When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Buenos Aires?

When deciding what time of year to make your way to Buenos Aires, it’s important to consider what your priorities are. Are you looking for the best weather, the best prices, or hoping to catch one of the famously exciting football matches?

Located at the bottom of the southern Hemisphere, Argentina has four distinct seasons with climates that run opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Spring and Fall are widely known to be the best seasons to visit Buenos Aires. But, Summer and Winter have their benefits as well. Keep reading for our seasonal breakdown of Buenos Aires.

Why visit Buenos Aires in the Spring

Spring (September to November) is often considered the best time of year to visit the Argentine capital thanks to the mild temperatures and picturesque jacaranda trees that cover the city in purple petals every November.

Now that the chilly winter months have passed, the city comes alive. The people of Buenos Aires have a “spring” in their step, the sidewalk cafes and many rooftop bars fill up once again. Some of the most notable cultural events of the year are hosted in the spring including night of the museums, the Argentine Polo Open, and the International Jazz Festival.

Spring also brings the long-awaited return of the Argentine football season. In Buenos Aires alone there are over a dozen local teams, all with their own culture, stadium and die-hard fans. If you’re in Buenos Aires in the spring or the fall, checking out a futbol game is a must.

Planning your trip for Spring? Check out our more in depth information on Springtime in Buenos Aires.

Where else should I travel in Argentina in the spring?

Iguazú Falls can be visited year-round, but September/October are two of the best months because the weather hasn’t become oppressively hot yet. Despite the good weather, spring isn’t high season in Iguazú, so you can also expect smaller crowds.

For most of Patagonia spring is low season, but off the coast of Puerto Madryn, October and November are peak whale watching season. For even more wildlife, head to nearby Punta Tombo for the second largest colony of penguins in the world. They return here every year between September and March to mate.

What to do in Buenos Aires in the Summer

Summer (December to March) in Buenos Aires is known for two things. Heat and Humidity. However, it can still be a great time to visit, especially for anyone looking for a break from a cold northern hemisphere winter. Summer is peak tourism season in Buenos Aires, so you can expect higher flight and hotel prices. But, as the tourists rush in, many of the locals go on vacation for the entire month of January or February, making for a more relaxed vibe in the city with less congestion and traffic.

Too much sight-seeing will probably have you dripping sweat, but luckily there are plenty of parks, al fresco dining spots, ice cream parlors, and air-conditioned museums to be enjoyed in the summer months. Also, make sure to book an accommodation with a pool, and the especially hot days can be spent poolside with a cerveza in hand.

Planning your trip for Summer? Check out our more in depth information on Summertime activities in Buenos Aires.

Where else should I travel in Argentina in the Summer?

Whether you’d like to embrace the heat or escape from it, we recommend heading to the beach or down South to Patagonia. Down the Argentine coast, you’ll find Mar de Plata and Mar de las Pampas, both popular and relaxing Argentine Beach destinations. If you’d prefer a respite from the heat, consider checking out Patagonia. During the summer months Bariloche is known for perfect hiking/kayaking/biking weather. Or head further south the get a glimpse of the electric blue Perito Moreno glacier, one of the most incredible sights in Argentina.

Why visit Buenos Aires in the fall

Towards the end of March the muggy heat begins to lift and a full day outside becomes comfortable again. Combined with the return of football season, fall can rival spring for the best time of year to visit Buenos Aires.

Now that peak tourism season has ended, flights and hotel prices come down a bit. Every month that passes from March through June there will be less and less tourists in the city. Bars and restaurants slowly become less crowded, and tours easier to book.

Fall (April to June) is an especially great time of year to visit Buenos Aires for the music and art lovers. In March the new season at the iconic Teatro Colon kicks off, and the three-day Lollapalooza takes place usually at the end of the month. In April, hundreds of artistic documentaries and feature films are premiered at the International film festival. And then in May, 100,000 visitors descend upon Buenos Aires for ArtBA. This three-day festival is one of the most important contemporary art festivals in South America.

Planning your trip for Fall? Make sure to check out our more in depth information on Fall in Buenos Aires

Where else should I travel in Argentina in the Fall?

Fall is also a great time to visit Mendoza. Famed for the Malbec, Mendoza is the biggest wine producing region in Argentina. While Mendoza is a good destination year-round, fall brings harvest season, and the ripe vines make for some stunning sights. Also, one weekend in March, all of Mendoza celebrates the harvest with their Vendimia festival. Complete with parades, wine events and finally a spectacular show celebrating their harvest, the Vendimia Festival draws thousands of visitors every year.

What to do in Buenos Aires in the Winter

Come winter the humidity returns, but this time accompanied with cold temperatures. No need to panic though, the temperatures rarely dip below 40°F (5°C), so exploring the city can still be enjoyable. Just make sure to bring a warm coat and a scarf.

Winter (July to September) is off season in Buenos Aires, so one of the benefits of visiting are the lower prices. Many hotels and airlines will have special deals this time of year, making a budget trip to Buenos Aires easier.

For anyone visiting in winter, many of the most classic aspects of the culture of Buenos Aires are enjoyed year-round. Luckily, tango, Malbec and great steak aren’t weather dependent. The notable exception is football. If you’re hoping to catch a game, don’t bother visiting in winter unless world cup qualifiers or exhibition matches are scheduled. The league takes winter break from around the end of May to the middle of August.

Planning your trip for Winter? Check out our more in depth information on Winter in Buenos Aires.

Where else should I travel in Argentina in the Winter?

For skiers and snowboarders, winter is a great time to pass through Buenos Aires on your way to Patagonia. Both Bariloche and Ushuaia have world renowned ski resorts. Or to warm up, head to the Northeast of Argentina. Jujuy, Salta and Cafayate are known for their other-worldly dessert landscapes and year-round warm weather.