El Calafate in August
In August, El Calafate averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (60 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
August in El Calafate is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How August compares to the rest of the year in El Calafate
August is one of the coolest months in El Calafate (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (10°C). August runs 1°C warmer than July (3°C) and warms a further 3°C into September (7°C).
August sunrise & sunset in El Calafate
Times shown for El Calafate local time (America/Argentina/Rio_Gallegos), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in El Calafate — August
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in El Calafate's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — El Calafate in August
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (Off-peak) and El Calafate's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — August in El Calafate
This is off-peak for El Calafate — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — August in El Calafate
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — El Calafate in August
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
El Calafate in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 43 mm | 10 | — |
| February | 17°C / 62°F | 10°C / 49°F | 49 mm | 9 | — |
| March | 14°C / 56°F | 8°C / 46°F | 60 mm | 12 | — |
| April | 10°C / 51°F | 5°C / 41°F | 64 mm | 10 | — |
| May | 7°C / 44°F | 2°C / 36°F | 50 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 31°F | 46 mm | 9 | — |
| July | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 29°F | 47 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 60 mm | 12 | — |
| September | 7°C / 44°F | 1°C / 33°F | 44 mm | 8 | — |
| October | 10°C / 49°F | 3°C / 38°F | 44 mm | 8 | — |
| November | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 42°F | 47 mm | 10 | — |
| December | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 47°F | 51 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar August weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for El Calafate in August →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is El Calafate in August?
In August, El Calafate averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in El Calafate in August?
August can be fairly wet in El Calafate, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is August a good time to visit El Calafate?
August is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for El Calafate in August?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for El Calafate for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.