Weather in San Martín de los Andes

Are you planning a trip or simply interested in the weather in San Martín de los Andes? Here you will find the most up-to-date information, including forecasts and useful weather charts.

The climate in San Martín de los Andes can be characterized as temperate with clearly defined seasons. The city's location in the foothills of the Andes causes noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year and generally relatively dry weather.

Summer, which lasts from December to February, is warm and very dry here, with average daytime temperatures around 13-15°C and maximum values reaching 20°C. Winter (June-August) is cold, with average temperatures hovering around 0°C, and night frosts are a common occurrence. This period sees the highest number of days with precipitation, which, given the temperatures, often falls as snow, although the total amount remains low.

The main feature of the local climate is the low total amount of precipitation year-round, especially in the summer months. Even in winter, when the number of days with precipitation increases, its intensity is usually low. This makes San Martín de los Andes attractive to visit at any time of year, though tourists should be prepared for significant seasonal temperature changes and cool weather in winter.

The city of San Martín de los Andes experiences clearly defined seasonal temperature fluctuations. The warmest month is February, when the average temperature is around 14.5°C. During this period, daytime highs can reach a comfortable 20.8°C, while nighttime lows drop to an average of 8.2°C. January is also characterized by warm weather with an average temperature of 13.7°C. On the other hand, the coldest month is usually July, with an average temperature of just 0.3°C. During the day, the temperature in July rarely rises above 2.9°C, and at night, frosts down to -2.4°C are possible. June is also a cold month with similar figures; the average temperature is 0.9°C, and the minimum can drop to -1.4°C.

The summer months in San Martín de los Andes (December, January, February) offer pleasantly warm weather during the day, ideally suited for outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures range between 18°C - 21°C. However, nights remain quite cool, with temperatures around 6°C - 8°C, creating a significant daily variance. The winter period (June, July, August) brings cool, and at times frosty weather. Daytime highs at this time rarely exceed 3°C - 4°C, and nighttime temperatures consistently drop below zero, which is typical for a mountain climate.

The transitional seasons – spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) – demonstrate a gradual change in temperatures. Spring sees a smooth warming from an average of 2.7°C in September to 8.7°C in November. In autumn, conversely, gradual cooling occurs: from 11.3°C in March to 3.9°C in May. An important feature of the climate in San Martín de los Andes is the noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations practically throughout the year. The difference between day and night temperatures often amounts to 10-13°C; this is especially pronounced in the summer and transitional months, which should be taken into account when planning a trip and choosing clothing.

In San Martín de los Andes, there is a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. Summer months are generally very dry, while winter brings the main share of annual precipitation. The driest months are January and February, while the peak humidity occurs in June.

The summer period, covering January and February, is characterized by a minimal amount of rainfall — averaging only about 1 mm per month, with the number of days with precipitation being just 5-6. This makes summer in San Martín de los Andes predominantly sunny and dry. With the arrival of autumn, in March (2 mm, 8 wet days) and April (4 mm, 11 wet days), the amount of precipitation begins to gradually increase, preparing the region for the wetter winter season.

Winter in San Martín de los Andes is the wettest time of the year. June is the month with the highest amount of precipitation, averaging 9 mm, while the number of days with precipitation reaches 21. July (7 mm, 18 wet days) and August (6 mm, 17 wet days) are also distinguished by increased humidity. Considering that average temperatures in June and July are close to freezing, and minimum temperatures from May to September regularly drop below 0°C, a significant part of winter precipitation, especially from June to August, falls as snow.

The spring months — September, October, and November — mark the transition to drier weather. In September, rainfall amounts to about 4 mm with 14 wet days, and part of this, especially at the beginning of the month, can still be snow. By October and November, precipitation volumes decrease to 4 mm and 3 mm respectively, and the number of days with precipitation drops to 13 and 12, heralding the arrival of a dry summer.

When planning a trip to San Martín de los Andes, it is important to consider the significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year and even within a single day. In summer (December-February), days are usually warm, with a maximum temperature around 20°C, but evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater will come in handy. Do not forget sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be intense. Precipitation at this time is minimal, but comfortable shoes for walking around the city and its surroundings are always relevant.

In autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November), the weather becomes cooler and more changeable. The principle of layering clothing is recommended: t-shirts, fleece tops, and a windproof and waterproof jacket. Winter (June-August) in San Martín de los Andes is cold, with average temperatures around 0°C and frequent precipitation, including snow. For a winter trip, you will need a warm winter jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, thermal underwear, and waterproof shoes. The number of rainy days notably increases from May to August, so waterproof clothing and perhaps a small umbrella will be very useful during these months.

Regardless of the season, always take comfortable shoes with you, as the region invites hiking and active recreation. Sunglasses will also be useful year-round. Given the temperature differences between day and night, as well as possible winds typical of Patagonia, layered clothing is your best ally for a comfortable journey to San Martín de los Andes.