The Southern Cone lies in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are opposite to Europe’s: summer is December to February and winter is June to August. The right month depends on what you want to do. Patagonia has a short trekking season, wine regions peak at harvest, and the big cities are best in spring and autumn.
Patagonia: November to March
The main season runs from November to March. Trails and campsites are open, days are long, and daylight lasts until about 10 p.m. in midsummer.
- November–early December: Good weather and fewer people, with wildflowers. Some high routes may still hold snow, and some refugios and services open later in the season.
- Mid-December to February: The warmest and busiest period. Torres del Paine and El Chaltén are at their most crowded, and accommodation and permits need to be booked many months ahead. Expect strong wind at any time. Gusts can exceed 100 km/h in parts of Torres del Paine.
- March: One of the best months for hiking. Crowds thin out, autumn colors appear in the lenga beech forests, and the weather is often stable. Some services start to close towards the end of the month.
- April–October: Many trails and refugios close, days are short and it is cold. Perito Moreno Glacier and El Calafate remain accessible, and winter trips can suit travelers looking for snow and solitude, but options are limited.
Weather can change quickly at any time of year. Even in January, rain, wind and near-freezing temperatures are possible, so waterproof layers are essential. Allow spare days in your plan for delays.
Buenos Aires and Santiago: spring and autumn
Buenos Aires. The best months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are mild and the city’s parks and outdoor cafes are at their best. Summer is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 30°C or more, and many locals leave for the coast in January. Winters are cool but rarely very cold, which is fine for museums, tango and food.
Santiago. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the most pleasant. Summer days are hot and dry, and nights are cooler. In winter, the air can be hazy and temperatures near freezing at night, but snow-capped Andes views after rain are striking. The ski resorts near Santiago, such as Valle Nevado, operate roughly from June to September.
Wine regions: harvest and beyond
Mendoza and Chile’s central valleys. Harvest, known as the vendimia, runs from about February to April. Mendoza holds its Harvest Festival in late February or early March, with parades and celebrations. During this period, wineries are busy and booking ahead is advisable. The weather is hot in February and cooler by April.
- Autumn (April–May): Vineyards turn red and gold, harvest is finishing and temperatures are comfortable. This is a very pleasant time for tastings.
- Winter (June–August): Vineyards are bare, but wineries are quiet, prices are lower and the Andes have snow. Cold nights suit hearty food and red wine.
- Spring (September–November): Vines start to bud and the weather warms. It is a good time for cycling between estates, though some days can be windy.
Matching activity to season
| Activity | Best months |
|---|---|
| Trekking in Torres del Paine and El Chaltén | November to March (March for fewer crowds) |
| Perito Moreno Glacier | Year-round, with the most services from October to April |
| Wine harvest | February to April |
| City sightseeing | March to May, September to November |
| Skiing in the Andes | June to September |
| Beagle Channel and Ushuaia cruises | November to March |
Practical tips
- Reserve the popular things first. Torres del Paine refugios and campsites, glacier tours and flights to Patagonia are limited. In peak months, reserve them before booking everything else.
- Build slack into your itinerary. Wind and weather can delay ferries and flights. Keep one or two flexible days, particularly just before an international departure.
- Pack in layers. A windproof and waterproof shell, warm mid-layer, hat and gloves are needed in Patagonia in any month. In cities, spring and autumn evenings can be cool.
- Mind the dates for school holidays. Argentina’s and Chile’s main holiday period is from January to February, and prices peak in those months.
- Watch for border pass closures. The road between Mendoza and Santiago can close for hours or days during winter storms, so avoid tight connections in June to September.
The short version
For a trip that includes Patagonia, wine and cities, aim for March, when harvest is underway, crowds in Patagonia are thinner and the weather in the cities is pleasant. If you want maximum daylight and warmth, choose December to February, but book early and expect the wind.
See also the must-see guide to the Southern Cone and the top destinations and routes.