Spanning almost 2,490mi (4,000km) in length, Argentina’s terrain is as varied as its climate. When to go depends on where you’re headed and what you’ll be doing.
Photo © iStock/Hauke Hirsch
A few years ago, I traveled from Ushuaia – the southernmost city in the world – overland through Argentina to Iguazu Falls, and through Salta across the border to Bolivia by bus. I was able to see firsthand the vast array of terrain that Argentina has to offer. Those regional variations will play a big role in determining the best time for traveling around the country.
Summer
December through February are the busiest months for travel to Argentina. In sub-antarctic Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, you can expect the average temperature to hover around 59°F (15°C) – in the Lake District, around 70°F (20°C). However, these months also bring hordes of visitors, so you’ll need to book in advance for hotels and campsites and expect more people on the trails.
This is also the only time frame when you can expect to climb Aconcagua, the highest peak outside of Asia, found in the Mendoza region.
It’s worth noting that while this is the most popular season to visit the southern regions of Argentina, summer brings high temperatures, rain, and consequent flooding to the north, making autumn and spring better for exploring that region. If you prefer not to swelter, best to steer clear of Buenos Aires during the summer, too.
Autumn
March, April, and May are the perfect time for wine lovers to visit the midwestern provinces of Mendoza and San Juan for the wine harvest. Early autumn is also ideal for seeing fall foliage in the Lake District, Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego. Weather can be unpredictable this time of year, however, and you should be aware that Easter is a peak holiday time for locals -- hotels and tours can book up quickly.
Winter
June through August is considered
Spring
The months of September through November offer ideal weather across almost the entire country. Visit the nation's capital, Buenos Aires, before the humidity and crowds descend in summer. The northwest sees milder spring temperatures around 70°F (20°C). The beaches along the western coastline are less packed this time of year, too.
Want to know more about Argentina? Listen to the World Nomads podcast. How drinking mate defines Argentinians, how to kiss properly when you greet someone, and meet Popi, the scientist who's saving penguins.
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1 Comment
I would love to come. Is it possible to get a hold of a to do list?