With its stretching mountain regions and diverse natural environments, Patagonia is an awe-inspiring and once-in-a-lifetime destination for many travelers around the globe.

Spread across Argentina and Chile in the south of Latin America, the region is a haven for wildlife and unique landscapes that are truly unlike anything else on the planet. But, many who are tempted to uncover the raw beauty of this region struggle with determining the best time to go to Patagonia, with little knowledge of its changing climate and what each month has to offer visitors.

And, whilst many travelers may find the summertime to be a more appealing season to head on their vacations, visiting Patagonia in winter is truly a wondrous experience in which you can gain a fresh perspective of its best areas and attractions.

Given that the region is in the southern hemisphere, from late April until mid-September, Patagonia experiences its winter. And, of all these months, July is a fantastic time to delve into the region and uncover its hidden gems and world-renowned destinations.

So for all those planning on exploring Patagonia on their next adventure, we’ve written this article on Patagonia in July, with the best places to visit and things to do, as well as what you can expect from the climate at this time of the year so that you can make the most of your trip.

Weather in Patagonia in July

Visiting Patagonia in July will mean that you are faced with the wettest and coldest month of the year. However, this shouldn’t put you off, as even though temperatures are milder and rainfall is more common the magnificence of this bountiful region makes up for the less pleasant weather conditions.

Equally, if you’re already committed to visiting Patagonia in winter, in the grand scheme of things there are minimal differences in temperature and rainfall during this season. So, regardless of what month you visit in winter, this is the norm.

Patagonia weather in July typically sees average highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C, but this does vary depending on where in the region you’ll be visiting. For example, Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, sees average high temperatures of 3°C and average lows of -6°C. In comparison, Torres del Paine, the famed national park of the region, sees warmer temperatures, with average highs of 6°C and average lows of -3°C.

So, despite the slight variations in temperatures, the climate in Patagonia in July is much cooler and you should, therefore, be prepared for these conditions with cold-weather gear and equipment. This is especially important if you plan on participating in any of the winter sports activities the region is famous for at this time of year.

Where to Go in Patagonia in July

July is when Patagonia’s landscapes take on a new form. With snowcapped mountains and towering glaciers dominating its vistas, there are so many spectacular destinations to discover that are depicted in their best light during winter in Patagonia.

We’ve listed a few of our favorite destinations that are some of the best places to visit in Patagonia in July that you shouldn’t neglect to stop by.

Bariloche, Argentina

Bariloche lies close to Chile’s border with Argentina on the southeastern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It is in the Andean lakes region, connected to Chile by the Cardenal Antonio Samoré Pass. Bariloche is considered to be Patagonia’s most charming town, nestled in this mountainous region with breathtaking views over the neighboring glacial lake.

The town has had much Western influence in its time which has led it to now have a particular European charm, with the Swiss, Austrians, and Germans all having settled here within the 20th century. Wooden chalets and European architecture, therefore, are heavily embedded throughout the town.

And Bariloche is simply thriving during the winter months in Patagonia, as it is known best for being the home of world-class winter sports opportunities in the region. Catedral Alta Patagonia is Argentina’s largest ski resort which is local to Bariloche and ideal for winter sports enthusiasts hoping to spend time in the snowcapped mountains of Patagonia in July.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

Open year-round, Los Glaciares National Park is one of Patagonia’s most mesmerizing natural landscapes which attracts visitors from far and wide to its borders. Having received a UNESCO World Heritage status, this shows that the national park is home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes that are unlike anywhere else in the world.

Spread across 2,806 square miles in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina, the national park is home to subantarctic forests, glaciers, and a section of the Southern Patagonian Icefield. For outdoors and adventure lovers, it is your ultimate playground in winter, when the snow-covered landscapes are in their prime at the height of this season. Glacial walking, kayaking, cruises by boat, and other activities are all more than possible during a visit to this part of Patagonia in July and make more excellent things to do whilst here.

Peninsula Valdes, Argentina

Known worldwide for its unrivaled wildlife spotting opportunities and rich marine life, Peninsula Valdes is located in Argentina’s Province of Chubut in the Atlantic Ocean. The peninsula stretches 360,000 hectares, and its sheer size has meant that it has become the comfortable home of many marine species and diverse wildlife over thousands of years.

Peninsula Valdes is one of the world’s most globally significant sights for the conservation of marine mammals. Endangered species rely on the area for breeding, such as the Southern right whales as well as other populations including Southern sea lions and Elephant seals, to name but a few.

Between June and December is also prime whale watching season in the area, with the Southern right whale approaching the coasts to finish its reproductive cycle. Whale watching is possible by boat off the coast of the peninsula or on its shores, and is a real sight to behold that shouldn’t be missed if you’re planning on visiting Patagonia in July.

