El Chaltén in December
In December, El Chaltén averages 13°C (56°F) during the day and 6°C (42°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (190 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in El Chaltén. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in El Chaltén
December is one of the warmest months in El Chaltén (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (9°C). December runs 2°C warmer than November (11°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (14°C).
December sunrise & sunset in El Chaltén
Times shown for El Chaltén 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 Chaltén — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in El Chaltén's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — El Chaltén 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 Chaltén's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in El Chaltén
El Chaltén 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 Chaltén
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 Chaltén in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 44°F | 156 mm | 18 | — |
| February | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 139 mm | 15 | — |
| March | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 42°F | 210 mm | 18 | — |
| April | 10°C / 49°F | 3°C / 37°F | 199 mm | 17 | — |
| May | 7°C / 44°F | 1°C / 34°F | 175 mm | 16 | — |
| June | 4°C / 38°F | -2°C / 29°F | 150 mm | 16 | — |
| July | 3°C / 37°F | -3°C / 27°F | 163 mm | 18 | — |
| August | 4°C / 40°F | -1°C / 29°F | 178 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C / 31°F | 133 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 9°C / 48°F | 2°C / 35°F | 135 mm | 16 | — |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | 4°C / 39°F | 167 mm | 16 | — |
| December | 13°C / 56°F | 6°C / 42°F | 190 mm | 18 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for El Chaltén in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is El Chaltén in December?
In December, El Chaltén averages a high of 13°C (56°F) and a low of 6°C (42°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in El Chaltén in December?
December is quite rainy in El Chaltén, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit El Chaltén?
December is cool but on the rainy side. 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 Chaltén in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for El Chaltén for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.