When is the best time to visit Argentina?

Argentina is a country of contrasts and unique beauty, offering everything from the majestic peaks of the Andes to the endless Pampas plains.

But when is the best time to visit Argentina?

A tour to Argentina can happen all year round, and the best time depends largely on what you want to experience. Read on below to find out when it’s the best time for you to travel to this fascinating South American country.

Please note that the guide below is a guideline only, and recommendations may change on an ongoing basis.

The climate of Argentina

Argentina is almost 4,000 kilometres long, extending from the subtropical north to the subantarctic south.

As Argentina spans such a large area from north to south, the climate also varies in the different regions.

In much of the country, e.g. in the central and eastern parts of Argentina (including Buenos Aires), the country has specific seasons that we know from here at home.
In the north-western regions (e.g. in Salta), there is a clearer rainy and dry season. The rainy season here typically coincides with the Argentinian summer (our winter), and the dry season coincides with the Argentinian winter (our summer). In the north-eastern regions (e.g. at Iguazú Falls), the subtropical climate means that rain occurs all year round. However, it rains most in the Argentinian summer (our winter)

The good thing about Argentina spanning such a large geographical area, however, is that the weather is always good somewhere in the country.

The seasons in Argentina

As Argentina is situated in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite way round to Europe’s, so it’s summer in Argentina when it’s winter here:

• Spring: September to November
• Summer: December to February
• Autumn: March to May
• Winter: June to August

Spring (September–November)

Spring in Argentina brings mild temperatures and blooming nature.

For many people, the spring months (along with autumn) are some of the best months to visit Argentina because you can expect lovely weather with warm days that aren’t too humid.

Most regions are good during these months.

In Buenos Aires, for example, you can experience the Jacaranda trees blooming in beautiful shades of purple. Península Valdés offers exciting wildlife, where you can experience penguins, among other things. Until December, it is also possible to see whales in the area. If you dream of visiting Iguazú Falls, the start of the spring months means nice weather – not too hot and not too wet.

3 advantages to travelling in the spring:

• Lovely weather with warm days and not too much rain in most of the country
• The Jacaranda trees are in bloom in Buenos Aires
• Whales and penguins at Península Valdés

Summer (December–February)

The summer months are typically the hottest months in Argentina, and the wettest, too, in most places.

In northern Argentina, e.g. at Salta and Iguazú Falls, the Argentinian summer offers hot and wet weather. At Iguazú Falls, the rain also means that the flow of water in the waterfall is at its strongest during these months. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, it’s an amazing experience. You should also be aware that the Argentinians themselves are on holiday during this period (typically in January and February), so there may be a lot of other visitors.

Both Mendoza and Buenos Aires get hot in the summer months between December and February. The humidity in the capital is high and sometimes oppressive, and it rains most during this period.

In Patagonia, during these months you can experience southern Argentina’s spectacular glaciers and scenic landscapes at the “warmest” temperatures of the year. However, it is also during this period that Patagonia’s infamous winds (especially in southernmost Patagonia) are strongest. Unlike the rest of the country, Patagonia generally receives the least amount of rain during the Argentinian summer months.

3 advantages to travelling in the summer:

• Summery temperatures throughout Argentina
• You get the warmest temperatures of the year in Patagonia
• There is the most water in Iguazú Falls

Autumn (March–May)

Autumn in Argentina brings mild weather and colourful foliage.

The Mendoza wine region is particularly outstanding in the autumn when the farmers are preparing to harvest the vineyards, and in March, you can experience the annual wine festival in the area.

The hot temperatures of summer have subsided at Iguazú Falls, and it doesn’t rain as much as in the months either side.

In Patagonia, the temperatures are cooler than in the previous months, but the wind is not as strong as in the summer months.

Please note that Easter is a busy period to travel to Argentina, and there may be a lot of people and higher prices.

