Best month to elope in Patagonia

The best month to elope in Patagonia is really going to depend on a couple factors. Right away, I can tell you my favorite months to be in Patagonia are late November to December, and mid-March to early April. Here is the breakdown on conditions from season to season, month to month.

SEASON OVERVIEW:

December through March:

the warmest weather and longest days, but crowded and most expensive

March through April:

fall foliage, quieter than summer and relatively stable weather patterns

October through November:

spring flowers (lupins!), melting glaciers and few tourists

🌞 December to February (peak season) SUMMER

Best for

✅ Classic hikes; W & O treks are fully open and operation

✅ Warmest weather

✅ Extremely long days (16-17 hours)

Trade offs

❌ Weather can be unpredictable

❌ Strong winds, which can be up to 120km/h (75mp), often closing trails

❌ Surge prices for tours, rentals, and hotels are at their highest

Average temperatures and weather

6°C – 18°C (43°F – 64°F) with mixes of rain and sun. Strong winds are very common and can literally knock you over (ask me how I know). Extreme changes in weather can happen in a matter of minutes.

Accessibility

As it is the peak season, all trails, tour operations and other services are available. Horseback riding and kayaking are popular activities! For warm weather and tours, this is the best month to elope in Patagonia.

Recommended planning window

Book campsites and hotels 6-9 months in advance. Things sell out very quickly for summer, especially reservations for campsites along the W&O treks. You’ll want to start hikes before dawn to avoid crowds. For example, on my way back down from Mirador Las Torres, there was a line of people, from the towers to the very start, marching up, one by one. It was the most crowded hiking trail I have ever seen. By getting out before dawn, we were able to avoid the worst of it.

🍂 March to May (shoulder season) AUTUMN

Best for

✅ Fewer crowds

✅ Vibrant fall foliage (March)

✅ Calmer winds and more stable weather

Trade offs

❌ Shorter days

❌ Nights can drop below freezing (down to -5°C / 23°F at higher elevations)

❌ Many services start to shut down for the season

Average temperatures and weather

2°C – 15°C (36°F – 59°F) with far less wind than summer. Nights can be chilly, and snow and ice on higher summits becomes possible as the season progresses.

Accessibility

The W circuit stays open during this time, but by late April, the full O circuit is closed. By May, many huts and campsites shut down entirely. Personally, I think March is the best month to elope in Patagonia when you balance all factors!

❄️ June to August (slow season) WINTER

Best for

✅ Solitude

✅ Snowy landscapes

✅ Budget friendly

Worst for

❌ Harsh and extremely cold weather

❌ O trek closed

❌ W trek only accessible by hiring a certified guide

❌ Limited services with most huts and campsites closed

Average temperatures and weather

-5°C – 8°C (23°F – 46°F) with snow and unpredictable storms. The weather is very extreme, and downright dangerous for those unprepared with crampons, heavy layers and experience with cold.

Accessibility

Things are very limited. You will need a certified guide to access the W trek. Generally, this is the worst time to elope in Patagonia.

🌱 September to November — SPRING

Best for

✅ Wildflower blooms, such as lupins, peak in November to early December along lakes and rivers

✅ Wildlife viewing for guanacos and pumas

✅ Fewer tourists and crowds

Trade offs

❌ Strong winds return

❌ Unpredictable weather

❌ Muddy trails due to snowmelt

Average temperatures and weather

2°C – 16°C (36°F – 61°F) with mixes of sunshine and sudden rain. Be prepared for a bit of everything, including the possibility of snow in early September.

Accessibility

In late September, the W circuit reopens, and the full O circuit is open by November. Other services and campsites gradually open up as well. If you want wildflowers, late November is a great month to elope in Patagonia.

Where to stay during an elopement in Torres del Paine

Options for accommodation range from rustic camping to 5 star resort spas with all inclusive, world class dining and tours. You can spend $2,500 a night (Salto Chico) or $70 a night. It’s all preference!

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Hotel Salto Chico

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Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa – view booking platform

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Hotel Las Torres – view booking platform

Pampa Lodge – view booking platform

Hotel Lago Grey – view booking platform

EcoCamp Patagonia – view booking platform

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Camping Lago Pehoe

Looking for a photographer to capture your Patagonia elopement?

Hey, my name is Mariah and I’m glad you’re here! I’m an American adventure elopement photographer based in Europe. I spent a month traveling Patagonia to understand the entire area — and it’s risks — so you have someone to lean on while planning.

I’m an experienced backpacker and mountain athlete. I’m trained in emergency wilderness medicine, first aid and rescue. I also speak native English, fluent German, and intermediate Spanish. I have hiked many of the trails you’ll be interested in seeing during your visit to Patagonia, and would love to tell you more about them.

If you want to know more about my photography packages for Patagonia elopements, contact me below: