Are you planning a skiing trip for your holiday? Or a city tour? Or perhaps some wildlife spotting and hiking? The diverse country of Argentina offers all of this and more—and you don’t need to worry about when to go.
Argentina is one of the world’s largest countries and has a wide variety of biomes, each with its own varying climate. This means that there is never a bad time to travel to Argentina, as it is always the peak season for a specific activity somewhere in the country.
Still, it is good to know when the best times are to visit Argentina’s north, central and south regions. Keep reading to discover the ideal time for each activity on your itinerary.
Best Time to Go to Argentina
Argentina is a vast country with many places worth exploring. The climate and activities differ wildly depending on where you are in the country. So let’s take a look at what each of the four seasons in Argentina has to offer.
Spring in Argentina: Enjoy Wildlife at Its Best
Mild weather and an abundance of flowers in bloom make spring one of the most pleasant times to visit Argentina. September to November is also one of the shoulder seasons, meaning you can expect lower prices and fewer crowds.
This is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, the country’s capital city in the north. Explore the city’s food scene, history and culture, and see the gauchos celebrate at the Fiesta de la Tradición.
For wildlife lovers, spring is the peak season for whale-watching. Head to the Península Valdés to spot elephant seals, penguins, endangered southern right whales, sea lions and more.
This is also a beautiful time to head to the Bariloche Lake District. The glacial lake surrounded by the Andes Mountains truly comes alive with the wildflowers in bloom. You can enjoy hiking, fishing, or simply soaking up the scenery.
Argentina in Summer: Cool Off with Water Activities
The summer months in Argentina can get rather hot in the northern parts of the country. While you want to avoid the desert areas, this is a fantastic time to have some fun on the water.
The summer weather is great for lounging about on the beach, but be aware that this is peak season at the resorts. You can expect crowds and high prices, so be sure to book well in advance.
If you can put up with the humidity, this is the best time of year to visit Argentina’s Iguazú Falls. Thanks to the high rainfall of previous months, December showcases the falls at their best, with huge volumes of water roaring over the edge.
Argentina’s summer months are also the best time to visit the southern parts of the country. The weather is unbearably cold here in winter, but from December to February you can enjoy clear skies and average temperatures of around 54 °F (12 °C). Be sure to visit the iconic Perito Moreno glacier, or take a cruise down the Beagle Channel towards the “end of the world”.
Argentina in Fall: Celebrate All Things Wine
Fall is another shoulder season in Argentina and an excellent time to find travel and accommodation bargains. There are fewer crowds around if you want to catch some final rays at the beach. It is also less hot and humid around Iguazú Falls—perfect for going hiking in the area.
March, the first month of fall, sees a lot of activity in Mendoza, in central Argentina. The city’s National Grape Harvest Festival attracts many tourists ready to celebrate wine and winemaking. Expect lots of dancers, parades, a huge fireworks display, and an impressive theater show. This is also a splendid time to go wine tasting at Mendoza’s numerous wineries.
Argentina’s fall months transform the Lake District’s forests and Mendoza’s vineyards into a stunning landscape of fiery foliage. Average temperatures are quite pleasant, making this a beautiful time to go out and take some stunning photographs. You can also go horseback riding and experience Argentina like a real cowboy.
Winter in Argentina: Discover the Country’s Extremes
The southern parts of Argentina get extremely cold during winter, and some facilities shut down. So rather head to the northern regions during these months and enjoy the average temperatures of 57 °F (14 °C). Traveling to Argentina in winter gives you the chance to explore some of the country’s extremes—deserts and snowy peaks.
The deserts of the Andean Northwest are usually unbearably hot, but from June to August, the daytime temperatures are quite pleasant for exploring. See the country’s vast desert areas filled with salt flats, white dunes, and the famous colorful Hornocal mountain range.
If you want a traditional snowy winter holiday, you’ll find many ski resorts dotted along the Andes mountains. Head to the Bariloche region for the best skiing slopes. But try to avoid going in July, as it is peak tourist season at the ski resorts.
Another Argentinean winter activity not to be missed is the annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival, which takes place in August. While there are plenty of tango shows to enjoy in the city throughout the year, this festival offers free events and the opportunity to see the world’s best dancers.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Travel to Argentina
Argentina is a spectacular country to visit all year round. You can enjoy a variety of cultural activities, natural wonders, and beautiful scenery no matter when you go. The best time to visit Argentina truly depends on what you want to see and do on your trip.
In general, it’s best to head to the southern regions during the hot months and then travel to the country’s northern regions during the cooler months. While winter and summer are peak times, a visit to Argentina during fall or spring can offer you a less crowded adventure.
Once you have your Argentinean itinerary all planned out, why not head to the country of Peru next as part of your South American getaway?
Last updated on October 13th, 2023 at 02:34 pm
