Weather in El Calafate

Planning your day in El Calafate? Check out the latest weather data and forecasts right here to make your journey through Argentina as comfortable as possible.

The climate in El Calafate can be described as cool and semi-arid. Located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, the city is characterized by dry weather throughout the year with very low rainfall levels. Despite this, the weather here can be very changeable and windy, which is a hallmark of the region. Travellers should be prepared for sharp changes in weather conditions even within a single day.

El Calafate has distinct seasons typical of the Southern Hemisphere. Summer, lasting from December to February, is the warmest and most popular time to visit. The average temperature during these months is around +10-11°C, with daily highs reaching a comfortable +15°C. Winter, from June to August, is cold, with average temperatures around zero and frequent night frosts when the thermometer can drop to -3°C.

A notable feature of the local climate is the contrast between the extremely small amount of precipitation (2-3 mm per month) and the relatively large number of days it falls (13-16 days). This suggests that heavy rains are rare here, but light drizzle or snow pellets can be a frequent occurrence. Therefore, regardless of the season, tourists are advised to carry windproof and waterproof clothing.

The climate in El Calafate is characterized by cool weather throughout the year, which is typical for southern Patagonia. Seasons are clearly defined here, but without extreme temperature peaks. The warmest months are considered to be January and February, when the average temperature is around +10-11°C. Conversely, the coldest period is June and July, where average values drop below zero, reaching approximately -1°C.

Summer in El Calafate, lasting from December to February, can be described as moderately cool and fresh. During this time, the daytime temperature averages a comfortable +14-15°C, which is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing without exhausting heat. An important feature is the significant difference between day and night temperatures: after sunset, the thermometer can drop to +6°C, so even in summer, warm clothing will be needed for evening walks.

Winter, which falls in June, July, and August, is cold in El Calafate. During the day, the air temperature hovers around +1-2°C, and at night it regularly drops below zero to -3°C or even lower. During this period, frosts and snowfalls are not uncommon; they transform the famous glaciers and mountains, creating truly magical landscapes. When travelling in winter, it is essential to have a full set of warm winter clothing.

A very dry climate is observed in El Calafate throughout the year, without a distinct rainy season or drought period. Precipitation levels remain consistently low from month to month, so travellers need not fear heavy downpours in any season. The total annual volume of precipitation is minimal, which is characteristic of the Patagonian climate.

Despite the extremely small amount of precipitation, "wet days" are not uncommon here — their number ranges from 13 to 16 per month. This means that precipitation is generally very light and most often manifests as drizzle, light rain, or snow pellets. In the cold months, roughly from May to September, when average temperatures drop below zero, precipitation falls primarily as snow.

There is practically no difference in precipitation levels between months. The "wettest" months, with a volume of about 3 mm, are considered to be February, March, April, as well as the period from July to October. The least amount of precipitation, just 2 mm, falls in January, May, June, November, and December. The highest probability of encountering precipitation falls in January, March, and April, when there are about 16 "wet" days, while in February there are slightly fewer — approximately 13.

When planning a trip to El Calafate, it is worth remembering the main rule of Patagonia — layering. The weather here is capricious, changeable, and almost always windy, even in the summer months. The foundation of your wardrobe should be a windproof and waterproof jacket. A fleece jacket or warm sweater fits perfectly underneath it, with t-shirts and long-sleeve tops as a base layer. Even in summer (from December to February), when the average temperature is around +10°C, evenings can be cool, and you cannot do without warm clothing on excursions to the glaciers. In spring and autumn, the weather is even more unpredictable, so the ability to easily combine layers of clothing will be your greatest ally.

In winter (from June to August), it is truly cold in El Calafate, with average temperatures around zero and below. For comfortable travel at this time, you will need a full winter kit: a warm down or ski jacket, thermal underwear, insulated trousers, wool socks, as well as a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Regardless of the season, a key element of equipment is sturdy and comfortable footwear, ideally trekking boots with non-slip soles. Do not forget sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun is very active here, especially when reflecting off glaciers and water. And due to the constant wind, lip balm will be a real lifesaver for your lips.