Summer Dec – Feb
Peak warmth: highs of 50–52°F (10–11°C). About 17.1 in (434 mm) of rain falls across these months, 25% of the year's total. Lows bottom out around 40°F (5°C). February is among the best-scoring months (season average 51/100).
Best time to visit · Argentina
Best Time to Visit El Chaltén
For the most comfortable weather in El Chaltén, aim for February. February tops our comfort score at 57/100, with highs around 52°F (11°C) and 4.9 in (125 mm) of rain. March and November – January are good shoulder-season months. The toughest months are May & June and August, mainly because of cool days.
- Best months
- Feb
- Shoulder
- Mar and Nov – Jan
- Toughest
- May & Jun and Aug
- Warmest
- Feb · 52°F
- Coldest nights
- Jul · 27°F
- Wettest
- Apr · 6.3 in
- Driest
- Sep · 4.6 in
El Chaltén weather by month
Highs run from 35°F to 52°F across the year, and the yearly total is about 67.4 in (1711 mm) of rain and snow.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high | 51°F11°C | 52°F11°C | 49°F10°C | 46°F8°C | 41°F5°C | 36°F2°C | 35°F2°C | 37°F3°C | 41°F5°C | 45°F7°C | 47°F8°C | 50°F10°C |
| Avg low | 42°F5°C | 42°F6°C | 40°F5°C | 37°F3°C | 32°F0°C | 28°F-2°C | 27°F-3°C | 28°F-2°C | 32°F0°C | 35°F2°C | 37°F3°C | 40°F5°C |
| Rain/snow | 6.1 in156 mm | 4.9 in125 mm | 6.1 in154 mm | 6.3 in160 mm | 6.1 in154 mm | 6.1 in156 mm | 5.1 in130 mm | 5.3 in134 mm | 4.6 in116 mm | 5.1 in130 mm | 5.6 in143 mm | 6.0 in153 mm |
| Humidity | 82% | 83% | 85% | 87% | 90% | 92% | 92% | 91% | 88% | 84% | 83% | 82% |
| Cloud | 71% | 68% | 70% | 69% | 67% | 69% | 65% | 67% | 68% | 71% | 73% | 74% |
| Comfort | 50 | 57 | 48 | 41 | 34 | 33 | 38 | 36 | 40 | 43 | 45 | 47 |
Source: NASA POWER (public domain), 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km satellite and reanalysis grid, so coasts and valleys can differ from what's shown. Temperatures were adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,089 m (3,573 ft) to El Chaltén's ~399 m (1,309 ft) elevation using the standard lapse rate of 6.5°C per 1,000 m. Precipitation includes snow as melted water; daylight is calculated from latitude. Check a forecast before you go.
How we pick the best months
- Temperature (40 pts): full marks for average daytime highs of 64–81°F (18–27°C); minus 3 points per °C below and 4 per °C above.
- Rain (25 pts): full marks up to 40 mm (1.6 in) a month, falling to zero at 250 mm (9.8 in).
- Humidity (15 pts): only counts when it is warm (mean above 18°C); minus 0.75 points per % above 70% relative humidity.
- Cloud (20 pts): full marks at 30% cloud cover or less, falling to zero at 90%.
Best months: within 6 points of the top (or 85+). Shoulder: within 18 and at least 45. Toughest: within 6 of the lowest. Comfort only; crowds, prices, festivals and openings aren't scored.
El Chaltén season by season
El Chaltén is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to North America and Europe.
Autumn Mar – May
Temperatures slide from 49°F highs in March to 41°F by May. It's the wettest season, with about 18.4 in (468 mm) of rain, 27% of the year's total. Lows bottom out around 32°F (0°C). Comfort scores bottom out in May; the season averages 41/100.
Winter Jun – Aug
The cold peaks here: highs of 35–37°F (2–3°C), and nights reach 27°F (-3°C). About 16.5 in (420 mm) of rain or snow falls across these months, 25% of the year's total. June – August are cold enough for snow. It holds the toughest stretch on our comfort score (June and August), averaging 36/100.
Spring Sep – Nov
Temperatures climb through the season, from 41°F highs in September to 47°F by November. It's the driest season, with only about 15.3 in (389 mm) of rain, 23% of the year's total. Nights dip below freezing in September. November score well without being the very best (season average 43/100).
What our curated routes say
- Our curated Patagonia Peaks route recommends Nov – Mar. That lines up with the climate data here: November – March are among the better-scoring months.
Plan by month
By comfort score: 5 Fair and 7 Tough. Tap a month for its own guide.
El Chaltén weather questions
When is the best time to visit El Chaltén?
For the most comfortable weather in El Chaltén, aim for February. February tops our comfort score at 57/100, with highs around 52°F (11°C) and 4.9 in (125 mm) of rain. March and November – January are good shoulder-season months. The toughest months are May & June and August, mainly because of cool days.
What is the rainiest month in El Chaltén?
April is the wettest month, averaging about 6.3 in (160 mm) of rain. September is the driest, with about 4.6 in (116 mm). The yearly total is around 67.4 in (1711 mm).
What is the coldest month in El Chaltén?
July is the coldest, with average lows of 27°F (-3°C) and highs of 35°F (2°C). The warmest is February, with average highs of 52°F (11°C).
Is El Chaltén humid in summer?
Not very: summer (December – February) humidity averages 82%, and highs peak around 52°F (11°C), so it rarely feels sticky.
Does it get below freezing in El Chaltén?
On average, yes: lows fall below 32°F (0°C) in June – September, bottoming out around 27°F (-3°C) in July.
More on El Chaltén
Weather nearby
- Torres del Paine weather ~114 mi away
- Puerto Natales weather ~166 mi away
Routes and legs
Pick your El Chaltén dates together
Poll the group on February dates, then plan the days, packing and costs together.