guests will enjoy the complimentary breakfast, followed by a seasonal Chilean dinner at the Magnolia's on-site restaurant with glass roof. Hotel Magnolia has truly blended Chilean history with modern accommodations. Hotel Magnolia is located between Cerro Santa Lucia and Plaza de Armas, and is five minutes from the nearest metro station.
Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Hotel Plaza San Francisco is a five-star 146-room hotel in downtown Santiago, near the University of Chile. Warm, soundproof rooms feature rustic wood furnishings, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. A number of room upgrades are available, including more spacious rooms and also suites. Guests are entitled to a superb complimentary breakfast, fitness center, swimming pool, and sauna. A masseuse is also available. Hotel Plaza San Francisco is home to Restaurant Bristol, an award-winning contemporary Chilean restaurant. The closest metro station is only a few minutes away and some of Santiago's hottest attractions surround the hotel in all directions.
Hyatt Place Santiago Vitacura
The Hyatt Place Santiago Vitacura is a wonderful three-star hotel with amazing staff, modern rooms, and comfortable accommodations. This hotel is located in the upscale Vitacura district and close to the Los Leones Golf Club and Bicentennial Park. Standard rooms and suites, all with a pull-out sofa, minifridges, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers will treat you to impressive views of the giant Andes Mountains. A continental breakfast is included for all guests, and the Hyatt also features a casual restaurant with 24/7 dining. You'll find opportunities to relax in their cozy cocktail bar, swimming pool, and gym.
Hotel Galerias
Hotel Galerias is a modern four-star hotel adjacent to popular Cerro Santa Lucia. The hotel features warm rooms with Chilean décor, TVs, Wi-Fi, and minibars. Suites are also available, with hot tubs and separate living rooms. Guests will be treated to a complimentary continental breakfast and will enjoy dining in the international restaurant on-site. The most social area of Hotel Galerias is the beautifully decorated outdoor pool, patio, and poolside bar. You'll also have an easy walk to the metro station and many other attractions including theaters, nightclubs, restaurants, and churches. Hotel Galerias is authentic Chile.
Beaches in Santiago in March
Playa Caleta Abarca
This beach in the affluent Viña Del Mar is a wonderful way to end the summer in Chile. Playa Caleta Abarca is comprised of a long stretch of sand, allowing plenty of room for the many tourists to spread out. It's more than just a beach; there is also a nice promenade where artisans sell handmade souvenirs, jewelry, and local food. If you're craving a little more than street food, there's also a good selection of outstanding restaurants nearby. The waters of Playa Caleta Abarca can provide great relief for hot days, but be mindful of the dangerous currents.
Bars and Restaurants
Latin Grille
The Latin Grille is an upscale yet casual restaurant in Las Condes, inside the Hotel Marriott. A wonderful four-course pairing menu is available where you can taste the chef's amazing award-winning creations, paired with the best Chilean wines. You can also order off of their a la carte menu, where you'll find exquisite dishes like crab in polenta, grilled lamb, tender fillet, and fresh trout in a bean & almond sauce. All foods are locally sourced and showcase Chile's wonderful flavors. Latin Grille is open Monday thru Saturday from 6:30PM until 11:30PM.
Sarita Colonia
This eclectic café near Cerro San Cristobal will keep your eyes wandering through the interesting décor. Sarita Colonia also has a rooftop terrace, perfect for enjoying a cold drink and enjoying the views. Sarita Colonia serves flavorful contemporary Chilean & Peruvian cuisine. Menu items include many types of ceviches, yucca stuffed with beef, grilled fish with banana-curry puree & quinoa, and chicken legs with rice & salsa. You can also just get a burger if the dishes seem too exotic for your tastes. This TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner is open Monday thru Saturday from 8PM until midnight.
Romaria
If you're coming off of the links or returning to Vitacura from central Santiago, stop for dinner at Romaria. This charming Italian restaurant is right off of Vitacura Ave in a clean little neighborhood shop. Romaria serves excellent pizzas (often titled the best in Santiago), and a number of other flavorful dishes like salmon skewers, quinoa salad, and fettuccine. Romaria also has an outstanding drink menu. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere will put you right at home. Romaria opens for lunch from 1PM until 4PM, and for dinner from 6:30PM until midnight. They are closed on Sundays.
Cerveceria HBH
Cerveceria HBH is located just a few blocks north of the National Stadium of Chile and is a fun, traditional pub to visit any day of the week (except Sunday). Cerveceria HBH is known primarily for their craft beers; a light malty stout, a flavorful blonde, and a hoppy amber. They also serve a variety of other craft cocktails if you're not fond of beer. Food items include artisan pizzas, flavorful sandwiches, and appetizer plates with cheeses, meats, and other snack foods. Cerveceria HBH is open Monday thru Friday from 5PM to 1AM and on Saturday from 7:30PM to 3AM.
Things to do in Santiago in March
Plaza Baquedano
One of the things that Santiago is known for is its numerous plazas throughout the city, many very old, and all surrounded by churches, shops, and museums. Plaza Baquedano is one of these squares. Plaza Baquedano itself is only comprised of a statue of General Baquedano, fountains, and flowers, but the streets surrounding the plaza are full of numerous shops and restaurants. The lovely Parque Bustamante starts on the south end of Plaza Baquedano; moving east of the plaza you'll find the Santos Angeles Custodios Catholic Church and the Museum of Chilean Judaism. To the west there's Telepizza, La Terraza Restaurant, and La Hacienda Gaucha Restaurant.
Estacion Mapocho
The Mapocho River is the name of the river that runs through Santiago and is also the namesake of Estacion Mapocho, a former train station north of Plaza de Armas. In 1994 it was transformed into a lovely cultural center. Various cultural exhibits from throughout the world end up coming through Estacion Mapocho. Examples of some of the events held are musical performances, art exhibits, and conventions. Estacion Mapocho also houses three restaurants & cafes. The cultural center is open daily from 11AM until 8PM. Check their website for information on current events.
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is Chile's main square. It was established in the mid-16th century, and from there Santiago quickly expanded. This is the place where Chileans go on the weekends to socialize, and is also one of the most popular tourist spots in Santiago. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings featuring cafes, shops, and restaurants. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago is perhaps the most identifying feature of the park, followed closely by the National History Museum. A number of statues, trees, and park benches grace the plaza. Recommended visiting times are mid-day during the week to avoid the crowds.
Parque Araucano
Las Condes is one of Santiago's richest neighborhoods and home to a few great parks, one of which is Parque Araucano. This 54-acre park is an important social center is Las Condes. A number of festivals, exhibits, and shows pass through the park throughout the year. Some of these events include concerts, culinary events, and opera performances. Parque Araucano's most notable feature is a sculpture & fountain called Offering, a dedication to the indigenous Mapuche people. There are also beautiful walking paths, shady trees, and colorful rose gardens. Kids will have the opportunity to tire themselves out at the KidZania. Parque Araucano is adjacent to a large shopping mall and the Parque Juan Pablo II.
