When to visit Torres del Paine: key information

  • Spring brings blooming wildflowers and quiet trails as the hiking routes reopen for the new season
  • Summer has up to 18 hours of daylight and the warmest temperatures – along with the busiest trails and strongest winds
  • Autumn is perfect for photography and views, with intense colours on the trees and thinner numbers of hikers
  • Winter sees fewer accommodation options open, but the joy of an empty park for those wanting to hike in the snow

When to go to Torres del Paine

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What our travellers think of Torres del Paine through the seasons

If you can go in the off season, I would highly recommend that to avoid the crowds. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

David Simonic - USA

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:

Spring in Torres del Paine

  • See Torres del Paine's first green shoots and blossom of spring, framed against still-snowy mountain peaks
  • Trails reopen after winter closures, so you set out along paths that haven't seen footfall in months
  •  The park is still quiet before the busy season, so you can immerse yourself in the wilderness and contemplate the views on the trail.
  • Low season rates make Torres del Paine a more budget friendly destination
  • Spot migrating birds as they return, and pumas hunting at dawn and dusk, before they retreat to the mountains when the crowds return for high season

October

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: November is the shoulder season, so hotel rates will be lower.The park is relatively quiet so you can 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.

Two hikers near the Towers in Torres del Paine

October in Torres del Paine

November

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:  With the season starting to get into full swing there are more wildflowers in bloom and more ways to 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.

Hikers at the base of the towers in Torres del Paine

November in Torres del Paine

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Isidora says

Spring was always my favourite time to guide in Torres del Paine. The flowers are starting to open, the birds are returning home and the trails are still beautifully quiet. The park feels like it has just been reborn.

Isidora Cruz Customer Experience Coordinator

Summer in Torres del Paine

  • The best time of year for fine weather, with warm summer sunshine and fresh Patagonian winds
  • Long summer days give the advantage of hiking long into the evening
  • Bustling refugios bring the camaraderies of shared stories from the trail with fellow adventurers
  • High season brings high demand with busy W Treks and O Circuits and accommodation booking out far in advance, from campsites to luxury lodges
  • Torres del Paine buzzes with adventure activities from kayaking to horse riding and mountain biking to fly fishing

December

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 (see our guide on when to book your Patagonia trip for more). 

Hiker in the Zapata Valley in Torres del Paine

December in Torres del Paine

January

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.

Hikers looking over a lake to the Paine Massif

January in Torres del Paine

February

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.

Summer hiking past the Cuernos in Torres del Paine

February in Torres del Paine

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Felipe says

Summer is definitely the time to head away from the crowds in Torres del Paine. With the main trails so busy, I prefer to explore some of the park's less visited corners: even after years of working as a guide, I still find new places to discover.

Felipe Cruzat Patagonia Sales Consultant

Autumn in Torres del Paine

  • As high season winds down, trails become quieter, and accommodation becomes more readily available
  • Long sunrises and sunsets paint the sky pink and orange
  • Autumn brings truly spectacular colours of the leaves, making this a great season for photographers.
  • Patagonia's famous wind starts to subside, bringing generally clearer calmer skies (though you'll still need to be prepared for sudden gusts)
  • There is mild and mostly fine weather, with days shortening and temperatures cooling as the season progresses. 

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 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.

French Valley in Torres del Paine in autumn

March in Torres del Paine

April

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: By late April some transport and accommodation becomes reduced. If you're doing the W Trek or the O Circuit Trek you'll need to plan your overnight stops carefully in advance.

Autumn colours of trees in Torres del Paine

April in Torres del Paine

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Nicolas says

Who couldn't love Torres del Paine late in the season? You get to swap crowded trails and strong winds for quiet hikes and incredible sunsets – sometimes the whole park can seem like it's on fire with the reds and golds of the autumn leaves.

Nicolas Sorhaburu Patagonia Sales Consultant

Winter in Torres del Paine

  • Torres del Paine is almost completely empty, with only a few fellow adventurers to share the trails
  • The W Trek and O Circuit remain open, but other trails are closed by snow
  • Pumas descend from the mountains to hunt – look for their golden fur against the snowy background
  • Many adventure sports still run, although there is limited choice of where to explore
  • Accommodation and transport options are more limited, so require more advance planning

May

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.

Winter picnic overlooking Glacier Grey

May in Torres del Paine

June

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.

Hikers at the Cuerno in winter

June in Torres del Paine

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Lauren says

Two hours into the French Valley hike in winter, we stopped looking to see if there were other groups of walkers in the snow. There simply weren't any – it felt like Torres del Paine was our own private park.

Lauren Valenzuela Patagonia Sales Consultant

July

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.

Torres del Paine snowy landscape

July in Torres del Paine

August

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. 

Refugo Chileno in winter snow

August in Torres del Paine

September

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.

Horse riding in Torres del Paine in winter

September in Torres del Paine

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