Things to do in Ushuaia? Sail the Beagle Channel to the Les Éclaireurs lighthouse and the sea lion islets, hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park, climb to the Martial Glacier, visit the former prison turned museum and, from November to March, get close to the penguins of Martillo Island. Ushuaia, capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego, is also the main departure port for Antarctic cruises. To visit Ushuaia, allow 3 to 4 days, ideally from December to March.
This guide brings together the main sights, two itineraries, budget, transport and month-by-month climate from Argentina’s national weather service. It also offers a table you won’t find elsewhere: day length and sunset time in Ushuaia, month by month, compared with Paris. For the rest of the region, see our Patagonia guide.
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Time zoneUTC−3 · detailsArgentina does not observe daylight saving timeLocal time now: –:–
AirportsUshuaia International Airport (USH) · detailsdomestic flights from Buenos Aires, where international flights land at Ezeiza
EntryUS and UK: no visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days; passport valid for your stay · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
Electricity220 V, 50 Hz, type I plugs (three flat pins), sometimes type C, according to Visit Argentina · plugsUS and UK travelers need an adapter; US devices must accept 220 V
Ushuaia, between the Beagle Channel and the mountains.
The Beagle Channel and Les Éclaireurs lighthouse
Les Éclaireurs lighthouse.
A boat trip on the Beagle Channel is Ushuaia’s signature activity. Boats pass Bird Island and Sea Lion Island, where cormorants and sea lions rest, then approach Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, a small red and white lighthouse often nicknamed the « lighthouse at the end of the world ». The nickname is misleading: the lighthouse in Jules Verne’s novel was inspired by the one on Isla de los Estados, further east. Trips last from 2.5 hours to a full day, depending on whether they include Estancia Harberton.
The penguins of Martillo Island
In season (roughly November to March), some excursions go to Martillo Island, near Estancia Harberton, where Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest. Only a limited number of operators are allowed to land on the island: book early and check that landing is included if that is what you want.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Lapataia Bay.
About a dozen kilometres west of the town, the national park protects southern beech forests, peat bogs, lakes and the Beagle Channel coast. The trails of Ensenada Bay, Laguna Negra and the coast (Senda Costera) can be done as day hikes. Lapataia Bay marks the end of National Route 3, often described as the end of the Pan-American Highway that starts in Alaska. You can also see the damage caused by beavers introduced in the 1940s.
The End of the World Train
This narrow-gauge tourist train partly follows the route of the old line that convicts used to go and cut wood. The outbound trip enters the national park; many visitors combine it with a hike. It is very touristy but pleasant with children.
The prison museum (Museo Marítimo y del Presidio)
Ushuaia grew up around a prison founded in the late 19th century. The star-shaped buildings now house a group of museums: prison, maritime and Antarctic history. One wing has been left in its original state. Allow two to three hours.
The Martial Glacier
Above the town, the Martial Glacier is reached on foot from the top of the ski-area road: a steep but short climb, with a wide view over Ushuaia and the channel. The glacier is clearly retreating, like most glaciers in the region.
Laguna Esmeralda and lakes Escondido and Fagnano
The Laguna Esmeralda hike, east of the town, leads to a turquoise lake below the Ojo del Albino glacier (about 4 hours round trip, very muddy terrain). Further along Route 3, lakes Escondido and Fagnano make a day trip over the Garibaldi Pass.
Antarctica from Ushuaia
From roughly November to March, most expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula leave from Ushuaia. These trips are generally booked months in advance; crossing the Drake Passage takes about two days each way depending on the ship and the weather. The U.S. Department of State warns that the greatest threats are extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services, and that there have been accidental deaths on Antarctic cruises due to rough seas.
Itinerary: Ushuaia in 3 or 4 days
Day 1: town centre and Avenida San Martín, the prison museum, climb to the Martial Glacier late in the day
Day 2: Beagle Channel cruise (Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, sea lion and cormorant islands), with or without Harberton and Martillo Island
Day 3: Tierra del Fuego National Park on foot (Senda Costera, Lapataia Bay), return on the End of the World Train
Day 4: Laguna Esmeralda hike, or a trip to lakes Escondido and Fagnano
Ushuaia is often part of a Patagonia tour: El Calafate and the Perito Moreno are linked by domestic flight. See our itineraries in the Patagonia guide and, for the Chilean side, our Chile page.
