El Calafate in December
In December, El Calafate averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 8°C (47°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (51 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December 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 December compares to the rest of the year in El Calafate
December is one of the warmest months in El Calafate (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (10°C). December runs 2°C warmer than November (13°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (16°C).
December sunrise & sunset in El Calafate
Times shown for El Calafate local time (America/Argentina/Rio_Gallegos), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in El Calafate — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in El Calafate's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — El Calafate in December
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 December's tier (Shoulder) and El Calafate's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in El Calafate
El Calafate is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — December 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.
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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for El Calafate in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is El Calafate in December?
In December, El Calafate averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 8°C (47°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in El Calafate in December?
December can be fairly wet in El Calafate, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit El Calafate?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for El Calafate in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for El Calafate for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.