The Best Time to Climb Aconcagua
Since it doesn’t call for any special training or equipment, Aconcagua, the tallest peak in South America, has become one of the most famous mountains in the world.
The country is located in Argentina and experiences the southern hemisphere’s typical summer/fall and winter/spring transitions (December–January and June–July, respectively).
Choosing a time to Aconcagua Guided Climb that works with the rest of your schedule is crucial. Seasonal differences in crowds and permit costs are expected; nonetheless, the most critical aspect to consider when planning a climb is the weather and how to make it as safe and pleasurable as possible.
The specific weather conditions you’ll encounter on your journey to Aconcagua will vary from route to route, but this guide will give you an idea of what to expect from the region overall.
The Change of The Seasons on Aconcagua
The official climbing season for Aconcagua is from late November to late February, which corresponds to the austral summer.
Each season of the year has its distinct character:
- The off-season runs from February 21 to November 15.
- The low season is from November 15 to November 30.
- Mid-season is from December 1 to 14 and from January 1 to February 1.
- The high season runs from December 15 to January 31.
Although the mountain is technically accessible year-round, climbers should avoid attempting the peak when the weather is poor and local resources are scarce. Temperature is usually constant but cooler than in the middle and high seasons, and the mountain is much less crowded.
Climbing Aconcagua in the middle of the climbing season is ideal since the weather is still favorable, but there are fewer people on the trails. Eighty percent of climbers visit Aconcagua during the high season when the weather is best.
In addition to the better and more consistent weather, there are several other reasons to climb during the busy season.
Climbing during the peak season increases the likelihood that all logistical essentials, including mules, porters, supplies, and permits, will be readily available.
However, the above will be more expensive, and there is always the chance that you may fill the facilities, so it is preferable to pre-book if possible.
If you can’t go during the peak season, the shoulder season is an excellent alternative because the weather is usually good then, too, and fewer people are on the trails.
Aconcagua Hike is constantly freezing because it is 4,000 feet higher than any other summit in the Andes and is only 80 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
Wind speeds of over 50 miles per hour and temperatures well below freezing happen often on the peak. The weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict, so it’s essential to stay aware and consult local predictions whenever possible.
Conclusion
Always remember the risk of altitude sickness, even when climbing in ideal conditions, and take the necessary precautions to avoid it. Take it slow to acclimate your body to the higher altitudes, and adopt the ‘climb high, sleep low’ strategy to keep yourself in peak shape for the entire trek.
You can have a pleasant time on one of the world’s most stunning mountains so long as visitors remember to bring enough water and stick to the established trails.
