AI-generatedArica at a glance
- Best time
- Sep – Jun
- Warmest month
- Feb · 26°
- Warmest sea
- Feb · 22.2°
- Sunshine a year
- 2,410 h
- Rain a year
- 52 mm
- Climate
- Dry subtropical
- Time zone
- UTC−3 / UTC−4
- Elevation
- 80 m
Climate in Arica
Arica has a dry subtropical climate: mild to warm all year, with very little rain. February is the warmest month with average highs of 26 °C, while July is the coolest at 18 °C. With around 2,410 hours of sunshine a year, Arica is sunny; February is the sunniest month with 9.1 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Arica
The best time to visit Arica is from September to June. For a beach holiday – sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry – go from January to March. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, the weather is pleasant all year round. Rain is a rarity all year: only 52 mm fall in an average year.
Arica through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Arica in spring
Sep – Nov
Excellent
- 19–22 °C by day
- Sea 18 °C
- 6.3 h of sun a day
- 1 rainy day in all
Arica in summer
Dec – Feb
Excellent
- 24–26 °C by day
- Sea 21 °C
- 8.6 h of sun a day
- 4 rainy days in all
Arica in autumn
Mar – May
Excellent
- 21–25 °C by day
- Sea 20 °C
- 7.5 h of sun a day
- 2 rainy days in all
Arica in winter
Jun – Aug
Excellent
- 18–19 °C by day
- Sea 18 °C
- 4.1 h of sun a day
- 6 rainy days in all
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
Jan – Mar
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
All year
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Arica for you.
Your best months: April, November – December
Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.
Weather in October
Weather in October
Holiday weather in October
Excellent
Best time to visit: September – June
Where to go in OctoberSea temperature in October
Good forSightseeing & walks
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 17°
- Midday, 13:00: about 20°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 20°
- Evening, 20:00: about 19°
- Night, 23:00: about 18°
07:1219:41
Pleasant evenings; a light layer can help.
Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.
Light for photos in October
- Golden hour
- Morning 06:59–07:41 · evening 19:12–19:55
- Blue hour
- Morning 06:50–06:59 · evening 19:55–20:04
Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.
October in Arica compared with home
Loading the climate at home …
Early or late October?
In October, daytime highs rise from about 20° at the start of the month to 21° at the end. The sea warms from 17° to 18°. The days get 0.5 h longer.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 20° | 21° |
| Night-time low | 16° | 17° |
| Sea | 17° | 18° |
| Daylight | 12.2 h | 12.7 h |
What is the weather like in Arica in October?
In October, Arica is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 17.8 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, October is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 12 h 29 min07:12 – 19:41
- UV index
- 12 · extremeclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 17 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 77 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 0 days30 °C or moreAll months
- Time zone
- UTC−3offset from UTC
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 50 %100 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %55 %
- Few rainy daysweight 30 %100 %
Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “City break”.
What to pack in October
- Wetsuit for longer swims
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses & sun hat
Compare two months in Arica
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
February has the better holiday weather in Arica: score 100 against 91. In February, days are 6 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 4 °C warmer in February. February has 2 more rainy days. The sun shines 3 hours longer a day in February.
| Month | October | February |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 91 | 100better |
| Daytime high | 20° | 26° |
| Night-time low | 16° | 20° |
| Sea | 17.8° | 22.2° |
| Sunshine | 6.3 h | 9.1 hbetter |
| Rainy days | 0better | 2 |
| Rainfall | 2 mm | 7 mm |
| Muggy days | 0better | 17 |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Arica month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
98January26° · Sea 22° · 8.3 h
In January, Arica is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 20 °C. The sea averages 21.7 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 8.3 hours a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, January is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in January100February26° · Sea 22° · 9.1 h
In February, Arica is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 20 °C. The sea averages 22.2 °C – refreshing for a swim. With around 9.1 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 2 days bring 7 mm in total. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, February is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in February99March25° · Sea 22° · 8.8 h
In March, Arica is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 19 °C. The sea averages 21.5 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 8.8 hours a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, March is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in March95April24° · Sea 20° · 7.6 h
In April, Arica is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 20.1 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 7.6 hours a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, April is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in April90May21° · Sea 19° · 6.0 h
In May, Arica is warm: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 19.4 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 6.0 hours of sunshine a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, May is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in May85June19° · Sea 19° · 4.4 h
In June, Arica is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 18.5 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 4.4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 9 mm in total. All in all, June is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in June83July18° · Sea 17° · 3.9 h
In July, Arica is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 17.1 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun is scarce, with only about 3.9 hours a day. Rain is rare: about 2 days bring 8 mm in total. All in all, July is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in July83August18° · Sea 17° · 4.0 h
In August, Arica is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 16.9 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.0 hours of sunshine a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, August is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in August86September19° · Sea 17° · 4.9 h
In September, Arica is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 17.0 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 4.9 hours of sunshine a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, September is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in September91October20° · Sea 18° · 6.3 h
In October, Arica is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 17.8 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 6.3 hours of sunshine a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, October is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in October96November22° · Sea 19° · 7.7 h
In November, Arica is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 19.1 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.7 hours a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, November is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in November98December24° · Sea 20° · 8.3 h
In December, Arica is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 20.4 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 8.3 hours a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, December is an excellent month for a holiday in Arica.
