The Best Time of Year to Visit Patagonia

Patagonia, situated in South America is a beautiful destination brimming with never-ending natural wonders. Its rugged wilderness and endless outdoor adventures continue to attract visitors each year and for good reason. Whether you’re looking to explore jaw-dropping landscapes or are pursuing your next exciting excursion, there’s something for all types of travellers in Patagonia. 

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful part of the world, you’re likely wondering the best time of year to visit Patagonia. The weather can affect several aspects of your trip, so planning your break here is important. 

In this article, we will uncover the best time to visit Patagonia so that you can make the most out of your time here. We’ll cover the varying seasons, what to expect month by month plus much more. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding destination, alongside some top tips for planning your next adventure.

When is the Best Time to Visit Patagonia?

Deciding the best time to visit Patagonia ultimately depends on what you want to get out of your break. With so much to see and do, the different seasons have something unique to offer an array of travellers. 

To help make your decision-making process a little easier, below you will find what to expect in the different seasons in Patagonia. 

Spring in Patagonia

Spring is known as being one of the best times to go to Patagonia. The season often starts in October and lasts until November. Visitors can expect it to be warm during this time, with cooler nights and a high chance of precipitation. Temperatures often average around 15°C during the day in spring, providing a comfortable climate for those looking to get out and active. 

If you’re heading to Patagonia to make the most of the hiking trails, spring is an excellent time to book your trip here. The snow has started to melt during the season, providing easier terrain to navigate. There are also some fantastic wildlife sightings in spring with whales and penguins being particularly active. Head to Atlantic Patagonia during this season to marvel over these beautiful creatures. 

Summer in Patagonia

When considering the seasons in Argentina, summer is another favoured time to explore Patagonia. The weather presents visitors with warm days and cooler evenings. High temperatures average from 17 to 20°C during this season, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy the many outdoor pursuits. 

Visitors will also encounter longer daylight hours in Patagonia in summer, with around 18 hours of light each day. This makes it great for those looking to get the most out of their trip, with more than enough time to get out and see all that the stunning landscapes have to offer. 

It’s worth noting that summer is a popular time to visit Patagonia with more tourists heading here during this season. With this in mind, favoured hiking spots such as Torres del Paine, the Lake District, Los Glaciares, plus many more tend to be much busier. 

There are also some amazing whale-watching opportunities in Patagonia during the summer season. Plus, it’s worth keeping an eye out for some of the other wildlife sightings during this time with opportunities to spot elephant seals, penguin chicks, sea lions, plus many more.  

Autumn in Patagonia

Autumn offers visitors a wealth of incredible activities combined with excellent weather. Those planning a trip to Patagonia should consider this season, especially if they want to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of this stunning destination.

With clear skies, warm temperatures, and less wind, autumn is perfect for exploring Patagonia on foot, with numerous hiking adventures awaiting. During this season, high temperatures range from 16 to 14°C, providing an ideal climate for those seeking their next challenging excursion.

Patagonia’s autumn landscapes make it an unmissable destination. As the leaves turn shades of orange and yellow, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking terrain and stunning natural beauty at every turn.

Evenings can be quite chilly in Patagonia during autumn, especially near the mountains. However, the fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere, endless hiking opportunities, and much more make this an incredible time to experience everything this remarkable part of the world has to offer.

Winter in Patagonia 

Winter in Patagonia is often much quieter than some of the other seasons as many of the tourist attractions, national parks and transport links close. This can make it harder to navigate the sights here with ease, making it less appealing for those hoping to explore this beautiful place. 

The temperature in Patagonia in winter is also much colder, averaging around -3 to 2ºC. With fewer daylight hours and a cooler climate, this means it is one of the less popular months to visit the area. 

We recommend heading to the Lake District in Patagonia during the winter months. With its beautiful architecture, excellent winter sports and pretty snow-covered scenery, you’re sure to be impressed by all that this stunning spot has to offer. 

If you’re looking for a quiet break and the opportunity to truly relax and unwind, a winter break in Patagonia is ideal. Spend your days soaking up the snow-capped mountains, impressive backdrops and much more.

Patagonia Weather by Month

Now you know a little more about the weather in Patagonia, alongside what the different seasons have to offer, let’s explore the varying months to scour this beautiful destination. With its varying climate and unique activities, there are more than enough things to see and do here. 

Check out the best month to visit Argentina below, alongside how to make the most out of your time. 

January

Visiting Patagonia in January means long days, a fierce climate, lots of hiking and a ton of outdoor adventures. The month is known for being the peak for explorers with activities like glacier trekking, white-water rafting, mountain biking and more.

