Best Time to Visit Patagonia
The windswept steppes of Patagonia feature some of the most stunning vistas in all of Argentina and Chile, but during the summer (from late November to early March) is the ideal time to visit this enchanting region. Since it is in a remote corner of the world, even the high season does not imply heavy tourist traffic.
While strong gales characterize this area year-round, they are typically more powerful during the summer months, and temperatures in the normally chilly Tierra del Fuego and Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia can get as high as a balmy 52ºF (11ºC). Additionally, hiking trails are more accessible during this time of the year. Though not as strong as the summer winds, there are still gusts consistently throughout the winter.
Autumn (late March-April) and spring (October-November), considered the shoulder seasons, are fair alternatives to the summer months, with generally less wind but cooler temperatures than the summer months.
DO NOT GO between June and August, during the southern winter. Many of the main attractions are closed or inaccessible, and the weather is fairly miserable, with bitter temperatures. Some say this is a particularly picturesque time to visit, but the severe weather and closure of major trails, especially in Torres del Paine, make it a bad time to visit.
Patagonia’s weather is unpredictable
The only thing predictable about Patagonia’s daily weather is that it is unpredictable – storms could pop up quickly and weather patterns also tend to change quickly, so you should always be prepared with adequate layers.
Dress for the wind & chill
No matter when you decide to go, layers and a good windbreaker are essential for an enjoyable experience in Patagonia.
Summer
January
Best time to visit: Warm temperatures & high winds.
February
Best time to visit: Warm temperatures & high winds.
Autumn
March
Good alternative: Shoulder season, lower winds, chillier temperatures, lower prices
April
Good alternative: Shoulder season, lower winds, dropping temperatures, lower prices
Winter
May
Okay for scenery & skiing; Otherwise not a great time to visit.
June
Not ideal: Many trails & parks (including Isla Magdalena & Torres del Paine) are closed or inaccessible due to extreme weather; blue skies, lower winds, bitter cold, impassable conditions.
July
August
September
Spring
October
Good alternative: Shoulder season, lower winds, chillier temperatures, lower prices
November
Good alternative: Shoulder season, lower winds, rising temperatures, lower prices
Summer
December
Best time to visit: Warm temperatures & high winds.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.