Weather in Puerto Natales

Planning your trip to Puerto Natales? Check out the current weather report, detailed charts, and forecasts to be prepared for any conditions.

The climate of Puerto Natales can be described as cold temperate, typical of the harsh conditions of Chilean Patagonia. Freshness reigns here year-round, and even in the height of summer, one should not expect scorching heat. The weather in this region is known for its variability: bright sun can suddenly be replaced by clouds and wind, so travelers should be prepared for rapid changes in conditions within a single day.

The seasons here are quite distinct, although the general background remains cool. Summer (December to February) is considered the most comfortable time to visit: the average daytime temperature rises to 13–14°C, which is ideal for trekking and nature walks. Winter (June to August) is cold, with average temperatures around zero and night frosts down to -3°C, when the surrounding landscapes are often covered in snow.

A notable feature of the weather in Puerto Natales is the stable humidity. Although the total volume of precipitation is small (only 4–7 mm per month), the number of "wet days" remains high throughout the year — from 18 to 24 days monthly. This means that instead of heavy downpours, tourists more often encounter light drizzle, fog, or short-term snowfall, which creates the special mystical atmosphere of this region.

The climate in Puerto Natales is harsh but attractive in its own way, typical for the southern part of Chilean Patagonia. Summer here (December, January, and February) is not hot at all: this is the most comfortable time for travel, when the average temperature hovers around 10°C. The warmest month is usually February, when the air warms up to 13–14°C during the day. However, even at the height of the season, do not expect sweltering heat — the weather rather resembles fresh early autumn in temperate latitudes.

Winter, which lasts from June to August, brings real cold to the region. During this period, average indicators often drop below zero. July and June are considered the coldest months: the thermometer at night regularly falls to -3°C, and during the day barely rises above 1°C. This time of year is characterized by frosty weather, requiring serious equipment for any outdoor walks.

Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Puerto Natales are not extreme, usually amounting to about 6–7 degrees, but are felt quite distinctly due to the general coolness. Even in the transition seasons (spring and autumn), the air rarely warms up above 5–8°C. Given that even in summer night temperatures drop to 6°C, travelers in Chile are always recommended to have warm layered clothing with them, regardless of the chosen month for the visit.

In Puerto Natales, precipitation is a constant companion for travelers throughout the year, and it is difficult to single out a clearly defined dry or wet season. The climate in this corner of Patagonia is distinguished by stability in its variability: the number of days with precipitation remains high from January to December. Even in the "calmest" months, such as May and June, the sky can be overcast, and precipitation can fall up to 18 days a month.

The summer period (December to February) and the beginning of autumn (March) are characterized by the most frequent precipitation — statistics show up to 24 rainy days per month. However, despite such high frequency, the total volume of falling moisture is small (on average 4–7 mm). This suggests that instead of tropical downpours, tourists are more often met by light drizzle, brief rain, or fog, which create the special mystical atmosphere of the region.

The character of precipitation changes depending on the temperature. Rain prevails in summer, but with the arrival of winter (June to August), when the average temperature drops below zero (to -1...-3°C), the city and its surroundings are often covered with snow. When planning a trip to Chile, be sure to take care of high-quality waterproof clothing and a windbreaker, as protection from moisture will be needed regardless of the month chosen for the visit.

Traveling to Puerto Natales requires careful preparation, as the weather in Chilean Patagonia is known for its unpredictability and variability. The main principle when packing a suitcase is layering. Even in the height of summer (January and February), the temperature rarely rises above +13°C, and winds can be piercing. Be sure to take high-quality thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and a reliable windproof jacket. Given that the number of days with precipitation is high year-round (up to 24 days a month!), a waterproof membrane jacket with a hood and water-repellent pants will be your best defenders against the rain.

If your trip falls during the winter period (June to August), be prepared for sub-zero temperatures: a warm down jacket, wool hat, scarf, and gloves are mandatory. However, even in summer, these accessories may come in handy during evening walks or excursions to glaciers. Pay special attention to footwear: to explore the surroundings, you will need sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good tread. Ordinary city sneakers will be impractical in the conditions of local humidity and terrain.

Despite the cool climate, do not forget about sun protection. In these latitudes, ultraviolet radiation can be very intense, so sunscreen and glasses with a high level of protection are necessary even in cloudy weather. We also recommend taking a small backpack for day trips to carry water and store extra layers of clothing when the sun comes out, or, conversely, to take out a raincoat during a sudden change in weather.