Best time to visit Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine’s weather is, at best, unpredictable, with the chance of all four seasons in one day. The notorious Patagonian wind though, that’s almost guaranteed.![]()
With long, light days and a good chance of clear, bright skies, the Patagonian summer months of December to February are generally considered the best time to visit Torres del Paine National Park. Unsurprisingly this is also high season, so you’ll need to book well in advance to secure accommodation – even in the park’s refugios and campsites. Mid-November to mid-December tend to be less crowded, with spring flowers in bloom, while autumn, from mid-March to late-April offers a backdrop of spectacular autumn colours and wonderful sunsets. In the winter months, while beautiful, snow will make some of Torres del Paine’s trails inaccessible and many of the hotels will be shut.
Torres del Paine National Park Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
6
15
45
FEB
7
15
43
MAR
6
14
50
APR
4
11
61
MAY
2
8
59
JUN
1
5
57
JUL
0
5
52
AUG
1
6
55
SEP
2
9
43
OCT
3
11
52
NOV
4
13
48
DEC
6
14
48
Kathy Jarvis from leading Patagonia specialists Andean Trails – and a former Patagonia tour leader – says:
“My favorite time of year is March/April as the leaves are turning gorgeous autumnal colours and there are generally fewer people on the trails and less wind too. Give yourself plenty of days to allow for bad weather - Paine is notorious for cloud and rain, so add an extra couple of days to give yourself the best chance of seeing the peaks.”
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Torres del Paine National Park
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Adventure tips
John Penge, from our leading small group vacation specialist, Exodus Travels, shares one of his favorite Torres del Paine adventures: “Do the zodiac excursion to Balmaceda Glacier. Speeding along the water through this epic landscape is a rush and you will be awestruck when you get close to the glacier and hear the thunderous sound of it cracking.”Packing tips
Kathy Jarvis, from one of our leading Patagonia specialists, Andean Trails shares her packing tips: “The trails are good, but the weather can vary so pack accordingly - I recommend taking lightweight layers and full waterproofs, be prepared for freezing temperatures, high winds or glorious sunshine. The wildlife is stunning - take good binoculars and a book to help you identify what you see.”Hiking tips
Rosie Tobin, from South America specialists, RealWorld Vacations, shares her top hiking tips:
“Pack snacks! Although you’ll probably be eating breakfast and dinner in your hotel, and the hotel can provide you with a packed lunch, you should pack snacks such as nuts and energy bars. There are no corner shops or ice cream vans!”
“If you’re not a hiker, or prefer gentle walks, stay in a hotel on one of the lakeshores, such as Lago Grey or Rio Serrano. The lakes are beautiful, with many flat walking trails to follow.”
Kathy Jarvis, from Andean Trails:
“There are some fabulous short walks within the park - one of my favorites is from Laguna Verde down to the administration center, and another is the trek along the Pingo valley, plus for superb views do not miss the Mirador Ferrier. Be sure to walk as far up French valley as you can too, to get the best views of the granite spires.”
“Pack snacks! Although you’ll probably be eating breakfast and dinner in your hotel, and the hotel can provide you with a packed lunch, you should pack snacks such as nuts and energy bars. There are no corner shops or ice cream vans!”
“If you’re not a hiker, or prefer gentle walks, stay in a hotel on one of the lakeshores, such as Lago Grey or Rio Serrano. The lakes are beautiful, with many flat walking trails to follow.”
Kathy Jarvis, from Andean Trails:
“There are some fabulous short walks within the park - one of my favorites is from Laguna Verde down to the administration center, and another is the trek along the Pingo valley, plus for superb views do not miss the Mirador Ferrier. Be sure to walk as far up French valley as you can too, to get the best views of the granite spires.”
Tips from our travelers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Torres del Paine travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation – and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Torres del Paine travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation – and the space inside your suitcase.
Do some walking beforehand, if you want to get the most from it. Also, don't forget a camera or you will be truly sorry!![]()
– Chris Senior
“Every day was so different, but the first day trekking in Torres del Paine to the base of the towers was a great first day. You really do get 4 seasons in one day, we had sunshine and snow! Pack lots of layers and good waterproofs, the weather is very changeable. Hiking poles and gaiters were useful.” – Louise Albertella on our Patagonia trekking vacation
“Make sure you have appropriate footwear (hiking boots). There is no need to bring a sleeping bag as these can be hired at the time – and they are good sleeping bags.” – Frank Sperling on our highlights of Patagonia vacation.
“Make sure you have appropriate footwear (hiking boots). There is no need to bring a sleeping bag as these can be hired at the time – and they are good sleeping bags.” – Frank Sperling on our highlights of Patagonia vacation.
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