While many people are not fond of this time adjustment, it undeniably brings benefits—especially for tourists visiting Chile in April and September. The most important advantage? If you travel to Chile, you’ll get more daylight hours!

In this blog, discover what this time change means for travelers in Chile, which areas are unaffected, and how you can take advantage of this adjustment to the local time. Let’s dive in!

What Is the Time Change in Chile?

The famous "winter time" in Chile is always a trending topic. From debates about why it shouldn’t be implemented to discussions on its benefits for children and early workers, opinions are diverse. However, one thing is certain: this change is highly beneficial for those visiting Chile between April and September.

With the transition to autumn, the sun rises later, and the days get shorter—meaning less sunlight overall. The time change aims to counteract this effect by ending "summer time."

So, what does the time change entail? On the first Saturday of April, which falls on April 5 this year, all clocks must be set back one hour. In other words, at 11:59 PM on Saturday, you’ll need to turn your clock back to 10:59 PM. That means an extra hour of sleep for everyone!

Currently, Chile’s time zone is UTC-3 in summer and UTC-4 in winter. If you’re traveling to Chile in April, make sure your devices are set to UTC-4. Don't forget!

Benefits of the Time Change for Tourists

There are several reasons why adjusting the time is the right choice for Chile. One of the biggest advantages is enjoying an extra hour of sleep and more daylight hours.

This benefits not only Chilean residents—who save energy by maximizing sunlight and delaying the need for artificial lighting—but also visitors. Experts have even noted that the time change promotes healthier habits, such as outdoor exercise.

Most importantly, travelers can make the most of their trip. If you visit Chile between April and September, you can start your adventures, tours, and excursions with daylight as early as 8:00 AM. This is particularly valuable as temperatures drop across the country, especially in the south. Keep these benefits in mind!

Places in Chile That Do Not Change Their Time

As mentioned earlier, Chile uses two different time zones: one for winter and another for summer. However, one region in Chile does not follow this rule. Why? Because the time change caused more harm than good for the local population.

Since 2016, a government decree has established that the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region does not adjust its clocks, maintaining the UTC-3 time zone year-round. This year, the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region has also been added to this list.

Cities That Do Not Change Their Time

The capitals of the regions mentioned above will not experience a time change, meaning their local time remains the same. This stability is especially important for those traveling for work, tourism, or other reasons, as it helps plan itineraries more efficiently and avoid confusion with the official time.

If you’re planning to visit these regions soon, it’s essential to know which cities will maintain their usual schedule—the summer time zone. This way, you can organize your activities with precision and ensure your electronic devices are correctly set to the local time.

Below is a list of the most common cities that will not undergo a time change. This information will help you prepare in advance and enjoy your trip without time-related inconveniences. Take note!

Región de Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo:  

Coyhaique, Cochrane, Capitán Prat, Puerto Aysén, Cisnes, Tortel. 

Región de Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena: 

Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Porvenir, Torres del Paine.

How to Adjust Your Clock

Thanks to the internet, most electronic devices—such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops—are automatically set to adjust the time change on April 5. However, if you use an analog clock, you’ll need to manually set it back one hour to reflect the correct time.

Alternatively, you can visit the Chilean Navy’s official website, which provides real-time updates on the country’s official time throughout the year.

Travel Tips for Chile

If you're visiting Chile in April, always check the current time zone. As mentioned, Chile adjusts its clocks on specific dates, so it’s crucial to consider the cities you’ll be traveling to, as this change may impact your plans.

To avoid inconveniences, verify the official time before booking flights, tours, or any scheduled activities. Also, confirm business hours for tourist services, as some may change during the low season.

Visit Chile and enjoy the stunning autumn landscapes during these months!