When to go

As the seasons change the park transforms, and adventurers travelling in January will have a very different experience to intrepid explorers visiting in July.

  • Photographers will love the intense colours as the leaves turn in autumn
  • Fans of flora and fauna will appreciate the blooming wildflowers in spring.
  • In summer you'll have the warmest temperatures, longest days and highest winds
  • Those who dare will have the snowscapes almost to themselves in winter

When to go to Torres del Paine

Weather chart for Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine weather chart

Summer

Long days hiking, warm summer sunshine, strong Patagonian winds and lots of people. The high season is in full swing and the park is buzzing with activities, from popular hikes on the main trails to expeditions exploring the wilderness. 

  1. It's the best time of year for good weather, with temperatures reaching up to 20 degrees centigrade.
  2. Hike into the evening taking advantage of the long summer days
  3. Experience the camaraderie of fellow adventurers at the bustling refugios
  4. Take your pick of adventure activities from kayaking to horse riding, mountain biking to ice hiking. This is also the best fishing season.
  5. Pick out your perfect accommodation from the full range of luxury lodges, hotels and camps.

December

Weather: Winds are at their strongest, averaging around 18km per hour. It can feel warm during the day, especially if you're trekking.

Daylight: Longest day is in December, with hours of sunlight reaching up to 17.

Advantages: Take your time on the trails and enjoy daylight long into the evening. Warm temperatures mean more comfortable hiking even in the strong winds.

Things to consider: The park will be busy, accommodation is likely to be booked up far in advance (even the campsites!) and the trails will be trodden by hundreds of hikers a day. If you're seeking solitude, look out for off-the-beaten-track hikes.

When to go to Torres del Paine

January

Weather: Temperatures are at their warmest, around 19 degrees during the day but still drop to 7 or 8 at night. The strength of the wind really picks up, be prepared to brace on some of the passes.

Daylight: 17 hours of daylight means long days out exploring, and soaking up the views long into the evening.

Advantages: Warm days and milder nights. All the adventure sport options are available, so you can experience the park at its fullest.

Things to consider: This is peak high season and the park will be busy. Demand for accommodation far outweighs supply, so book far in advance, especially if you're after a room in some of the more exclusive accommodation. Local tourism is also at its highest.

When to go to Torres del Paine

February

Weather: One of the warmest months of the year, temperatures can creep towards the 20s. If the sun is shining you might find yourself trekking in shorts and a t-shirt, but this is still Patagonia, so you'll need to be prepared with a raincoat and warm layers even on a clear day.

Daylight: 15 hours, so take your time out hiking and enjoy daylight into the evening.

Advantages: One of the best months to avoid the rain, and to see the trees and plants thriving. Wildlife is likely to be out, taking advantage of the warmth and long days.

Things to consider: The park will still be busy, and some of the trails may be a little worse for wear after a busy season. Availability is likely to be low, book far in advance.

Refugio & Camping Los Cuernos and Lago Nordenskjold, Torres del Paine, Chile

Refugio & Camping Los Cuernos and Lago Nordenskjold

Autumn

Hike surrounded by intense reds, oranges, yellows and golds. As the park heads into autumn and the leaves start to turn, it's the beautiful colours that make the park extra special at this time of year.

  1. The high season is winding down, meaning quieter trails, and more chances of finding a room in some of the top accommodation
  2. Long sunrises and sunsets paint the sky pink and orange
  3. The colours of the leaves are truly spectacular in autumn. A great month for photographers.
  4. The famous Patagonian wind is starting to die down (though you'll still need to be prepared for sudden gusts)
  5. The weather is milder, with highest temperatures remaining steady between 5 and 10 degrees, and lowest temperatures dropping down to zero by the end of the season.

March

Weather: Although the wind is dying down and the temperatures are becoming milder, the weather is still unpredictable. Be prepared for sunshine, rain and wind on your hikes.

Daylight: Days are getting shorter, but with daylight from around 7.30am to 8pm you'll still have a full day of sun (or at least light!) for your hike.

