October 2026 will close as Santiago's wettest October since records began in 1866: the capital has received about 148 mm, against the previous record of 102 mm, which had stood for more than a century, according to [Meteored](https://www.meteored.cl/noticias/prediccion/noviembre-comienza-con-lluvias-en-santiago-asi-estara-el-tiempo-en-chile-durante-la-primera-quincena.html). And the rain continues: a new front will hit central Chile this holiday weekend, from October 30 to November 1, according to Chile's Meteorological Directorate as cited by La Tercera.
*Updated October 30, 2026, at 7:30 a.m.* Forecasts change from day to day: before hitting the road or the mountains, check Meteochile, the alerts from Senapred and the status of border crossings.
A record October of rain in Santiago
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026 rainfall in Santiago | About 148 mm | Meteored (Oct 29) |
| Previous October record | 102 mm, standing for over 100 years | Meteored |
| Start of records | 1866 | Megatiempo (Oct 29) |
| Rainfall so far in 2026 | Over 380 mm | Meteored |
| Surplus versus normal | 37% | Meteored |
| Main cause | El Niño and a warmer Pacific off Chile | Meteored and La Tercera |
Megatiempo meteorologist Catalina Cortés said the country had "an incredibly rainy October, the rainiest in Santiago's history since records began in 1866", and that the same happened in Rancagua and Curicó, according to Megatiempo. The month also brought thunderstorms, hail and a tornado in Requínoa, which we covered in October's red alert. The Meteorological Directorate will confirm the final figure when the month closes.
Holiday weekend forecast for Santiago and central Chile
Rain will pick up on Saturday afternoon, October 31, and continue weak but steady on Sunday, November 1, according to Megatiempo. The heaviest bursts will be in the foothills and mountains of the Maule and Ñuble regions.
| Place | Expected rain (Saturday and Sunday) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | 9 to 10 mm | Megatiempo |
| Rancagua | About 23 mm | Megatiempo |
| Foothills and mountains of Maule and Ñuble | The highest totals of the event | Megatiempo |
For travelers: Saturday, October 31 (Evangelical and Protestant Churches Day) and Sunday, November 1 (All Saints' Day) are public holidays, but they fall on a weekend, so there is no long weekend, and they are not mandatory-closure holidays, so shops may open, according to El País. The remaining holidays are in our calendar.
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See advertising optionsA rainy November in Santiago: up to six days of rain
Megatiempo meteorologist Jaime Leyton expects no rain in Santiago on Monday, November 2, but showers and even thunderstorms from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5, according to La Tercera. Meteored's Javier Hernández agreed that between November 2 and 9 the anomaly map "shows above-normal rain in several regions, including the Metropolitan Region".
| Area | First half of November | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago and central Chile | Showers November 3-5; above-normal rain November 2-9 | Megatiempo and Meteored, via La Tercera |
| Far north (inland Arica and Antofagasta) | Highs up to 33 °C on November 2 and 3 | Meteored (ECMWF model) |
| Norte Chico | Slightly above-normal rain, easing by mid-month | Meteored |
| Central Chile, second week | Could reach 30 °C | Meteored |
In a normal year November brings almost no rain to Santiago, meteorologist Viviana Urbina noted in Meteored. This year, moisture from El Niño and a warmer ocean keep the atmosphere unstable. If you are planning a spring trip, see when to visit Chile and the wildfire season, which arrives with more vegetation after the rains.
Border crossings and the Andes this weekend
| Crossing or road | Reported status | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Cristo Redentor system (Los Libertadores) | Open 24 hours for trucks, buses and cars | MinutoYA, Oct 30 |
| Temperatures along the corridor (Argentine side) | Las Cuevas -10 °C; Puente del Inca -9 °C | MinutoYA, Oct 30 |
| Pehuenche pass | Closed | MinutoYA, Oct 30 |
| Jama pass | Closed due to snow | Todo Jujuy, Oct 29 |
Sources: MinutoYA and Todo Jujuy. With a new front in central Chile, Cristo Redentor may close again at short notice, as it did in October: check pasosfronterizos.gov.cl before you leave. We explain the closure of Jama and other northern passes in the El Loa snowfall.
Frequently asked questions
How much rain fell in Santiago in October 2026?
About 148 mm, according to Meteored, above the previous record of 102 mm. It is the wettest October since 1866.
Will it rain in Santiago this weekend?
Yes: 9 to 10 mm are expected between Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, with more rain further south, according to Megatiempo.
Are October 31 and November 1 a long weekend?
No. Both holidays fall on Saturday and Sunday and are not moved.
Is the Cristo Redentor pass open?
On October 30 it was open 24 hours, according to the report cited by MinutoYA. It can close because of snow: check the official status before traveling.
