Best time to visit Patagonia
With its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and awe-inspiring glaciers, Patagonia is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. But when is the best time to visit this harsh natural wonderland?
Patagonia, the vast region straddling Chile and Argentina at the southern extremity of South America, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. But its southerly location means it’s also a place of climactic extremes. If you're planning a trip to Patagonia, one of the most important questions you need to answer is when to go…
Summer: December to February
Summer is the most popular time to visit the region, as the weather is mild, and the days are long. You can expect temperatures to range from 50-68°F during the day, and around 32-41°F at night. The weather is generally dry and sunny, making it an ideal time for hiking, trekking, and exploring the region’s stunning natural beauty. That said summer is also the windiest time in Patagonia – a region known for its winds.
One of the most popular destinations in Patagonia is Torres del Paine National Park. During the summer months, the park is bustling with visitors from all over the world. Despite the crowds, summer is still the best time to visit Torres del Paine, as the weather is ideal for hiking and the park’s famous granite towers are often visible.
Another must-visit destination in Patagonia is Los Glaciares National Park, home to the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier. During the summer months, the glacier is at its most active, with frequent calving events that are a sight to behold. Peninsula Valdes – the anvil-shaped peninsula that is a magnet for penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and orcas – is also at its best during the summer months.
Fall: March to May
In fall the crowds start to dissipate, and the weather begins to cool down. Daytime temperatures usually range from 41-59°F, and at night they can drop below freezing. While the weather’s cooler, it’s still possible to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking, and the fall colors provide a stunning backdrop for exploring the region.
One of the benefits of visiting Patagonia in the fall is that you'll have a better chance of seeing wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and even pumas. The fall is also a great time to visit the region’s much-vaunted cool climate vineyards, as many wineries offer tastings and tours during the harvest season. Patagonia’s also not as busy in the fall and March is one of the least windy months.
Winter: June to August
Winter in Patagonia is all about cold temperatures and frequent snowfall. During these months, winter sports enthusiasts flock to the region. The ski resorts in Bariloche and Chapelco are world-renowned and offer a wide range of activities for all skill levels. If you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, however, you should probably choose a different time to visit.
Spring: September to November
Spring in Patagonia is a magical time of year when the region’s fauna and flora come alive after a long winter. The weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F and September is the least windy month of the year. It’s a great time for hiking and biking and kayaking – and for marveling at the explosion of wildflowers that covers the region's meadows and hillsides. Some of the best places to see wildflowers in Patagonia include Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina.
Spring is a shoulder season in Patagonia, which means there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer season. This makes it an ideal time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the region’s natural beauty in peace. You'll also find that prices for accommodation, tours, and other activities are generally lower during the spring season.
Patagonia is one of those bucket list destinations that simply has to experienced to be believed. Check out our most popular Patagonia itineraries here or speak to one of our Destination Experts about crafting the bespoke Patagonia adventure of your dreams.