Río Gallegos Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Río Gallegos.
Climate overview of Río Gallegos
Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina, sees big temperature differences between seasons, with January peaking at 20°C (68°F) and June dropping to 7°C (45°F).
Rain/snowfall is modest, totalling around 397 mm (16 in) annually. The city experiences a distinct dry season from March to November, with pleasant summers and cold winters. December tends to be the wettest month. October is the sunniest month, averaging 5.5 hours of sunshine per day.
Río Gallegos Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Río Gallegos - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Río Gallegos
Visitors to Río Gallegos can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 20°C (68°F) in January, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 7°C (45°F) during cooler months like June.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) in January to around -1°C (30°F) during June.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Río Gallegos
Río Gallegos's climate is marked by below-average rain/snowfall, accumulating 397 mm (16 in) of precipitation yearly. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. In the wettest month, December it receives moderate rainfall, averaging 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation, recorded across 9 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month July brings less snow/rainfall, with 23 mm (0.9 in) over 7 snowy/rainy days. For more details, please visit our Río Gallegos Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Río Gallegos
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Río Gallegos. While October receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 5.5 hours, July marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 2.8 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Water Temperature in Río Gallegos
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 4°C (39°F) in July to 10°C (50°F) in January.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Río Gallegos by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Río Gallegos.
The city experiences its highest humidity in June, reaching 80%. In January, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 52%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Río Gallegos
The mean wind speed varies between 5 m/s (10 knots) and 9 m/s (17 knots) throughout the year. It is lowest in May and July and highest during November and December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Río Gallegos
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: January
- Warmest weather: January, February and December
- Most sunshine: October
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct dry season from March to November, with pleasant summers and cold winters
- Coldest conditions: June, with freezing nights around -1°C (30°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Río Gallegos
What is the best time to visit Río Gallegos?
January typically offers the most optimal weather in Río Gallegos. In contrast, May, June, July and August tend to have less optimal conditions. Río Gallegos has a distinct dry season from March to November, with pleasant summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Río Gallegos?
Daytime highs range from 7°C (45°F) in June to 20°C (68°F) in January. Nighttime lows range from -1°C (30°F) to 8°C (46°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Río Gallegos get?
Annual rainfall is around 397 mm (16 in). December is the wettest month with 53 mm (2.1 in), while July is the driest with 23 mm (0.9 in).
How sunny is Río Gallegos?
Río Gallegos receives around 1,465 hours of sunshine per year. October is the sunniest month with 166 hours, while July is the cloudiest with just 85 hours.
Río Gallegos 3-Day Forecast
Río Gallegos 3-Day Forecast
Río Gallegos on the map
Río Gallegos is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in July - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Córdoba
18°C (64°F) Salta
17°C (63°F) Buenos Aires16°C (61°F) Villa Carlos Paz16°C (61°F) Mendoza14°C (57°F) Mar del Plata13°C (55°F) San Carlos de Bariloche
4°C (39°F) San Martín de los Andes4°C (39°F) 
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The 10 most alternative cities in South America
Discover South America's top 10 alternative cities! From Valparaíso's vibrant streets to La Paz's high-altitude charm and Medellín's innovative spirit.
Be amazed by Buenos Aires
The city of beautiful museums, cute streets, green parks, lots of good food, interesting local neighborhoods and impressive historical buildings.
Explore Patagonia
A tour through Patagonia brings you to the end of the world. That’s why Patagonia is a bucket list destination for many. We recommend to visit Patagonia from November to early March.
Glacier walk on The Perito Moreno glacier
The Perito Moreno glacier and the rupture of this glacier is considered one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world. You can wait here until a large piece of ice crumbles and plunges into the water with a lot of noise.