Best time of the year to visit Torres del Paine and hike the “W” Trail in Chile
Many people wonder when is the best time of year to visit the Torres del Paine National Park and do the W Trail Circuit. Each season of the year has its unique advantages that make it unique, the most important thing is to be prepared. Since each season has its own distinct benefits, your trip to Patagonia can be customized for the mid-season or high season to make it your own personalized South American adventure.
Summer is Peak Season
(January to March)
The quintessential season that tourists choose to visit Torres del Paine.Summer has the longest days and the warmest temperatures and it is the most popular time of the year to visit Patagonia. Summer in Patagonia is known for its often windy conditions. For most part of the year, you can expect winds with a speed of about 15 - 20 km/h (9 - 13 mph). In the summer months however, winds pick up and they can even reach speeds of about 120 km/h (74 mph).
Quiet Trails During Fall
(From March to May)
Autumn brings surprising color transformations and a silence of fewer travelers. This time of the year has quieter trails with outstanding photography opportunities of snow-capped mountains.
Winter is the least popular
(From June to September)
The winter in Patagonia can be brutal and is the quietest time for tourism with many places closing up shop. During the months of June, July, August the average temperature ranges from the temperatures ranges from low 40s Fahrenheit to low 20's (6°C to -1°C) and again much lower during the night. You will experience snow, rain and plenty of icy conditions.
People can trek the W circuit but only with a local guide. It is not allowed to do this circuit on your own.
Spring: is another Popular Time of the year to visit Torres del Paine
(Late September to mid-December)
Spring is another popular time of year to travel to Patagonia. Patagonian spring brings beautiful wild flowers and milder winds. The trails are generally a little quieter, and whilst the temperatures can be a little lower, the photography opportunities are endless, as the winter snows hang around into spring on the high peaks.
Keep in mind that despite what you read on the internet or even our recommendations, no one can guarantee what the weather will be like in Patagonia. You can travel in summer and have cold days. Therefore, it is essential to travel prepared and with the necessary equipment. In this way, you will enjoy Patagonia at any time of the year that you decide to travel.
When is the best time of the year to trek the W Trek ?
The W Trek is open to trekkers year round, while the O Circuit is only open in the summertime. A good time to hike the W trek is from September to April and for the O Circuit, November to March is best.
The busiest time in the park is from November to February.
It’s common to experience what feels like all four seasons in one day in Patagonia, so make sure you are prepared. Torres del Paine is infamous for its high winds which are present in all four seasons. On average, the warmest month is January and the coldest month is July. The driest month is November while the wettest month is May.
The weather in Patagonia is famously unpredictable, making it all the more important to have the right gear. For this reason we include our packing list so that you are well prepared for your journey to Torres del Paine!
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