Due to its pampas and its proximity to the Altiplano (High Andean Plateau),
Calama presents a desert
climate, very dry and with sporadic rainfall. In the morning the temperature is nice and warm, the annual average being 23°Celsius; in the evening, the situation changes dramatically, because both in summer and in winter it is very cold, and temperatures may fall below zero.
As this is a desert area, the wind plays an important role in the weather conditions in
Calama. During the day there may be three wind types: one from the pampas in the mornings, another from the mountain range in the afternoon and strong north winds at night. All of these contribute to the formation of suspended dust clouds.