Patagonia in June
Patagonia is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful corners of the globe. Situated in South America and split between its countries of Argentina and Chile, Patagonia’s landscapes are filled with outstanding natural beauty, from bewildering displays of flora and fauna to imposing mountains and colorful settlements.
Also home to basalt canyons and towering fjords, you’ll never be short of things to discover in Patagonia given the diverse nature of its landscapes. In fact, millions of visitors flock to experience what the region has to offer annually, and no matter the time of year that you visit you’re guaranteed a memorable time.
But, you may be asking yourself: what is the best time of year to visit Patagonia? We would answer that June is a fantastic month that hosts fewer tourists and is perfect to indulge in the region in the midst of its atmospheric winter season.
So, if you’re planning on visiting Patagonia in June, in this article we’ve delved into what you can expect from a trip to Patagonia at this time of year, with tips on what to do, where to go, and the events lined up over the month to make your trip truly magical.
Weather in Patagonia in June
Patagonia weather in June is when temperatures in the region begin to decrease as the month marks the beginning of the winter season in this part of the world. Therefore, you can expect much colder temperatures and higher rainfall in Patagonia in June, with average temperatures varying depending on which part of the region you’re visiting.
For example, in Ushuaia, one of the region’s biggest port cities, temperatures average at highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Whereas in the area of Torres del Paine, a famed national park in Chile, temperatures sit slightly higher at average highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C.
The winter season in Patagonia offers the largest amount of rainfall in the year, meaning that you’ll likely encounter a wet day during your visit to Patagonia in June. As an example, Torres del Paine sees 85mm of rainfall during the month of June, and Ushuaia sees roughly 90mm.
This does mean, however, that you’ll experience fewer crowds at this time of year as many visitors flock to the region from December to January, during the Austral summer, when days are longer and the weather is warmer.
Where to Go in Patagonia in June
Patagonia stretches across 260,000 square miles of Chile and Argentina, and so is home to a wide variety of landscapes and locations that are spectacular to visit during the month of June, in particular.
Visiting Patagonia in June means that you can make the most of all of the destinations that shine their brightest during the winter season, which you wouldn’t have the chance to experience during the more popular summer months. So, we’ve highlighted three of the best places to go to in Patagonia in June below:
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park is situated in Chile’s Patagonia region. It is famed for its glistening icebergs, soaring mountain ranges, and some of the most unique natural landmarks in the world.
Winter in June at Torres del Paine is particularly cool, with temperatures typically reaching 1°C and dropping to around -3°C. The national park is also quite windy at this time of the year, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed appropriately with winter gear should you be planning on venturing out to explore this spectacular natural landscape.
The park is open all year round, and some of its highlights which are best experienced in winter include the Cordillera del Paine, a prominent mountain group that forms the very centerpiece of the national park, and the Mirador Salto Grande, a breathtaking waterfall situated along the Paine River.
Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia is a resort town in Argentina that is one of the best places to go during your visit to Patagonia in June. It is situated at Argentina’s southernmost tip in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago and is the gateway for many adventures and researchers setting out on Antarctica expeditions.
One of the reasons why Ushuaia is so popular amongst tourists is because it is home to a plethora of wildlife watching and nature experiences. Surrounded by some of the most spectacular wilderness on the planet, you can easily visit local islands on day trips to see both penguin and sea lion colonies in their natural habitats.
Mantillo Island, for example, is only a short distance from Ushuaia in the Beagle Channel and is one of the best places to spot penguin species, including the Magellanic and Gentoo penguins.
Equally, Ushuaia is known for its winter sports opportunities, with a variety of ski resorts nearby that make the most of its snowy landscapes. June is one of the best months to visit Patagonia for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and Ushuaia isn’t a destination that you’ll want to miss when doing so.
Lake District, Chile
The Chilean Lake District is an area in the southern part of Chile that stretches 600 miles in length and is known for its dense forest, crystal lakes, and spectacular mountain landscapes.
Here, once-fearsome volcanoes meet tranquil lakes to form one of the most visually striking and peaceful areas of Patagonia. Centuries-old natural sights, such as ancient woodlands and towering mountain peaks, sit quietly in this landscape, offering a splendid environment for visitors to truly connect with Patagonian nature in peace.
But equally, the area has many thriving destinations to be enraptured by, including the town of Pucón, an adrenaline-fueling town that is known worldwide for being the center of adventure sports. And in contrast, the town of Puerto Varas, with its German-style architecture and captivating views towards the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes.
What to Do in Patagonia in June
When it comes to things to do in Patagonia in June, you’re spoilt for choices on ways to make the most of the winter season conditions at this time of year and the varied landscapes on offer. You’ll undoubtedly be keeping active whilst exploring the outdoors of Patagonia, with equal opportunities for fun, luxury, and unique experiences during your visit.
