South America - When to Visit

When to Visit South America

Year-round climate guide & best times to travel

South America spans a vast territory from the equator to near Antarctica, creating one of the world's most diverse climate regions. The continent experiences opposite seasons to North America and Europe, with summer occurring from December to March and winter from June to September. Due to its enormous size and varied geography, South America encompasses tropical rainforests, high-altitude mountains, temperate regions, and arid deserts, each with distinct weather patterns. The northern regions near the equator maintain relatively consistent temperatures year-round with wet and dry seasons, while southern areas like Argentina and Chile experience more pronounced seasonal variations. The Andes Mountains create significant climate variations, with altitude playing a major role in temperature and precipitation patterns. Coastal areas are influenced by ocean currents, with the Pacific coast generally drier than the Atlantic side due to the Humboldt Current.

Best Time to Visit by Travel Style

Beach & Relaxation

December to March for southern beaches (Argentina, southern Brazil, Chile) and year-round for northern tropical coasts (Colombia, Venezuela, northern Brazil).

Cultural Exploration

April to May and September to November offer pleasant weather across most regions with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures for city exploration.

Adventure & Hiking

May to September for Patagonia and high-altitude regions like the Andes, while April to October works best for Amazon adventures with lower rainfall.

Budget Travel

June to August (winter) offers lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists, especially in popular destinations like Peru, Bolivia, and southern Brazil.

Month-by-Month Climate Guide

January

Peak summer across southern South America with hot temperatures and high tourist activity. Northern regions experience dry season conditions with consistent warmth. Ideal for southern beaches but can be crowded and expensive.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
High Crowds
View January Details →

February

Continuation of summer heat in the south with carnival season bringing massive celebrations, especially in Brazil. Weather remains hot and humid across most regions. Expect high prices and crowds during carnival period.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
High Crowds
View February Details →

March

Late summer transitioning to autumn in southern regions with slightly cooler temperatures. Northern areas maintain stable tropical conditions. Good time for travel as crowds begin to thin after peak season.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View March Details →

April

Autumn arrives in southern South America with pleasant, mild temperatures ideal for sightseeing. Rainfall begins to decrease in many regions. Excellent shoulder season with good weather and moderate tourist numbers.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View April Details →

May

Cooler, drier weather develops across most of the continent as southern regions enter late autumn. Excellent conditions for hiking and cultural exploration. Tourist crowds are lighter with good accommodation availability.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View May Details →

June

Winter begins in southern regions with cooler temperatures but generally clear skies. Northern tropical areas remain warm and enter drier periods. Low tourist season means better prices and fewer crowds.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Low Crowds
View June Details →

July

Peak winter in southern South America with the coolest temperatures of the year, though still mild in northern regions. Dry season conditions prevail in most areas. Lowest tourist numbers and accommodation rates.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Low Crowds
View July Details →

August

Late winter with gradually warming temperatures in southern regions while northern areas remain consistently tropical. Dry conditions continue across most of the continent. Still low season for tourism with good value.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Low Crowds
View August Details →

September

Spring arrives in southern South America with warming temperatures and blooming landscapes. Weather becomes increasingly pleasant for outdoor activities. Tourist numbers begin to increase as shoulder season starts.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View September Details →

October

Beautiful spring weather in southern regions with warm days and cool nights. Northern areas may see increasing rainfall as wet season approaches. Excellent time for travel with good weather and moderate crowds.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View October Details →

November

Late spring warming leads to summer-like conditions in southern South America. Rainfall increases in tropical regions as wet season begins. Popular time for travel before peak summer crowds arrive.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View November Details →

December

Summer begins with rising temperatures and increased tourist activity, especially around holidays. Northern regions enter wet season with afternoon thunderstorms. Peak season pricing begins as crowds build toward New Year.

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
High Crowds
View December Details →

Explore Activities in South America