Arica in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Arica
How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.
- Pleasant 15–20°
- Warm 20–24°
- muggy month (15+ muggy days)
PleasantOctober: nights around 16°. Ideal for sleeping, often with the window open.
The coolest nights are in July (15°), the warmest in February (20°). Tropical nights of 20 °C and more are the rule from January to February; then air conditioning or a fan helps you sleep. Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) from March to December. It is muggy (dew point 18 °C or more) on about 44 days a year, mostly in February.
Temperatures through the year
Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.
| Month | Score | Day | Night | Sea | Sun | Rain days | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 98 | 26° | 20° | 21.7° | 8.3 h | 1 | 5 |
| FebruaryFeb | 100 | 26° | 20° | 22.2° | 9.1 h | 2 | 7 |
| MarchMar | 99 | 25° | 19° | 21.5° | 8.8 h | 1 | 2 |
| AprilApr | 95 | 24° | 17° | 20.1° | 7.6 h | 0 | 1 |
| MayMay | 90 | 21° | 16° | 19.4° | 6.0 h | 1 | 7 |
| JuneJun | 85 | 19° | 15° | 18.5° | 4.4 h | 3 | 9 |
| JulyJul | 83 | 18° | 15° | 17.1° | 3.9 h | 2 | 8 |
| AugustAug | 83 | 18° | 15° | 16.9° | 4.0 h | 1 | 6 |
| SeptemberSep | 86 | 19° | 15° | 17.0° | 4.9 h | 0 | 4 |
| OctoberOct | 91 | 20° | 16° | 17.8° | 6.3 h | 0 | 2 |
| NovemberNov | 96 | 22° | 17° | 19.1° | 7.7 h | 0 | 1 |
| DecemberDec | 98 | 24° | 18° | 20.4° | 8.3 h | 0 | 2 |
Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences
18.48° S, 70.30° W · 80 m · America/Santiago
Sea temperature in Arica
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 16.7 – 19.0 °C
Swimming season: Dec – Apr
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Arica ranges from 16.9 °C in August to 22.2 °C in February. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from December to April.
The sea temperature varies from year to year: in February, eight out of ten years were between 21.2 and 23.3 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 21.7° | 19.9° | 23.1° | refreshing |
| FebruaryFeb | 22.2° | 21.2° | 23.3° | refreshing |
| MarchMar | 21.5° | 19.8° | 22.9° | refreshing |
| AprilApr | 20.1° | 18.8° | 21.7° | refreshing |
| MayMay | 19.4° | 17.7° | 20.6° | fresh |
| JuneJun | 18.5° | 17.4° | 19.6° | fresh |
| JulyJul | 17.1° | 16.0° | 18.2° | fresh |
| AugustAug | 16.9° | 16.0° | 17.6° | cold |
| SeptemberSep | 17.0° | 15.9° | 18.1° | fresh |
| OctoberOct | 17.8° | 16.7° | 19.0° | fresh |
| NovemberNov | 19.1° | 17.6° | 20.3° | fresh |
| DecemberDec | 20.4° | 18.7° | 21.9° | refreshing |
Sunshine hours in Arica
Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.
In October, the sun shines for about 6.3 of 12.5 hours of daylight in Arica, 50 % of the daylight hours.
Sunshine hours: measured at the weather station 14 km away, averages 1991–2020 (WMO climate normals). Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
Rain in Arica: rainy days and rainfall
A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.
In October, it hardly ever rains in Arica: 2 mm in the whole month.
