Are you still undecided about when to go to Argentina, home of the 2022 World Cup champions? Stop wondering and learn more about the best time to visit Argentina.
Located in the southern part of South America, Argentina prides itself not only on its soccer reputation but on its tango culture, world-class red wines, and dramatic Patagonian landscapes.
Knowing your travel destination’s climate and special events will help make your vacation more comfortable and enjoyable, especially if you are headed to a country with diverse landscapes and varying climates like Argentina. Deciding the best time to visit this Latin American country will depend on your travel goals, budget, desired locations, and planned activities.
Read on to learn about the best times to visit this wonderful country to improve your travel itinerary.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Argentina?
When visiting Argentina, the best time depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. In Buenos Aires and central Argentina, spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) are ideal, with mild and pleasant weather. If you’re heading to Patagonia and southern Argentina, the summer months from December to February offer longer days and milder temperatures, but it can get windy.
Spring and fall are great for wildlife enthusiasts. In northern Argentina, go during spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and to avoid the hot and rainy summers. If you’re interested in the Andes Mountains and wine regions, spring and fall provide pleasant weather and vibrant vineyards. Keep these variations in mind when planning your trip to Argentina.
Spring (October-Mid-December) and autumn (March-Mid-June) are great times to visit as they offer fewer tourists and better prices.
Best Time To Visit Argentina by Season – Spring Months
The spring season starts from September to November. It is also considered a shoulder season due to fewer tourists visiting Argentina between these months. Due to the slightly warm and less humid weather, spring is considered pleasant for exploring, and it’s one of my favorite times to visit the country.
Argentina enjoys comfortable weather during spring as temperatures go as high as 71°F (22°C) and as low as 57°F (14°C).
Book your accommodation before your visit as you’ll get much cheaper rates.
Activities in Argentina During the Spring Months
• Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo is a 2-block-long plaza that’s a historical sight in the city of Buenos Aires. Important historical events occurred at this building, such as the uprising against Spain in 1810, which led to the independence of Argentina.
• Visiting Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park, nestled in the heart of Patagonia, is a must-see destination for Patagonia hiking enthusiasts. Begin your adventure in the charming town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to this magnificent national park. Puerto Natales offers a range of accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators, making it an ideal base for exploring Torres del Paine.
With its iconic trails like the W Circuit and breathtaking sights like the Torres del Paine peaks, Patagonia hiking in this park is an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit Patagonia and embark on these adventures is during the spring months of September to November, when the weather gets milder, and the landscapes come alive with vibrant colors.
• Oktoberfest
Apart from being best known for its wines, Argentinians still love beers. You can be part of an 11-day long festival which takes place in the city of Cordoba. Held in October, it is a celebration of the love of beer.
Best Time To Visit Argentina by Season – Summer Months
Summer in Argentina starts in December and lasts till February. Visiting during this season is popular and enjoyed by most travelers due to a variety of outdoor and nature activities. Traditional festivals like Christmas are also celebrated in Argentina, which means many people will take their holidays during this time.
Hot and humid weather, with temperatures soaring as high as 87°F (30°C), is enjoyed while peak tourism season continues through these months. Most popular attractions are crowded due to the large influx of tourists, so booking your accommodation in advance is recommended.
Also, prices during this time will be higher.
Activities in Argentina During the Summer Months
Here are some activities to enjoy when you’re visiting Argentina in the summer months:
• Iguazu Falls
The world-famous Iguazu Falls, a massive collection of waterfalls, has been named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Comprising 275 cascades, they form a breathtaking natural border between Argentina and Brazil.
These falls are surrounded by abundant wildlife, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
• Mar del Plata
It is a resort city located in Buenos Aires province. Many tourists visit this city due to its long string of beaches, and you can expect large crowds, especially in the summer.
• Buenos Aires Tango Festival
Buenos Aires hosts a yearly tango dance competition, usually in August, praised worldwide for being the largest of its kind. Visitors will enjoy live orchestras, competitions, and exhibitions of tango-related art and films.
This festival attracts approximately 2,000 performers and around half a million attendees.
• Whitewater Paddling
Argentina’s natural landscape provides a lot of whitewater adventure opportunities. Patagonia has various rafting points to enjoy the scenic background and the thrill of navigating through ice-cold waters during hot summers.
• Visit Bariloche
Bariloche is a city in the Patagonian region of Argentina, surrounded by the magnificent Andes Mountains. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, skiing, and mountaineering activities. While Bariloche is not typically referred to as the “Adventure Capital of Argentina,” it serves as a gateway to the adventurous wonders of Patagonia.
