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Best time to visit Argentina

From Buenos Aires and Northern Argentina to the staggering landscapes of Patagonia, the best time to visit Argentina can often depend on just where it is you’d like to go to first. Thankfully our temperature & rainfall chart and our month by month guide offer plenty of tips when it comes to travel as well as a few more when it comes to our cultural pick from the Argentina calendar.

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Best time to visit Argentina

temperature & rainfall

Locations: Buenos Aires | Patagonia | Northern Argentina

December-February is the best time to visit Argentina for summer warmth, though the north can be very hot; June-Aug bring more pleasant temperatures. Rainfall peaks then at Iguazu Falls, boosting water volumes – but also sometimes closing access to some trails around the falls. April is a good time to visit Iguazu for better weather. Southern Patagonia is snowed in during the midwinter months of June-August; the long, sunny days of November-February are the best time to venture south, with late spring and early autumn bringing fewer visitors. March boasts autumn colour in the Lake District, plus grape harvest in wine regions.

When not to visit Argentina

What to avoid, & when

Temperatures peak in December and January – but so do crowds, and prices.
Easter is a National Vacation so many lodgings and tours will be fully booked, and prices will rise – particularly for flights.
March and April can be a lovely month for autumn foliage – but winter is well on its way in the south, so visit earlier if you are planning to trek in the mountains.
Parts of southern Patagonia may become inaccessible due to ice and snow in May-August, although northern Patagonia is more likely to remain open for business. And this is one of the best times to try to spot big cats in the north – including the exquisite and rarely-seen puma.
December-January is high season in Patagonia; with limited spaces in the refugios, we recommend booking well in advance if traveling at this time.
The region of Iguazu Falls is at its wettest from December-February. This is not the best time to travel if you’re planning to hike in the surrounding area or visit San Martin Island, as access may be closed. However, you’ll see these incredible falls at their fullest.
July can be a busy – and expensive – time, as locals take midwinter vacations.

What happens when in Argentina

Our recommendations

Kathy Jarvis from our supplier Andean Trails suggests autumn and spring as the best time to visit Argentina if you want to head to the south:

“In the south, the summer months of December to February can actually be very windy. Spring offers plenty of new flowers and autumn stunning colours – and less wind! It's also quieter in terms of tourist numbers.”

Festivals & events in Argentina

Our cultural pick from the Argentina calendar

Did you know about...?

Carnaval (Jan-early March)

Like Brazil, Argentina stages raucous Carnival shindigs, but with fewer foreign tourists than Rio. The best spots to join partying locals are Corrientes and Gualeguaychu in northern Argentina, which boast a succession of riotous weekend parades from January to early March: amazing floats made by local groups (comparsas), brilliant costumes and dancing – plus water fights!

Photo credits: [Topbox: Douglas Scortegagna] [spring landscape - tip: Liam Quinn] [carnival: Kevin Jones]

Written by Norman Miller

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