May in El Calafate averages 6°C (43°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night. Quite a bit of snow/rainfall is typical this month, with around 79 mm (3.1 in) on average. An umbrella is a good idea.
If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, May may not be the ideal month to visit El Calafate. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
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Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in El Calafate - and find the best time to visit.
45-year average (1977-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in El Calafate typically drop from around 9°C (48°F) at the start of May to approximately 5°C (41°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from -1°C (30°F) to 2°C (36°F).
Browse day-by-day weather records for El Calafate spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Based on 23 years of weather observations in El Calafate between 2003 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
Find out more about the weather in Argentina and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Argentina in May →
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in El Calafate in May. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full El Calafate climate overview or explore weather in Argentina.
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Córdoba
21°C (70°F) Buenos Aires20°C (68°F) Villa Carlos Paz19°C (66°F) Salta
18°C (64°F) Mendoza17°C (63°F) Mar del Plata17°C (63°F) San Carlos de Bariloche8°C (46°F) San Martín de los Andes
9°C (48°F) Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Glacier walk on The Perito Moreno glacier
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