Argentina: Walking in Patagonia​

There are some basic guidelines for any traveler preparing to visit Patagonia: fall and spring are short, winter is long, summer tends toward the mild-to-cool side, and the temperature varies greatly between day and night. Andean Patagonia has a humid climate; in the more mountainous areas up to 80 inches of rain could fall annually. Toward the pre-mountain Atlantic zone, where our hotels in El Calafate and El Chalten are located, the rainfall drops to an annual 8-12 inches or so. To be sure, any trip to Patagonia is rewarding for its magnificent beauty. Still, weather here is unpredictable. Warmer months are between November and March, when the mercury might reach the low-to-high 60s in the valley towns (40s at night). Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically even during the day, especially in the mountains. It is not uncommon for dense clouds to form unexpectedly and drop quick or sustained rainshowers. So be sure to pack raingear and even waterproof clothing. Strong winds that carved Patagonia’s incredible peaks sweeps across the pampas all year, and can blow for consecutive days in summer months (December to March). And snow has been known to fall at higher elevations or at the campsites where mountaineers wait to ascend peaks like Fitz Roy. As you pack, bear in mind that El Chalten and El Calafate are as far south of the equator as England is to its north.

Average Daily Temperature (High/Low)

	° F	°C
Jan	66 / 44	18 / 6
Feb	67 / 44	19 / 6
Mar	61 / 40	16 / 4
Apr	55 / 35	12 / 1
Apr	55 / 35	12 / 1
May	47 / 31	8 / 0
Jun	43 / 28	6 / -2
Jul	41 / 27	5 / -2
Aug	44 / 28	6 / -2
Sep	51 / 32	10 / 0
Oct	59 / 36	15 / 2
Nov	62 / 39	16 / 3
Dec	66 / 43	18 / 6