Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Northern hemisphere dweller confused with climates.... Northern hemisphere dweller confused with climates....
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Northern hemisphere dweller confused with climates....
Hi all,

I have a job starting in Chile that runs from March until early August... I want to take a motorbike and visit the Andes, i.e northern Chile/Argentina, Bolivar and Peru.

If I could afford it, I would then head south through Argentina, making my way down to Patagonia and then back north to Santiago, aiming at Nov/Dec.

So what can I expect the weather in the Andes to be like August/September/November? Is this a good time to do some motorcycle touring/camping etc?

Many thanks!!!

RTW
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Dec 2013
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
August is still Winter in far Southern area. (Ushuaia/Punta Arenas)

But if you start your tour from Chile (Santiago?) and head North (or EAST, across the Andes to Argentina), you'll be fine ... you may encounter rain, but not a total freeze out except in very high mountains in Bolivia/Peru'. Cent. Argentina is nice then, nicer weather on Eastern side of Andes at that time.

By late September/November the far South warms up beautifully. So start North in August and loop around, going South after. Lots of ground to cover, but plenty of options to alter route to follow good weather.

By December Northern Argentina can get very warm. (around Salta) Even Buenos Aires gets hot in their "Summer" (November to March). Santiago does not get very hot ... ever. Nor does the South of Chile. Think coastal Northern California.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Dec 2013
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
Not true. The Andes will be cold no matter where you cross in August. In Bolivia, Peru, northern Chile and Argentina chances are good it'll be dry cold, but the cold at elevation can get brutal after sunset. In the central Chile/Argentina Andes, snow is normal--there are ski resorts along the divide. The paved road between Santiago and Mendoza is plowed and usually clear, but you need to watch the storms and be aware of melt-freeze black ice on both sides of the pass.

The far south does not "warm up beautifully" by September/November. The far south does not ever warm up beautifully. However, by November it's often not freezing cold or blowing sleet and snow sideways at you. Except, of course, when it is (usually very limited in extent and duration).

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Snow and gale-force winds are possible any time of the year (we had both in the last few days in Ushuaia) in mountains and lower latitudes, so for particular areas and roads you really need to go by current and forecast conditions rather than historical averages.
In the months you are asking about, especially August, there will be snow all over the high country and some passes and border posts will be closed. Most campgrounds and tourist stuff will also be closed. On the salt lake in Bolivia you can expect below freezing and strong winds
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
I'm sure I read somewhere that winter is generally preferable in the Andes because there is less rain, and so the roads are in better condition, despite it being colder.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Round the World - Northern Hemisphere only - starting in May 2013 Landerstow Travellers Seeking Travellers 4 5 Sep 2012 08:21

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top