Argentina Climate and Best Time to Visit
Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, covering an area of 2.78 million km² (1.074 million mi²), which is about one third the size of the USA.
It covers most of the southern part of the South American continent and as such has a very varied climate.
It is flanked by the Andes mountains in the west, the Altiplano in the north, sub-tropical rainforest in the north-east and wide open plains, the Pampas, across much of the centre of the country.
The south (Patagonia) is a series of semi-arid plateaus.
Seasons
- Summer: December to February
- Autumn: March to May
- Winter: June to August
- Spring: September to November
North West Argentina
Popular destinations: Salta, Jujuy, Mendoza
When to go: This is an all year round destination. Summer can be particularly hot in the Mendoza region.
Climate: The climate is mainly dry, hot and sub-tropical. Temperatures vary significantly with altitude, with a wider range the higher you go. Winters tend to be mild.
Rainfall is mainly concentrated in the summer months, with around 85% falling between October and March.
Salta winter min/max average temperatures: 3 / 20 °C (37 / 68 °F)
Salta summer min/max average temperatures: 16 / 29 °C (61 / 84 °F)
Mendoza winter min/max average temperatures: 2 / 15 °C (36 / 59 °F)
Mendoza summer min/max average temperatures: 18 / 32 °C (64 / 90 °F)
North East Argentina
Popular destinations: Iguazu Falls, Ibera Wetlands
When to go: This is an all year round destination. Iguazu is particularly busy in January, February and Easter with local holiday makers. The drier months from April to September are an especially good time to visit.
Climate: The climate is sub-tropical and humid, with frequent rain and high humidity. Summer tends to be hot and wet, while winter is drier and fresher.
Rain usually falls as short, heavy downpours in the afternoon or evening.
Iguazu winter min/max average temperatures: 11 / 21 °C (52 / 70 °F)
Iguazu summer min/max average temperatures: 20 / 32 °C (68 / 90 °F)
Centre East Argentina
Popular destinations: Buenos Aires
When to go: This is an all year round destination with a Mediterranean-style climate.
Climate: The climate is humid temperate. Rainfall occurs throughout the year but is heavier in winter. Summers are sunnier with afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
Buenos Aires winter min/max average temperatures: 11 / 21 °C (52 / 70 °F)
Buenos Aires summer min/max average temperatures: 20 / 32 °C (68 / 90 °F)
South Argentina / Patagonia
Popular destinations: El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia
When to go: The best months to visit are from October to April.
Climate: The climate is cold oceanic. Strong winds are common, especially in summer. Rainfall decreases as you travel east.
In the west, rain can occur all year round, while in the east it is mainly concentrated in winter. Temperatures remain relatively cool even in summer, often accentuated by wind chill. Snow is more likely in the west.
El Calafate winter min/max average temperatures: -3 / 5 °C (27 / 41 °F)
El Calafate summer min/max average temperatures: 9 / 19 °C (48 / 66 °F)
Ushuaia winter min/max average temperatures: -1 / 5 °C (30 / 41 °F)
Ushuaia summer min/max average temperatures: 6 / 15 °C (43 / 59 °F)