It is worth noting that January is a popular time to visit Patagonia so accommodations and tours often sell out fast. With this in mind, we recommend booking your trip in advance. 

February

February provides the perfect time to scour the impressive national parks in Patagonia. The hiking trails are often quiet during this time of year, allowing visitors to enjoy a serene setting in outstanding surroundings. With comfortable temperatures and excellent wildlife sights, a trip here in February is sure to impress even the most avid of explorers. 

March

The windy season starts to settle in March, providing a tamer climate for those visiting during this month. There are also fewer tourists around the national parks in Patagonia, making it great for those looking for tranquil hiking opportunities. Spend some time soaking up the pretty landscapes as the autumn leaves coat the trails and terrain around Patagonia in March. 

April

Those choosing to visit Patagonia in April will want to plan their trip during the first half of the month. This is when the weather is kinder and there is still availability for accommodation and tours. The second half of April is when the season comes to an end, with fewer tourists and attractions available. However, if you plan your visit here accordingly, you’re sure to enjoy a peaceful break in Patagonia during this time. 

May

May presents Patagonia’s winter season in full swing. With this comes fewer tourists and many of the accommodations and attractions are closed during this time. However, those looking to try some of the many exciting snow-sport activities will love a trip to the Lake District in May. It’s worth checking before your visit though as many of the national parks and hiking trails are closed in winter. 

June

June marks the winter season in Patagonia, so visitors should anticipate cold temperatures and an increased likelihood of rainfall. Tourist areas are relatively quiet this month, with fewer transport options available. However, travellers in June will be delighted by the breathtaking landscapes, as the settling snow displays a glistening scenery for all to enjoy.

July

If you’re seeking an adventure-filled getaway with plenty of snow and outdoor activities, consider visiting Patagonia in July. The winter climate provides excellent skiing opportunities, alongside snowy terrain and breathtaking scenery. With opportunities to enjoy some of the best ski resorts in Patagonia, as well as thrilling slopes down volcanos, this beautiful destination becomes a true winter wonderland for many. 

August

The weather in Patagonia in August is known for being unpredictable. Visitors will discover a mix of temperatures during this time with cold evenings and warm days. There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy snowsports such as snowshoeing during this time, alongside skiing activities in the Lake District.   

September

Strong winds often return in September in Patagonia, accompanied by cold nights and warm days. This is one of the dry months to visit though, with less chance of rainfall during this time. The mild climate makes it a fantastic month for outdoor activities and with longer daylight hours, visitors can pack more into their days in Patagonia in September. 

October

October is an incredible time to visit Patagonia if you’re looking for pretty landscapes and a serene atmosphere. It is still considered one of the quiet months, making it perfect for those hoping to have many of the hiking trails to themselves. You can expect some snow in October, but as spring is just around the corner, it shouldn’t affect much of your trip.  

November

As the days continue to get longer and the weather becomes warmer, November allows visitors to get out and explore Patagonia with ease. However, it is one of the more popular months to visit the area, so planning and preparation are needed. If you aim to book one of the many tours and excursions in Patagonia during November, we recommend enquiring well in advance so you don’t miss out. 

December

December is known as mid-summer in Patagonia, providing visitors with around 18 hours of daylight and a ton of exciting adventures. The national parks are often quite busy during this time, allowing visitors to experience the lively atmosphere. With its fantastic climate and pleasant temperatures, December is one of the best times to enjoy many of the outstanding hiking routes in Patagonia.

The Best Time to Visit Patagonia for Wildlife

Deciding on the best time to visit Patagonia for wildlife will ultimately depend on the types of animals you are hoping to see. The varying climate and changing seasons attract different species throughout the year. 

Whale watching in Patagonia often takes place anytime from December to March, whereas we recommend heading here in September or December to catch a glimpse of the penguins. Mammals and birds can be seen around Patagonia throughout the year. However, the quieter periods of April and May or June to September with fewer tourists, increase your chances of spotting the beautiful wildlife here.

Summary

With so many incredible places to visit and intriguing things to see, it comes as no surprise that plenty of travellers have Patagonia on their bucket list. We hope that after reading this article you now have all of the information you need to visit this beautiful place at a time that best suits your preferences. However, no matter when you decide to explore this outstanding destination you’re sure to be impressed by the endless beauty and impressive natural wonders on offer here. 

If you’re an avid adventurer in pursuit of your next excursion, you’re in luck. Backpacker Boy has a plethora of travel guides in destinations across the globe. These resources are jam-packed with information and tips for your next voyage, ensuring you don’t miss a thing!

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About the Author

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Ella Whitehead

Marketing Executive for SEO Travel, travel writer for Backpacker Boy, passion for content creation and adventure!