When to Visit South America
Year-round climate guide & best times to travel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.