When is the Best Time to Visit Argentina?
Published on: July 19th, 2017
Last updated: October 2nd, 2024
The best time to visit Argentina is from September to March. These warm spring and summer months are best for enjoying the great outdoors in Patagonia and the Lake District . In September Cape Horn cruises set sail from Ushuaia and it’s one of the best times to visit Buenos Aires for warm spring weather, without the crowds.
Argentina is a long thin country with varying climates across different regions. Tropical Iguassu Falls is close to the equator and feels warm, even during the winter months of June to September. Whereas, Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and Calafate and Chalten in Patagonia experience bitterly cold conditions at the same time of year.
Choosing the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do, whether that’s enjoying the Harvest Festival in Mendoza in March or hiking in Los Glaciares National Park in June. In our essential Argentina climate guide we'll explain what the weather will be like each month and which region is the best to visit at that time, and what you can do there.
Argentina Weather Guide
Argentina is a large country filled with diverse landscapes from rainforests to glaciers – and everything in between. Throughout the year the changes in the climate can dramatically affect the different regions and the activities you can do there. To help you plan the best time to visit Argentina we’ve put together the ultimate climate guide below, letting you know what to expect each month.
January is one of the warmest months in Argentina with temperatures in Mendoza, Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls reaching the mid 30s°C (90s°F). Although January is not the wettest month, Buenos Aires and Iguassu can experience daily rain showers.
February is typically Argentina’s warmest month, particularly in the cities where it can start to feel stifling. February is also often the rainiest month in Argentina too. In the south of the country, where temperatures are always cooler, it's a wonderful time of year to explore Patagonia and escape the heat in the north.
March signifies the end of the summer and can be a great month to travel to Argentina. The north of the country in areas like Mendoza and Buenos Aires are starting to cool a little while Calafate and The Lake District aren’t too cold yet and conditions are still good for hiking.
By April a shift towards a cooler climate is becoming more pronounced. Mendoza's very hot season has now ended and day time temperatures sit in the low 20s°C (70s°F). By mid-April Cape Horn cruises stop running as the weather becomes too cold and conditions at sea can get very rough. It’s no longer the optimal time for outdoor activities around Ushuaia’s Tierra del Fuego and Los Glaciares national park.
The mercury continues to drop in May as Argentina creeps steadily towards winter. May can also be quite a wet month in the Lake District. As the temperatures in the south start to get too cold for activities, the north takes centre stage. Areas such as the Puna, Salta or Ibera Wetlands are becoming cooler, so now is a good time to visit. Buenos Aires also remains pleasant at around 17°C (64°F), although evenings are starting to feel chilly.
June is one of Argentina's winter months and although tropical Iguassu Falls remains balmy at 22°C (72°F), you will need to pack a jacket to visit Buenos Aires with temperatures of around 15°C (59°F). Those looking to hike or enjoy boat trips in Patagonia will now need to wait until the spring as the snowy season has started.
July, very similar to June in terms of temperatures, is another cold month in Argentina, it’s now midwinter and the south of the country experiences the lowest temperatures. For those interested in snow activities now is a good time to visit the Lake District.
August is another winter month, however the mercury is starting to climb a little as spring approaches. Buenos Aires and Mendoza experience slightly milder daytime temperatures of around 18°C (64°F) and the days are typically clear and sunny.
September welcomes the start of spring and although it’s still very early in the season, it can be a beautiful time to venture to northern Patagonia where spring flowers start to bloom. However, the weather conditions in southern Patagonia are still too unpredictable for longer hiking trails. September is one of the best times to go to Buenos Aires, Mendoza and the north. This is also one of the driest months for the Ibera wetlands so wildlife can be easy to spot congregating around the diminished water sources.
October is the best month to see wildflowers blooming in Patagonia. For those looking to hike from El Chalten into the Los Glaciares National Park it’s best to wait until summer proper, but for the Lake District and sightseeing to the Perito Moreno glacier, October is a good time of year.
November is a great month to visit Argentina. The weather is warm, the hiking season in Patagonia starts and you’ll miss the busy crowds that travel in December for the holidays. This is a hot and wet month of the year to visit Iguassu Falls, however the water levels are still high, meaning the falls appear even more impressive than usual.
December is the height of summer in Argentina and a wonderful month to visit for warm weather. However, be warned, it can get very busy. If you plan to travel towards the end of the month you will need to book accommodation up to a year in advance.
The Best Things to Do in Argentina by Season
So, where should you go in Argentina, and when? There are so many different things to do in Argentina, it will depend on your own interests. Seasonality is something to bear in mind when choosing the best time to visit. To help you decide we’ve outlined a month by month climate guide, focused on the best regions each month and what you can do there.
