When to go to Torres del Paine

Weather: Days tend to be mild – perfect for hiking, though evenings and mornings still carry a cold winter’s edge. The wind is picking up with gusts bringing sudden chills, so you’ll still need to dress warmly in the day. 

Daylight: There are around 15 hours of daylight, increasing as the month goes on, so you can really maximise the long days spent out exploring.

Advantages: Wildlife is still emerging after winter, and as the park is still relatively quiet you can really take your time on the trail getting close to nature and soaking up the scenery.

Things to consider: It’s spring, but it can still get very cold at times, especially with the windchill. Wrap up warm with lots of layers.

Weather: The wind really starts to picks up in November, however that's more than outweighed by the opportunity for higher temperatures, which can reach around 32F (16C) during the day

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

Advantages:  November is still the shoulder season, so rates in hotels will be lower but activities get in in full swing, allowing you to enjoy the park by bike, kayak, or on horseback. The fishing season also begins.

Things to consider: Torres del Paine gets increasingly busy towards the end of the month as the high season starts to begin.

Weather: With temperatures up to 68F (20C) it can feel warm during the day, especially if you're trekking, but the summer winds can blow very strongly.

Daylight: Patagonia' longest day is in December, with an amazing 18 hours of daylight.

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: Torres del Paine is at its busiest, with crowded hiking trails and accommodation and campsites booked up far in advance. If you're seeking solitude, go for an off-the-beaten-track hike.

Weather: Temperatures are at their warmest, around 66F (19C) during the day but still drop to 45F (7C) at night. The wind really picks up, be prepared to brace hard on some of the mountain passes.

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

Advantages: Warm days and mild 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 very busy. Demand for accommodation 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.

Weather: One of the warmest months of the year, with temperatures reaching over 68F 920C). If the sun is shining you might trek in shorts and a t-shirt, but this is still Patagonia, so you'll still to bing a raincoat and warm layers even on a clear day.

Daylight: Days are shortening, but you'll get around 14 hours of light, so take your time out hiking and enjoy daylight into the evening.

Advantages: This is one of the best months to avoid the rain. 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, so book far in advance.

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 around 12 to 13 hours of daylight you'll still have a full day for your hike.

Advantages: With the colours at their most beautiful and the park beginning to quieten down, 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.

Weather: The air is clear and crisp, with temperatures settling between 37–55F (3–13C). 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 definitely 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. The hiking trails are significantly quieter.

Things to consider: As April rolls into the low season, services begin to shut down for winter, with some transport and accommodation services 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. 

Weather: Temperatures continue to drop, Nights are especially cool with temperatures touching freezing for the first time. This is one of the highest months for rainfall, with a strong chance of snow.

Daylight: With only around nine hours of sunlight, the days will feel short, giving much less opportunity to take your time on the trails.

Advantages: The park is far quieter in May, as it settles 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 will be reduced, and refugios and hotels may be closed. Plan ahead, especially if you are planning a multi-day hike.

Weather: Lowest temperatures of the year, be prepared for it to drop below freezing at night and not climb much above 41F (5C), However, winds are at their lowest, with little more than gentle breezes.

Daylight:  The shortest month of the year, with barely nine hours of daylight. You'll need to be organised and fit to get your hikes in. 

Advantages: There are completely empty trails, beautiful snowscapes and a good chance of seeing pumas as they come down from the mountains to hunt.

Things to consider: Accommodation choices are very limited, and you'll need to be flexible with your plans if the weather turns bad.

Weather: Temperatures are still hovering around freezing point with a strong chance of snow. Wind speeds are low.

Daylight: Days slowly begin to lengthen, with up to ten 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 both limited.

Weather: Snow is likely, and temperatures are unlikely to rise much above 45F (5C) 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, with nearly 11 hours as the month progresses.

Advantages: Beautiful snowscapes give a 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 plan ahead for your accommodation and travel. Be prepared for the cold weather and to change plans if the weather changes suddenly. 

Weather: Spring is on its way, but there's still a nip in the air. There are remnants of the winter snows, and temperatures can plummet at night. Be prepared for rain, snow, sun and wind.

Daylight: The days are starting to properly lengthen 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 hiking that haven't been trodden on for a whole season. The park is quiet and slowly 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.