When Is The Best Time To Visit Patagonia?

Your month-by-month guide to the weather and trekking conditions in Patagonia

Stumbled here because you want to know when is the best time to visit Patagonia? Great news, you’re in the right place. From the soaring peaks of the Andes to the rugged coastline of the South Atlantic, every inch of this magical region seems to be touched by an otherworldly grace.

This mysterious land of untamed beauty, where glaciers glimmer, condors circle and pumas prowl – it’s just like no other on earth. It’s a place where the wind whispers secrets across the plains and the stars twinkle like diamonds in a velvet sky.

But when are those winds likely to blow hardest? And when will you get the best views of those stars?

In this month-by-month guide, we’ll take you through the best time to visit Patagonia so you know exactly what to expect. Well, as far as you can do anyway, from the wild and perfectly unpredictable place!

What is Patagonia like in January?

January in Patagonia is peak summer season, with the kids off school and university in both Chile and Argentina. With more tourists around, you might be best off heading to a more secluded region, like the Chilean Tierra del Fuego side.

The long, warm days mean you’ve got excellent trekking conditions, though Patagonia’s infamous winds can reach their strongest in January. But with 18 hours of daylight throughout the month, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy being buffeted around!

What is Patagonia like in February?

Much like in January, there are more students around and the peak summer season continues. Towards the end of the month, the national parks (like Torres del Paine) quieten down as Chilean visitors head back home.

The W-circuit in Torres del Paine is just perfect in February, or if you’re hoping to spot some whales, it’s peak whale-watching season further south in Puerto Williams.

What is Patagonia like in March?

The Patagonian winds are dying down around now, and there’ll be fewer people in the national parks as life continues in the cities. Now that the holidays are over, you’ll find the rugged, rural trails that Patagonia is so well known for tend to get even quieter.

With the exodus of tourists, prices come down too, and the reflections of the red-gold foliage in Patagonia’s icy lakes are just sublime. If you want to snap the best shots, March is a fantastic time to visit Patagonia.

What is Patagonia like in April?

You’ll generally experience better weather conditions for trekking earlier on in April than you will towards its end. The temperature in Patagonia starts to drop during April so you’ll want more layers for your trekking experience.

That said, the colours of nature all around you are still exquisite and the trekking trails are far quieter than they have been so far in the year. There’s still plenty of daylight hours, and with fewer people on the trail, your chances of spotting wildlife improve in April.

What is Patagonia like in May?

We’re heading directly towards winter now so expect chilly, wet weather and the first of the snow. They say trekking in Patagonia’s national parks in May is like trekking in Wales in December. So not bad, as long as you don’t mind being cold and wet!

On the positive side, the weather is so unattractive that you’re not likely to share the trekking trails with, well, anyone. 

What is Patagonia like in June?

By now, snow has usually settled in Torres del Paine National Park and the once-ruby red trees have lost their vibrancy. The orange and brown hues against the crystal white snow are still quite something to behold though – as long as you don’t mind wrapping up super warm!

If you can deal with the short days and temperamental weather, Patagonia in June could be an attractive option for the most hardcore of intrepid explorers!

What is Patagonia like in July?

Got your skis ready? With reliable snowfall throughout the month, July is a great time for intrepid skiers with a penchant for glaciers.

Torres del Paine National Park remains open too, and guided tours are available for the bravest trekkers. Don’t forget your snow shoes!

What is Patagonia like in August?

Temperatures remain stubbornly low and you’ll find peak winter crowds flooding into the popular ski resorts of Bariloche.

The winds stay at bay too, meaning that skiing is a real pleasure. Just be prepared to change your plans last minute; the snow can throw a spanner in the works of even the best laid plans.

What is Patagonia like in September?

The days start to lengthen again, it’s still pretty chilly and there’s plenty of snow around still. You’re unlikely to find huge numbers of trekking tour operating in the main national parks towards the beginning of the month.

September in Patagonia is your final chance to hit the slopes in Esquel too, and lots of people cite this month as being world-famous ski resort Bariloche’s finest.

What is Patagonia like in October?

Patagonia’s trekking season restarts in October though it’ll be a little while before you see too many other visitors hiking the W-circuit in Torres del Paine National Park. Trekkers have been known to come face to face with the endangered Huemul deer in Patagonia in October!

You’ll want plenty of layers for hiking, as temperatures remain low and the winds continue. But with wildflowers blooming before your very eyes, you’ll have endless distractions from the breeze!

What is Patagonia like in November?

Longer days and slightly warmer temperatures see more hotels and attractions reopening in southern Patagonia in November.

November is a fantastic month for trekking in Patagonia, so long as you don’t mind the cool, crisps air. Tourism hasn’t yet picked up to its heaviest levels, and you’ll find an excellent range of trips and itineraries to choose from.

What is Patagonia like in December?

Finally, the return of those lovely long days and the promise of hours of trekking through all that sublime, untouched beauty.

There might even be days that see you hiking in shorts and t-shirts! Patagonia’s National Parks tend to get a bit busier in December, as Chileans and Argentinians come to the region for their Christmas break. Night temperatures can drop below freezing too, so make sure you’ve got plenty of layers to keep you toasty!

TBLC Conclusion: So when IS the best time to visit Patagonia? 

For us, the best time to visit Patagonia has to be in spring and summer, between September and March. With longer days and warmer temperatures, less rainfall and, err, “manageable” winds, you’ve got virtually everything you could possibly want from this amazing place.

And no trip to Patagonia would be the same without a little wind speed now, would it?!

Our Patagonia Trekking Trips

Group trekking trips to Patagonia with The Bucket List Company tend to take place in January, meaning you get the very best this glorious region has to offer.

In Patagonia, you really will lose yourself in the majesty of nature and rediscover the magic of the world around us. If you fancy wandering through this land of wonder, click here to find out all about our Patagonia tour, and see where the adventure takes us!