# El Niño Winter Climbing Shifts

> Super El Niño changes winter climbing conditions across North America and Southern Hemisphere.
- Title: El Niño Winter Climbing Shifts · Climbing | Shortify
- Summary: Super El Niño changes winter climbing conditions across North America and Southern Hemisphere. Super El Niño increases wet weather in North American winter…
- Keywords: el nino, winter climbing, super el nino, patagonia, north america, ice climbing, alpine climbing, rock climbing, precipitation, weather forecast, sports, travel
- Source: Climbing — https://climbing.com/travel/el-nino-winter-climbing-conditions
- Author: Ryleigh Norgrove
- Published: 2026-10-09T10:30:58+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: el nino, winter climbing, super el nino, patagonia, north america, ice climbing, alpine climbing, rock climbing, precipitation, weather forecast, sports, travel
## Super El Niño Winter Conditions
Super El Niño increases wet weather in North American winter climbing zones while creating drier conditions in parts of the Pacific Northwest and central Idaho.
## North America Winter Climbing Shifts
From October through December, NOAA says there’s a 75% chance the El Niño intensity exceeds any previous event in the record dating back to the 1950s.
## Southern U.S. Climbing Conditions
Southern Utah, Southern Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico will see more consistent precipitation starting in November, according to Chris Tomer.
## Joshua Tree and Hueco Tanks
Red Rock, Joshua Tree, and El Potrero Chico could see more wet and cloudy days than usual for winter rock climbing.
## Pacific Northwest Drier Zones
Pacific Northwest, central and northern Idaho, western Montana, and northwest Wyoming will be warmer and drier than normal from November through March.
## Southern Hemisphere Impact
El Niño shifts weather patterns in the Andes and New Zealand Alps, affecting alpine climbing conditions.
## Patagonia Climbing Conditions
In southern Patagonia, El Niño has weaker influence compared to northern Patagonia, where weather patterns are more predictable.
## Chaltén and Paine Weather
Chaltén and Torres del Paine may see less stormy weather, potentially less wind and precipitation due to higher-than-normal mean sea-level pressure.
## Cochamó Climbing Conditions
Cochamó in Chile will likely see wetter, warmer, and more humid conditions due to stronger El Niño influence.
## Andean Winter Conditions
Central Andes around Chile and Argentina may see wetter winters and bigger snowpacks, while tropical Andes experience more erratic weather.
## New Zealand Alpine Conditions
El Niño brings stronger winds to New Zealand’s western side of the Southern Alps, increasing rain while the eastern side stays relatively dry.
## U.S. Ice Climbing Conditions
Warmer temperatures may push the freezing level higher, creating unpredictable ice conditions and increasing avalanche risks.
## Winter Ice Forecast
Ice parks may struggle to maintain climbable ice with warmer temperatures, while higher elevations become better bets for stable ice.
## Climbing Planning Tips
For trips months away, use Copernicus Climate Change Service models; for specific weather, rely on local forecasts and avalanche reports.
## Key takeaway

Super El Niño increases wet weather in North American winter climbing zones while creating drier conditions in parts of the Pacific Northwest and central Idaho.