Our month-by-month guide highlights the best time to visit Patagonia, with each season offering its own rewards in this unpredictable land at the end of the world.
Planning the best time to visit Patagonia is never as straightforward as checking the calendar and picking a date. Weather patterns at the far end of South America are wild, landscapes vast and dramatic, and conditions unreliable. One moment you are basking under bright sunshine in a T-shirt, and the next you are scrambling to put on every layer you own as the wind picks up.
This unpredictability is part of Patagonia’s magic, but it also makes knowing when to travel essential if you want the trip that suits you best.
Here’s what we'll cover in this guide.
Seasons in Patagonia
Patagonia in October
Patagonia in November
Patagonia in December
Patagonia in January
Patagonia in February
Patagonia in March
Patagonia in April
Travelling to Patagonia in Winter
So, When to Travel to Patagonia?
Seasons in Patagonia – A Snapshot
-
Patagonia’s tourist season runs from October to April, a relatively long “milder” season with long daylight hours, open hiking trails, and a wider choice of lodges and cruises.
-
The warmest months are December through February, when average highs hover around 20–22°C (68–72°F), although strong winds can make it feel much cooler.
-
November is usually the windiest month, but temperatures are rising throughout the month.
-
December and January are peak-travel months, international holidays and top “summer” conditions attract the highest number of tourists. If visiting at this time, you must plan and book ahead.
-
March and April bring calmer weather, cooler days, and the brightest and most spectacular autumn colours.
-
Winter, from May to September, is not the best time to visit Patagonia unless you don’t mind having limited access to the wilderness or just want to spend a few days luxuriating in one of the few lodges that stay open. Most do close, however, as do hiking trails. The harsh weather and plentiful snowfall make extensive travel challenging.
“If your dream is to hike, cruise, or enjoy the wildlife, winter simply isn’t the right time to go,” says Tara from Viva. “Most of our guests find the shoulder months of October and March a perfect balance, while the peak summer months suit those who want to tick off all the big hikes.”
Patagonia is vast and varied, so the weather shifts dramatically from place to place. Photo taken by Viva’s Tara on a tour of Argentinian Patagonia.
Patagonia is vast and varied, so the weather shifts dramatically from place to place. Photo taken by Viva’s Tara on a tour of Argentinian Patagonia.
> Discover the best of the region on our Signature Patagonia Tour
Patagonia in October
Early season offers pristine landscapes, active wildlife sightings, and uncrowded viewpoints.
October marks the start of the tourist season as Patagonia emerges from winter. The region slowly emerges from winter, and you can expect around 12 hours of daylight, with daytime temperatures averaging 12–15°C and colder nights dropping close to 5°C. High-altitude trails may still be closed, but the reward is fewer people and excellent wildlife viewing. October is one of the best months for spotting penguins, guanacos, and even pumas.
Mel, one of our Patagonia specialists, often recommends October for wildlife lovers. “The animals are out in force before the big crowds arrive,” she says. “If you love exploring an extraordinary destination and feel like you have the place to yourself, then October is definitely the best time to visit Patagonia for you.”
October is a prime month for spotting wildlife before the busy season begins.
Patagonia in November
Spring brings a burst of colour and the season’s strongest winds.
Wildflowers bloom across the steppe, valleys glow with colour, and more hiking trails begin to open. Temperatures rise to 16–18°C, though November is also the windiest month in Patagonia. Expect strong gusts that test even the best outdoor gear.
If your priority is photography or visiting iconic sites such as Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park, November is ideal. You’ll enjoy vibrant landscapes without peak-season crowds.
Patagonia in November is all wildflowers and dramatic skies. Photo by Rachel on one of her many hiking trips.
Patagonia in December
Peak travel season kicks off with long days, full access to trails and a lively vibe.
By December, daylight stretches to around 16 hours, with highs of 20–22°C. This is when Patagonia is at its most dazzling, with emerald hills, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife. Strong winds can make it feel several degrees cooler, but hiking conditions are excellent.
December is one of the busiest months, especially over the holidays, so booking ahead is essential. The region’s size, however, means you can still find plenty of quiet corners to enjoy.
The spectacular lakes region of Chilean Patagonia – the sheer size of the region means you can always find quieter corners to explore, even in December.
Patagonia in January
The height of summer travel translates to long days and the widest range of activities.
