Summer temperatures in the Andes?
 

We'll be crossing the Andes a few times over the end of December and early January and we're trying to figure out just how much we're going to have to bundle up when on the bikes. Does anyone know what the temps are like around that time of year and / or how windy we should expect it to be?

We'll be crossing at altitudes from 1,900 to 4,800 meters. The plan is to cross near Lago Cochrane, Pino Hachado, Uspallata Pass (Cristo Redentor de los Andes), and Paso de Agua Negra.

Our tent and sleeping bags should keep us warm enough should we get stuck overnight along the road, and we can always add layers under our coats but we're having a hard time figuring out just how good our gloves will need to be (we've got heated grips and Barkbusters).

Any advice about temps or what kept you warm there would be helpful. The best I've found so far is "near freezing" in one post.

Well, how long is a piece of string?

If it is sunny and still, even at high altitudes it won't get that cold. But, if it is windy and wet, you will freeze.

Take some wet/winter gloves, maybe even a thermal liner, depends on what you are used to.

I took the whole lot, electric gloves, verst, pants and socks, but I come from a tropical climate so I am unused to cold weather. Even then, I mainly only used the gloves at times, but definately the vest

layers is the key as usual

Cheers
TS

I was just ahead, behind or alongside TS last December and January. At 4800 meters it might be quite comfortable, might be snowing with wind, will certainly be absent sufficient oxygen, and will probably change rapidly when least convenient. Prepare for freezing temps and occaisional snow squalls and you're likely to be pleasantly surprised. Most days.

Oh, and don't forget to watch for intermittent torrential downpours. It's a wonderful part of the world, with sights you've never seen elsewhere. Don't be scared off by the potential for foul weather.

Hope that helps.

Mark

So, pretend it's New England in the winter, which is to say, half the year for me.

No chance of being scared off by the weather. I wouldn't be attempting it in the winter because I have this crazy desire for traction, but I'll generally ride in any weather so long as I can keep my bike on the road. Thus the trying to figure out the temps, so that we can prep appropriately.

Defitinely. Thanks.

Been there, Done that (Many times)
 

Masukomi,

I was just there in Peru this June-August this year, which is actually THEIR winter. It is really the best time of the year to ride up there as it is always sunny in the daytime. March/April is the rainy season which means light to moderate rain for 2-3 hours most days....

Remember that humidity (or wetness) is what can make it cold up there. When it is drier (July to December), then even low temps are VERY easily to deal with. We traveled 36 days all over the Andes, often up to almost 17,000 ft above sea level...

The keys are:
(1) Know what the weather will be (weather.com seems to be sufficient) before you head out, and only head up high on sunny days.

(2) Head out early and plan to arrive at your destination by 3 pm. The wind always picks up in the Andes in the early afternoon, and is a pain. Max km/day is 250km on gravel and 400km on pavement. Experience will tell you not to push those limits.

(3) Layers. Go to my blog where I instructed my riders how to dress for riding in the Andes: http://http://aroundtheblock2009.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-04-01T00%3A00%3A00-07%3A00&updated-max=2010-05-01T00%3A00%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=3

Any questions about Peru, I have 30 years riding experience there.

aroundtheblock07@gmail.com

Cheers, Toby :mchappy:

Thanks so much Toby. I'll definitely read that post. Side note, there was an extra "http://" in the link. I think this is the url to the post you were trying for Around the Block 2010: Rider Equipment Check-off List