Climate

The vastness of the Patagonian region marks the wide variety of climates and temperatures found throughout the territory, which also gives it an attractive geographic diversity, translated into a wide variety of landscapes and natural richness. In La Pampa—the gateway to Patagonia—the climate is Mediterranean, so the temperature range is marked (winter-summer period) characterized by temperatures ranging from 5°C to a maximum of 35°C. In the mountainous area, summers are cool, and winters are cold with snowfall.

The average annual temperature is around 8-10°C, with the lowest temperatures becoming more pronounced as we descend the country’s map. In the southernmost part of the country, during the summer, periods of sun, rain, and even snow can occur in the course of a single day. Along the coast, temperatures are milder, allowing for pleasant days at the beach during the summer, although it always tends to cool down at night. Another factor to keep in mind that characterizes the Patagonian region is the presence of wind, which tends to be more frequent and intense during the summer months.

Regarding daylight hours, it is important to know that as we approach the southern tip of the country, the days become considerably shorter in winter and longer in summer, when sunlight lasts for more than 17 hours a day. In contrast, in winter, sunrise happens late in the morning, and it begins to get dark around 5:30 p.m.

The appropriate clothing for traveling to Patagonia will depend on the time of year you plan to visit and the area you plan to visit. Here are some general recommendations to keep in mind when selecting clothing for your trip:

Given the wide temperature range that often occurs in a single day, layered clothing, also known as “onion style,” is recommended. This allows you to add or remove layers as weather conditions change. If you are heading to a mountainous area, it is important to wear comfortable footwear appropriate for navigating uneven terrain. A windproof and waterproof jacket will be very useful, but an umbrella will not be effective due to the wind. In winter, low temperatures require appropriate gear for the cold and snow, especially in mountainous areas. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are all accessories that will help protect you while outdoors.

Check the weather at your destination: