Weather in Punta Arenas

Planning your day in Punta Arenas? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts and clear charts.

The climate of Punta Arenas can be described as cool maritime, typical of the extreme south of Chile. An atmosphere of a harsh yet majestic land reigns here: the weather is never hot, and the air is always fresh. Throughout the year, temperature levels remain quite low and stable, without sharp fluctuations between seasons, making the climate moderate but requiring warm clothing.

Summer, falling in the period from December to February, is quite restrained here: the average daytime temperature fluctuates around +10...+13°C. Winter (June–August) is cool but not extremely frosty, with values around 0...+3°C. Travellers should note that even in the warmest months, the weather may feel colder due to winds blowing from the Strait of Magellan.

A feature of the weather in Punta Arenas is the high frequency of precipitation. Judging by meteorological data, the number of days with precipitation is high year-round — from 12 to 21 days per month. This means that overcast skies and drizzle can catch you at any moment, even at the height of summer (in January, for example, up to 21 "wet" days are recorded). Tourists are recommended to always carry a waterproof windbreaker and be ready for rapid changes in weather conditions.

The temperature regime in Punta Arenas is determined by its harsh southern location, so coolness reigns here practically all year round. The annual temperature range is quite restrained: there is no exhausting heat, but extremely deep frosts also happen infrequently thanks to the influence of the ocean. The warmest and most comfortable period is traditionally the summer months of the Southern Hemisphere — January and February, when average indicators hold at around the +10°C mark, while July acts as the coldest month.

The local summer is not at all like the customary hot season. On the warmest days of February, the air warms up on average only to +13°C, which creates an atmosphere of invigorating freshness. This time is excellent for active tourism, however, travellers will definitely need windproof and warm clothing, as nights remain cool with temperatures around +7°C. Significant fluctuations between day and night times are practically not observed; the difference usually constitutes just 5–6 degrees.

Winter in this region, falling on June, July, and August, is characterised by stably low temperatures. During the day, the air warms up very weakly, on average to +3°C, and at night the thermometer often drops below zero, reaching values around -1°C. July is considered the coldest month of the year with an average temperature just above +1°C. During this period, the difference between daytime warmth and nighttime cold becomes even less noticeable, creating a sensation of constant winter coolness.

Precipitation in Punta Arenas has a unique character: although its total volume remains stably low throughout the year (only 2–3 mm per month), it falls with enviable regularity. It is difficult to highlight a clearly pronounced dry season or rainy season here, as humidity is distributed across the calendar quite evenly. Tourists should be prepared for the sky to turn gloomy at any moment, regardless of the time of year.

In the winter period, which in the Southern Hemisphere lasts from June to August, the temperature often drops below zero (the average minimum in July is -0.7°C). At this time, precipitation often falls in the form of snow or wet snow. Interestingly, it is the cold months and May that account for the least number of days with precipitation — from 12 to 16 days, which makes winter relatively "drier" in terms of frequency, but not in terms of sensation.

Summer (December, January, February), on the contrary, is the period with the highest frequency of precipitation, despite warmer temperatures. The "wettest" month in terms of the number of inclement days is considered to be January, when about 21 rainy days are recorded. However, do not be scared by this figure: most often this is light drizzle or short-term rain, rather than prolonged downpours, considering the small volume of falling water.

The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, also demonstrate a high probability of precipitation — about 17–18 days per month. When planning a trip to this region of Chile, it is recommended to always have waterproof clothing with you. The stability of weather data suggests that light rain or snow is an integral part of the atmosphere of Patagonia, creating its harsh but attractive appearance.

A trip to Punta Arenas requires a careful approach to choosing a wardrobe, as the weather here is known for its unpredictability and strong winds. The main principle to adhere to at any time of year is layering. Even in summer (in January and February), the temperature rarely rises above +13°C, so be sure to take quality thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a windproof windbreaker with you. The weather can change several times a day, and the ability to quickly remove or put on a layer of clothing will ensure your comfort.

For a winter trip (from June to August), when the temperature stays around zero, warmer gear will be required: a down jacket, a warm hat, a scarf, and gloves are mandatory. Given that the number of days with precipitation is high throughout the year (up to 21 days a month), preference should be given to waterproof clothing. A regular umbrella is often useless here due to the gusty Patagonian wind, so a high-quality raincoat or membrane jacket will become your best friends.

Do not forget about comfortable and reliable footwear: trekking boots with thick soles are ideal for walking around the city and its surroundings. Despite the cool climate, the sun in these latitudes can be very active, so be sure to put sunscreen with a high protection factor and sunglasses in your suitcase. This set will help you enjoy the beauties of the "end of the world" without being distracted by the whims of nature.