When is the best time to travel to South America?
So you want to go on vacation to South America and you've already done the hardest thing: deciding which of the countless incredible destinations you want to explore. But with the complex variety of dry seasons, rainy seasons, altitudes and peak tourism seasons in South America, where do you start planning when?
In this post, you'll discover the pros and cons of visiting this glorious continent at different times of the year, and you'll be fully equipped to book that adventure.
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A book of general rules
If you've already made it this far, you won't need to be reminded that South America is a huge continent, comprising 12 different countries and spanning almost 7 million square kilometres. It is a place of endless discoveries, but the swampy mangroves, snow-capped mountains, bone-dry deserts, misty forested valleys, volcanic islands and dynamic cities of South America all come with their own set of weather systems and other influencing factors. journey.
The truth is that there is so much variety and variety that it is almost impossible to say which are the "best" months to visit South America; It is a destination that can be visited all year round and you will surely have the time of your life when you decide to go. However, there are some general rules that should be taken into account when planning your trip.
- The seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere.
- The further south you go, the more clearly the seasons are defined.
- The closer you are to the equator (e.g. Peru and Ecuador), the warmer the climate will be. The higher you go in altitude, the colder it is.
- The most economical times to travel to South America are the spring and autumn seasons. During the western holiday periods of July, August and December, prices are higher and attractions are busier.
- Northern areas tend to be more favorable during the winter months, when temperatures are milder and there is less precipitation. The southernmost areas of the continent (such as Patagonia) are best explored during the summer months, when they are less frigid and inhospitable.
Spring (September - November)
Widely considered the best time of year to visit South America for its balance of pleasant temperatures and dry weather, spring heralds the arrival of stunning wildflowers and newborn animals and the departure of winter tourists.
It's the dry season for Bolivia's iconic salt flat (Salar de Uyuni), which means that although you're unlikely to see the stunning body of water that occurs in the wet months, the weather is perfect for exploring it.
Similarly, in the Amazon rainforest, the dry season (June to November) means that river levels are low, which exposes more hiking trails and makes fishing much more satisfying, plus there are fewer mosquitoes. Being out of peak season, the trails and lodges are less crowded. However, visiting the Amazon during the flood season has its own advantages, which we will talk about later.
It is also an ideal time for sightseeing in the cities: since it is low season, the crowds will not be overwhelming in urban centers such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, and temperatures will be more manageable.
Although a cruise through the Galapagos is an activity that can be done all year round, spring is an active time for the fauna of the islands, rainfall is scarce and the sky and sea are calm, ideal conditions for navigation. .
The unmissable festivities in Ecuador take place on November 2 - All Souls' Day - with parties, flowers and fine clothing, and on October 9, with the celebrations of the independence of the city of Guayaquil.
Summer (December - February)
In most of the continent, these months are the hottest of the year and the rainiest. December is a peak tourist season, so prices will be higher and attractions will be busier. A meteorological phenomenon known as El Niño crosses South America sporadically, every two to seven years, causing alterations in many of the usual weather systems at this time of year.
Summer is the time for street parties and beaches, and South America has plenty of festivals and stunning coastlines. But keep in mind that they will be very busy. Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro fills with people during the world-famous Rio Carnival in February.
The rainy season sets in across much of the continent, except for Patagonia in the south, which, together with its milder temperatures, makes visiting Patagonia an ideal summer destination for observing wildlife and nature. hiking.
Please note that the Inca Trail, which leads to many ancient Andean citadels, is closed for maintenance during the month of February. The Pantanal and the Amazon are also affected by humid weather, so explorable areas can be limited in summer, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, can be unbearably hot.
The Ecuadorian coast is at the mercy of the rainy season, but summer rains give way to crystal blue skies and high temperatures, which are replaced in the dry season by overcast clouds.
Autumn (March - May)
Fall, another shoulder season, shares many of the advantages of spring and is a great time to travel to South America because of fewer tourists and milder temperatures. The summer rains leave the landscapes lush and green, the temperatures in the cities become bearable again and the prices are much lower.
The Argentine wine region of Mendoza is bustling with wine activity, making it a great time to take part in a wine tasting excursion. The rolling hills are hydrated and the heat is milder in these areas.
Despite being at the tail end of the rainy season, fall is an excellent time to take an Amazon River cruise, as high river levels open up streams and waterways that are not accessible at other times of the year. The increase in rainfall attracts animals and marks the beginning of their mating season, in addition to saturating the colors of the jungle.
The sea is at its warmest in the autumn months and offers perfect conditions for shore diving. It is a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands, taking advantage of the fact that the sea and sky are calmer and that the fauna is abundant. The Uyuni salt flat transforms into a spectacular reflective surface in autumn, allowing for impressive photos.
Winter (June - August)
Winter in South America marks the end of the wet season – prepare for clearer skies and cooler temperatures. It's probably the busiest time for tourists, but for good reason: the clear conditions are perfect for visiting places like Machu Picchu and hiking in general (be sure to book Inca Trail tickets six months in advance), and the Pantanal, Brazil's epic wetland, teems with wildlife this time of year. Explore the Atacama Desert in winter and be rewarded by the amazing starry night skies.
Patagonia, in southern Chile and Argentina, is mostly closed during the winter due to harsh ice and snow, but some areas are open for skiing and other snow sports. It should also be noted that during the dry season, a dense fog called La Garua hangs over the Peruvian capital, Lima, while nearby Cuzco enjoys blue skies and minimal rain.
Every year in August, Buenos Aires hosts the International Tango Festival and the Dance World Cup, which is worth a trip, while at the end of July a small Bolivian town called San Ignacio de Moxos is transformed into a wild summer party of costumes and color.
When it comes down to it, it largely depends on the activities you plan and the place you want to visit. Many places in South America are good year-round destinations, such as the Galapagos Islands, which have a constant succession of nesting, breeding, migration and hatching seasons, but some places need a little more careful planning. Some places can come alive with mystical, rainy weather, while others are obscured, and in some parts of the continent, like Torres del Paine in Patagonia, the weather can go through several seasons in a single day. It's always wise to know what's coming, so do your homework and then pack your bags.
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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.
This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.
Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:
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