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It is a little-known fact that Patagonia is open all year. Yes, it is true, you can explore the wilds of Patagonia any season. To answer the question “When is the best time to go?” will depend on what you want to do, see and experience.
Each season has its own unique landscapes, activities and advantages. As the seasons of Patagonia are reversed from the northern hemisphere with Summer being December – February and Winter being June- mid-September, the weather and temps vary, but can be equally unpredictable any time of year. Read more on the seasons and when to visit Patagonia.
Below is a brief general summary of temperatures, precipitation and wind per season. However, please note that the weather in this region of the world can vary in a single day or hour. So, no matter what season you chose to travel in, we recommend to always dress in layers and be properly prepared for anything Mother Nature has in store. See here our recommended Patagonia packing list.
It is a little-known fact that Patagonia is open all year. Yes, it is true, you can explore the wilds of Patagonia any season. Each season has its own unique landscapes, activities and advantages. As the seasons of Patagonia are reversed from the northern hemisphere with Summer being December – February and Winter being June- mid-September, the weather and temps vary, but can be equally unpredictable any time of year.
DISCOVER PATAGONIA LUXURY TOURSDownload our detailed month-by-month guide to discover which animals you can see and what weather to expect.
IN SOUTHERN PATAGONIA
The highest temperatures in Patagonia can be experienced during the summer months, where they can reach around 72 °F (22 °C). The lowest temperatures are during the winter months where they can drop down to 32°F (0°C) at night. However, the winter months are the time of year with the least amount of wind, often with several days where there is no wind at all. The wind-chill factor in Patagonia can sometimes make the ambient temperature feel up to about 30°F (6°C) colder than what it really is.
Precipitation is more frequent during the months of April and May in the fall, but it is also common to get some rain between the months of November through January, although with less intensity. In the winter months, precipitation is very common at night in the form of snow, giving way to some beautiful landscapes as you awake in the wilds of Patagonia.
Patagonia is known for its often windy conditions. For most part of the year, you can expect winds with a speed of about 15 - 20 km/h (9 - 13 mph). In the summer months however, winds pick up and they can even reach speeds of about 120 km/h (74 mph). Winter is the season of Patagonia with the least amount of wind, often making it easy to photograph reflections of the majestic landscapes in the water of the region's many lakes.
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When to Visit Patagonia - A Month by Month Overview
- The Long Days — Sometimes up to 18 Hours of Sunlight
- Comfortable and Brisk Hiking Weather
- Abundant Daylight and Active Wildlife
- Glaciers are the Most Accessible
- One of the Warmest Months of the Year
- 16-Plus Hours of Daily Sunlight
- Ideal Month for Activities Like Kayaking & rafting
- Adventure for the Culturally Conscious and Environmentally Engaged
- Begins the Fall Season in Patagonia
- Better Prices & Fewer International Visitors
- Best month for kayaking on Lago Viedma
- A Month for Birdwatcher's Paradise
- Easier to spot Puma & cub tracks on the ground
- Perfect for those who prefer milder weather conditions
- "Shoulder Season" between the peak and off-peak visitor times
- Great time for horseback riding at Lago Argentino
- Transitional with Autumn giving way to Winter
- Shorter days mean fewer people come to visit
- A phenomenon where morning mists cloak granite peaks of Paine Massif
- Patagonia wildlife thrives in Los Glaciares during May
- Chillier season brings quieter trails
- Ushuaia's magical winter solstice festival
- Celebrating 'The Longest Night' with Fire & Music
- Whale-watching season in Patagonia
- Cold nights and frosty mornings are commonplace
- Crystal-clear winter skies are perfect for stargazing
- Snowy slopes of Ushuaia offer thrilling downhill skiing experiences
- Winter months provide great opportunities for wildlife spotting
- A wide range of winter sports available
- Temperatures ranging from chilly nights in the 30s to slightly warmer days rising into the 40s
- Beautiful place without having to deal with large crowds
- Easier to glimpse elusive wildlife, including pumas around Tierra Del Fuego
- Hotels are just reopening after the cold winter months
- Days are quickly getting longer
- Excellent weather for sightseeing & hiking
- Animals are in the lower valleys, right by where you will be walking, driving or riding.
- Magical time when spring unfurls its splendor across this rugged landscape
- Opportunities to spot wildlife as compared to the peak season
- October starts the drier season in Patagonia
- Temperatures typically range from 40°F (5°C) to 60°F (15°C)
- A time of paradise for nature lovers & adventure seekers alike
- A mix of mild temperatures & extended daylight hours
- Daytime highs 15°C (59°F) & nighttime lows 5°C (41°F)
- Accommodations & tours costs are lower than peak season
- The start of Summer in Patagonia
- The daily high temperatures hover around 60° to 70°F
- Towns come alive with craft fairs & folkloric music festivals
- Daylight averages over 16 hours
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Patagonia, a vast and rugged region located at the southern end of South America, experiences a wide range of temperatures due to its diverse geography and varied climate zones. Generally, Patagonia's weather is characterized by mild summers and cold winters, with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night and across different parts of the region.
During the summer months from December to February, Patagonia enjoys its warmest weather. Average daytime temperatures typically range from 59°F to 72°F (15°C to 22°C), though it can occasionally exceed 77°F (25°C) in areas like Los Glaciares National Park. The nights, however, can still be quite cool, with temperatures often dropping to around 41°F (5°C).
In contrast, winter in Patagonia, which spans from June to August, brings much colder conditions. Daytime temperatures usually hover between 36°F and 43°F (2°C to 6°C), while nighttime temperatures can plummet to around 28°F (-2°C). Certain mountainous regions experience even colder temperatures, frequently dipping below freezing. The winter season also sees less wind compared to the rest of the year, which can make for calmer, albeit colder, conditions.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) serve as transitional seasons with moderate temperatures. Spring temperatures range from 36°F to 64°F (2°C to 18°C), while autumn sees temperatures ranging from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C). These seasons are less crowded and can be excellent times for hiking and enjoying the vibrant natural scenery.