People pack for El Calafate by the thermometer and get caught by the wind. Even in January, the warmest month, the high is only 17°C (63°F), and gusts off the ice field and Lago Argentino make it feel far colder, especially out on the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways. Pack windproof layers and a hat for every month, summer included.
El Calafate weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 17°C63°F | 16°C61°F | 12°C54°F | 10°C50°F | 6°C43°F | 4°C39°F | 3°C37°F | 4°C39°F | 6°C43°F | 8°C46°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F |
| Low | 12°C54°F | 10°C50°F | 8°C46°F | 6°C43°F | 3°C37°F | 1°C34°F | 0°C32°F | 1°C34°F | 2°C36°F | 5°C41°F | 7°C45°F | 10°C50°F |
| Rain days | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryThe busy season. Highs of 14–17°C (57–63°F), lows of 10–12°C (50–54°F), and 8 to 11 rain days a month, with daylight that runs late into the evening. Pack a fleece, a windproof shell and sunglasses, because the light off the ice is bright.
Autumn
March–MayHighs fall from 12°C (54°F) in March to 6°C (43°F) in May, with lows dropping to 3°C (37°F). Crowds thin out and the forests around El Chaltén turn red and gold in April. Bring an insulated layer, gloves and a warm hat.
Winter
June–AugustCold and quiet. Highs of 3–4°C (37–39°F) and lows of 0–1°C (32–34°F), with 8 to 11 rain or snow days a month. Some tours and hotels close or cut back, so check before you book, and pack a full winter kit with waterproof boots.
Spring
September–NovemberHighs climb from 6°C (43°F) in September to 12°C (54°F) in November, with 9 rain days each month. It's still cold and often very windy, so dress for winter early in the season and switch to summer layers by late November.
What to bring to El Calafate
0 of 24 packedThe wind here barely stops, and a waterproof nylon shell over a fleece is what keeps you warm on the Perito Moreno walkways, then it packs back into its own pocket.
A light, packable women's rain shell for El Calafate's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A 32 oz leak-proof bottle with mL/oz markings is the one we'd take on long day hikes out of El Chaltén, and the wide mouth pairs with many water filters.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Blister care, tape and bandages scaled for one to four people over about ten days covers trail days around El Chaltén, where help is a long way off.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Clip your camera to your backpack strap and it's ready the second the glacier calves, instead of buried at the bottom of your bag.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Boat trips on Lago Argentino can get choppy in the wind, and these meclizine chewables give up to 24 hours of relief with no water needed, so take one 30 to 60 minutes before you board.
- MZOO Sleep MaskSleep & Comfort
Summer days run late this far south, and a contoured mask that rests on the bones around your eyes, not your eyelids, helps you sleep while it's still light out.
Clothing
- Fleece jacket · 1January, the warmest month, only reaches 17°C
- Insulated puffy jacket · 1Winter highs of 3–4°C, lows of 0–1°C
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsWind off the ice field makes it feel far colder
- Hiking pants · 2What everyone wears around town
- Warm hatNeeded every month, summer included
- GlovesPerito Moreno walkways face the ice
- Neck gaiter or buffWind is the biggest weather factor in every season
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots · 1 pairRocky, muddy El Chaltén trails; crampons strap onto them
- Wool hiking socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- SunglassesLight off the ice is bright
- DaypackLayers on and off at the glacier, about 80 km from town
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenLong summer daylight and glare off the ice
- Lip balm and rich moisturizerConstant wind dries skin
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceTrail days around El Chaltén, help is a long way off
Tech
- Portable power bankCold drains phone batteries faster
- Dual-voltage chargersArgentina runs at 220V
What shoes should you pack for El Calafate?
Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip. The walkways at Perito Moreno are fine in sneakers, but the trails around El Chaltén, a few hours north, are rocky and muddy. If you book a glacier trek, the operator straps crampons onto your own boots, so they need to be solid.
What do people wear in El Calafate?
Outdoor gear, all the time. Locals and visitors wear fleece, puffy jackets and hiking pants around town, and nobody dresses up for dinner on Avenida del Libertador. Warm beats stylish here.
What plugs does El Calafate use?
Argentina uses type C and I plugs at 220V. A universal adapter with EU and AU plugs fits both, since the AU plug matches type I sockets. Check that any US gadget is rated for 220V before you plug it in.
Tours and things to do in El Calafate
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for El Calafate.
What should you leave at home for El Calafate?
Leave the umbrella. The Patagonian wind will snap it in minutes. Skip shorts and light summer dresses too, because even in January you'll barely use them.
Packing for El Calafate: questions people ask
What should I wear to the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, a hat and gloves, even in summer. The walkways face the ice, and the wind off the glacier makes it feel much colder than town.
What is the weather like in El Calafate in January?
Mild and windy, with highs around 17°C (63°F), lows around 12°C (54°F) and 11 rain days. It's the warmest month, but you'll still want a fleece and a shell.
Is El Calafate cold in winter?
Yes. From June to August highs are only 3–4°C (37–39°F) and lows sit around 0–1°C (32–34°F).
Do I need hiking boots in El Calafate?
Not for the glacier walkways. For trails around El Chaltén or a glacier trek, bring waterproof boots with good grip.
What plug does Argentina use?
Type C and type I at 220V. A universal adapter with EU and AU plugs covers both.
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