El Calafate in February

In February, El Calafate averages 17°C (62°F) during the day and 10°C (49°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (49 mm total).

High season

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

February 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.).

17°C
Avg high
10°C
Avg low
9
Rain days
49 mm
Rainfall

How February compares to the rest of the year in El Calafate

1st
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in February
14 h 17 min
daylight on the 15th

February is one of the warmest months in El Calafate (1st of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C above the annual average (10°C). February runs 1°C warmer than January (16°C) and cools 3°C in March (14°C).

February sunrise & sunset in El Calafate

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:54 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
9:11 PM
Day length
14 h 17 min

Times shown for El Calafate local time (America/Argentina/Rio_Gallegos), calculated for the 15th of February. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in El Calafate — February

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of February, in El Calafate's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:54 AM – 6:34 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:34 AM – 7:34 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:31 PM – 9:31 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:31 PM – 10:11 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near El Calafate.

📅 When to book — El Calafate in February

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 February's tier (High season) and El Calafate's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — February in El Calafate

High season

This is a busy month in El Calafate — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Southern Hemisphere summer holidays

Sun & mosquito risk — February in El Calafate

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9.7
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 February weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for El Calafate in February →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is El Calafate in February?

In February, El Calafate averages a high of 17°C (62°F) and a low of 10°C (49°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in El Calafate in February?

February sees occasional rain in El Calafate, with about 9 rainy days on average.

Is February a good time to visit El Calafate?

February is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for El Calafate in February?

Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full February packing list for El Calafate for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open El Calafate on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.