Patagonia in April: Weather, Tips & Fewer Crowds
Autumn is at its peak in Patagonia in April, and the region's impressive landscape is enhanced by the season's fiery red leaves and amber slopes. The season also comes with cooler temperatures, rainfall, and windy conditions. Perhaps, more importantly, the tourist crowds begin to wane during this period, and the tour and accommodation prices also come down. A trip to Patagonia in April is ideal if you want to see highlights like Perito Moreno and Tierra del Fuego National Park without paying a fortune and jostling with crowds.
- Edward Nicholas Li
- From USA
PATAGONIA WEATHER IN APRIL
Although it is cooler than summer, April remains a great time to take advantage of Patagonia’s pleasant weather and cooler temperatures for outdoor adventure. Average temperatures range between 2° C to 14° C, and the daylight hours drop to about 11 hours during this time. Travelers must keep in mind that it may rain anytime, especially as you go further south. The southernmost regions like Ushuaia become quite chilly in April. So, it might be better to stick to the northern parts, if you do not feel at home in the winter weather.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Patagonia.
| Torres del Paine | Ushuaia | El Calafate | El Chalten | |
| Avg. high | 13°C | 10°C | 15°C | 17°C |
| Avg. low | 3°C | 1°C | 5°C | 7°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 65 | 45 | 40 |
WHY VISIT PATAGONIA APRIL
There are many upsides to visiting Patagonia in April. Here are some of them:
- Festival Nacional del Chocolate: The annual chocolate festival comes up in Bariloche during the Easter holidays. Locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy great-tasting chocolate bars and delicacies with the cracking of the massive chocolate and the display of the world’s largest chocolate bar being one of the major highlights.
- National Trout festival: This festival takes place in the first half of April and attracts lovers of fly fishing from all over the world. Anglers partake in fishing expeditions, competitions, and other fun activities during this festival.
- Lower cost: Autumn is Patagonia’s shoulder season, and it comes with the good news of lower prices on accommodation, tours, and flight tickets. The only exception is during the Easter holidays when locals and international tourists tend to travel more.
- Reduced crowds: The peak season surge often prevents tourists from enjoying a wholesome Patagonia experience. If you visit the region in April, you will not have to worry about tourist crowds.
Where to Go and What to Do
Argentina's Patagonia offers numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Plan a visit to the Torres del Paine National Park, where you can do the “W” trek and take in the roaring rivers, turquoise lakes, emerald forests, and massive glaciers. If you are visiting Patagonia in April, you are also more likely to encounter the park’s diverse wildlife as the animals tend to drift out more during autumn.
We recommend you take a trip to the Los Glaciares National Park which promises boundless adventure, and you will be wowed by the picturesque views, peaceful atmosphere, and vivid colors. Although the water will be getting cooler, the temperature is still suitable enough for kayaking in the Lake District and enjoying boat tours of the park. You can also tour the Perito Moreno and the park’s other amazing glaciers while the weather is still fine enough for some ice trekking.
Head to the Valdes Peninsula, where you will enjoy Argentina’s diverse marine life and see exotic species like sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and elephant seals. If you want some quality angling experience, April is a great time to hit the region’s fishing zones. Also, make time to explore the Chilean side of Patagonia on your trip to the region. There, you can enjoy multi-day hikes in the famous national parks. For some more thrills, proceed to Chile’s Lake District, where the weather is still fine enough to engage in whitewater rafting, skydiving, ziplining, and horseback riding.
What to Bring
Although most of your clothing should be suitable for cold weather, you should know that Patagonia's weather in April can change in a flash. So, we recommend layering your outfit so that you can always remove or add a clothing item to keep up with the weather conditions. If you plan to spend time in South Patagonia, do not forget to pack some rain-proof gear.
Patagonia in April is the last month when you can enjoy outdoor activities in the region. The rain has yet to fully descend, the temperatures are comfortable and the wind is also less vicious. Travelers can enjoy a peaceful camping experience and explore the region’s top attractions in relatively calm weather conditions in April.
For more ideas on what you can do on your trip to Patagonia in April, see our guide on things to do in Patagonia.
Other related articles:
Patagonia in March
Patagonia in May
