The best time to visit Argentina

January is in Argentina’s height of summer, making it a popular month for visitors to Patagonia, particularly Bariloche and El Calafate. With longer daylight hours, this is perfect for kayaking in the lakes, hiking in Patagonia and traversing Perito Moreno glacier. See the magellanic penguins on Penguin Island, off the coast of ‘Blue Patagonia’. Accommodation can be very busy, so make sure to book well in advance.

The northwest of the country can be very wet and the northeast very hot. Temperatures hover around 30°C making this a popular time for heading to the beaches of Jose Ignacio and Punta del Este.

The long days in February are a fantastic time for exploring Ushuaia, Patagonia and the Andes on foot or by horseback, as well as relaxing on the beaches of Jose Ignacio. Embark on a white water rafting adventure in Rio Mendoza or take a speedboat tour of Iguazu Falls. Harvest season starts in Mendoza, one of the country’s famous wine regions. This is still the height of summer, so is a very popular time for visiting. Make sure to book well in advance to secure your preferred accommodation.

The crowds start to dissipate in March but temperatures are still great for exploring Patagonia. Hike in Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten and Mount Fitz Roy. Autumn colours start to move through the Lake District and Tierra del Fuego. Embark on a rainforest bike ride over to Iguazu Falls, observing birds and mammals on your way.

Temperatures in the central and northern regions are pleasant, with drier climates towards Mendoza, Salta or Iguazu. Autumn can be a fabulous time for exploring Patagonia with cooler temperatures of 23°C. Head to El Chalten or Los Glaciares National Park for hiking or horse riding through the Andean foothills. The forests of Bariloche are changing to Autumn colours, the desert temperatures are more tolerable and Buenos Aires is great for exploring without the heat.

Puerto Madryn in the Chubut province is great for spotting whales as they come to breed. May is also fantastic for weather in the rainforest regions and the wetlands, creating wonderful opportunities for wildlife spotting. The water levels at Iguazu Falls are still high from the summer rains, making for fabulous viewing.

This is an ideal time for visiting the desert landscapes of the Andean northwest. The hot and humid climate of the north is milder during the winter months, perfect for exploring the unusual geographical formations of the salt flats and moon-like terrain of the Puna. Iguazu is also wonderful; you can discover hundreds of waterfalls along the three borders landmark. June also marks the Gauchos de Guemes Parada in Salta, a procession held every year to celebrate the life of one of the most influential generals of the war of independence.

July is the coldest month of the winter, with highs of around 15°C. The evenings in Buenos Aires are cooler, great for sightseeing. Blizzards start to sweep through Patagonia until October, cutting off the towns until later in the year. July is ski season in the Andes, with spectacular, panoramic vistas.

Temperatures in August average around 16°C, offering a great climate for city breaks, hiking and other activities. Regions in Patagonia are great for keen skiers and snowboarders. If you’re travelling in August, you’ll be able to make the most of off peak prices and quieter attractions.

September marks the beginning of spring. Peninsula Valdes is fabulous for wildlife lovers, with whales, seals, penguins and seabirds in abundance. Explore the cultural sites of Buenos Aires, discover a plethora of wildlife in Iguazu and witness the religious procession that travels through the streets of Salta at the start of September. It’s still possible to ski in the south, but most of the country is in spring with wildflowers blooming across the Lake District and Patagonia.

The Calchaqui Valley stretches across the provinces of northwest Argentina and are known for their rugged, striking red rock formations and high altitude vineyards. Wonderful for visiting in September

This is the ‘secret season’ for travel in Patagonia. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds, making for an incredible experience. Spring is in full swing with wildflowers filling the Lake District and the climate in Salta being less humid.

Spring starts to come to an end and summer starts to creep in, with temperatures peaking around 24°C. Avoid the crowds that flock to Argentina in December by visiting this month. Journey to El Calafate and take a guided walk along Perito Moreno glacier, ending with a whiskey on the rocks sitting on the glacier. Jacaranda trees are in full bloom around Buenos Aires, with the ground coloured lilac with their petals.

Clear skies and warm temperatures dominate in Patagonia. The climate in Tierra del Fuego and the Andes is also wonderful in the summer. Christmas in Argentina is widely celebrated, perfect for enjoying new experiences and cuisines. December is one of the peak months in Argentina, so make sure to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation and experiences.