Best time to visit El Chaltén: weather, wind and daylight by month

In El Chaltén you do not choose the weather: you go along with it. But each season has its own thing. In summer the days last sixteen hours and the wind blows hard. In autumn the forest turns red and there are fewer people. In winter there is snow in town and it goes quiet. Here are the numbers so you can choose.

The weather month by month

These are averages in town. On the trails it is colder: about one degree less for every 100 metres you climb, not counting the wind. And in summer it can drop to 5 °C or less at night.

Summer (December to February): very long days and wind

This is high season. There are up to 16 hours of daylight, so you can leave early, hike all day and come back in the sun. It is the mildest time of year, with highs of 18 to 19 °C, and also the windiest: between 21 December and 20 March days without wind are rare.

It is also when there are the most people. In the 2025-2026 season average occupancy was 67%, with peaks close to 90%. If you go in January or February, book early.

Autumn (March to May): the red forest

For many people, the best time. In April the lenga trees turn red and yellow, there are fewer people and the wind eases off. On the other hand, mornings are cold and days are shorter: in April there are about ten and a half hours of daylight. In May the first snow starts falling in town and many places close.

Winter (June to August): snow and quiet

The town is covered in snow, especially in July, the snowiest month. There are 8 to 10 hours of daylight, the wind is calmer and there are hardly any tourists: in August 2026 occupancy was between 10% and 18%.

• Many shops and places to stay close. Before you go, make sure yours is open: every listing on Booking Directo has its website so you can ask.
• The trails do not close, but they change. Some require you to register and carry technical gear. The last section of Laguna de los Tres usually has ice: without crampons and experience, do not climb it.
• Ask before you set off at the park visitor centre at the entrance to town.

Spring (September to November): everything comes back

In September the snow in town melts and in October the season starts: shops open, days get longer (13 to 15 hours of daylight) and the wind comes back. October and November are good months to have the trails with few people before the January peak.

What holds all year

• Stay at least two or three days. Fitz Roy is often covered: with spare days, you have a better chance of seeing it.
• Leave early. The wind is usually calmer in the morning and picks up by mid-morning.
• Always bring warm layers, even in January. It can snow up high in almost any month.

To plan the trip: how many days to stay and how to get to El Chaltén.