Best Time for a Magdalena Island Penguin Tour
Every month from October to March has penguins on the island — what changes is chicks, crowds and wind.
Updated October 2026 · Prices checked 12 Oct 2026
The best time for a Magdalena Island penguin tour is December to February, when chicks are out and days are longest; October has courting pairs, and March has moulting birds starting to leave.
- Tours run October to March; CONAF allows landings to mid-April.
- Chicks hatch in November and leave the burrows in January–February.
- Daytime highs reach 13–14 °C (56–58 °F) in December–February.
- October–January is the windiest stretch, about 17 mph on average.
- Morning sailings are less often cancelled than afternoon ones.
Best Time for a Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Month
December–February for chicks; October for courtship and fewer people.
Source: CONAF breeding calendar, Los Pingüinos leaflet 2026 · Weather Spark climate averages for Punta Arenas.
Best Time for a Magdalena Island Penguin Tour — Morning or Afternoon?
Morning: calmer water, penguins busy at the landing, and a backup afternoon if your sailing is cancelled.
Best Time for a Magdalena Island Penguin Tour in the Patagonia Penguin Season
Magellanic penguins are in Patagonia from September to April; for a Magdalena Island penguin tour, the window is October to March.
They arrive in September to dig or reclaim burrows, raise chicks through the southern summer and leave for the Atlantic and Pacific in April. Outside that window the birds are at sea and Magdalena Island is closed.
Best Time for a Magdalena Island Penguin Tour to Avoid Wind
The tours we checked refund or rebook weather cancellations, and free cancellation ends 24 hours before.
Source: Weather Spark, average hourly wind at 10 m.
Best Time for a Magdalena Island Penguin Tour — FAQ
What is the best month for a Magdalena Island penguin tour?
January is the best single month for most people: chicks are growing in and around the burrows, days are about 16 hours long and highs average 14 °C (58 °F). December and February are close behind. Book the morning sailing to reduce the risk of a wind cancellation.
Can you see penguin chicks on Magdalena Island?
Yes, from December to February. Eggs are laid in October and hatch after about 40 days in November; chicks stay in the burrows through December and become independent in January–February.
Is October too early for Magdalena Island?
No — tours start in early October and adults are on the island, courting and laying eggs. You won't see chicks, but there are fewer visitors, and the season's first weeks are a good choice if your trip is in spring.
Can you see penguins on Magdalena Island in April?
CONAF allows landings until mid-April, but most birds have moulted and left, and the GetYourGuide tours we checked only list dates to 31 March. Plan for March at the latest.
What time of year can you see penguins in Patagonia?
Magellanic penguins are in Patagonia from September to April: they arrive to reclaim burrows, raise chicks through the southern summer and leave for the open sea in April. On Magdalena Island the visiting window is October to March on tours. Compare the tours.
Is Magdalena Island open in winter?
No. The island and trail are closed from about mid-April to September, when the penguins are at sea.
How cold is it on a Magdalena Island penguin tour?
Daytime highs in Punta Arenas are 10–14 °C (50–58 °F) from October to February, and the wind on the strait makes it feel colder. Dress in layers with a windproof jacket and hat.
Check Dates in the Best Time for a Magdalena Island Penguin Tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.