Climate

The climate here on the coast of the Patagonia is very changeable, but normally remains dry. In winter the temperatures frequently reach below zero, while summer provides the opportunity to enjoy the beach and the sun in blasting temperatures.

The average annual temperature is 13°C (55ºF) and varies between 6°C (43ºF) in July and 21°C (70ºC) in January.

The region, in itself, is arid with a considerably changeable climate. From a warm morning to a cold and starry night. From a quiet, fresh dawn to a sandstorm that can last up to a whole day.

Seasons

The seasons of the year are identified within the following dates:

• Summer: 21^st December – 20^th March
• Autumn: 21^st March – 20^th June
• Winter: 21^st June – 20^th September
• Spring: 21^st September – 20^th December

Summer (December-February)

In summer we use light summer clothing during the day since the temperatures can reach up to a maximum of 35ºC (95ºF) and at times jump to over 40ºC (104ºF). All the same, it is worth keeping a sweater or jacket on hand because in the evening the temperature freshens quickly down around 10ºC (50ºF).

Summer days can be very hot

Winter (June-September)

In winter, the temperatures can reach frighteningly low at times although it rarely snows, being on the coastline. The temperatures reach down to -10ºC (14ºF) during the night, and rise to 15ºC (59ºF) or more in the day. It has reached down to -17ºC (1ºF) during cold patches though.

It is very rare to see snow fall here in Puerto Madryn

Wind

There is a lot of wind here, and when the wind blows you will need warm clothes that are also windproof. This includes such things as a good jacket, solid shoes and warm socks, a scarf and a warm hat or beanie.

The wind blows at an average speed of 17 Km/h (10 m/h) with some days where there is no wind and others when it blows fiercely. The strongest winds can reach up to more than 90 Km/h (56 m/h) with the strongest recorded wind reaching 125 Km/h (78 m/h).

Humidity

The average annual humidity is 68% and does not change very much throughout the year, although it is generally more humid in winter and drier in summer. July reaches 77% humidity, while in January reaches around 59%.

Humidity in the window overnight

Rain

In the last 30 years we have received almost 36% more rain than previously. Even so, rain here is scarce both in summer and winter. A lot of the rain that falls comes as storms that pass over within a few hours. The average rainfall each year is in the region of 236mm (9,3in).

Rain in Port Madryn lasts a very short time

The Sun

The closer you get to the Antarctic polar circle, the less protection is offered by the ozone layer. This means that you feel the damaging effects of the sun more keenly. So be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen because the sun is a lot stronger than you realize.

Sunrise in Port Madryn

Puerto Madryn is located at 42° 46′ latitude south, 65° 02′ longitude west. Considering the difference in local time of -3 hours GMT, on the 21 of December, the beginning of summer, the sun rises at 5:38am and sets at 8:59pm. This gives the longest day more than 15 hours of light. The sun reaches its highest point at 1:18pm at an elevation from the horizon of 70° 40′.

On the shortest day of the year (21^st June), the sun rises at 8:51am and sets at 5:53pm, giving a little more than 9 short hours to the day. The sun rises at midday to only 23° 50′ above the horizon.

Sunset over Puerto Madryn city

Sea Temperatures

From May to October, the quiet waters of the sea reach an average of between 10 and 15ºC (50 and 59ºF). From November to April the same waters reach around 17 to 18°C (62 to 64ºF).

Enjoying the waters in Port Madryn

More Information

If you would like to know more about our climate, see the current weather or predictions, then the following sites may be of interest to you (a lot of this information was drawn from them):

• Full Services – Current weather
• Welcome Argentina – The Weather Today
• Enjoy Patagonia – Weather and when to go
• National Meteorological Service – Current weather conditions
• Overview of the weather.