In Patagonia the wind is the packing problem. Torres del Paine can go from sun to sideways rain in an hour, even in summer, so a real waterproof shell and warm layers beat anything else you could bring.
Patagonia 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 | 19°C66°F | 18°C64°F | 18°C64°F | 14°C57°F | 11°C52°F | 7°C45°F | 8°C46°F | 9°C48°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F |
| Low | 4°C39°F | 4°C39°F | 3°C37°F | 0°C32°F | -3°C27°F | -4°C25°F | -4°C25°F | -3°C27°F | 0°C32°F | -2°C28°F | 2°C36°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 16 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryThe main trekking season, but cool. Highs average 17°C (63°F) in December, 19°C (66°F) in January and 18°C (64°F) in February, with lows of 4°C (39°F). December and January average 16 rain days. These are 30-year averages from Puerto Natales, the gateway town; inside Torres del Paine it is windier and colder. Bring a base layer, fleece, insulated jacket and rain shell.
Autumn
March–MayCooling with fall color. Highs drop from 18°C (64°F) in March to 14°C (57°F) in April and 11°C (52°F) in May, and lows fall from 3°C (37°F) to -3°C (27°F). Rain days stay at 12–15 a month. Pack a warm hat and gloves.
Winter
June–AugustCold, quiet and short-day. Highs average 7–9°C (45–48°F) and lows -3°C (27°F) to -4°C (25°F), with about 12 rain days a month. Some services close. Bring insulated boots, a warm jacket and traction for icy trails.
Spring
September–NovemberWindy and changeable. Highs rise from 12°C (54°F) in September to 14°C (57°F) in October and 16°C (61°F) in November, and lows run -2°C (28°F) to 2°C (36°F). November averages 15 rain days. Pack full layers and a windproof shell.
What to bring to Patagonia
0 of 25 packedTorres del Paine's wind and 16 rain days in January demand a real waterproof shell.
The men's version of the same shell, for the wind and sideways rain on the Torres del Paine trails.
- CALACH XL Compression Packing Cubes 2-PackBags & Luggage
Compression cubes pack bulky fleece and down layers into a trekking pack.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Chile uses Type C and L sockets, so you need an adapter.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold nights drain batteries, and refugio charging is limited.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Fill up from streams and refugio taps on long trekking days.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Long, rocky days on the W Trek mean blisters, and help can be hours away.
Clothing
- Synthetic or wool base layers · 2 setsCotton stays cold and damp
- Fleece mid layer · 1
- Insulated jacket · 1Lows of 4°C even in summer
- Waterproof shell pants · 1Sideways rain on the W Trek
- Hiking pants · 2 pairs
- Warm hat that stays on in wind · 1Strong, gusty wind all year
- Warm gloves · 1 pairAutumn and winter lows below freezing
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots, broken in · 1 pairRocky, muddy trails with stream crossings
- Camp shoes · 1 pairEvenings at refugios
- Gaiters · 1 pair
Gear
- Trekking poles · 1 pairLong, rocky W Trek days
- Pack liner or dry bag · 1Keeps gear dry in sudden rain
- Microspikes · 1 pairIcy trails Jun–Aug
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen and lip balm · 1Wind and sun burn fast
Documents and money
- Passport
- Refugio and campsite bookings · 1Must be booked ahead
- Travel insurance · 1Remote trekking far from help
What shoes should you pack for Patagonia?
Waterproof hiking boots that are already broken in. Trails like the W Trek are long, rocky, muddy and crossed by streams. Bring camp shoes and gaiters if you can.
What do people wear in Patagonia?
Technical outdoor clothing, everywhere. In Puerto Natales and in refugios, people wear fleece, hiking pants and down jackets. Nobody dresses up.
What to pack for the W Trek in Torres del Paine?
A waterproof shell, warm layers, a dry bag liner for your pack, trekking poles and a hat that will not blow off. Campsites and refugios must be booked ahead. The Argentine side around El Calafate and El Chaltén has similar weather.
What plugs does Patagonia use?
Chile uses Type C and L sockets at 220V. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Refugio charging is limited, so a power bank helps.
Tours and things to do in Patagonia
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Patagonia.
What should you leave at home for Patagonia?
Umbrellas, cotton clothes and anything that cannot get wet. The wind destroys umbrellas, and cotton stays cold and damp.
Packing for Patagonia: questions people ask
What should I wear in Patagonia in January?
Layers and a waterproof shell. Puerto Natales averages a 19°C (66°F) high, a 4°C (39°F) low and 16 rain days in January.
Is Patagonia cold in summer?
Cool rather than warm. Summer lows average 4°C (39°F) in Puerto Natales, and the park is windier and colder.
When is the best time to hike Torres del Paine?
Roughly November to March, when trails and refugios are open. Expect wind and rain any day.
Do I need an umbrella in Patagonia?
No. The wind breaks them. Bring a hooded rain jacket instead.
What adapter do I need for Chile?
One that fits Type C and L sockets at 220V.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.