Knowing when to visit South America and where to go once you’re there is no easy task! This vast continent has an incredible array of cultures, ecosystems and landscapes as diverse as glacial lakes one moment to golden beaches the next. And of course, there’s also the weather. Certain parts of South America maintain a steady climate year-round, whereas others range between the extremes of tropical rainstorms, blistering sunshine, and icy afternoons.
At Atelier we love helping our guests plan their journey through South America, because no matter the time of year there’s always highlights and hidden treasures that make every trip so memorable. That’s why we’ve looked at when’s best to visit each country, and some of the key regions to explore too.
Best time to visit: October to April.
Great for: The Andes, wildlife, whales, wine, hiking, gaucho culture, tango shows
Like many South American countries, Argentina’s climate and landscapes vary hugely. To the north there’s dry valleys and dusty plains in Salta, head west and you’ll find Mendoza’s wine-growing country and greenery beneath the Andes, or south, where the frozen mountains and glacial lakes of Patagonia await.
As such, these very different environments enjoy very different climates. Throughout the year, Patagonian weather can change quickly—from biting wind to bright sunshine or sudden showers—so we advise packing for all weathers. October and November are good times to visit Patagonia, especially for beautiful hiking routes before peak tourist season starts. Winter runs from June to September and though the shoulder seasons here can still be scenic, the depths of winter make much of Patagonia inaccessible.
If traveling to northern Argentina, you can expect sun-lit afternoon and cooler evenings. April to November is particularly good around Salta, as temperatures are less extreme (it’s also generally drier) than summer months, and a great time for festivals too! For Buenos Aires, the west, and the best of Argentina’s Atlantic coastline, Spring and Summer (September to March/April) give you a great chance to enjoy all the outdoor activities these regions are loved for, without being burdened too much by unpredictable weather.
Best time to visit: April to October.
Great for: Andean culture, salt flats, colonial towns, off-the-beaten-track
One of Bolivia’s top attractions is the stunning Uyuni Salt Flats, which can be admired in either the dry “Desert” season (April to November), or wet “Mirror” season (December to March). Both offer a different type of experience but are equally spectacular. The country’s wet season may limit access to certain parts of the country, but if only in Bolivia for a few days at this time of year you’ll still be able to visit plenty of highlights like La Paz, Sucre, and even Lake Titicaca.
There are many areas of interest in Bolivia that sit at high altitude, so factor this in when planning for your trip as it can take time to acclimatize, though the pay off comes with some of South America’s most unique landscapes. Bolivia has a wonderfully colorful culture too, and if traveling in May or June you’ll get to witness the annual El Señor del Gran Poder Festival in La Paz, which is quite a sight! For the full experience of Bolivia however, we recommend visiting in the dry season to see the best of the country like Lipez and the Madidi National Park.
Best time to visit: Year-round.
Great for: Cities, colonial towns, beaches, wildlife
Though the largest landmass in South America and with micro-climates across the country, overall Brazil is a year-round vacation destination. November to March is particularly good in Brazil, partly due to the warm weather (generally 26°C to 34°C) and also the great mix of festivals and carnivals that take place at this time of year.
If visiting the Pantanal Wetlands, they are at their best between August and October which is also an excellent time to visit Rio de Janeiro! Small towns like Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais come to life over Easter, so timing your trip to be in one of these colonial-era areas will add something special for sure.
Of the many reasons to visit Brazil, the climate rarely hits extremes that are enough to rule out certain areas—even in rainy season, meaning you can plan a journey that suits you perfectly. If including the Amazon Rainforest or parts of the Atlantic (Green) Coast then pack waterproofs, though April to September tend to be drier. Last but not least, you can expect beautiful sunshine and blue skies on Brazil’s famous beaches throughout the year, making the country one of the most accessible yet diverse in all South America.
Best time to visit: Year-round.
Great for: Andes Mountains, Patagonia, Easter Island, wine, walking, glaciers
Like Argentina, Chile spans a huge length of land that ranges from the World’s driest desert in northern Atacama to the icy depths of Patagonia, which the two countries share. As such, Chile is a year-round travel destination as you can plan your journey to see each area at its best.
Patagonia does get a lot of rain and some extreme temperatures in winter months, so we recommend visiting Patagonia in summer, between October and March. Here you will have full access to the incredible mountain trails, glistening lakes and inviting forests which this region is so loved for. The Torres del Paine National Park is particularly beautiful at this time of year, though whenever you visit Patagonia we always recommend packing warm clothes as nights get cold.
If traveling to Chile’s north, from the capital Santiago (and surrounding Central Valley) up to the Atacama Desert, temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in summer between December and February which is a lovely time to visit. Here you can enjoy warm afternoons exploring Atacama’s awe-inspiring landscapes, before evenings spent under some of the clearest night skies on the planet.
