Owing to its location on the immediate leeward side of the Andes, Esquel has a cool summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen "Csb") bordering on a Humid continental climate (Köppen "Dsb"). Other climate systems, such as the Trewartha climate classification, place it within the oceanic zone ("Do"), like much of Western Europe and the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures are relatively cold for its climate due to its higher altitude. Summers are mild with warm temperatures during the afternoon followed by cool nights. The mean temperature during the summer is around . It's the sunniest season, averaging as much as 10 hours of sunshine per day in January with an average of 7–8 clear days and only 5-7 overcast days. Spring and fall are transition seasons featuring mild temperatures during the day and cool to cold nights. Spring starts out with cool temperatures during the day and very cold nights which progressively becomes warmer. Both spring and fall have highly variable weather.