You've probably seen the photos of Torres del Paine. Those jagged granite peaks piercing a clear blue sky, reflecting perfectly in a turquoise lake. It looks like a postcard. But honestly, if you're planning a trip, the weather in Puerto Natales Chile is going to be the main character of your story, and it’s not always a friendly one.
Puerto Natales is the gateway to the park, but it’s also a place where you can experience all four seasons before you've even finished your morning coffee. I'm not exaggerating. One minute you’re peeling off a fleece because the sun is actually quite strong—thanks to that thin ozone layer down south—and ten minutes later, a horizontal rain is trying to find the one weak spot in your expensive Gore-Tex jacket.
The Wind is the Real Boss
If you ask a local about the weather in Puerto Natales Chile, they won't start with the temperature. They’ll talk about the wind. Specifically, the "Escoba de Dios" or God’s Broom.
In November, which is technically the windiest month, gusts can easily scream past 32 mph. I’ve seen hikers literally blown off their feet on the trails. It’s a dry, relentless westerly wind that shapes the very trees into "flag trees," leaning permanently to the east as if they're trying to escape the coast. Right now, in mid-January 2026, we’re seeing steady winds of 14-15 mph, but don't let those "average" numbers fool you. It's the gusts that catch you off guard.
When the wind picks up, the temperature feels ten degrees colder than what your phone says. It’s why you’ll see people in town wearing beanies and down vests while the thermometer reads a "comfortable" 56°F.
Why January Isn't Just "Summer"
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, it’s about 57°F. That’s a standard summer high here. It’s mostly cloudy, and we’re expecting some light rain tonight. If you’re coming from the Northern Hemisphere, you might think "summer" means shorts and t-shirts.
Basically, don't do that.
January is the hottest month, but "hot" in Patagonia means an average high of 60°F. You’ve got long daylight hours—sunset isn’t until nearly 10:00 PM right now—which gives you a ton of time to explore, but the UV index hits 4 or 5 regularly. Even with the clouds, you will get fried if you don't wear sunscreen. The air is incredibly clear, which is great for your photos but brutal on your skin.
What to Expect Month by Month
Most people aim for the "high season" between October and March.
- October & November: This is spring. It’s unpredictable. You get the wildflowers and the baby guanacos, but you also get the most aggressive winds.
- December & January: Peak crowds and peak daylight. Expect highs around 60°F and lows near 49°F. It’s the best time for the "O" or "W" treks because the mountain passes are usually clear of heavy snow.
- March & April: Autumn is, in my opinion, the most beautiful. The lenga trees turn a deep, fiery red. The wind actually starts to die down a bit, though it gets much colder at night.
- May to September: This is the "closed" season for many, but not all. Winter is cold. We’re talking highs of 41°F and lows that hover right around freezing. If you want to see the peaks covered in snow and don't mind hiring a guide (which is often mandatory in winter for safety), it’s incredibly peaceful. Just know that a lot of restaurants in Natales take a break during these months.
The Layering System: A Survival Guide
You’ve heard it before, but for the weather in Puerto Natales Chile, it’s a religion. You need three layers, minimum.
First, a moisture-wicking base layer. No cotton. Seriously. If you sweat while hiking and then stop for a snack, that wet cotton will turn into an ice pack against your skin.
Second, an insulating mid-layer. A fleece or a "puffy" down jacket is perfect.
Third, the shell. It has to be windproof and waterproof. A simple "water-resistant" windbreaker will be soaked through in twenty minutes during a Patagonian squall.
I’ve seen people regret wearing fleece-lined hiking pants. They’re great for the first twenty minutes, but as soon as the sun comes out or you start a steep ascent like the "Base de las Torres" climb, you’ll overheat. Better to wear standard hiking pants and carry a pair of lightweight thermal leggings in your pack.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
Check the "Windguru" or "Windy" apps instead of just a generic weather app. They’re much more accurate for this specific geography because they account for the way the mountains funnel the air.
Plan for rain every single day. Even if the forecast says 10% chance—like it does for today—that 10% usually happens right when you’re at the furthest point from shelter.
Pack a "buff" or neck gaiter. It protects your face from the wind-driven grit and keeps your neck warm without the bulk of a scarf.
Buy your gear before you get here. While there are plenty of outdoor shops in Puerto Natales, the prices are significantly higher than in the US or Europe due to import taxes.
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Respect the park rangers. If they close a trail because of high winds, don't try to sneak past. They’ve seen what the weather in Puerto Natales Chile can do to an unprepared hiker, and it isn't pretty.
Lock your car doors and hold onto them when opening. Seriously, the wind has been known to catch a car door and bend the hinges backward. It’s a classic Patagonia "welcome" that you definitely want to avoid.