Are you trying to decide when is the best time to visit Patagonia, Argentina? Welcome – you’re in the right place!
Patagonia is a large slice of land located in both Chile and Argentina, and its landscapes are vast and incredibly gorgeous! Picture towering mountain ranges, bright blue glaciers, swaying pampas, icy glacial rivers, and vast wide open spaces just begging to be explored. And there are many ways to explore Patagonia, indeed! Some of the most popular activities enjoyed in Patagonia are trekking and horseback riding, but you can also go white-water rafting, ice climbing, kayaking, and searching for wildlife.
If you’re looking for less adventure and more relaxation, you can also enjoy Patagonia’s stunning views and attractions in more “gentle” ways, too, such as taking a leisurely boat cruise to see the glaciers, or visiting the local penguins by boat trip! You can also cruise around Patagonia with a rental car, or choose to join group tours where everything is taken care of for you.
So…When is The Best Time to Visit Patagonia, Argentina?
The best time to visit Patagonia largely depends upon what and how you’d like to experience Patagonia and its stunning vistas! Some outdoor activities and attractions are largely weather-dependent, meaning you will need to plan your trip around when the things you wish to do and see are open.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered and will make sure you get to see all of the amazing attractions you’ve been dreaming about. Continue reading!
What is the best month to visit Patagonia?
Summer in Patagonia:
Fall in Patagonia:
Winter in Patagonia:
Spring in Patagonia:
What are the seasons in Patagonia?
Generally, late November to early March is high season, and it is summer to early fall in Patagonia. This is the best time to hike Patagonia’s famous treks, like the W and O circuits.
June to August is Patagonia’s winter, and it is at its quietest, and it’s also the best time to hit the slopes.
Spring in Patagonia is from September until early November, and Patagonia is quieter, but begins picking up into November.
December and January are the busiest time to visit, with plenty of tourists and locals visiting the parks during their holidays.
Continue on for a month-by-month breakdown of the best time to visit Patagonia!
Patagonia in January:
Patagonia weather in January:
January is one of the best months to visit Patagonia, and the crowds confirm it! If you decide to visit Patagonia in January, you’ll be seeing it at its high season during its lovely summer temperatures and clear skies. The summer weather experienced in Patagonia in January makes it the best time of the year to visit for many.
You’ll get to experience 18 hours of daylight, plus feel Patagonia’s infamous (and insane) winds at their strongest. However, the weather should be full of plenty of sun and very little rain, making this an idea time to go hiking and trekking. It’s also a great time for camping, as it is the dry season.
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in January:
With the holiday season and New Year, January is one of the most popular times to visit Patagonia. Since January is peak season in Patagonia and an ideal time to visit for many, it’s crucial to book your flights and hotels ahead of time. The good news is that availability in smaller villages such as El Chaltén or El Calafate generally shouldn’t be too tricky to find, but popular regions like Torres Del Paine will likely see the majority of refugios and camping completely booked up.
Patagonia in February:
Patagonia weather in February:
February is one of the best months to visit Patagonia! You can anticipate temperatures of between 6C to 19C in Torres Del Paine, making this a great time to tackle some of Patagonia’s most famous treks, like the W or O circuit, or other outdoor activities such as hiking Perito Moreno Glacier. Take note that February is still a very windy month in Patagonia, so come prepared with windbreaking layers!
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in February:
Patagonia is also less busy in February than in the prior months during the holiday season, making it a perfect time to visit. The regions that were very busy in December and January, such as Torres Del Paine, will quiet down substantially, with many Chilean visitors heading back home to their cities.
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Patagonia in March:
Patagonia weather in March:
March is the tail end of the season in Patagonia and considered early fall and another good option for timing out your visit. Wind conditions begin to improve, with the infamous strong winds on their way out. For those who hope to avoid the strong winds on the hiking trails, March is still a good time for hiking and trekking and other outdoor adventures in this vast region. As with many other popular destinations, shoulder season in Patagonia is one of the best times to visit it. However, in the Northern areas like the Lake District, you may experience more rain than in prior months.
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in March:
There will be fewer crowds in the national parks in March, and the trails will be much quieter, making it a wonderful time to visit for those seeking fewer people. The likelihood of snagging a booking for a campsite or Refugio is much higher in March than in prior months. Prices for flights and hotels will also come down somewhat as the locals visiting the area will be gone back home and less tourists visit during March than in December, January or February.
Patagonia in April:
Patagonia weather in April:
In April, the season is at its end, and it will be becoming colder during this time of the month, so try to visit earlier in April if possible to avoid the cooler weather. However, a perk of Patagonia changing from summer into autumn is that the fall colours will be amazing during this time. It’s a lovely time to visit Bariloche and the Lake District. This is also one of the months where you can expect the most precipitation.
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in April:
There are definitely less tourists and locals in the national parks during this time of the year, so if you can handle the cooler temperatures, it’s a great time to trek, hike and sightsee. Many of the mountain lodges, refugios and estancias are far less busy in March, which can make the W or Full Circuit easier to plan if you’re hoping to do a multi-day trek.
However, some tour operators and hotels close down in the off season, so plan to visit earlier in April to ensure availability of the things you want to do and see. Some services become completely unavailable into April, such as the boat ride across Lago Peho in Torres Del Paine National Park and also some of the glacier hiking tours, so make sure to visit earlier in the season if these are on your bucket list of things to see and do in Patagonia.