Below, we’ve revealed some of our recommended things to do when visiting Patagonia in June.
Go Whale Watching in Puerto Madryn
Whale watching in Puerto Madryn is a popular activity in the city, which is one of Patagonia’s most important coastal destinations.
May to December is the best time to visit the city to see whales, which includes the famed Southern right whale and the Orca whale. The most exceptional whale sighting is when the southern right whale propels itself above the water and crashes back down onto the surface, announcing its presence and putting on a memorable visual display for all to see.
Visitors will also be in with a chance of spotting other marine species which call the coastline of Puerto Madryn home. These include sea elephants and Commerson’s dolphins, both of which can actually be spotted all year round.
There are multiple boat tours in Patagonia in June that will take you out to see these incredible species, and it’s a bucket list activity that you should undoubtedly add to your list.
Try Out Unbeatable Winter Sports Activities
During the winter season, this is the best time to visit Patagonia for unbeatable winter sports activities. Skiing is an ever-popular activity within Argentina’s southern mountainous region and also Chile’s lake district at this time of the year. Many winter sports enthusiasts also visit the region to snowboard, go dog sledding, and practice their Nordic skiing skills.
Ushuaia is one of the most popular destinations for experiencing winter sports in Patagonia and has certainly developed a reputation for being one of the best to do so. There are ample ski resorts to choose from when staying in the city to make the most of the snowy winters that Patagonia has. And wherever you choose to stay, the scenery of towering snowcapped mountains and imposing glaciers, as well as white-blanketed beech forests are simply spectacular and will almost always be within your line of sight.
Other popular activities that travelers visiting any of Patagonia’s best winter sports destinations should try their hand at include ice skating on frozen lakes, snowy walks in woodlands, and snowmobile tours. Whether you’re traveling as a family, in a group of friends, with a partner, or alone, these destinations are perfect for all.
Uncover The Chiloé Archipelago
The Chiloé Archipelago lies off the coast of Chile in the region of Los Lagos. The star of the show in this group of islands is Chiloé Island, the archipelago’s main and most famous isle. For those wanting to explore what lies beyond mainland Patagonia, they can do so during a trip to Chiloé Island, which is considered to be an extension of the Northern Patagonia area of Chile.
Chiloé Island is the third largest island in the whole of South America and offers a truly extraordinary insight into island culture and history in the continent. Full of natural wonders and cultural beauty, there’s much to see and do on Chiloé.
The Palafitos, for example, are bright stilt houses that line the island’s waters and coastlines and are home to friendly locals. Other sights that the island is famed for include its wooden churches, known as the Churches of Chiloé, which have been placed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their unique wooden structure and the symbolism they have to the local Mestizo culture.
Events in Patagonia in June
If you decide to visit Patagonia in June, you’ll be in for a treat if you’re looking to experience some of the region’s best annual festivals and events. We’ve highlighted some of the biggest and brightest on offer in June below:
Winter Solstice Festival
The Winter Solstice Festival takes place on the 21st of June annually and is a big event to mark the calendars of those living in and visiting Patagonia. It celebrates the longest night in the world and takes place in the town of Ushuaia. The celebrations themselves last for three days, from the 20th of June until the 22nd, and thousands of tourists flock to the festival with local and national artists and can experience its spectacular display of fireworks over the Beagle Channel.
Patagonian New Year
In Patagonia, the new year happens in June. Also known as Wiñoy Tripantu, these celebrations occur annually amongst those indigenous to the Patagonia region on the 24th of the month. The Mapuche people are indigenous to Patagonia and they celebrate the return of the sun on New Year’s Day as this is around the shortest day of the year when days begin to get warmer and longer in the southern hemisphere. The day also symbolizes the start of the new sowing season and has much meaning to the local communities in the region.
Communities will gather and give offerings to the land, alongside telling stories, discussing the culture and its history, and gathering for breakfast together.
Festival de la Lluvia
Also known as the festival of rain, the Festival de la Lluvia takes place in Chile’s Lakes District. It typically takes place in early June when there are a number of events in Puerto Varas for visitors to take part in, including live music and a parade of decorated umbrellas. This is an event not to miss if you’ll be visiting Chile’s lake district in June time.
Summary
Visiting Patagonia in June is a wonderful time of the year to see this South American region in all of its wintery splendor. With some of the best wildlife around at this time of year, winter landscapes in their prime, and seasonal activities at their best, there are ample things to see and do to make the most of the region and form memories that will last a lifetime.
Needing assistance from a luxury travel expert to plan your next trip to Patagonia? Our team here at Craft Travel is knowledgeable in the region and has a range of tours and itineraries on offer to make your vacation unforgettable. See what tours we have on offer or contact a member of our team today to begin crafting your ideal Patagonian adventure.
