Situated in the southern hemisphere, below the equator, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego have seasons that are opposite to those in Europe: spring begins in September and the warmest period lasts until March. Since our tours go to the extreme south, towards the Antarctic and South Pole, the best period for travelling by motorbike is from November until March/April.
But how can the climate vary in these enormous territories?
Our clients have a widespread idea that Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are very cold regions, but in reality it is not so: the climatic conditions of these regions are extremely variable, not only from one year to another but from one week to another, as they are affected by the ocean currents and the winds. Obviously, since in our tour we are going down towards the Antarctic Circle, the temperature at the end of the journey will be much harsher than it was at the beginning.
Generally speaking the temperature is around 30 degrees at the start of the journey, with a pleasant climate similar to that of a European summer. Once we enter the Carretera Austral, along the oceanic fiords, it can drop to 18 degrees, in the typical microclimate of the coast, with humidity and rain. Anyone who travels on a motorbike knows well that the wind and rain are felt with greater intensity and speed intensifies the feeling of cold. When we return to the Argentian steppes, with the range of the Andes between us and the sea, it can be cold, but only because of the Patagonian wind, which is very strong in the summer. The climate is typically that of warm summer, but there are summers in which there is hail and light snowfall.
One of the features that makes Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego so fascinating is indeed the unpredictability of the climate: the continual challenge of a climate that is always changing, even several times in the same day, makes this motorbike journey of great interest and inspires the depth of emotions that this land can offer.
From 30 degrees at the start, once we arrive at Tierra del Fuego, if the season is harsh, it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop to 5 degrees, at least in the early hours of the morning. We organize our tours at the best period, but the climate of these lands is always a guarantee of the fascination of the unforeseen.
We suggest that anyone travelling with us provide themselves with technical four-season clothing, but in any case before the start we send the tour participants a Pdf with all the useful information about the climatic aspects of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, together with practical advice on choosing clothing and a precise idea of what to expect in the course of the journey.
