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Unlike what its location in the southern extreme of the Patagonia might suggest, the weather in El Calafate is warmer than in its neighbouring steppes, because it is laid against Lake Argentino and surrounded by mounts which give it some extra shelter.
The weather is predominantly dry due to the lack of rain and its long solar days (October to April), which makes conditions perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. The sun is a key influence on the temperature, and on sunny days the thermal sensation will be much higher than the thermometer indicates. The wind is hard in summer, but winter is not windy at all, this greatly benefits winter activities.
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As we approach the Andes Range and the glaciers the humidity level gradually increases to finally become a drizzle, but that does not stop the activities at the National Park. The solar day, together with the temperature, vary as the seasons go by, being the longest in summer (December
18 hours) with an average temperature of 18.6 ºC, sharply contrasting with the minimum 8 hours for July and August, with an average minimum temperature of 1 ºC.
These seasonal changes do not represent an impediment at all to enjoy the natural beauty of the land, since the shortened solar days of winter are made up for by the many shades of the snow-covered hills surrounding the green waters of Lake Argentino. |
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Most of the activities are carried out in the National Park taking up several hours outdoors, so it is essential to wear the right clothes and shoes.
We recommend sport clothes, preferably loose (like leggings), sweaters and waterproof jackets. When you visit the National Park, especially if go trekking on the Perito Moreno glacier, you have to dress “like an onion”, meaning a light inner layer (polyester or something of the sort), a second layer of some artificial fiber (a sweater, a pullover, etc.) and a third and outer water and windproof layer.
Sneakers and hiking boots are the ideal footwear, though any comfortable shoe will do as long as it has rubber slip-resistant soles.
Hats, gloves, sunglasses and sun cream will come in handy when you visit the glaciers. You can visit El Calafate all the year round, the seasons being divided thus: High (October to March) and low (April to September).
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