Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the southernmost city before Antarctica, and boy are they proud of it! Set with a mountain range to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, the city is nestled …
Discover More
When to visit Tierra del Fuego: key information
- Spring arrives late in Tierra del Fuego, but hiking trails become accessible after the snows and the cruises to Cape Horn and the glaciers set sail
- Summer has up to 18 hours of daylight, the mildest temperatures and the strongest winds, and is the peak time for hiking in the mountains.
- Autumn can be perfect for outdoor adventures with a chance of early snow, while shortening days see the end of the cruise season
- Winter snows only allow a few hikes and 4WD drive adventures to remain on offer, while Ushuaia plays hosts to the southernmost ski resort in the world
Spring in Tierra del Fuego
- Spring comes late in Tierra del Fuego, though green shoots of the visitor season are will underway by October
- Winter snows remain on the peaks, but the spring thaw reopens the main hiking trails as the region reopens for adventure
- Penguins return from the sea to nest, signalling the start of the cruise season to Cape Horn and the glaciers
Weather: Temperatures settle between 37-52F (3–11C), with the thaw sometimes taking a while to arrive but well under way by mid-October.
Daylight: With 12-16 hours of daylight there are plenty of opportunities for long days exploring.
Advantages: The start of the season is a quiet time in Tierra del Fuego, though Ushuaia starts to get busy in November with the start of the Antarctic cruising season.
Things to consider: Spring can still be pretty chilly, especially at night and with the windchill, so ensure you bring plenty of layers.
Tierra del Fuego in spring
Summer in Tierra del Fuego
- The long days of December and January are the optimum time for exploring Tierra del Fuego
- Ushuaia buzzes with adventure travellers and tourists heading to and from Antarctica
- The domestic adventure cruise season is in full swing, with tours to the region's glaciers, remote penguin colonies and Cape Horn
Weather: Temperatures can get up to 57F (14C) from a low of around 41F (5C). Summer winds can still carry an edge, but on a calm day it can be pleasantly warm.
Daylight: Long summer days in Tierra del Fuego mean up to 18 hours of daylight in mid-December.
Advantages: This is the peak time for outdoor adventure, with long days to explore by land and sea, and even the remotest hiking trails accessible.
Things to consider: While Tierra del Fuego National Park can sometimes feel crowded, everywhere else outside Ushuaia feels like having all of nature to yourself.
Tierra del Fuego in summer
Autumn in Tierra del Fuego
- Fall colours and rich sunsets make this a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures
- April brings the increased chance of early snows, so be prepared for flexibility when it comes to itineraries
- By late March, Tierra del Fuego's penguins head to sea for the winter and the cruises to Cape Horn and the glaciers wind down for the season
Weather: Average temperatures hover between 28-45F (-2-7C), but conditions can sometimes be unpredictable. Autumn is short in Tierra del Fuego, with winter following quickly.
Daylight: With around 10 hours of daylight, the days are shortening, but with some wonderful sunrises and sunsets in compensation. shorter.
Advantages: Most outdoor adventurers have departed, leaving a quiet pause before the winter sports season.
Things to consider: Towards the end of the autumn, any tourism services wind down early for the season.
Tierra del Fuego in autumn
Winter in Tierra del Fuego
- Short days and long winter nights see Tierra del Fuego's adventure travel contract to just a small number of hikes and 4WD explorations in the snow
- Brazilian's flock to Ushuaia to hit the piste at the world's southernmost ski resort
- Ushuaia's port rests during the off-season, with no arriving or departing cruise ships
Weather: Temperatures frequently drop below freezing, reaching a maximum of 48F (9C). Heavy snowfalls are very common.
Daylight: In the middle of winter, expect just eight hours of daylight.
Advantages: Enjoying the slopes of the southernmost ski resort in the world – or planning your trip for a more accessible time of year
Things to consider: Only a few days hikes near Ushuaia remain accessible due to snow, but most hotels stay open thanks to the winter ski season.
Tierra del Fuego in winter
Explore more of Tierra del Fuego
What to do in Tierra del Fuego
Exposure to the fierce elements has left this rugged, untamed wilderness a haven for adventurers. Forge your own trails on the southernmost trek in the world, cruise past icy …
Discover More
Cape Horn
Cape Horn marks the very end of the world as we know it - the next stop is the alien, polar world of the Antarctic. The Cape is the most rugged part of the windswept lands of …
Discover More
Puerto Williams & Navarino Island
Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel is Chile’s own end of the world, full of wild mountains and bays waiting to be explored from the town of Puerto Williams.
Discover MoreSwoop. Your adventure story.
The Patagonia experts
We are guides, guardians, and travellers with over 400,000 hours of lived experience in Patagonia.
Any adventure, so long as it’s yours
From a world of options, we’ll help you discover your perfect trip.
B Corp certified
We care deeply about protecting Patagonia, that’s why 1% of our revenue goes to conservation.
With you at every step
Our dedicated support throughout will make sure you have the experience of a lifetime.
Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
1-888-970-4571