Whether you’re in the Lake District, Patagonia, out on the coast or in Chile’s desert regions, there’s a good chance you’ll experience more than one climate and environment on your journey so we recommend planning your packing accordingly.
As Iguazu straddles both Brazil and Argentina, you can cross the border for a different view and further exploration of the national park, which is highly advised. This biodiverse area is full of walking trails ideal for spotting tropical plants, bird species and animals like Black Capuchin Monkeys.
Best time to visit: Year-round. December-February or July-August for the best weather.
Great for: Beaches, coffee plantations, colonial towns, modern cities, adventures
Traveling to Colombia can be a joy at any time of year, with the country enjoying a tropical climate and the main differences being between Highland and Lowland areas. Colombia’s Caribbean Coast may have fluctuations of rain between June and December, but overall is a safe bet for warm seas and clear blue skies day in/out, especially in the first half of the year. Temperatures here are consistently 30-33°C, making it one of the most reliable beach and island-hopping destinations in South America.
The lush Coffee Region to the country’s west gets more rain but is again consistent in climate throughout the year, so it’s easy to plan into your journey. Here you can experience rural life in one of Colombia’s agricultural heartlands, which comes in stark contrast to the bustling cities of Bogota or Medellin!
Between December and March there are many festivals and celebrations across Colombia, such as the Festival of Light, and Easter is always a popular time too. Overall, be prepared for cooler temperatures in lowland regions of Colombia, especially at night, though pack for a tropical vacation that may have the occasional rain shower—though never enough to impact your experience with Atelier.
Best time to visit: Year-round.
Great for: Wildlife, Andean culture, mountains, hiking, cruises, colonial towns.
Beautiful Ecuador has a mix of microclimates throughout the country, making it another year-round destination—depending on which parts of the country you’re keen to explore. Weather can vary between the Highlands and Lowlands, with Highland areas experiencing more rain throughout the year and modest fluctuations in temperature, though all of Ecuador ranges from 20-30°C no matter the season.
If visiting The Galapagos Islands, October to December experience the warmest weather and although waters around the islands are calmest between January and May, the sea life, flora and fauna you’ll see varies throughout the year—so be sure to speak to an Atelier expert in advance.
There are important and fun festivals in Ecuador between Easter and December, such as Day of the Dead, The Foundation of Quito Festival, Independence Day and Corpus Christi. We recommend packing appropriately for the activities on your journey. For example, if visiting Volcano Alley then sturdy hiking boots and loose clothing come recommended, whereas elsewhere around Ecuador it can be bright blue sky one minute and tropical rain showers the next, so pack for all weathers!
Best time to visit: Year-round. March-October for best weather.
Great for: Andean Mountains, Andean culture, Inca ruins, Machu Picchu, jungle, wildlife, colonial architecture, cuisine
The dry season in Peru, between May and October, opens up the whole country to its abundance of amazing archaeological sites, ecosystems, landscapes and cultural hotspots. It’s the best time of year to visit Peru for hiking trails and outdoor activities too, though even in the rainy season (November to April, heaviest in Jan and February), a magnificent experience awaits all over the country.
The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest sees plenty of rain between December and March/April, though pack the right clothes and you’ll get to see the Amazon in full bloom during this time. The dry season, May to November, sees hotter temperatures here so be prepared for that, though it does make hiking the nature trails easier and Amazonian waterways are at their lowest/most navigable.
July and August are the peak times in Peru for visitors, though June is a great shoulder month for festivals (including Inti Raymi) and some of the main tourist sites like Machu Picchu or the Colca Canyon are less busy later in the year. It’s worth noting that the Inca Trail closes in February due to the weather, and given its popularity overall—we recommend planning well in advance.
Overall, whether visiting the Sacred Valley, spending time in the capital Lima, experiencing the Amazon Rainforest or Peru’s coastal regions, the country is perfectly set up to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in every season.
Best time to visit: Year-round.
Great for: Estancias, food and wine, beaches.
Though the country is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Uruguay is in the summer—between November and February—when all of the coastal resorts, beach bars and restaurants in places such as Punta del Este are open, and temperatures range between 25-30°C. Many of those bars/restaurants close during winter, and it’s well worth experiencing this side of Uruguay during your time here so we recommend traveling in summer if possible.
More inland and rural areas appeal all year round, as well the coastal colonial towns of Carmelo and Colonia del Sacramento. At the beginning of the year, you’ll get to experience celebrations like Montevideo Carnival and the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha in Tacuarembó, while from August onwards is a good time to go whale watching in Uruguay.
Whatever your interests or group size, speak to the travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade tour to South America.
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