When to visit Patagonia

People ask me the same question every season: when is the best time to come? The honest answer is that it depends on what you want to walk, how much you mind crowds and how much wind you can handle. Here is how I think about it from the village.

The short summer

From about December to February the days are long, the trails are open and the weather is at its most settled. The Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre viewpoints are reachable on most days, and the glacier tours run every day. This is also the busiest time. Camp sites fill early, and the trail to the lagoon has a steady stream of walkers from early morning.

If you come in this season, book your beds and your guide several months ahead. Start the big walks early, before the wind builds up in the afternoon.

The shoulder months

March and April are my favourite months to walk. The crowds thin out, the autumn colour comes into the lenga forest, and the light is softer. Days are shorter, so plan your walks carefully, but you get a better chance of clear mornings than in the summer rush. Some lodges reduce their hours from late April, so check before you go.

October and November can be good too, especially before the main season starts. Snow may still lie on the higher trails, and some services only restart in mid-November.

Winter

From May to August the village is quiet. Many lodges, restaurants and tour companies reduce their services or close, and the mountains are often hidden by snow and cloud. Some people come for the calm, and there are beautiful clear days. If you choose the winter, go with a plan that does not depend on a single route, and ask a local guide what is possible that week.

The wind

The wind is the biggest factor in every season. It can blow hard enough to stop you standing, and it is often strongest in spring and summer afternoons. We build flexible days into our trips, so that a walk can move to the morning when the wind forecast looks bad. Always carry a warm layer and a windproof shell, even on a calm forecast.

Booking ahead

Whatever month you choose, book early for the short summer and for any specific glacier day. Ask about cancellation terms, because a single windy day can change the whole plan. We would rather you arrive in a quiet month and enjoy the calm than arrive in January and struggle to find a bed.