Ushuaia is situated in the southern region of Patagonia, nestled behind the Andes mountain range and along the shores of the legendary Beagle Channel. As the southernmost city in the world, it serves as an ideal gateway for numerous cruises to Cape Horn and Antarctica. However, the weather in Ushuaia varies depending on the month, given its location, which is characterized by cold temperatures that are moderated by the ocean.
How is the climate in Ushuaia?
Ushuaia experiences cold weather in winter (June to September), with average temperatures ranging from -1.4°C to 5.6°C. The months of June and July are the most humid with an average relative humidity of 82%. It snows during these months, with an average of 8 days of snow in June and 7 days of snow in July. The winter season is ideal for skiing activities.
During the summer months (January to March), Ushuaia experiences a moderate summer climate, with average temperatures ranging from 3.9°C to 13.9°C. The days are long, with an average of 16.5 hours of daylight in January. The humidity is around 75%, and the city experiences 39mm of accumulated precipitation on average during January.
In the autumn season (April to June), Ushuaia experiences cold temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from 0.1°C to 9.6°C in April and 0.1°C to 6.5°C in May. The city experiences rainfall of around 56.1mm during April and around 40mm in May. Snow is rare in April but more common in May, with an average of 5 days of snow during the month.
It is important to note that Ushuaia is known for its unpredictable and rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the year, and travelers should be prepared for all types of weather during their visit.
Temperatures in Ushuaia
The temperature in Ushuaia varies depending on the season. In the summer months from December to February, the average temperature ranges from 6°C (43°F) to 13.9°C (55°F). However, during this time, temperatures can occasionally reach up to 20°C (68°F) on the warmest days. In the winter months from June to August, the average temperature is between -1°C to -2°C (30°F) and 5°C (41°F). It is worth noting that temperatures can drop below -10°C (14°F) on the coldest days.
Overall, Ushuaia has a cold, subpolar oceanic climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year, which makes it a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Patagonia.
What about rains? Check the information below
Rains in Ushuaia: is Ushuaia a rainy place?
Well, Ushuaia receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The wettest months are typically from December to March with an average of 14 rainy days per month during this period. Tje rest of the year has an average of 11-12 rainy days per month on average. However, Ushuaia always can experience some rainfall, so it’s always a good idea to come prepared with waterproof clothing.
Snow season in Ushuaia
The snow season in Ushuaia typically lasts from June to September, although it can vary slightly depending on the year. During this time, the city is covered in a thick layer of snow, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The average snowfall in Ushuaia is around 1 meter (3.3 feet) per year, with the heaviest snowfall usually occurring in July and August. Temperatures during the snow season can range from -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F), but can feel colder due to the wind chill factor. It’s important to dress warmly and in layers if you plan to visit Ushuaia during the snow season.
Daylight and Sunshine in Ushuaia
Another important point is the daylight and sunshine. And it´s important due the outdoors activities that can be done during your visit. The amount of daylight and sunshine in Ushuaia varies significantly throughout the year due to its southern latitude and proximity to the Antarctic Circle.
During the summer months of December to February, Ushuaia experiences very long daylight hours, with up to 17 hours of daylight per day. This is due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis and the fact that Ushuaia is located closer to the South Pole during this time. These long days provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
During the winter months of June to August, Ushuaia experiences very short daylight hours, with as little as 7 hours of daylight per day. This is due to the same reasons as during the summer months. Additionally, Ushuaia experiences less sunshine during the winter months, with mostly cloudy and overcast days. However, the snow-covered landscape can be very beautiful during this time, and winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
During the transitional months of spring and fall, Ushuaia experiences more moderate daylight hours, with around 10-12 hours of daylight per day. These seasons can be a good time to visit for those who want to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter.
So, with all this information, what´s the best time to visit Ushuaia?
What´s the best time to visit Ushuaia?
Well, I’m tempted to say that summer is the best time to visit Ushuaia. But, to be honest, the best time to visit Ushuaia depends on what activities you plan to do and what kind of weather you prefer.
If you are interested in winter sports for example, such as skiing or snowboarding, the best time to visit Ushuaia is during the snow season, which usually runs from June to September.
On the other hand, if you are interested in hiking or outdoor activities, the best time to visit is during the summer months, from December to February. During this time, the weather is milder and there is more daylight.
If you are interested in wildlife and want to see penguins, whales or seals, the best time to visit is from October to April when the animals are more active and visible.
Ushuaia can be visited year-round, but it’s important to plan according to your interests and what you want to do while you’re there.