The Patagonian Wind
The Wind — Patagonia's Invisible Ruler
Anyone traveling to Patagonia must be prepared for wind — and not just any wind, but wind that can literally knock you over. The Patagonian wind is legendary, unpredictable, and relentless: Gusts of 80–120 km/h are normal, 150 km/h is not uncommon, and on extreme days, 200 km/h has been recorded.
The wind is created by the westerly wind zone (Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties): Antarctic air masses encounter no land obstacle at the 50th parallel (there is none between Patagonia and New Zealand!) and accelerate until they hit the Andes. The result: A constant, strong westerly wind that is strongest in the summer afternoons.
How to Deal with the Wind
- Hiking: Start in the morning (the wind increases in the afternoon). Trekking poles provide additional stability. In extreme gusts: Stand with legs apart, carry the backpack low, do not lean against the wind (if it subsides, you'll fall!)
- Camping: Pitch the tent in the lee (rocks, trees). Storm lines and pegs are mandatory. Do not leave anything unsecured outside — the wind will carry everything away
- Clothing: WINDPROOF jacket is more important than waterproof. The wind chill factor can lower the perceived temperature by 15–20°C
- Driving: On Ruta 9 to Torres del Paine, side wind gusts can catch the car. Hold the steering wheel firmly, reduce speed
- Photography: A tripod is hardly usable in the wind. Turn on image stabilization, accept high ISO values, choose fast shutter speeds
Wind Statistics Torres del Paine
| Month | Average Wind (km/h) | Gusts up to (km/h) | Hikeability |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 25–35 | 80 | ⭐⭐⭐ (cool, but often clear) |
| November | 30–40 | 100 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (shoulder season, good!) |
| December | 35–50 | 120 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high season begins) |
| January | 35–50 | 120 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (best chances, but crowded) |
| February | 30–45 | 100 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (diminishing wind) |
| March | 25–35 | 80 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (autumn colors, calmer) |