Advantages: With the colours at their most beautiful and the park quieter, this is one of the best times of year to hike the more popular trails. Head out on the W Trek or the O Circuit

Things to consider: The crowds only begin to drop off properly at the end of March, so plan to go later in the month if you're looking for solitude on your hikes.

Two horses loaded up with treking gear on a mountain path on the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Torres del Paine Hike, Chile

Horses carrying gear on the W Trek

Customer review background image

What our customers think of When to go to Torres del Paine

The weather can change every 15 minutes and provides uniqueness all the time. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Spencer Hess - USA

Mid-October was a good time to go because there were less people than there will be in November, so I was told. I would much prefer to be cold and then work and dress to heat up than have to find a way to cool down if I was too hot. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2022

Anne France - USA

Spring weather is very erratic. Hiking poles are very helpful. Good rain gear and waterproof hiking boots are essential. Prepare to be cold and damp in the spring. If you plan to hike, prepare physically before the journey. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2022

Brad Pontius - USA

April trips can be cold - below freezing at night, but 1 layer weather with sun in the afternoon. Read the full review

Travelled: April 2022

Seth Pound - USA

The view and hike were amazing, the 1000s of people hiking it were not. But this is to be expected for such an iconic landmark. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Gina Capozzi - USA

On the first day of our trek, we were turned away by the rangers less than 1km from the Torres viewpoint because it was snowing so hard! It was disappointing to not see the towers but being caught in a summer snowstorm in Patagonia will be something we will never forget. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2022

Robert Gallagher - USA

The weather is very variable! But don't worry about it as the scenery is amazing in all weathers. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2018

Rod & Olwyn Dawson - United Kingdom

Whether it was snowy, rainy or a beautiful day full of sunshine, we loved every minute of the W trek. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2017

Craig Hobin - Brazil

Review:

April

Weather: The air is clear and crisp, and temperatures settle between 3 and 13 degrees. Torrential rain, bright sunshine and buffeting wind can all make an appearance within a matter of hours.

Daylight: With 11 hours of daylight the days do feel shorter, but the long colourful sunsets are a wonder in themselves.

Advantages: Hotels remain open and will have higher availability due to fewer people being in the park, and the trails are significantly quieter.

Things to consider: As april rolls into the low season, services begin to shut down for winter. You may find some transport and accommodation services are reduced. If you're doing the W Trek or the O Circuit Trek you'll need to plan your overnight stops to ensure there's somewhere to spend each night. 

Stream W Trek in Autumn

Autumn foliage in the Ascencio Valley, Torres del Paine

Spring

After a cold winter the park begins to wake up from a snowy slumber. The mountains are filled with blossoming wildflowers, services begin to pick up again in the park, and you'll have the trails almost to yourself.

  1. See some of the first shoots and blossoms of the year, framed against still-snowy mountain peaks
  2. Trails reopen after winter closures, so you set out along paths that haven't seen footfall in months
  3. Disconnect and immerse yourself in the wilderness - the park is at it's quietest in Spring and Autumn, so you can take your time to contemplate the views
  4. Low season rates make a once-in-a-lifetime trip more budget friendly
  5. Spot the birds as they begin to return, and keep an eye out for elusive pumas out hunting at dawn and dusk, before they retreat to the mountains when the crowds return for high season

October

Weather: Temperatures are still cool in October, perfect for hiking. It will be cold at night, and you will have to remember to wrap up warm whilst hiking as gusts of wind can bring sudden chills. The wind is picking up.

Daylight: With around 15 hours of sunlight you can really take advantage of the long days spent out exploring.

Advantages: Wildlife are still emerging after winter, and as the park is still relatively quiet you can really take your time examining blossoming plants, seeking out specific wildlife and soaking up the scenery.

Things to consider: It can still get very cold, especially with the windchill. Wrap up warm with lots of layers. As always, the weather is unpredictable!

Austral Parakeet

November

Weather: The wind is picks up in November, however that's more than outweighed by the opportunity for higher temperatures, with highs during the day of around 16 degrees. 

