Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
El Chaltén in January
Little changes in El Chaltén from December: highs stay near 51°F (11°C), lows near 42°F (5°C), and about 6.1 in (156 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 50/100 for comfort, 2nd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 51°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 6.1 in (156 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 51°F (11°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 42°F (5°C).
Expect regular rain: about 6.1 in (156 mm) falls in the month.
It's breezy, with average winds near 15 mph (6.6 m/s) at ground level.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 35 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around January
January is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February).
- Comfort improves from 47/100 in December to 50/100.
- January sits inside the Nov – Mar window our Patagonia Peaks route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 51°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.1 in of rain on average
- Windproof shellaverage wind 15 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in El Chaltén in January
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Viedma Glacier ice trek
Boat across Lago Viedma and crampon walk on the glacier.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Nov–Mar.
La Cervecería
Small brewpub serving house beers and hearty locro after a hike.
Laguna de los Tres
Classic day hike to the glacial lake at the foot of Monte Fitz Roy.
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
Long climb to a viewpoint facing both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
La Tapera
Cozy restaurant for lamb, trout and steak.
Nearby in January
- Torres del Paine in January~114 mi · highs 37°F, 6.9 in rain or snow · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Puerto Natales in January~166 mi · highs 56°F, 4.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,089 m to El Chaltén's ~399 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
El Chaltén in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit El Chaltén?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 50/100 against a best of 57 in February. Expect highs of 51°F (11°C) and 6.1 in (156 mm) of rain. January is inside the Nov – Mar window our Patagonia Peaks route recommends.
How cold is El Chaltén in January?
Average highs are 51°F (11°C) and average lows 42°F (5°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in El Chaltén in January?
Yes: about 6.1 in (156 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 67.4 in (1711 mm).
What should I pack for El Chaltén in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 51°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.1 in of rain on average), windproof shell (average wind 15 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on El Chaltén
Routes in season in January
- Patagonia Peaks Nov – Mar
Planning El Chaltén in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.