Ushuaia at 54° south: daylight in figures
Ushuaia is closer to the South Pole than Paris is to the North Pole. The seasons are reversed and day length changes enormously over the year. We calculated it for the 15th of each month, with Paris as a Northern Hemisphere reference.
Month
Day length in Ushuaia
Day length in Paris
Sunrise in Ushuaia
Sunset in Ushuaia
January
16 h 40
8 h 43
05:22
22:02
February
14 h 40
10 h 12
06:27
21:07
March
12 h 35
11 h 52
07:24
19:59
April
10 h 18
13 h 42
08:24
18:42
May
8 h 21
15 h 17
09:19
17:40
June
7 h 14
16 h 09
09:56
17:10
July
7 h 44
15 h 46
09:47
17:31
August
9 h 28
14 h 23
08:53
18:21
September
11 h 39
12 h 37
07:39
19:17
October
13 h 51
10 h 50
06:23
20:14
November
16 h 01
9 h 11
05:17
21:18
December
17 h 17
8 h 17
04:49
22:06
Destination de Voyage calculation: sunrise, sunset and day length on the 15th of each month in 2026, NOAA solar algorithm with refraction, Argentine local time (UTC−3). Accurate to within a minute or two depending on the year.
In December, the day lasts 17 h 17 in Ushuaia and the sun sets around 22:06: enough to fit in a boat trip and a hike on the same day.
In June, it lasts only 7 h 14, with sunrise around 09:56: excursions are concentrated in the middle of the day.
The sun rises and sets late all year round: Argentina runs on UTC−3, while Ushuaia’s longitude puts it closer to UTC−4.5. Solar noon falls around 1:30 pm.
In practice: plan boat trips around the light and the wind, which is generally lighter in the morning.
When to go to Ushuaia
The best time is from December to March: the southern summer, with highs of 12.5 to 13.6 °C (55 to 56 °F), the longest days and penguin season. It is cool all year round: even in January, the average low is only 5.4 °C (42 °F). Precipitation is low in volume (30 to 47 mm / 1.2 to 1.9 in a month) but frequent: 13 to 16 days a month. Winter (June-August) draws skiers to Cerro Castor, with highs of 4 to 6 °C (39 to 43 °F) and barely 45 hours of sunshine in June.
Month
High °C (°F)
Low °C (°F)
Precip. mm (in)
Days with precip.
Over 7 days
Sun (h)
Crowds
Prices
Verdict
January
13.6 (56)
5.4 (42)
45.1 (1.8)
16.3
3.7
164
High
High
✅ Southern summer, very long days
February
13.6 (56)
5.2 (41)
34.6 (1.4)
13.3
3.3
147
High
High
✅ Summer, penguins
March
12.2 (54)
4.6 (40)
38.3 (1.5)
15.1
3.4
127
Medium
Medium
✅ End of summer, colours
April
9.4 (49)
3.0 (37)
47.0 (1.9)
15.5
3.6
96
Low
Low
⚠️ Autumn, cool
May
6.9 (44)
1.7 (35)
35.3 (1.4)
13.5
3.0
78
Low
Low
⚠️ Cold, short days
June
4.5 (40)
0.5 (33)
42.5 (1.7)
14.7
3.4
45
Medium
Medium
❌ Winter (skiing)
July
4.6 (40)
0.2 (32)
35.8 (1.4)
15.1
3.4
59
High
High
❌ Winter (skiing)
August
5.7 (42)
0.1 (32)
38.4 (1.5)
14.4
3.3
93
Medium
Medium
⚠️ Winter, skiing
September
7.6 (46)
1.0 (34)
30.5 (1.2)
12.6
2.9
126
Low
Low
⚠️ Cool spring
October
10.1 (50)
2.3 (36)
28.4 (1.1)
13.0
2.9
155
Low
Low
⚠️ Spring, windy
November
11.5 (53)
3.3 (38)
38.9 (1.5)
15.5
3.6
159
Medium
Medium
✅ Start of the season
December
12.5 (55)
4.7 (40)
43.0 (1.7)
16.4
3.7
155
High
High
✅ High summer
Temperature, precipitation, days with precipitation and sunshine: 1991-2020 normals from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN, Argentina), Ushuaia airport station. « Over 7 days »: Destination de Voyage calculation, average number of days with precipitation expected during a one-week stay (days with precipitation in the month × 7 / number of days in the month). Crowds and prices: estimate based on tourist seasons (southern summer, Argentine winter holidays in July).