Daylight: With up to 16 hours of daylight the park really feels like it's heading into summer.

Advantages: It's still the shoulder season, so rates in hotels will be lower. Activities are in full swing, so you can explore the park by bike, kayak, or on horseback. The fishing season has also started.

Things to consider: The park will begin to get busy towards the end of the month as the high season begins. 

Torres del Paine in Spring Ladies Slippers orchid

Winter

As the wind dies down, the crowds disperse and snow drifts across the park. At no other time of year is Torres del Paine so quiet. The main trails are still open, but the O Circuit and most off-the-beaten-track routes are closed for winter.

  1. Clear skies and sparkling snow: the conditions are perfect for some great photography
  2. Pumas descend from the mountains to look for food - look our for their golden fur against the snowy background
  3. You'll have the park almost to yourself, with only a few fellow adventurers sharing the trails
  4. Most adventure sports still run, although there is limited choice of where to explore
  5. Hike the famous W Trek and see a different side to the well-known landmarks

May

Weather: Temperatures are still decreasing, and nights are especially cool with temperatures touching zero for the first time. One of the highest months for rainfall, chance of snow.

Daylight: With only around 9 hours of sunlight, the days will feel short. There is less opportunity to take your time on the trails.

Advantages: The park is far quieter in May, and is starting to settle into low season. You're likely to have the trails to yourself, to enjoy the flora and fauna at leisure.

Things to consider: Some services may be reduced, and refugios and hotels may be closed. Plan ahead, especially if you are planning a multi-day hike.

Paine massif from Serrano Camp

Sunrise over Paine Massif

June

Weather: Lowest temperatures of the year, be prepared for it to drop below 0 at night and not climb much above 5 during the day. Luckily, winds are at their lowest, averaging only 4 km per hour.

Daylight: Only 9 hours, so the days will feel short and your time on the trails is limited.

Advantages: Quiet trails, beautiful snowscapes and good changes to see pumas that come down from the mountains to hunt.

Things to consider: Accommodation is limited, and you'll need to be flexible to change your plans if the weather turns.

Road to Grey Lake winter

July

Weather: Temperatures are still hovering around 0 degrees, and snow is likely. Winds speeds are low, averaging only 4 km per hour.

Daylight: 10 hours of daylight

Advantages: You'll have the park almost to yourself, and the photography opportunities are superb as the mountains are cloaked in snow.

Things to consider: Excursions are limited, and snowstorms may thwart your plans so you'll need to be flexible. Plan ahead to get in and out of the park and also where you'll stay - transport and accommodation are available but limited.

Winter sunshine over Lake Grey, Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Winter sunshine over Lake Grey

August

Weather: Snow is likely, and temperatures are unlikely to rise much above 5 degrees. Wrap up warm and make sure you're fully prepared to spend your days out in the snow.

Daylight: The hours of daylight are slowly creeping up, reaching 10 in August.

Advantages: Beautiful snowscapes and good chances of seeing pumas, which come down from the mountains over winter. The park is quiet and you'll feel truly out in the wilderness.

Things to consider: Services are still limited, so do plan ahead for your accommodation and travel. Be prepared for the cold weather and to change plans depending on changing conditions.

Refugio Chileno, Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Refugio Chileno

September

Weather: There's a nip in the air in September. On the mountains, you're likely to still be able to see the remnants of winter's snowfall, and temperatures do still plummet at night. Be prepared for rain, snow, sun and wind.

Daylight: Days start to lengthen properly after winter, and by the end of September you'll have 12 hours of daylight.

Advantages: As trails reopen after winter you'll be some of the first people back out on walks that haven't been hiked for a whole season. The park is quiet and is beginning to blossom.

Things to consider: Services in the park are still reduced, so you'll need to plan ahead. Catamarans only operate on certain days, and buses across the border to Argentina can be irregular and slow. Hotels, estancias and refugios begin to reopen mid-month after winter.

Wildlife Guanacos-Shereen Mroueh

Guanacos in Torres del Paine

Discover Torres del Paine

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