What clothes to wear to El Calafate does it vary by time?

Believe it or not, knowing what clothes to bring to El Calafate is necessary for the enjoyment of your holiday. Beyond allowing us to feel comfortable with the weather and temperatures of the time, a good dress guarantees a proper execution of the excursions. So, the best it’s to follow some recommendations. 

The first thing to consider: no matter the time, winter or summer, warm clothes are a must. Even on sunny, dry days you can find constant winds and cool weather that intensifies in the glacier area behind the humidity of the place; understanding that the cold coming from the ice it’s different from the one of the city. 

THE CLIMATE IN EL CALAFATE

To give you a more accurate reference to the weather in El Calafate, we will summarize it as follows: 

Summer in Calafate: the average temperature ranges between 18°C and 7°C. Months between December and March are sunny and dry, but they come with strong winds. Days are cool, nights cold and there is always a chance of rain. Check out summer holidays in El Calafate .

Winter in Calafate: the average temperature ranges between 5°C and -2°C. The weather becomes very cold in the months between June and August after the arrival of winds coming from Antarctica. Rains are scarce but snowfall is common. Check out winter holidays in El Calafate.

In a nutshell, the main variant when it comes to dressing in El Calafate is in the number of coats and, considering that weather conditions can change drastically in a day in Patagonia (moving from rainstorms to a blazing sun, icy winds or snowfall). It’s best to try the “onion style”, using several layers of clothing that you can take off or leave according to the stage (hotels, restaurants and transports are well heated).

RECOMMENDATIONS TO DRESS APTLY IN EL CALAFATE 

There is no doubt, the key is to wear clothes that give us the possibility to adapt to a different range of conditions and, of course, to be prepared for each activity with clothes: warm, waterproof, sweaters, T-shirts and boots. To be more precise, let’s take a look at some weather-based recommendations in El Calafate: 

Regardless of the time, for outdoor activities it’s necessary to wear warm clothes (preferably fleece), joggers, waterproof jackets, hats and gloves. If the walk or excursion you hired will take place in the next few ties of the glaciers or in the heights (in case of hiking), it’s important to make use of windbreakers.

If it’s footwear, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes just like any other trip. If you have planned the trekking practice, special shoes are advised for this hike. Leather-soled shoes and nautical or canvas shoes should be avoided. Medium or high cane boots, with thick rubber sole, are an excellent choice. 

Considering that the summer days are longer (17 hours of light) and the sun exposure is stronger, wearing a cap or hat it’s a necessity, and, of course, don’t forget about the sunscreen with UV filter of factor 30, even higher if possible. It is also recommended to use UV filter lenses, especially if you go to the glaciers.

   Among the warm recommendations for winter days, several layers of clothing are suggested to protect yourself from the cold, especially if you go to Los Glaciares National Park! Include several stockings too (socks).

Keep in mind that each layer of clothing plays a key role in extreme cold and snowy places. The first will take us away from the moisture that sweat causes on the skin (synthetic fibers are recommended for proper perspiration). The second isolates us from the cold and wind, achieving a stable body temperature (synthetic and light fibers are recommended since they do not hinder movement). The third protects and covers previous layers (waterproof, breathable and windbreaker garment).

If you think you don’t have the necessary clothing to fight the cold in the glaciers or to take some winter excursions, take it easy! In the city there are many shops that are dedicated to renting these garments, either for the practice of a particular trekking or just a campera. That way you can save yourself the investment of a purchase.

Likewise, if you hire the Minitrekking or Ice Skating tour on the Argentine frozen Lake, you will be provided with the necessary elements for these practices. As mentioned above, the important thing is to wear comfortable and as waterproof shoes as possible; in case you come up with a puddle of water on some icy road.

Speaking of cold, we take the opportunity to tell you that batteries are quickly consumed at low temperatures, from there it’s convenient to bring an extra for the mobile device that you will use for photos. We get it, it’s impossible to not capture all the natural wonders that “The Land of Glaciers” gives us!

Now that you have an important reference on what clothes to wear to El Calafate, it will be easier for you to prepare your suitcase. Remember that doing so in advance will prevent last-minute forgetfulness, even in the way back home. In that case, an alternative is to make a list of clothing and accessories to be always on track.

In case of doubt do not forget to whatsapp our travel specialists, they will provide you with all the advice you need around this topic and any other so that you plan your trip correctly, based on accommodations, itineraries, flights, transfers, excursions, walks and much more. There are itinerary options and travel packages for all preferences.

List your clothes and enjoy your trip to El Calafate, “La Tierra de los Glaciares”!