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.
Kevin got right on our request and had us booked within the week
Linda Cummings
1 day ago
The info on the website was laid out very well. I did some comparisons with other tours and found Adventure Life met a lot of what I wanted in an Antarctica trip at the cheapest price. Requested a quote on Claudia contacted me right away. She answered a lot of questions the I had via email even though she offered to discuss via phone call. I’m more of an email person so appreciated how she accommodated that and answered all my questions. And when I was ready to book, she quickly got the ball rolling with getting our spots reserved on the trip my friend and I wanted. Thanks again, Claudia!
Hazel Araza
1 day ago
(1) great information on the website and throughout all the "materials." (2) Jane Packer is great: knowledgeable, responsive, takes a personal interest and tone, seems to care about the customer as a person not a sale.
Larry Bethune
1 day ago
great people doing a wonderful job to make our voyages happen.
trudy
2 days ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.