El Calafate Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit El Calafate.
Climate overview of El Calafate
El Calafate Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in El Calafate — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in El Calafate
The climate in El Calafate is known for significant temperature differences throughout the year, making the weather dynamic. Average daytime temperatures reach a moderate 16°C (61°F) in January. In July, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 3°C (37°F).
At night, temperatures range from around 5°C (41°F) in January to -4°C (25°F) in July.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in El Calafate
Generally, El Calafate receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 858 mm (34 in) annually. Despite minor fluctuations, El Calafate enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In April, you can expect around 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation, while in September, El Calafate receives about 59 mm (2.3 in). For more details, please visit our El Calafate Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
Sunshine Hours in El Calafate
El Calafate can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of December under a blue sky, with approximately 8.6 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in June, with only 3.2 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Humidity in El Calafate by Month
The relative humidity is moderate throughout the year in El Calafate.
The city experiences its highest humidity in July, reaching 77%. In January, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 47%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit El Calafate
Frequently asked questions about the climate in El Calafate
What is the best time to visit El Calafate?
January, February and December typically offer the most optimal weather in El Calafate. In contrast, April, May, June, July, August, September and October tend to have less optimal conditions.
What temperatures can I expect in El Calafate?
Daytime highs range from 3°C (37°F) in July to 16°C (61°F) in January. Nighttime lows range from -4°C (25°F) to 5°C (41°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does El Calafate get?
Annual rainfall is around 858 mm (34 in). April is the wettest month with 88 mm (3.5 in), while September is the driest with 59 mm (2.3 in).
How sunny is El Calafate?
El Calafate receives around 2,156 hours of sunshine per year. December is the sunniest month with 257 hours, while June is the cloudiest with just 97 hours. Overall, El Calafate enjoys abundant sunshine.
El Calafate 3-Day Forecast
El Calafate 3-Day Forecast
El Calafate on the map
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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.