What to Do in Patagonia in July

Winter in Patagonia is a magical season filled with endless opportunities for those who crave outdoor adventure experiences. You’ll be in your element if this sounds enticing to you, and we’ve highlighted some of the most spectacular opportunities that will leave you with lasting memories of this region and the splendid winter climate of Patagonia.

Explore El Chalten, And Hike Nearby

A remote village in the heart of Glaciares National Park, El Chalten is a wondrous place to explore during your visit to Patagonia in July. The village is the national capital of trekking in Argentina, meaning that you have ample opportunities to connect with the varied natural environments of Patagonia on foot whilst here and experience the winter fauna.

This is why the village is very popular amongst locals in South America and visitors from further afield, as its hiking opportunities are unrivaled in this part of the globe. So, anyone who is adventurous at heart will feel like they’re at home in the beautiful part of Patagonia, with winter being one of the most atmospheric times of year to embark on a hike here.

With the crisp white snow blanketing landscapes and icy glaciers glistening in the daylight, winter in this part of Patagonia can be best experienced in El Chaltan along its neighboring hikes and trekking trails.

As you explore el Chalten, you’ll discover many other activities that the village is best known for such as horseback riding, which is a popular activity to soak in the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia on a trusty local steed.

Visit The Andean Lakes Crossing

For those looking to bridge the gap between Patagonia’s two countries, Argentina and Chile, you can best do this by visiting the Andean Lakes Crossing. Here, the Andes Mountain Range, which runs along the two countries acting as their natural border, is found with its majestic Andean Lakes that offer the crossing point between the two countries.

Home to tranquil lakes, stunning glaciers, and towering mountains, visitors hoping to experience the beauty of the Andean Lakes Crossing can do so on boat tours that weave through the waters at the foot of the mountains. The route normally begins in Bariloche in Argentina and stretches to Puerto Varas in Chile.

On this lake crossing adventure, you’ll experience Najuel Huapi Lake, Lago Frias, Lake Todos los Santos, and Lake Llanquihue. During your lake hopping trip, you’ll spot spectacular volcanoes, enter beautiful national parks, and view towering clifftops to gain a new perspective of Patagonia from its waters.

Trek Glacier Perito Moreno in Glaciares National Park

Situated in the heart of Glaciares National Park, Glacier Perito Moreno is open year-round and can be perceived in its best light during winter. This is when the glacier has a breathtaking blue color with a backdrop of snowy mountaintops, making for a picture-perfect view of the landscape.

Trekking in Glaciares National Park is common due to its plethora of natural wonders, but Glacier Perito Moreno is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular natural landmarks that you have to get up close to during your visit here. Especially as, in winter in Patagonia, there are fewer tourists and so it’s almost as if you’ll have the glacier to yourself at this time of year.

You can hike across this spectacular glacier, and often visitors combine this with backpacking in Torres del Paine, another famed national park, for the ultimate adventure experience.

Events in Patagonia in July

If you’ve set your heart on visiting Patagonia in July, there are a variety of thrilling cultural events and festivals that take place across the country at this time of year, which we’ve outlined below:

Snow Festival, Bariloche, Argentina

The National Snow Festival is an annual event that takes place from June to August every year in Bariloche, Argentina. The event has taken place since 1970 and is one of the most highly anticipated winter festivals on the calendar for those living in Bariloche and wider Argentina.

Traditional activities that visitors can anticipate at this unrivaled South American winter festival include a waiters race, spectacular fireworks displays, and the torch down the hill event.

National Nordic Ski and Biathlon Festival, Ushuaia

The National Nordic Ski and Biathlon Festival takes place annually in Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego during July. It’s a festival that is perfect for the whole family, and groups of friends, to enjoy skiing in the spectacular scenery of Ushuaia.

The event takes place on flat lands, therefore, it is much safer than other ski environments and it means that a variety of skiers and snowboarders of a range of proficiencies can get involved.

Carnaval de Invierno, Punta Arenas, Chile

Celebrated over two days in the city of Punta Arenas in Patagonia in July, the Carnaval de Invierno, which translates to ‘winter carnival’ is a much-loved event. It includes firework displays at the end of the Strait of Magellan, dancing, music, and other events which are fun for all age groups.

Summary

When considering when to visit Patagonia, it’s without question that the winter season is filled with immense opportunities and experiences that will offer memories to last a lifetime. From cruising through glacial lakes to trekking on glaciers themselves, there’s a multitude of adventure activities and wintery destinations to explore that will leave you with a lasting impression of Patagonia.

If you’re wanting to get started with planning your dream trip to Patagonia, and would benefit from the expertise of luxury travel advisors, our team here at Craft Travel is on hand to help you. We pride ourselves on creating the ultimate holiday for our clients, with a selection of fantastic itineraries already available for you to choose from and inspire your next adventure.

Well, what are you waiting for? Learn more about our Patagonia tours or contact a member of our team now.