Ushuaia is the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It sits on the northern shore of the Beagle Channel, between the sea and the Martial Mountains, at 54.8° south. It has about 80,000 residents (2022 census) and was founded on October 12, 1884.
It is the base for exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, sailing the Beagle Channel to the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, seeing penguins on Martillo Island and, in winter, skiing at Cerro Castor. It is also the main gateway to Antarctica: over 90% of Antarctic tourism ships operate from its port, about 1,000 km from the Antarctic Peninsula.
The weather is cold all year, with average highs of about 12 °C (54 °F) in January and barely 2 °C (36 °F) in July. The best time to visit depends on what you want: October to March for hiking, boat trips and penguins; June to September for snow.
Things to do in Ushuaia
- 1
Sail the Beagle Channel
Boat trips leave from the tourist pier and visit Bird Island and Sea Lion Island, home to sea lion and cormorant colonies, on the way to Les Eclaireurs, known as the Lighthouse at the End of the World.
See tours - 2
Tierra del Fuego National Park
About 12 km west of town on National Route 3. It has over 40 km of trails along the Beagle Channel and through lenga forests, and reaches Lapataia Bay, where Route 3 ends. Open every day from 8 am to 8 pm; the entrance fee is paid at the gate and varies by season.
See tours - 3
End of the World Train
It recreates the last kilometers of the historic train used by inmates of the Ushuaia prison and runs into the national park. There are three departures a day; check-in opens 45 minutes before.
See tours - 4
Penguins on Martillo Island
The penguin colony is on Estancia Harberton, about 90 km from Ushuaia. From October to March thousands of Magellanic penguins and a small group of gentoo penguins breed there.
See tours - 5
Martial Glacier
7 km from downtown. From the base of the mountain center, the Glacier Viewpoint trail (2.5 km, about 75 minutes, 220 m elevation gain) offers views over the city and the Beagle Channel.
- 6
Laguna Esmeralda
The most popular hike near town crosses peat bogs and lenga and ñire forests to a bright green lake. No guide needed, but waterproof boots are a must for the muddy bogs.
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Maritime Museum and former Prison
Ushuaia's old prison, in use until 1947, is now a museum covering the history of the jail, the city and Antarctic navigation.
- 8
Lakes Circuit
Heading north on Route 3 you cross Garibaldi Pass, with views of Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano (Khami), one of Argentina's largest lakes, shared with Chile.
See tours - 9
Snow: Cerro Castor and dog sledding
Cerro Castor, 26 km from town, is the southernmost ski resort in the world. In the Tierra Mayor valley, winter centers offer dog sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
See tours
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Ushuaia weather
| Month | High | Low | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C 54°F | 5°C 42°F | 16.6 h |
| Feb | 13°C 55°F | 5°C 42°F | 14.7 h |
| Mar | 11°C 51°F | 4°C 39°F | 12.5 h |
| Apr | 8°C 46°F | 2°C 35°F | 10.3 h |
| May | 5°C 42°F | 0°C 33°F | 8.3 h |
| Jun | 2°C 36°F | -3°C 27°F | 7.3 h |
| Jul | 2°C 36°F | -3°C 26°F | 7.8 h |
| Aug | 3°C 37°F | -2°C 28°F | 9.6 h |
| Sep | 5°C 40°F | -1°C 30°F | 11.7 h |
| Oct | 8°C 46°F | 1°C 34°F | 13.9 h |
| Nov | 10°C 51°F | 3°C 37°F | 16.0 h |
| Dec | 12°C 53°F | 5°C 40°F | 17.2 h |
2015–2024 averages calculated from Open-Meteo historical data (ERA5 reanalysis). They may differ by one or two degrees from the local weather station.
Best time to visit Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a year-round destination and each season offers something different: October to March for hiking, boat trips and penguins; June to September for skiing and snow activities.
Summer
December to February
Up to 17 hours of daylight and highs around 12 °C (54 °F). Peak season: all boat trips and trails are running and the penguin colony is active.
Autumn
March to May
Lenga and ñire forests turn red and orange, crowds thin out and days get shorter. Penguin season ends around late March.
Winter
June to August
Highs of 2–3 °C (36–37 °F), about 7 hours of daylight and snow. Ski season at Cerro Castor and the winter centers of the Tierra Mayor valley.
Spring
September to November
Thaw, changeable weather and fewer tourists. Penguins return to Martillo Island from October.
How to get to Ushuaia
By plane
The easiest option. Malvinas Argentinas International Airport has direct flights from Buenos Aires (about 3 h 30 min), El Calafate and Santiago, Chile.
By road
Via National Route 3, which ends in Tierra del Fuego National Park. From the mainland you cross the Strait of Magellan by ferry and drive through a stretch of Chile, with two border crossings. Río Grande is about 210 km away.
By cruise
Ushuaia is a port of call for Patagonia cruises and the departure point for most Antarctic expeditions.
How many days in Ushuaia
3 or 4 full days cover the highlights. Add a fifth day for the penguin colony and longer hikes.
Day 1
Downtown, the Maritime Museum and former Prison, and a Beagle Channel boat trip.
Day 2
Tierra del Fuego National Park, with or without the End of the World Train, to Lapataia Bay.
Day 3
Laguna Esmeralda or Martial Glacier in the morning, the Lakes Circuit in the afternoon.
Day 4
Martillo Island penguins and Estancia Harberton (October to March), or Cerro Castor in winter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Ushuaia?
It depends on your plans. October to March is best for hiking, Beagle Channel boat trips and penguins, with up to 17 hours of daylight. June to September is snow season, with Cerro Castor and the winter centers open.
How many days do you need in Ushuaia?
3 to 4 full days are enough for Tierra del Fuego National Park, a Beagle Channel boat trip, Martial Glacier or Laguna Esmeralda and the Lakes Circuit. With 5 days you can add the Martillo Island penguin colony.
What is the weather like in Ushuaia?
Cold all year: average highs are around 12 °C (54 °F) in January and 2 °C (36 °F) in July, and it snows in winter. Wind and sudden weather changes are common in every season, so dress in layers.
When can you see penguins in Ushuaia?
From October to March on Martillo Island, part of Estancia Harberton, about 90 km from town. Magellanic penguins and a small group of gentoo penguins breed there.
How do you get to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires?
By plane, with direct flights of about 3 h 30 min to Malvinas Argentinas International Airport. By road it is over 3,000 km on National Route 3, crossing the Strait of Magellan by ferry and a stretch of Chile.
Is Ushuaia the southernmost city in the world?
It is Argentina's southernmost city and is known as the City at the End of the World. Puerto Williams, in Chile, lies further south but is a much smaller town.
Can you go to Antarctica from Ushuaia?
Yes. Ushuaia is the main gateway to Antarctica: over 90% of Antarctic tourism ships operate from its port, about 1,000 km from the Antarctic Peninsula.