Patagonia

The weather in Patagonia is wide and varied

Patagonia stretches from the verdant mountains of Chile and Argentina’s Lake Districts all the way down to the glacial massifs and remote fjords at the tip of the Southern Cone. The weather in this vast region is renowned for its unpredictability; bursts of rain, radiant sunshine, snowstorms and driving winds can all make an appearance in a single day. However, from the lush, temperate forests of Aisen in the north, to the frozen pinnacles of the national parks in the south, there are discernable seasons which affect when you may like to visit. For the warmest and clearest weather conditions and lush, thriving landscapes, the summer months of December - February are ideal, although you may encounter crowds in popular locations such as Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. The shoulder seasons (September - November and March - May) offer the spectacular colours of springtime blooms and autumnal foliage, with fewer visitors. This also increases your chances of spotting some of the region’s cornucopia of wildlife, including ñandus, pudus, guanacos, condors and famously, the elusive puma. During the winter, many outdoor areas and hotels will be closed due to the harsh weather conditions. You may wish to explore the frozen landscapes and icy lakes at their most wild and remote, or try skiing in the fjords of southern Patagonia.