January is peak travel season, and for good reason. With 17 hours of daylight and stable weather, this is the ideal month for long hikes, camping trips, horse riding, and even cruising the Patagonian fjords and south towards Antarctica. Average temperatures sit between 5°C at night and 22°C during the day, making it comfortable for multi-day treks.
Rachel, who has guided groups in Torres del Paine for years, says January is the most energetic month. "The park feels alive, with travellers from all over the world sharing the trails and lodges,” she says. “Yes, it is busy, but the atmosphere is incredible, and you can do just about every activity on your list.”
Patagonia’s remoteness means peak-season crowds barely make a dent in the landscape. But you get pristine skies and scenery like this. Photo by Viva’s Rachel, taken in January.
Patagonia in February
The last full month of summer, and an excellent time for cruising.
February offers similar conditions to January, but with slightly fewer visitors. Temperatures remain around 20°C by day and 5°C at night. This is still a great month for the famous W Trek in Torres del Paine or a cruise through the Chilean fjords.
For those considering Antarctica, February is peak whale-watching season and the last chance before expedition cruises end for the year. “It’s one of the best months to combine Patagonia with Antarctica,” says Tanya. “You often see whales, penguins, and seals at their most active.”
Southern right whales in action! Late-season deals on expedition cruises to Antarctica make it an appealing option to combine Patagonia with the White Continent.
Patagonia in March
Autumn transforms the landscape and brings a slower and more contemplative pace.
Autumn arrives in March and with it a riot of colour. Autumn colours paint forests gold and crimson, sunsets intensify, and there’s a calmness that summer lacks. Temperatures drop, ranging from 0°C at night to around 10°C by day, but winds ease and hiking is still possible on shorter trails.
March also means lower prices and fewer travellers, making it easier to enjoy Patagonia’s unique lodges and retreats.
Tanya calls it her favourite time. “There is something magical about autumn,” she says. “You wrap up warm, enjoy cosy evenings, and soak up unforgettable views of the landscapes changing before your eyes.”
Patagonia in March means autumn colours, quieter trails, and cloudy but moody skies. Photo of Perito Moreno glacier by Viva’s Tara Sutherland.
Patagonia in April
The quiet close of the season, filled with fiery colours and cultural treats.
April is peaceful, with many lodges preparing to close, but those still open are welcoming and uncrowded. Temperatures sit between 0°C and 8°C, and daylight hours drop below ten.
It might not be the best month for long hikes, but April is perfect for slow travel, photography, and savouring local cuisine at harvest time. Bariloche hosts its chocolate festival, and wildlife such as guanacos and condors remain active.
April is a wonderful time to enjoy a traditional estancia (farm) stay, where you’ll get glimpses of traditional gaucho life. Photo by Viva’s Tara Sutherland.
Travelling to Patagonia in Winter
From May to September, Patagonia enters hibernation. Snow and ice close off most trails, many lodges shut, and transport becomes more difficult.
Average temperatures fall below zero, and there isn’t much daylight to soak up the views. While there are some ski fields in northern Patagonia, they are geared mainly towards locals.
That said, a few incredible lodges, like Explora Patagonia, remain open much of the year, offering the rare chance to experience the white magic that is winter in the far south.
So, When to Travel to Patagonia?
The best time to visit Patagonia depends on what you want most. October and November offer wildlife and wildflowers with fewer crowds. December through February bring long days and the best conditions for hiking and adventure. March and April reward those who prefer quieter trails, fiery colours, and seasonal cuisine.
As Tara puts it, “There is actually no single best month. It all depends on whether you want the buzz of summer, the colours of autumn, or the quiet magic of spring. Patagonia will always surprise you, no matter when you go.”
Whenever you choose to go, do remember you are far south, and you can always get fours season in a day, so pack accordingly!
For tailored advice, packing tips, and help planning your Patagonia journey, talk to one of Viva’s Destination Specialists. Our team has explored every corner of this extraordinary region, in every season, and we can guide you to the experiences you’re looking for.
Laura Pattara
Laura Pattara writes for Viva Expeditions with a special love for all things Latin America. She had guided overland tours across the continent, reached Machu Picchu five times on foot, and even dressed up as a giant toucan for Carnaval. With a degree in languages and two decades of global travel experience behind her, Laura has a long-standing love for the Andes, soaring condors, and a truly delicious empanada.
|
