Best time to go to Patagonia Average weather of Patagonia, Argentina
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Patagonia?
Patagonia, which is a vast territory shared between Argentina and Chile, offers many possibilities for activities throughout the year. The choice of when to travel to Patagonia depends on what you expect from your trip.
The best time to visit Patagonia based on the weather is during the summer, from December to March. The temperatures are pleasant (around 10 to 20°C (68°F) ) and the weather is relatively dry.
For trekking and hiking, it is interesting to go in January or February, when conditions are optimal throughout the region. The days are long, the temperatures are pleasantly mild, and it is one of the least rainy periods.
However, it is important to keep in mind that Patagonia covers a large territory with varied altitudes. Depending on your itinerary, you may experience negative temperatures even in the middle of summer. It is therefore advisable to pack warm clothes in your suitcase all year round.
In autumn, in March and April, the weather conditions remain suitable for a trip even though it tends to cool down.
Moreover, late spring, especially in November and early December, can be ideal for a trip to Patagonia. In addition to having good weather conditions, this less touristy period is particularly conducive to relaxation.
For example, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of San Carlos de Bariloche or discover the famous Perito Moreno Glacier feeling like you are alone in the world.
Winter, between June and September, is a cold, even icy season, depending on the regions. In northern Patagonia, precipitation is common during this period, while in the south, the climate is relatively dry but very cold. Average temperatures can be around 1 or 2°C (36°F) in El Calafate in July and August. This period is not recommended for a trip.
Finally, if you are wondering when to go to Patagonia to enjoy pleasant weather, it is important to know that even in summer, the weather can be very uncertain in this region of the world and that winter can have beautiful days. Luck will have to be part of your trip!
So, when is the best time to go to Patagonia? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Patagonia are January and February
- On average, the warmest months are January, February and December
- July is the coldest month of the year
Annual weather in Patagonia
For full information about the climate and weather in Patagonia a specific month, click on the corresponding line below:
| Month | Our opinion | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F/65°F | good weather | Patagonia in january | ||
| February | 50°F/65°F | good weather | Patagonia in february | ||
| March | 47°F/59°F | tolerable weather | Patagonia in march | ||
| April | 43°F/54°F | bad weather | Patagonia in april | ||
| May | 40°F/49°F | very bad weather | Patagonia in may | ||
| June | 34°F/43°F | very bad weather | Patagonia in june | ||
| July | 32°F/41°F | very bad weather | Patagonia in july | ||
| August | 34°F/43°F | very bad weather | Patagonia in august | ||
| September | 36°F/47°F | very bad weather | Patagonia in september | ||
| October | 41°F/52°F | very bad weather | Patagonia in october | ||
| November | 45°F/58°F | tolerable weather | Patagonia in november | ||
| December | 49°F/61°F | tolerable weather | Patagonia in december |
Weather and climate in Patagonia
Spread over more than a million square kilometers, Patagonia experiences several microclimates depending on the regions. The Andes mountain range that separates southern Chile from southern Argentina is subject to a mountain climate.
In the central region, which corresponds to the east of the Andes, the climate is rather temperate. While in the province of Tierra del Fuego, with its capital in Ushuaia, the climate is of an oceanic subpolar type.
The climate of Patagonia is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Wind is a constant in this region, making the weather conditions even more challenging, especially in winter.
Moreover, it should be noted that the climate is relatively changeable in this region. One can experience rain, sun, cold, and heat all in one day.
For all these reasons, if you are planning a trip to this region, keep in mind that the weather in Patagonia is not a sure thing and it is better to pack clothing to keep you covered and dry.
Climate in Patagonia in Summer
Summer lasts from December to March. Despite strong winds, the climate is particularly mild, making this season ideal for exploring Patagonia and going hiking.
Temperatures range between 15 and 20°C (68°F) depending on the regions, although they can exceed 25°C (77°F) in Los Glaciares National Park.
During this time of year, the refreshing atmosphere of Patagonia is much more pleasant than the heat in Buenos Aires.
Summer is a relatively dry season: little rain is expected from December to February.
Climate in Patagonia in Autumn
From April to June, it is autumn in Patagonia. In some parts of Patagonia, rain is frequent, especially towards the end of the season.
Temperatures drop rapidly over the months. They are around 10°C (50°F) in April and about 5°C (41°F) in June.
Climate in Patagonia in Winter
From July to August, winter is very harsh in Patagonia, with snowfall in mountainous regions.
Furthermore, the winter climate in Patagonia is characterized by cold temperatures, often below 0°C (32°F) .
Precipitation is frequent in the south of the region, where the climate is also colder than in the north, with regularly negative temperatures.
Climate in Patagonia in Spring
The end of September marks the beginning of spring in Patagonia, lasting until mid-December. This season is characterized by heavy rainfall in some regions.
However, temperatures slowly rise, providing nice days for hiking and trekking. For example, the temperature ranges between 5 and 15°C (59°F) in Ushuaia during the months of November and December.
Therefore, spring is a favorable season for a trip with decent weather conditions, especially towards the end of the season.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Patagonia
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Patagonia: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Patagonia
Find out when Patagonia has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Patagonia
- Very low season in Patagonia
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: April, May, June and October. - Low season in Patagonia
The months with low numbers of tourists are: March, September and November. - High season in Patagonia
The number of visitors to Patagonia is high in: July, August and December. - Peak season in Patagonia
The largest number of tourists visiting Patagonia is during: January and February.
Figure: Visitor index for Patagonia month by month
Best time for low prices in Patagonia
Average prices of hotels in Patagonia month by month
Generally, June is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Patagonia. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, January is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price of hiring a car in Patagonia
On average, it costs $ 57 per day to hire a car in Patagonia. This price varies by $ 6.3 depending on the month. In february, hiring a car costs an average of $ 54 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in april is $ 61.
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