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The weather in Patagonia
Patagonia is very much a seasonal holiday destination and it is important you plan your Patagonia holiday in the best months for travel. The weather is divided into distinct winter and summer months, with winter bringing snow, road closures and boarded up businesses.
Summertime brings warmer weather and more crowds, with accommodation booking up fast. Due to Patagonia’s southern location, the weather can change daily and winds are a regular occurrence, so it is important to be prepared for all weather no matter which month you travel in.
Travel Tip!
For the best of both worlds, travel during the shoulder season - October/November and March/April. The weather is normally pleasant enough and the crowds are far less.
So when should I visit Patagonia?
The summer months of November to March are the optimum time to go weather wise, however these months also draw the larger crowds. Normally, November and December are the warmest months, with lots of tourists and the national parks get very busy. Saying that, Patagonia is a large area and you will still enjoy space if you wonder slightly off the beaten track. Accommodation and transport should be booked well in advance if you are travelling during this time. Shoulder season, October and April, bring normally pleasant weather and quieter hikes and campsites, and this is often seen as the optimum time to travel if you want cheaper prices and less people. June, July and August are considered the winter months and bring cold temperatures. Popular parks such as Torres del Paine as well as Isla Magdalena are normally shut during this period. Rain and wind can occur at any time of year so it is important to bring layers, rain jackets and comfortable, non slip walking shoes.
What should I pack for visiting Patagonia?
It is important to take note of the average weather and temperature for the month you will travel to Patagonia. In general, you should take warm clothing that can be layered as well as waterproof/windproof clothing and comfortable boots. Considering regions of Patagonia are very remote, you will want to be as prepared as possible with any medications, toiletries and general supplies that you might not be able to just pick up on the way! Patagonia is far from the fashion capital, so leave the designer gear at home and dress for comfort. Even in the towns, restaurants will allow you to dine in your hiking gear. Below are a list of essential items when visiting Patagonia -
- Worn in, comfortable walking boots
- Light trainers or footwear for wearing around your campsite
- A warm fleece or jumper
- Long sleeved tops
- Hiking socks
- Warm clothing that can be layered
- Hat/gloves/cap/sunglasses
- Waterproof and windbreaker jacket
- Medication and toiletries
- A small first aid kit containing blister plasters
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizer and lip balm. Harsh winds can take its toll on your skin!
- Small daypack for hiking and reusable water bottle
Festivals & events
Patagonia
The people of Patagonia enjoy a range of celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Below are a few of the most celebrated ones.
Winter Carnival in Punta Arenas
Celebrated in July, the region of Magallanes bursts with music, colour and tradition. Local communities come together to celebrate their culture and history with the festival lasting several days. The festival goers partake in a range of fun cultural and sporting activities, perhaps the most courageous being a dip into the ice cold waters of the Strait of Magellan!
International Horseback Riding and Folklore Festival of Puerto Ibáñez
Celebrated in Chilean Patagonia, this festival sees the local gauchos ride through the town of Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez. The celebrations include traditional cooking classes, folk singers and local poets coming together to celebrate and teach others about the traditions and customs of Chilean Patagonia.
Eisteddfod
The largest Welsh celebration of the year, this festival combines music, culture and performance. It is celebrated all over the world where there is Welsh settlement, and has been held in Argentina since the late 19th century. Celebrations are in Spanish and Welsh and include poetry, songs, folk dances and performances.
Cochrane Folk Festival
Occuring in the second week of February, the Cochrane Folk Festival is one of the oldest in the region. The celebrations commence with a large roast lamb that is shared with everyone. Visitors can expect live music, food tastings, wild horseback riding demonstrations and traditional games.
Public Holidays in Patagonia
Other public/national holidays in Chile and Patagonia include:
- New Years Day: 1st January (Argentina and Chile)
- Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justine: 24th March (Argentina)
- Day of the Veterans and Fallen of the Malvinas War: 2nd April (Argentina)
- Good Friday: 19th April (Argentina and Chile)
- Holy Saturday: 20th April (Argentina and Chile)
- Labour Day: 1st May (Chile)
- National Day: 25th May (Anniversary of the 1810 Revolution) (Argentina)
- National Flag Day: 20th June (Argentina)
- Independence Day: 9th July (Argentina)
- Assumption: 15th August (Chile)
- San Mart: 19th August (Commemorates the death of José de San Martin, who liberated Argentina) (Argentina)
- National Unity Day: 2nd September (Chile)
- Independence Day: 18th September (Chile)
- Army Day: 19th September (Chile)
- Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity: 14th October (Argentina)
- All Saint’s Day: 1st November (Chile)
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception: 8th December (Argentina and Chile)
- Christmas Day: 25th December (both Argentina and Chile)
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