Patagonia in May:
Patagonia weather in May:
May is the start of the winter months in Patagonia, and the weather conditions are indeed becoming chillier. Patagonia is stunning under a layer of snow, but you’ll want to make sure you wear warm layers, too! If you can handle the cooler conditions, it’s a lovely time to see the landscapes of Patagonia. This is another month where you can expect plenty of precipitation.
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in May:
It’s important to keep in mind that during the winter months in Patagonia, many tour operators and hotels/lodges are winding down for the winter season, as there are fewer tourists visiting the parks. It can be a great time to see the views mostly to yourself (or as close to that as possible in a popular destination), but you’ll definitely need to keep in mind that your preferred accommodation or tour might not be available during the off-season!
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Patagonia in June:
Patagonia weather in June:
The snow is now starting to settle in Torres Del Paine, making it a beautiful time to experience the highlights of the park during a visit in its picturesque winter. However, the days will be short (which means less daylight hours for hiking and sightseeing in general), and the weather will likely be quite temperamental, which Patagonia is famous for. Make sure to bundle up and bring plenty of warm clothes for your adventures!
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in June:
As this is still low season in Argentinian Patagonia, guided tour operator trips to Fitz Roy or the W Circuit may have differing itineraries from the usual high-season trips. This is due to the fact that many of the refugios are closed for the seasons, and transfers via van may be required because the boat that takes you across Lago Peho will be shut down for the season.
Patagonia in July:
Patagonia weather in July:
July is mid-winter in Patagonia, but it is equivalent to our January back home in terms of season – the dead of winter! This means it’s a great time to try out the wonderful skiing that Patagonia offers, especially in the Argentinian Lake District and Chilen regions of Patagonia.
Temperature:
Min Temperature: -3 °C
Patagonia crowds in July:
Patagonia is much quieter in July, except for those coming to partake in winter activities like skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Patagonia in August:
Patagonia weather in August:
As winter is in full swing in Patagonia, this is a wonderful month for snow-shoeing around the Bariloche area, or skinning in the Lake District. The cold temperatures and plenty of snow will mean that your trip may not go completely as planned, as many tour operators and accomodations will be shut down by now, and most of the refugios closed for the season.
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in August:
As the season is quiet during August, this can be a great month to take advantage of the unique winter trips in Torres Del Paine National Park. You’ll see the park covered in a glorious thick layer of snow, and the park should be quiet if you’re seeing solitude as you take in the winter wonderland.
Patagonia in September:
Patagonia weather in September:
The weather is still pretty chilly in Patagonia in September, but slightly on the rise throughout the month. Highs can sometimes reach 10C in the Torres Del Paine area in September. There is also still plenty of snow around, making hiking difficult. However, the weather may start to warm up towards the end of September, as Patagonia’s spring will be approaching.
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in September:
Patagonia is still quiet in September, and there are not many operators with group trips running, so you may have to resort to hiring a private trip with just your guide. However, the season begins to pick up at the end of September into early October, and group guided trips to W circuit and Full Circuit begin. As well, the estancias, refugios, and lodges will again begin opening up for bookings.
Patagonia in October:
Patagonia weather in October:
The month of October is a great time to visit Patagonia! Temperatures are slowly starting to warm up as spring takes over, and you may begin to see wildflowers blooming across the parks!
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in October:
You can visit the parks before the crowds begin to arrive if you visit in October! You’ll find the famous W Circuit very quiet and enjoyable in October, and you’ll likely have most of the Northern portion of the park to yourself if you’re doing the Full Circuit, which I highly recommend. It’s still too early for some other activities, such as horseback riding and river rafting trips, but if you’re looking mostly to explore on foot, you’re in luck – you’ve found a great month to do so!
Patagonia in November:
Patagonia weather in November:
November is considered late spring / early summer, and the weather is turning lovely, with mild temperatures reaching 17C. It’s a perfect time to visit Patagonia!
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in November:
The parks in November will be becoming busier, but it is still a tolerable level during this month. Better yet, you’ll have a full variety of trips and itinerary options to choose from, as the official Patagonia season picks back up. However, if you want to visit in November, make sure to book early as refugios and lodges are beginning to book up.
Patagonia in December:
Patagonia weather in December:
December is mid-summer in Patagonia. This means long days and 18 lovely hours of daylight to see as much of the park as possible! Also, you’ll likely be hiking in shorts and a tank top, as the weather is lovely and sunny.
Temperature:
Patagonia crowds in December:
Busy season in Patagonia is here, and many locals from Chile and Argentina will be visiting Patagonia for their Christmas holidays on their time off work. Christmas break availability is difficult to find, so be sure to book flights and tours early. Prices are also increasing, making December one of the most expensive times to visit Patagonia. Make sure you’re prepared for the crowds in December over the holidays, as it is the busiest time of the year to see Patagonia!
Patagonia is a gorgeous place, but its temperamental weather means you do have to put some thought into the best time to visit Patagonia for you, to make sure that you’re able to see and do all you’ve planned to during your trip! I hope this guide to the best time to visit Patagonia has been helpful to you in your trip planning.
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I hope you have an absolute blast visiting Patagonia! Remember to take as many layers as possible, and take as many photos as possible on all of your adventures!
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Discount Car Rentals in Patagonia:
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