When to Climb Aconcagua
Aconcagua Provincial Park officially lists its season for visits as being from 15th November to 15th March each year which is the South American summertime. Climbing Aconcagua is recommended slightly within these limits - the end of November to the end of February – which will give the highest likelihood of favourable conditions. Weather conditions on Aconcagua can be notoriously wild and after dealing with the high altitude, it is Aconcagua’s climate which causes the most problems during any summit attempt. As this time of the year is warmest within the southern hemisphere, this creates a more stable climate on Aconcagua and makes it the most suitable time to climb. Don’t be mistaken, however, because although conditions are more favourable at this time, there is no guarantee and in fact it is highly likely that you will come across snowstorms and high winds during your ascent.
Another good reason to adhere to the recommended climbing periods is that these months are when the resources you will need are most readily available and are in plentiful supply. You wouldn’t want to attempt climbing Aconcagua without mules to help carry your load, porters to help guide, feed and make camp for you or without knowing whether the mountain shelters you are planning to visit are open or not. At the height of the climbing season, however, it is also likely that all the mules and porters are already pre-booked, that accommodation in Puente del Inca and Penitentes is full up and that the cost of a climbing permit is at its highest.
Finding the right balance between getting good weather, guaranteeing you have the necessary resources on board at the right price and avoiding the crowds is a useful skill when deciding when the best time to climb is. A good period is the two weeks leading up to Christmas and during the last week of January and first week of February. A sufficient number of days must be given to climb this mighty peak, do not underestimate how long it will take you and leave spare days free in case of adverse conditions during which you must wait.
Read the Danger Signs
A smoky white layer over the summit peak of Aconcagua is a sign of stormy conditions ahead and a clear indication that to soldier on would be very unwise. Do not forget that over a hundred people have died in the last century or so whilst climbing Aconcagua and still each year now several more die during their attempts. Daylight quickly diminishes after 6pm and an ideal time to reach the summit is around midday, when the morning cloud has lifted, leaving clear and glorious views.
