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Climate

The 16th-century English navigator and adventurer Thomas Cavendish had little positive to say for the Patagonian climate, describing it (or more specifically, the conditions he encountered in the Straits of Magellan) as ‘vile and filthy foul weather’. This is a little harsh, however, for while it is true there can be plenty of wind and rain in this part of the world, the climate isn’t always that grim. In Torres del Paine national park, days are long during the summer, and the weather can be wonderful, with some of the most magnificent cloud formations. You just need to come prepared for, well, foul weather.

Lone Ñirre (Nothofagus antarctica) and low cloud, near Mirador Cuernos (Walk 3)

Daytime temperatures in January/February (that is, summer in the southern hemisphere) in Torres del Paine average around 11°C, although it can vary enormously from around 24°C to just above freezing, and at night will feel much cooler. Precipitation levels also vary, generally increasing further west, and nearer the South Patagonian Ice Field.