The climate of Puerto Natales
Located in the southernmost region of
Chile,
Puerto Natales, owing to its geographical position, exhibits the Cfc — Marine west coast, cool summer climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Across the year, it features mild temperatures fluctuating from a comfortable 20°C (68°F) during the warmest month of the year, down to a chilly -3°C (26.6°F) during the depth of winter. Observations show that Puerto Natales receives rainfall throughout the year, ranging in volume from a relatively high 39mm (1.54") in autumn months, through to a drier 8mm (0.31") in summer.
Variations are noticeable as seasons shift, particularly in humidity levels which climb to a high 84% during the winter months then slightly decrease to around 73% in the late spring. The length of daylight hours follows a similar pattern, extending from a short 7.9 hours in winter up to a longer 16.6 hours during the summer season. Equally remarkable are the fluctuations in sunshine hours. The annual pattern shows a decrease from 8 hours in summer to a low of 3 hours in winter. The UV index also varies significantly throughout the year.
Among the unique features of the weather in Puerto Natales, is the occurrence of snowfall from late autumn to early spring which are accompanied by a drop in temperature below 0°C (32°F). The duration of daylight is another distinctive trait, with daylight hours that span more than half the day in summer months, juxtaposed with shorter days in winter.
The best time to visit Puerto Natales
Tourist influx in
Puerto Natales peaks during the summer months from
December to
February, predominantly owing to the gentle weather with average temperatures hovering between 14°C (57.2°F) and 20°C (68°F) and rainfalla spare 8mm (0.31") to12mm (0.47"). The length of daylight during these months averages at about 15.2 hours per day which provides tourists ample time to explore the plethora of natural wonders Puerto Natales has to offer. Also, the UV index at this time is 8 that makes it the sunniest period of the year in Puerto Natales.
The worst time to visit Puerto Natales
The period from
June to
August, the Chilean winter, could be deemed as the least inviting to visit
Puerto Natales. During these months, the average temperature bottoms out to around -3°C (26.6°F), coupled with elevated humidity levels, reaching up to 84%. The short daylight hours of 7.9 on average further limit the scope for outdoor activities. During this time, the city also experiences snowfall for around five days in a month which might prove to be a deterrent for some travelers.
Spring weather in Puerto Natales
Spring (
September to
November) brings a noticeable transformation in the weather of
Puerto Natales. Temperatures climb up from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F) in September and reach 17°C (62.6°F) by November. Rainfall starts to decrease from 21mm (0.83") in September to 17mm (0.67") by November. Days start to lengthen, with an average of 13.7 daylight hours in November, and sunshine hours increase to 6.
Summer weather in Puerto Natales
With summer (
December to
February), the temperature in
Puerto Natales peaks, fluctuating between 14°C (57.2°F) and 20°C (68°F). This season also experiences the lowest volume of rainfall, between 8mm (0.31") to 12mm (0.47"), and the longest daylight hours extending up to 16.6 hours. The UV index reaches its zenith extending to 8 in these months which is the highest throughout the year.
Autumn weather in Puerto Natales
Autumn (
March to
May) witnesses a gradual fall in temperature from 17°C (62.6°F) in March to 5°C (41°F) by May. The city experiences an increase in rainfall at this time, with precipitation levels spiraling from 25mm (0.98") to 39mm (1.54"). Daylight hours gradually decrease, measuring 12.4 hours in March to 8.8 hours by May while the UV index lowers to 4.
Winter weather in Puerto Natales
Winter months (
June to
August) experience the lowest temperatures of the year ranging from -3°C (26.6°F) to 5°C (41°F), along with increased levels of humidity, reaching up to 84%. Rainfall varies between 33mm (1.3") to 32mm (1.26"), and the city witnesses around five days of snowfall every month. Winter also brings the shortest daylight hours, measuring as low as 7.9, that brings a stark contrast to the protracted daylight hours in the summer months.
Weather in January
Kickstarting the year,
Puerto Natales experiences moderate temperatures, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The transition from
December offers a slight cool-down, with temperatures falling from 18°C (64.4°F) to 20°C (68°F). The region usually experiences five days of rainfall with a total precipitation of 8mm (0.31").
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather in
Puerto Natales sees a slight decrease in temperature during
February. Nevertheless, this month remains comfortable and in harmony with the summer season. Relative humidity remains steady, similar to the previous month at 74%.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks a turning point in
Puerto Natales weather, an initiation towards chillier days. The temperatures begin to fall, a change that nature enthusiasts and occasional tourists must take into consideration. Some attention is drawn to the 21mm (0.83") precipitation over six days, a significant increase from
February's 12mm (0.47").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The arrival of
April signals the onset of autumn. Chiller than preceding months, the slight nip is evident in the air. April sees a peak in rainfall, with the precipitation levels soaring to 39mm (1.54"). Residents of
Puerto Natales adapt to the cooler temperatures, emphasizing indoor activities.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The town of
Puerto Natales presents a distinct charm during
May. This month's distinguishing trait is the further drop in temperature hinting towards the imminent winter. An increase in rainfall to 37mm (1.46") over nine days gives way to the first snowfall.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces
Puerto Natales to the crisp winter temperatures. Signaling the subtle shift from
May, the town adapts to the change in its colorful palette to a more monochromatic one. Cold conditions trigger snowfall, spanning three days in June, enhancing the city's charm.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather provides
Puerto Natales with severe shifts in temperature, reflecting the heart of Chilean winter. The drop in temperature is not isolated, accompanied by five days of snowfall. Maintaining a steady amount of rainfall from
June at 32mm (1.26"), July's characteristic feature is its consistency.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The setting of
August anticipates a gradual ascension in temperature signaling the future transition into spring. Remaining consistent with
July, August's cold persists, yet the touch of snowfall reduces significantly. The rainfall also decreases to 24mm (0.94"), setting the scene for a less intense weather pattern.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September announces the beginning of spring in
Puerto Natales, with noticeable changes in the weather. Following the tough winter, the residents welcome the rise in temperatures, appreciating the modest warmth. Keeping in trend with the past few weeks, rainfall again registers a decrease to 17mm (0.67") throughout the month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Puerto Natales'
October stages the advance of spring, thereby painting a vibrant atmosphere all around. With the passage from
September, temperatures continue to climb, creating a refreshing mood. The daylight hours increase further, allowing residents to enjoy a more extensive outdoor span.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather in
November transforms
Puerto Natales as it advances towards the height of spring. There is a gradual but noticeable increase in temperature yet again from the previous cooler months. The city receives a rise in rainfall to 25mm (0.98"), spreading it out over four days of the month.
Weather in November »Weather in December