Argentina from November to February
The best time to visit Patagonia
December to February are the best months to visit Calafate and El Chalten, the gateways to Los Glaciares National Park and the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier. During this season, you can enjoy boat trips right up to the glacier to appreciate its size and scale.
These months are also great to visit national parks and enjoy the great outdoors. Cerro Torre hike, Fitz Roy Massif trek or kayaking on the Lago del Desierto are some of the activities you can experience. For a remote and luxurious experience be sure to stay at Eolo.
Argentina in March
The best time to visit Argentina Wine Country
Early March is a great time to visit Mendoza for harvest festivities. The harvest festival takes place either late February or early March and the grapes are harvested from late February until April. During the festival thousands of people line the streets of Mendoza and there’s a huge procession.
March is also a good time of year weather-wise for Mendoza as the temperatures are warm, perfect for hiking or biking excursions. Although there’s a good chance of rain, it usually falls in the afternoon and showers don’t last long.
Argentina in April
The best time to visit Salta and the North
One of the best times to visit The Puna, Calcaqchi and Salta is from March to November, due to the cooler temperatures. During these months, you can discover the red rocks, white salt flats, azure blue lagoons, rural villages and pink flamingos on 4×4 tours and hikes.
The north of Argentina can be visited all year round, but during the summer (December to February) it can get incredibly hot, which isn’t ideal for longer hikes and outdoor activities.
Argentina in May
The best time to visit Iberá Wetlands
Visit Esteros del Iberá, one of Argentina’s premier wildlife destinations, in May for pleasant, cool conditions. The end of the dry season, September and October, are also good months to visit as the animals tend to congregate around the limited water sources. Avoid the summer months of December to February as it can be sweltering.
The rains typically stop in April and by May the tropical forests, lagoons and savannahs look beautifully green and lush, meaning you may need a little more patience to spot wildlife in the dense vegetation. Search for capybara, caiman, deer, monkeys, snakes, giant otters and hundreds of species of bird on horseback, by foot or on exciting boat trips.
Argentina in June
The best time to visit Península Valdés for whale watching
June until December are the best months for southern right whale watching in Peninsula Valdes, as they move northwards from Antarctica for the winter. Orcas can be seen from November to April and elephant seals, sea lions, magellan penguins and countless other species can be found all through the year on nature excursions.
Argentina in July and August
The best time to visit Iguassu Falls to escape the crowds
July and August are good months to visit Iguassu Falls for slightly cooler temperatures in the mid 20’s°C (70’s °F) and fewer crowds. Although Iguassu is considered a year-round destination, the falls themselves can be the most spectacular between January and March.
The hottest months of January and February can feel a little uncomfortable for walking tours around the falls and December can get extremely busy with lots of crowds. To experience sustainable luxury at its best, we highly recommend a stay at Awasi Iguazu.
Argentina in September
The best time for Cape Horn cruises
September is a great time to venture south to Ushuaia and set sail on a Cape Horn cruise. The cruise season starts in late September and runs to mid April. Cruise from Ushuia, through the fjords of Argentina and Chile to Punta Arenas, or take the route in reverse, starting in Chile.
Most itineraries will try, conditions permitting, to round the mighty Cape Horn, giving guests the opportunity to disembark and walk to the iconic lighthouse. Enjoy stunning views of the Beagle channel from the contemporary Arakur resort hotel.
Argentina in October
The best time to visit the Lake District
The best time to visit the Lake District for hiking and outdoor activities is from October to February, the spring and summer months. At this time the temperatures are balmy and the conditions are perfect for enjoying the azure glacier-fed lakes and alpine forests on hikes, horse riding, boat trips, kayaking and more.
The winter months of June to August will experience snow in the Andes around Bariloche. Although this is very beautiful, and popular with skiers and snowboarders, it can make travel difficult as some smaller roads become impassable due to snowfall. It also means that hiking isn’t possible at this time of year.
The Best time to Visit Buenos Aires
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is between September to December which brings pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and sunny days. This is the perfect season to enjoy what the city is best known for – history, architecture and walking food tours.
During the summer months starting from December to March the city buzzes with life, however it can get quite hot and uncomfortable. Tango shows take to the streets and some choose to enjoy days outside of the city in San Isidro or the Tigre Delta.
The colder winter months of July and August are good months to visit Buenos Aires, as although temperatures drop, there’s typically less rain and clear skies.
Our Team's Favourite Trips to Argentina
Where to Stay in Argentina
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