How do you use Windguru?

Windguru is one of the most useful weather tools for Patagonia, especially because wind conditions can completely change your hiking or driving plans.

At first, the app looks a little overwhelming, but once you understand the basics, it becomes incredibly helpful.

Step 1: Search Your Location

Open the app or website and search for:

• El Chaltén

• El Calafate

• Torres del Paine

• Puerto Natales

You’ll see a forecast table with many rows and colors.

Step 2: Understand the Main Rows

Wind

One of the most important rows in Patagonia.

• Measured in km/h or knots

• Green/yellow = moderate wind

• Orange/red = very strong wind

General idea:

• Under 20 km/h → great conditions

• 20–40 km/h → normal Patagonia wind

• 50+ km/h → difficult hiking/driving conditions

Gusts

Shows sudden stronger bursts of wind.

In Patagonia, gusts matter a lot more than average wind speed.

Example:

• Wind: 25 km/h

• Gusts: 70 km/h

That means conditions can feel much rougher than expected.

Rain

Shows expected precipitation.

Usually:

• Small numbers = light rain

• Bigger numbers = heavy rain/snow

Clouds

Useful for photography and viewpoints.

Low cloud coverage = better mountain visibility.

Very important for:

• Fitz Roy views in El Chaltén

• Sunrise hikes

• Torres del Paine viewpoints

Step 3: Check the Forecast by Hour

Patagonia weather changes FAST.

Instead of only checking the day forecast:

• Look at the hourly forecast

• Sometimes mornings are calm and afternoons become extremely windy

This helps a lot when deciding:

• When to start hikes

• When to drive

• Best time for viewpoints/photos