Aerial view of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, surrounded by Patagonian mountains
🇦🇷Argentina

Ushuaia

7/10

Antarctic expedition travellers who want to combine a Patagonia adventure with Southern Lights viewing

Aurora Score
7/10 ✦
Daily Budget
$120/day
Access
🛤️ Moderate
Dark Hours (Winter)
17h

About Ushuaia

Ushuaia — the 'End of the World' city at the southern tip of Patagonia — is the world's southernmost city and the primary gateway for Antarctic expedition cruises. Sitting at 54.8°S, it sits within the southern auroral zone, offering the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) during the austral winter months of June, July, and August. The city itself is dramatically set between the Beagle Channel and the Martial mountains of Tierra del Fuego. While aurora viewing takes second place to Antarctica as the primary draw, dedicated aurora chasers visit in mid-winter for long nights and geomagnetically favourable positioning. The Beagle Channel cruises offer spectacular wildlife — Magellanic penguins, sea lions, black-browed albatross — and Tierra del Fuego National Park is a gateway to Patagonian wilderness. All Antarctica expeditions depart from here.

Best Time to Visit

Monthly Weather & Aurora

MonthAvg TempDark HoursAurora Chance
Jan+9°C3h
Feb+9°C6hLow
Mar+7°C9hLow
Apr+5°C13hMed
May+2°C15hMed
Jun★ Best+1°C17hHigh
Jul★ Best0°C17hHigh
Aug★ Best+1°C15hMed
Sep+4°C12hMed
Oct+6°C8hLow
Nov+8°C5h
Dec+10°C3h

Activities

Getting There

Flights from Buenos Aires (3h) on Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM. Ushuaia Airport has some international connections. Connection hub for Antarctica cruises.

Accommodation Highlights

  • Boutique Hotels
  • Mountain Lodges
  • Expedition Guesthouses

Location

Budget Estimator

3 nights21 nights
Budget
$630
Typical
$840
Comfort
$1,176

Based on avg $120/day in Ushuaia. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.

Quick Info

LanguageSpanish (English spoken in tourist areas)
Regionantarctic
Coordinates-54.80°N, -68.30°E

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Ushuaia?+
The best months for aurora viewing in Ushuaia are 6, 7, 8. Ushuaia has an aurora score of 7/10.
How much does a trip to Ushuaia cost?+
The average daily budget in Ushuaia is around $120 USD, covering accommodation, meals, and activities.
How do I get to Ushuaia?+
Flights from Buenos Aires (3h) on Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM. Ushuaia Airport has some international connections. Connection hub for Antarctica cruises.
What activities are available in Ushuaia?+
Popular activities in Ushuaia include Antarctica Cruise Gateway, Southern Lights Tours, Glacier Trekking, Beagle Channel Cruises, Skiing, Wildlife Watching, Tierra Del Fuego Hiking, Antarctica Cruise, Kayaking, Hiking, Photography Tours, Wildlife Photography, Glacier Hiking, Seal Watching, Penguin Colony Visits.