Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
LIFRDesierto de Atacama Airport is currently reporting low IFR (LIFR) conditions with overcast skies at 400 feet.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south-southeast (160°) at 7 knots. Runway 17/35 is favored with a 7-knot headwind and 1-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
The ceiling is very low at 400 feet AGL (overcast), well below circling minimums at most airports.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 11°C (52°F) with a dewpoint of 10°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Fog. Temporary LIFR conditions are forecast with Fog between 06:00Z and 13:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
Current conditions require an instrument rating, IFR-equipped aircraft, and an IFR clearance. Check approach minimums carefully as conditions may be below CAT I ILS minimums. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 17/35
Active: 17
|
7,218 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 175° |
↑ 6.9 kt
•
↔ 1.2 kt
10° angle
|
Weather Statistics - SCAT
3,176 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Desierto de Atacama Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 37.2% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 18% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 7.3 knots. Temperatures typically range between 7°C and 27°C with an average of 15.6°C. The best months for VFR flying are December, January, March.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 3,176 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Desierto de Atacama Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
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About Desierto de Atacama Airport
Overview
Desierto de Atacama Airport serves the Copiapo region in Chile, situated at an elevation of 670 feet MSL. The medium-sized airport provides critical aviation infrastructure in the Atacama Desert region, connecting local transportation networks. Its single runway 17/35 spans 7,218 feet with an asphalt surface, supporting regional and potentially commercial aviation operations.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at Desierto de Atacama Airport are predominantly visual (VFR 39%) and marginal visual (MVFR 46.2%), offering generally favorable flying conditions. Prevailing southwest winds at an average of 7.7 knots create stable atmospheric conditions, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 24°C. The airport experiences minimal low instrument flight conditions, with only 11.8% IFR and 2.9% LIFR occurrences.
Notable Features
Located in the Atacama Desert, the airport's environment presents unique geographical characteristics with potentially challenging desert terrain. The surrounding landscape likely features arid conditions and minimal vegetation, which can impact local wind patterns and visibility. Pilots should anticipate potential thermal variations typical of desert environments, particularly during daytime operations.
Approach Considerations
Runway 17/35 demonstrates excellent wind alignment, with favorable wind conditions 100% of the time and an average crosswind of just 5.1 knots. December, January, and November represent the most consistent VFR months, offering optimal approach conditions. Pilots should plan approaches considering the prevailing southwest wind and the airport's moderate elevation of 670 feet MSL.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at SCAT
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.