People go to Patagonia for different reasons - some want to trek in Torres del Paine or Glaciares Park, some want to experience it's vast open vistas, others want to see wildlife. So, when is the best time to go?
Spring (Sept- Nov)
- Spring is characterized by temperate weather with occasional cold, overcast days and high winds.
- Patagonia receives on average between 12-16 hours of daylight during this period.
- Fewer tourists visit during spring, which makes prices lower and facilities less crowded.
- This season is perfect for fly fishing from November, hiking and photography; spring is the time when the landscape awakens with blooms and the scenery is scattered with color.
- Average minimum is 36°F (2°C), average maximum is 64°F (18°C)
- good for seeing Gentoo penguins (Tierra del Fuego) and Magellanic penguins (Chilean fjords, Chiloé Island, Peninsula Valdés, Magdalena Island and Tierra del Fuego.
Patagonia Map
Summer (Dec-Feb)
- The weather during the summer months normally consists of warm days with up to 14-17 hours of daylight.
- This is the high season for tourists, making prices more expensive and booking at least three months in advance essential.
- Chileans holiday in January and February, so the main tourist attractions are often more crowded during these months.
- Hiking, kayaking and rafting, horse riding, bird watching, fly fishing, photography and camping are possible at this time of the year.
- Average minimum is 41°F (5°C), average maximum is 72°F (22°C)
- good for seeing blue (Chiloe Island) and humpback whales (Chilean fiords), orcas (December in Chile), Gentoo penguins (Tierra del Fuego) and Magellanic penguins (Chilean fjords, Chiloé Island, Peninsula Valdés, Magdalena Island and Tierra del Fuego).
Fall (March-May)
- During fall, Patagonia sees sunny, clear skies and warm days in the northern regions. Cooler temperatures and cold nights reign in the south, including snowfall towards the very end of this season.
- Days are shorter, with between 9-13 hours of daylight.
- The beautiful colors of fall transform the otherwise green and white landscape, making it a favored time for photographers.
- Prices are lower and visitor numbers drop during this period, although accommodations may shut down and tours become discontinued towards the end of April.
- Conditions, particularly at the start of this season, are ideal for photography, hiking, fly fishing, horse riding, kayaking and rafting, and camping.
- Average minimum is 32°F (0°C), average maximum is 50°F (10°C)
- good for seeing Gentoo penguins (Tierra del Fuego) and Magellanic penguins (Chilean fjords, Chiloé Island, Peninsula Valdés, Magdalena Island and Tierra del Fuego), blue (Chiloe Island) and humpback whales (Chilean fiords), orcas (March-April at Valdes Peninsula)
Winter (June-Aug)
- Winter in Patagonia includes cold, short days with very chilly nights and snowfall in the mountains and most of the southern regions.
- On average per day, Patagonia receives 8-10 hours of daylight.
- Tourist facilities, including tours and accommodations, are often closed or not running during this period, but there are some tour options available in Chile and Argentina
- High levels of snowfall make skiing and snowboarding in the ski resorts the main attraction for visitors.
- Average minimum is 28°F (-2°C), average maximum is 43°F (6°C)
- good for seeing Southern Right whales at Valdes Peninsula
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