Marek Kučera 
June 28th, 2025 – El Calafate, Argentina — The popular Patagonian tourist town of El Calafate recorded a biting -13.0°C this week, coming within just 3.6°C of its all-time June temperature record, in one of the coldest spells of the year so far in southern Argentina.
Nestled on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, El Calafate is no stranger to frigid winters. But this recent plunge stands out, marking one of the coldest June mornings in recent decades. The town, a gateway to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, woke under a layer of frost as strong polar air masses swept across the region.
🌬️A Sign of the South’s Winter Power
The temperature of -13.0°C highlights the intense Antarctic influence and clear sky radiational cooling over Patagonia, where conditions are ideal for such sharp nocturnal temperature drops.
Although the all-time June low remains unbroken, this latest cold snap:
- Comes less than 4°C from the June record
- Ranks among the coldest June days in the past 10+ years
- Reflects a broader trend of cold intensification in the southern Andes this month
🌎Argentina’s Winter Kicks In
Across much of southern Argentina and Chile, June 2025 has brought a series of polar outbreaks, reinforcing winter’s grip on the region. While northern provinces remain relatively mild, Patagonia has seen repeated sub-zero events—impacting rural life, livestock management, and tourism logistics.
El Calafate’s deep freeze is likely to be followed by:
- Continued below-average temperatures
- Possible frost warnings for nearby valleys
- A surge in heating demand as winter tightens its hold
This cold surge serves as another reminder that while global climate patterns grow more erratic, traditional cold zones are still capable of delivering fierce winter events. For locals and visitors alike, this week in El Calafate was a clear and chilly taste of Patagonia’s wild winter heart.
Illustration picture. Source: https://www.dreamingspanish.com/articles/the-ultimate-guide-to-el-calafate-everything-you-need-to-know
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Calafate