roughly US$55 to $110 (Martillo, guided excursion)
Total
roughly US$90 to $135 per person per day
roughly US$200 to $335 per person per day
Indicative estimates excluding flights, converted from euros at the European Central Bank rate of 23 October 2026; check them, as prices in Argentina change quickly. Antarctic cruises are separate and cost thousands of dollars.
Getting there and getting around Ushuaia
Arriving: Ushuaia International Airport is linked to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque or Ezeiza) by domestic flights and, depending on the season, to El Calafate; check airlines and frequencies when booking.
By road: from the mainland, you have to cross Chile and the Strait of Magellan by ferry: allow a long day by bus from Río Gallegos or Punta Arenas.
In town: the centre is walkable; local taxis and ride-hailing for the airport and the Martial Glacier.
National park, Laguna Esmeralda: shuttles from the centre in season, or a rental car.
Boats: departures from the tourist pier in the town centre.
Where to stay in Ushuaia
Area
Best for
Highlights
Centre (San Martín, waterfront)
First visit, no car
Restaurants, port, tour agencies on foot
Upper town
Couples, comfort
Views of the Beagle Channel; car or taxi needed
Martial Glacier road
Nature, quiet
Hotels with views, trailheads
Outside town (Route 3)
Longer stays
Cabañas and lodges by the lakes
Book early for December to February: cruise calls fill the town.
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 16, 2026), you need a valid passport; private US citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Travelers with expired or damaged passports may be refused entry.
UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 7 May 2026), you can visit Argentina without a visa for tourism for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You must declare cash worth more than US$10,000.
Children: a parent traveling alone with a child under 18 who resides in Argentina must present a legalized permission letter from the other parent on departure (travel.state.gov).
Hiking: cold, wind and rapid weather changes are the main risks. The U.S. Department of State strongly discourages hiking alone, recommends giving your itinerary to park or police officials and notes that local resources for helping lost or injured visitors in remote areas are limited.
Safety: crime is mainly a concern in Buenos Aires and other large cities; see the official advice for your stopover (travel.state.gov, GOV.UK). Emergencies: 911.
Insurance: essential, with cover for mountain rescue and evacuation. See our travel insurance guide.
Entry requirements checked on 26 October 2026; check them again before you travel.
Practical tips for Ushuaia
Money: Argentine peso; cards are widely accepted. Prices change quickly with inflation: check rates when booking.
Mobile data: mobile coverage in town, often absent in the national park; see our eSIM guide.
Food: centolla (king crab) and Fuegian roast lamb are the local specialities.
Three to four days: one for the town and the Martial Glacier, one for the Beagle Channel, one for the national park, and one more for Laguna Esmeralda or the lakes.
What is the best time to visit Ushuaia?
December to March, during the southern summer: highs of 11 to 14 °C (52 to 57 °F) according to the SMN 1991-2020 normals, very long days and penguins on Martillo Island.
How do you get to Ushuaia?
International flights land in Buenos Aires (Ezeiza); from there, a domestic flight takes you to Ushuaia International Airport.
Can you see penguins in Ushuaia?
Yes, from about November to March, on Martillo Island near Estancia Harberton, with authorised operators.
Is Ushuaia the southernmost city in the world?
It is Argentina’s southernmost city and the best-known « end of the world » town. On the Chilean side, Puerto Williams lies further south, but it is a small village.
Is Ushuaia cold in summer?
Yes, it is cool: in January, the average high is 13.6 °C (56 °F) and the low 5.4 °C (42 °F). The wind makes it feel colder.
Our sources
Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN, Argentina): 1991-2020 normals, Ushuaia airport station, via the climate table of the Wikipedia article « Ushuaia »
Destination de Voyage calculation: day length, sunrise and sunset in Ushuaia and Paris (NOAA solar algorithm); days with precipitation over 7 days
Visit Argentina, official tourism website (argentina.travel), « What plug is used in Argentina », published 3 June 2025: voltage, frequency and plug types
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