Best time to visit Patagonia
Patagonia’s weather is characterised by unpredictability; warm, windproof and waterproof layers are essential year-round – especially given the relentless wind.![]()
November to March is the best time to visit Patagonia, with warmth and longer days on both the Chile and Argentina sides. Southern nights last a scant six hours, although night frosts and sleet can occur in the highlands even in summer. Mid-November to mid-December is less crowded, with spring blooms. April and May are the best months to visit Patagonia for colourful autumn foliage and fewer crowds, with northern regions still retaining some warmth against the milder temperatures of the south. When to go to Patagonia also depends on the region – it is huge and there are great variations all over. Coasts are wetter and milder; the inland steppe is chillier and arid.
Patagonia, month by month
Our Patagonia Vacations
Chile and Argentina tour
Santiago, Lake District, Patagonia, Glaciers & Buenos Aires
From
£2595
14 days
ex flights
Small group adventure vacation to Patagonia
Explore the spectacular wilderness and mountains of Patagonia
From
£4253
20 days
ex flights
Patagonia & Torres del Paine vacation
The best of Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park
From
US $3995
15 days
ex flights
Patagonia tailor made tour, self guided
Self-guided vacation in stunning Patagonian mountains.
From
US $3333 to US $3637
13 days
ex flights
Chile highlights tour, 10 days
10-days: Santiago, Atacama, Patagonia & Torres del Paine
From
£2795
10 days
ex flights
Atacama and Patagonia hiking vacation
Explore Chile on foot Atacama Patagonia Walking Vacation
From
£4595 to £5170
14 days
ex flights
Tierra del Fuego Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
1
8
76
FEB
0
8
57
MAR
0
6
53
APR
-2
4
54
MAY
-3
1
48
JUN
-5
-1
48
JUL
-5
-2
44
AUG
-5
-1
45
SEP
-4
2
40
OCT
-3
4
48
NOV
-2
6
56
DEC
0
8
79
Responsible Travel recommends
Our nature pick: Penguins
Patagonia is the best place to spot penguins outside of Antarctica, and they’re here in the warmer months of October-April. Head to the beaches around Ushuaia and Peninsula Valdés – or to Punta Tombo if you want to walk amongst South America’s hugest colony of Magellan penguins.Our top Patagonia Vacation
Chile and Argentina tour
Santiago, Lake District, Patagonia, Glaciers & Buenos Aires
From
£2595
14 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
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Festivals & events in Patagonia
Kayaking with whales
You can kayak with whales in the lagoons around Peninsula Valdes! Southern right whales travel to this nature reserve between late September and early December, and you can see them breaching, slapping their tails and tending to their babies from the shore – or from your kayak.
National Festival for the Longest Night of the Year
In impressive, South American style, the "National Festival for the Longest Night of the Year" actually lasts for nine nights. Held in Ushuaia, the festival begins with a torch light parade on 20th June, and there are fireworks and live music.
Pumas
While most travelers avoid the depths of winter, feline fans should head south for the season. It’s the best time to visit Patagonia if you want to spot big cats – including the elusive puma. The cold encourages them to descend from chilly mountaintops into warmer valleys – which are no longer filled with tourists who might scare them away.
More about Patagonia
A triangle of land at the end of the world, with calving glaciers, shattered fjords and jagged mountains, Patagonia stirs the heart of red-blooded adventurers.
Patagonia is surprisingly vast, but our suggested itineraries help you explore the parts that interest you most - whether that's trekking, marine life, glaciers or local culture.
Our guide to things to do in Patagonia covers the classic and lesser known hiking routes, Gaucho culture, cruises round Cape Horn and the best places to see calving glaciers.
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the brightest jewels in Chilean Patagonia’s well-bedecked crown.
Home to some of the world’s only advancing glaciers and dramatic mountain scenery, Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia is not to be missed.
While cars can cover the distance, slow down to a walking pace and you’ll experience what this region is really about.
Combine Buenos Aires and Patagonia for a vacation that takes you from chic city streets to wild mountain vistas.
From small group vacations led by expert local guides, to road trips behind the wheel of your own hire car, here’s how to travel in Patagonia in style.
Traveling in Patagonia with kids is an offbeat suggestion for a vacation but for more adventurous types, especially those with teenagers, there is much to enthral and inspire.
Our vacation companies have shared their most helpful Patagonia travel tips to help your vacation run more smoothly - from unusual places to hike to lesser known cruise routes.
Responsible tourism in Patagonia takes many forms - as befits this vast region that spans two South American countries.
