“If you are looking to travel during a shoulder season, October, November, and April are great months to explore Patagonia as there are fewer visitors during these months. My favorite time of year to visit Patagonia is April as it enables you to experience the vibrant fall colors and escape the crowds of the peak summer months.”
Mike Bonnett
Patagonia Travel Expert
September is when Patagonia transitions from the cold winter season into a blossoming spring! Spring is one of our favorite times to explore Patagonia as the temperatures are moderate and the region welcomes colorful wildflowers. It is a wonderful time to examine the natural plant species and wildlife of the area. There are also smaller amounts of travelers exploring the area at this time - leaving the hiking trails open for many.
Note: While temperatures are beginning to rise and it may be warm during the day, make sure to pack warm clothing as Patagonia’s nighttime still experiences chilly weather.
Be the first to hit the famous hiking trails of Patagonia. One of the major advantages of visiting Patagonia during spring is that it is considered one of the shoulders seasons. With hiking trails throughout the region reopening after Winter, visitors will find national parks and landmarks relatively quiet. The trekking trails begin to reopen again with the end of Winter, however, ski resorts often remain open during early Spring. Visitors can enjoy the best of both seasons, hitting the dramatic slopes of Patagonia’s various mountains and trekking through its pristine national parks. Combine a trip to one of Chile’s famous ski resorts & then continue south to Patagonia.
Summer in Patagonia is the peak season for a reason. In general, December weather in Patagonia is ideal. Especially in central areas, the sun is shining and the daily high temperatures begin to linger leaving the trekking trails in perfect condition. All of the natural attractions are easily accessible and travelers are able to explore the region and its wildlife in its full splendor.
Note: The busiest travel times for Patagonia are from December to February with a big influx of visitors during the holiday season so it is best to book your trip to Patagonia well in advance when traveling during these months.
Summer is the best time for hiking in Patagonia. With longer days, warmer weather and the most comfortable temperatures in the year, the various trekking trails of Patagonia are most accessible during Summer. Additionally, travelers will have the most options for excursion tours and accommodation at this time. Ecolodges, resorts, tour groups, and campgrounds that may close during winter, will be open for the season.
Patagonia during the Fall is the second “shoulder season” for travelers. It’s another opportunity to explore the region when the summer season is dying down and the region becomes much more comfortable to explore with fewer visitors.
While the temperatures of the park start to cool, the leaves of the region transform into beautiful autumnal hues leaving any traveler in awe of the surrounding natural beauty. It’s during this time that the contrast of colors makes visiting Patagonia during the Fall one of the best times of the year. And while the weather becomes a bit cooler, in general, the days stay dry and the famous treks are still available to tourists.
Note: it starts to become a bit cooler temperatures during this time. The weather can also be a bit more unpredictable - you might experience a variation in weather in just one day!
A tour through Patagonia’s most popular national parks like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares are among the top things to do in Autumn. Regarded as the shoulder season, visitors at this time will find popular trails and natural landmarks significantly less crowded than during the summer season. Temperatures will begin to cool, however, continue to be comfortable for outdoor exploration. Additionally, the transition from Summer to Fall coats Patagonia with a beautiful display of Fall colors, with forests bursting in hues of reds and oranges throughout these national parks.
While yes, many trails and lodges shut down in Patagonia during the winter, it is a common misconception that it’s too cold to visit - we’re here to tell you that that is not the case. In fact, Patagonia during the winter is the perfect time to pull out your skis and snowboards and hit the slopes at one of Chile’s most reputable resorts.
Note: Services in and around the park are limited during the winter season and the weather conditions.
The best things to do in Patagonia during Winter can be found in the mountains. Patagonia is world-famous for its impressive peaks and during Winter, many of these dramatic slopes are open for winter sports. Tour through some of the continent’s top ski resorts, like El Calafate. Bariloche or Cerro Castor, to name a few. From skiing, snowboarding, cross-country hiking or snowmobiling, the climate of Patagonia provides the ideal weather and conditions for enjoying the best of Winter.
