El Calafate, Argentina: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to El Calafate, Argentina? If you're planning to go to El Calafate, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to El Calafate
- Important essentials for El Calafate
- Activities for El Calafate
- El Calafate in January: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in February: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in March: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in April: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in May: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in June: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in July: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in August: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in September: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in October: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in November: weather and what to pack
- El Calafate in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to El Calafate, Argentina
Based on the climate and weather in El Calafate, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for El Calafate, Argentina
Here are some general tips on what to wear in El Calafate, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Airplane or car necessities
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in El Calafate. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one works in most countries, but check with your hotel.
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For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for El Calafate, Argentina by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you visit El Calafate during January, you are likely to find that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
February
If you go to El Calafate in February, you will notice that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
March
March in El Calafate is crisp and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Pants or jeans
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Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
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Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
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100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
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Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
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Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
April
April in El Calafate is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
May
May in El Calafate is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to El Calafate, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
June
June in El Calafate is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting El Calafate, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
July
July for El Calafate can be brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting El Calafate, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
August
August in El Calafate can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to El Calafate, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
September
September in El Calafate is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting El Calafate, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
October
October in El Calafate is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
November
If you visit El Calafate during November, you may notice that it is chilly and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Activities for El Calafate, Argentina
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for El Calafate.
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