Patagonia in June: The Arrival of Winter

June is the beginning of the winter season in Patagonia. Temperatures start to plummet during this time. Towards the southern tip of Ushuaia, there is an increase in rainfall and the mercury could dip as low as -1°C. Further north in Puerto Madryn and Puerto Montt, visitors can expect slightly warmer weather at around 10°C. If you are planning to visit Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine, be prepared for chilly weather, snow, or rain.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit in Patagonia.

	Torres del Paine	Ushuaia	El Calafate	El Chalten
Avg. high	7°C	4°C	9°C	11°C
Avg. low	-2°C	-4°C	0°C	1°C
Rainfall (mm)	85	90	70	65

With crowds thinning out in Patagonia in June, this is a great time to enjoy and explore its iconic landscapes. Here are a few reasons why you should travel to Patagonia in June:

• Winter sports: If you love skiing, June is one of the best times to visit Patagonia. Head to Ushuaia, which is the ultimate skiing destination, while destinations like the Lake District in Chile also offer a wide variety of winter sports.
• Festivals: Fiesta de la Noche Mas Larga is celebrated in Ushuaia with ten days of shows and music. The Patagonian New Year is also celebrated in June with ancient traditions. The Lake District in Chile celebrates Festival de la Lluvia with free events, live music, and a parade.
• Fewer tourists: Winter marks the end of the tourist season in Patagonia. This means the region’s most visited attractions will be virtually empty, all yours to explore. Enjoy the stunning vistas of Los Glaciers or Torres del Paine at your own pace.
• Affordable rates: With fewer tourists around, Patagonia in June is much more affordable compared to the summer months. The prices of hotels and attractions are lower during this time.

As June is the beginning of the winter season in Patagonia, skiing is one of the top attractions in the region. Plan a trip to Ushuaia, which is considered a winter paradise, and offers dog sledding, downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and many other activities. The southern mountain range of Argentina and explore the Lake District in Chile which are also very popular with skiers.

The Beagle Channel is also worth a day trip if you enjoy sailing. While Patagonia's weather in June might not be ideal for many outdoor activities, it is a good time to go whale watching on your trip to Puerto Madryn.

To enjoy the beauty of the culture and history of Patagonia, head to the Welsh settlements of Trelew and Gaiman. The Unesco World Heritage Site of Chiloe is also a good place to explore the stunning architecture of sixteenth-century churches.

With the start of winter, the weather in Patagonia in June can be windy, frosty, and quite unpredictable. Be prepared with the right outdoor gear and plenty of layers to deal with unexpected snow and rain. Depending on where you are planning to visit and what activities you have planned, it is best to pack a few essentials such as a waterproof jacket, fleece or down jacket, fleece pants, thermal underwear, and waterproof hiking boots. Pack woolen socks, wool hats, and ski gloves if you plan to ski. A first aid kit, sunscreen, toiletries, sunglasses, and adaptors will also be needed during the trip.

Although traveling to Patagonia in June can seem intimidating due to the cold temperatures and deserted streets, there are still a ton of things you can do here. There is always something to do in Patagonia around the year, from skiing to whale watching and from admiring the foliage in Torres del Paine to enjoying the rich culture and history of the region. And if you are visiting the region in June, you will benefit from low accommodation and travel rates, as well as low tourist crowds in the region’s popular destinations.

For more ideas on what you can do on your trip to Patagonia in June, see our guide on the things to do in Patagonia.

Other related articles:
Patagonia in May
Patagonia in July