Climate and weather in Patagonia

The Patagonian region stretches across two countries – Argentina and Chile. Due to its position close to the Pacific Ocean, Southern Ocean and the Andes, Patagonia has a very different climate to the rest of South America.

The important element to remember about Patagonia is that you’ll commonly experience the extremes of weather and climate depending where you are in the region. For example, El Calafate is on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Andes and has a cool and moist climate. In the summer, the average temperature is around 13 degrees Celsius.

As you climb in altitude, at Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre base camps, for example, high winds are common in exposed areas as well as lower temperatures.

In general, Patagonia’s climate is cool and dry, even in the spring and fall when AE Expeditions’ treks take place. There could be high winds, lower temperatures and heavy snow. However, depending on where you are, it could also be the opposite. With the climate and weather of Patagonia so unpredictable, it pays to both have the right gear and experience on your side.