For hiking enthusiasts, a must-visit destination is El Chaltén, a separate town known for its world-class trails, including the awe-inspiring Laguna de Los Tres hike, showcasing Mount Fitz Roy’s majestic beauty and neighboring peaks.
Best Time To Visit Argentina by Season – Fall Months
The fall season in Argentina lasts from March to June. Also known as shoulder season, autumn temperatures dip below 57°F (14°C) in southern parts and reach up to 70°F (21°C) in northern parts. The weather is more unpredictable this season, so you should be prepared for some rain or plan extra time to wait for ideal weather conditions.
The fall season is often described as the best time to explore Argentina as the peak season ends, and prices return to normal. Yellow and orange colors take over the forests with blooming flowers.
Different festivals and events like Easter also take place during these fall months.
Activities in Argentina During the Autumn Months
• Wine tasting in Mendoza
The months of autumn are the harvesting season for grapes. It’s the time when vineyards produce fresh wine from their harvests. You can take wine-tasting tours through various family-owned vineyards across Mendoza, sampling the best wines of South America.
• Visit the Nahuel Huapi National Park
The oldest and second largest national park in Argentina, Nahuel Huapi National Park is spread around 1,706 square miles (4,425 square kilometers). The park is so massive that it has over 60 lakes and lagoons, and you’ll often need a bus to navigate it.
You can pick your spot for various activities, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
• Fiesta Nacional de Chocolate
The San Carlos de Bariloche Chocolate Festival is a delightful event celebrated in April. This 4-day-long festival is dedicated to the indulgence of chocolate, with large quantities of this delectable treat being consumed.
The festivities culminate with a special Easter tradition, where a massive chocolate egg is cracked open and distributed among the locals to enjoy.
• Semana Santa
Argentinians observe Easter in a grand manner. The locals organize a large number of parades and street parties at the Semana Santa festival, also called Holy Week.
Best Time To Visit Argentina by Season – Winter Months
Months of the winter season in Argentina start from June to August. The temperatures fall during the winter, so the southern part of the country gets cold and frosted. Temperatures around the country range from 53°F (12°C) to less than 32°F (0°C).
As a result of the colder conditions, the ski resorts start to fill up with tourists as this becomes the best time for winter sports enthusiasts. Packing warm clothes, including gloves, and booking your hotel in advance as locals also leave for the winter holidays is recommended.
Activities in Argentina During the Winter Months
• Whale Watching in Valdes Peninsula
Whale watching in Valdes is a favorite activity among tourists visiting Argentina during August, September, and October.
Whales have their mating season, so it is easy to see these endangered gigantic mammals that will fascinate you.
• Skiing in Tierra del Fuego
Tierra del Fuego, a province in southern Argentina, is home to 3 different ski resorts.
Having some of South America’s most advanced ski resorts, you can look forward to seeing 34 km of slopes and 14 ski lifts, making it a popular attraction during winter.
• Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most important tourist attractions in winter. People come to look at this mighty glacier, which is about 200 feet (61 meters) tall. You can also walk over the uneven glacial landscape of small lagoons and deep blue ice formations.
You can marvel at the sight of vast chunks of ice breaking off from the glacier and dropping into the lake below.
• Winter sports at La Hoya
This ski resort has a separate space for beginners, families, and children. You can take part in multiple activities, be it skiing or snowboarding. The facility has 10 lifts to carry visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Best Time To Visit Argentina
What Is the Hottest Month in Argentina?
January is Argentina’s hottest month, with an average temperature of 77°F (25°C).
Due to being located in the southern hemisphere, the country’s winters start in May, while the summers start in December.
What Is the Rainy Season in Argentina?
Summers (December-March) are the rainy season in Argentina, as more than 80% of the annual rainfall occurs from December through March.
How Many Days Do You Need in Argentina?
How many days you need in Argentina would depend on how many different areas of the country you want to visit. A minimum of 1 week is required if you want to visit all of the popular attractions across Argentina.
However, if you also want to explore the Patagonia area, a minimum of 14 days is recommended.
What Months Are a Good Time To Go to the Beach in Argentina?
It is highly recommended that you visit Argentina from December through February if you are a fan of beaches. These are hot summer months, and the temperatures are perfect for a beach vacation.
Conclusion – Best Time To Visit Argentina
Each Argentine season has its own attraction and drawback, so plan your travel well and beforehand.
It really pays to go on your ideal trip with important information at your fingertips. With this article, deciding on the best time to travel to Argentina would be a breeze.
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.