UV index in Arica
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 12 · extremeAvoid the midday sun; SPF 50+, covering clothes, hat and sunglasses.
The sun is strongest in November (UV 13).
Minutes until sunburn in October
- Very fair skin
- about 10 min
- Fair skin
- about 15 min
- Light brown skin
- about 20 min
- Olive skin
- about 25 min
Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.
Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.
Wind and clouds in Arica
How breezy and how cloudy Arica is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.
Wind
Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.
In October, the wind in Arica typically peaks at 17 km/h during the day: Beaufort 3, gentle breeze.
Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting
The daily breeze rarely reaches Beaufort 4 (20 km/h), so wind sports depend on single windy days.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 77 % of the sky over Arica: mostly cloudy, with about 6.3 hours of sunshine a day.
Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.
Heat and humidity in Arica
How often the day gets hot in Arica (30 °C and more), and in which months heat and humidity come together. Tap a month to select it.
Heat calendar
- pleasant
- some hot or muggy days
- often muggy
- often hot
- hot and muggy
In October, Arica has about 0 hot days, with an average daytime high of 20 °C: pleasant. Heat plays no part this month.
Hot days reach at least 30 °C; a month counts as muggy when the mean dew point reaches 18 °C on at least 15 days. Averages from ERA5 and ERA5-Land, 1996–2025. Muggy nights through the year
Planning a trip to Arica
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Arica in the school holidays
How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.
Arica has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 98) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 83).
- 96
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Excellent
- 24 °C by day
- Sea 21 °C
- 8.0 h of sun a day
- 0 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 89
May half-term
May – Jun
Excellent
- 21 °C by day
- Sea 19 °C
- 5.7 h of sun a day
- 1 rainy day a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 83
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Excellent
- 18 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 4.0 h of sun a day
- 2 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 91
October half-term
Oct
Excellent
- 20 °C by day
- Sea 18 °C
- 6.3 h of sun a day
- 0 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 98
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
ExcellentBest holidays
- 25 °C by day
- Sea 21 °C
- 8.3 h of sun a day
- 1 rainy day a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- about 12 h 55 min
- Distance
- 10,290 km
- Time zone
- UTC−3
- Jet lag
- About 3 days (4 h west)
Rule of thumb for flying west: for a few days before, stay up a little later, and get afternoon and evening light at your destination.
Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.
Compare & alternatives
Arica compared
Put Arica side by side with another destination.
Arica vs Iquique
In October Iquique has the better holiday weather (score 97 vs 91). During the day Iquique is 5 °C warmer than Arica. The sea is about equally warm. Iquique gets 2 more hours of sunshine a day.
| in October | Arica | Iquique |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 91 | 97 |
| Daytime high | 20° | 25° |
| Sea | 18° | 18° |
| Sunshine | 6 h | 8 h |
| Rainy days | 0 | 0 |
| Best time | Sep – Jun | All year |
Through the year
Chile in October: the best places
In October, Arica ranks 8 of 17 destinations in this country.
- Calama25°100
- 2Antofagasta18°16°98
- 3Iquique25°18°97
- 4Viña del Mar19°13°97
- 5Valparaíso19°13°97
- 6La Serena18°14°92
- 7Coquimbo18°14°92
- 8AricaThis page20°18°91
Near Arica
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Arica
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Arica's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Arica
When is the best time to visit Arica?
The best time to visit Arica is from September to June. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
How warm is the sea in Arica?
The sea temperature in Arica ranges from 16.9 °C in August to 22.2 °C in February. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from December to April.
Can you swim in Arica in October?
Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 17.8 °C. Comfortable swimming is possible from December to April.
What is the warmest month in Arica?
February is the warmest month, with average highs of 26 °C and nights around 20 °C. July is the coolest month at 18 °C.
When does it rain most in Arica?
Rain is a rarity all year: only 52 mm fall in an average year.
How many hours of sunshine does Arica get?
Arica gets around 2,410 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is February with 9.1 hours a day; in July there are 3.9 hours a day.
What time zone is Arica in?
Arica is on UTC−3 in January and UTC−4 in July.
How long is the flight from London to Arica?
A nonstop flight from London to Arica takes about 12 h 55 min, for a straight-line distance of about 10,290 km. Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Which school holidays are best for Arica?
Arica has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 98) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 83). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 96, May half-term 89, summer holidays 83, October half-term 91, Christmas holidays 98.