3 advantages to travelling in the autumn:

• Lovely weather with warm days and not too much rain in most of the country
• Good time to visit Mendoza if you want to experience the array of wine activities
• The weather is pleasant at Iguazú Falls – not too hot and humid

Winter (June-August)

Buenos Aires offers cloudy weather, occasional rain and cooler temperatures during the winter months, but the metropolis continues to excel when it comes to its cultural activities, indoor and outdoor alike. At the end of August, for example, the annual tango festival takes place in the capital.

If you dream of visiting Iguazú Falls, you should be aware that there may be a lot of visitors in July due to the Argentinians’ winter holiday (and summer holiday in Europe).

It’s the dry season in north-western Argentina, and Salinas Grandes in Salta is perfect in the dry months, as the temperatures are pleasant, the salt flats are dry, and it’s a beautiful time to take the popular perspective photos.

It’s cold in Patagonia during the Argentinian winter months, and while it’s a beautiful time to visit the region, when the winter landscapes really come into their own (and without the strong winds you can otherwise experience), the winter weather sometimes means that places close down. On the other hand, you can have the area almost to yourself.

From/At the end of June, the southern right whales arrive in Península Valdés, making the coming months the best for whale watching in the area.

3 advantages to travelling in the winter:

• Scenic nature experiences at Salinas Grandes in Salta
• It’s whale watching season at Península Valdés
• Plenty of cultural experiences in Buenos Aires, such as the annual tango festival

When is the best time to visit …

Due to Argentina’s size, the climate can also vary greatly depending on where you travel to in this stunning country.

No matter where you go, amazing experiences await you. Below, we’ve put together some of our most popular destinations, so you can find out when it’s the best time to visit those particular areas.

The whole country

Argentina is amazing all year round, and you’ll enjoy unique experiences no matter when you choose to travel.

The spring and autumn months are generally considered to be some of the best months to visit most of the country. The weather is good here in most places – not too hot and not too wet.

Salta

Salta, which is located in north-western Argentina, receives the most rain between December and March, and the wettest and hottest months are during the summer months (December to February). It rains very little during the rest of the year.

In the autumn and spring months, you can expect slightly cooler, yet still warm, temperatures and less rain. Spring brings a touch of green to the otherwise dry landscapes. The winter months are drier and cooler than the rest of the year, but the days are still warm.

Please note that mid-September can be particularly busy as pilgrims arrive in the city of Salta on pilgrimage (Procesión del Milagro).

Iguazú Falls

Iguazú Falls, which are located in north-eastern Argentina, are a spectacular experience all year round, and the best time for you to visit depends on several things.

Want the “best” weather, when the sun shines and it’s neither too hot nor too humid? Or do you want to experience the waterfall at its fullest, but when the weather is also grey, hot and with a lot of rain?

A lot of people find late autumn (April–May) or early spring (September–October) good times. During these months, the heat is more reliable, and it doesn’t rain as much as in the months either side

Mendoza

Mendoza, the heart of wine country by the Andes in central Argentina, is characterised by long, sunny days most of the year. In fact, the area boasts 300 days of sunshine a year!

The Argentinian autumn, winter and spring (from planting season to harvest) are the months when there’s most going on in Mendoza. The temperatures are pleasant (although cooler in the winter months), and you can participate in the region’s various wine activities. It can get very hot in the summer, and there is generally more rain than in the rest of the year.

Buenos Aires

Located on the east coast of Argentina, the capital, Buenos Aires, has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit the city. The Argentinian summer can be very hot and humid, and while offering mild weather, the winter offers cooler temperatures and cloudy weather.

El Calafate, Patagonia

Patagonia is vast, and the weather varies depending on where you go. Our tours visit Península Valdés located in northern Patagonia and El Calafate located in central Patagonia.

The Argentinian summer is considered by many to be the best time to explore the natural beauty of Patagonia, because this is when the warmest temperatures of the year are experienced. On the other hand, it is mostly windy during this period, especially in the South.

For less wind, but slightly colder temperatures, spring and autumn are ideal times to visit. If you dream of experiencing Patagonia’s winter landscapes in real winter weather, you’ll need to visit during our summer months. However, please be aware that some places may close due to the weather.