The Best Time to Visit Argentina in 2023

As one of South America’s most stunning and geographically diverse countries, Argentina is a favorite spot for international wanderlust travelers seeking natural beauty, rugged wilderness, and a colorful, welcoming culture.

But before you plan out your itinerary or think about the region you want to visit, you need to discover the best time to visit Argentina. We’ll share the best time to visit for great weather, cheaper prices, and smaller crowds in this quick travel guide.

First, see the reasons Argentina is worth a visit over a tropical island or stateside getaway – you’ll be glad you came to see this beautifully rugged and lively side of South America! 

Why You Should Visit Argentina

Argentina is home to the world’s largest waterfalls to steep mountains and cliffs, a world-renowned food and wine scene, a national love for dance, music, and art, and a unique culture steeped in Latin American, European, and indigenous traditions.

You’ll find many different landscapes and biomes here, including arid and semi-arid high deserts (more than half of the country), subtropical rainforests, temperate plains, and chilly subantarctic glacial zones.

With so much variety in the landscapes, culture, and cities, there are so many reasons to come and see what it’s all about. Here’s a closer look at why it’s a great place to visit. 

Incredibly Diverse Natural Beauty

Argentina shares the largest waterfall system in the world – Iguazu Falls – with Brazil, and this is one of the biggest draws for tourists who want to see nature at its most awe-inspiring.

The system is part of the protected Iguazu Falls National Park and features 275 individual falls that are twice as wide and much taller than Niagara Falls!

But the country is even better known for the steep, snow-capped Andes Mountains (and Mount Fitz Roy is the inspiration for the outdoor brand Patagonia’s logo). Mount Aconcagua on the border of Argentina and Chile is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere.

With more than 300 glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park of Argentina’s Austral Andes, you can see time-carved glacial landscapes and icefalls. With the snow-capped peak of Mount Fitz Roy looming in the background, the glacial sights are nothing short of breathtaking.

Climbers, fishermen, adventure seekers, and nature lovers flock to Argentina to witness amazing landscapes of all types, vistas, and views you can’t find anywhere else in the world. 

Colorful, Unique Culture

Argentina’s culture is vibrant and saucy. This is the birthplace of the lively tango dance, home to world-famous painters and sculptors, and the world’s first animated feature film (El Apóstol) was produced here in 1917.

You’ll see massive, colorful street murals depicting wildlife, pop art, and cerebral images throughout the biggest cities. The culture is so alive in Argentina that you’ll feel, hear, smell, and see it thriving in every part of the country. 

Argentinians eat the most meat of any country in the world and are major producers of beef worldwide. This country is definitely a carnivore’s paradise.

If you’re into perfectly seasoned grilled meats, delightfully flaky pastries and empanadas filled to the max, grilled and smoked cheeses, hearty stews and soups, and flavorful veggie plates simmered and sautéed to perfection, Argentinian cuisine is right up your alley.   

The high desert regions of Argentina are where the country’s vineyards thrive. Argentinian wine is appreciated and respected across the globe thanks to the unique flavor profiles induced from grapes grown at high altitudes.

Malbec is the most famous, but the country produces its fair share of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Bonarda, and Syrah wines as well. 

Bustling, Lively Cities

Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, is considered the “Paris of South America” and sees the most visitors annually and you’ll never run out of things to see and do here. Other cities of note are Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, La Plata, and Mar del Plata.

Tango and salsa dancing, lively music that blends Latin American, European, and indigenous sounds into unique and danceable beats, and a serious focus on all aspects of the arts are at the heart of every major city here. 

You’ll find theaters and museums abound in Argentina, so travelers can easily roam about the city and learn about the local arts and culture along the way. Steakhouses are on just about every corner.

Remember, Argentina takes its meat-eating seriously — and it’s easy to work off dinner in the country’s bike-friendly cities. Catch a thrilling football (soccer) game while you’re in town and cheer along with passionate locals rooting for their team.

Explore old cemeteries, marvel at the incredible architectural styles, and stop by one of the many bookstores (librerías) – Buenos Aires has the most per capita of any city in the world! 

Overall Best Time to Visit Argentina

• November-February is the best time to visit Argentina
• Best weather, activity options, and peak summer season
• July is best for winter sports and cultural celebrations

The best time to visit Argentina is November through February, which is the peak summer season. Temperatures heat up and range from mild and comfortable upper 50s (southern regions) to very sunny and hot in the upper 90s (northern regions).

The cities are alive with events and festivals, hikers and nature lovers are out in Argentina’s national parks and wilderness in full force, waters are warm enough to swim in, and there’s never a dull moment at this time of year. 

January receives more rainfall than most of the other months of the year, but it’s just part of summer in Argentina.

Still, there are only 8-10 rainy days per month (in Buenos Aires) during the summertime, making it ideal for outdoor and urban exploration. Rainfall occurs in the form of brief afternoon showers and thunderstorms that don’t leave the skies overcast very long.

Since it’s the height of summer from January to February, it’s a great time to visit Patagonia in southern Argentina as the snow has melted and roads are passable until March.

Check out El Calafate and Bariloche at this time of year, but book early. Accommodations fill up fast! For winter sports enthusiasts, July (especially mid-July) is the best time to visit Argentina.

This is the height of ski season in the resort towns and you’ll see plenty of powdery white snow on the ground for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and more.

Book early to ensure you don’t run into “no vacancy” when you go to book your stay. Argentina’s Independence Day is on July 9th, so check out the fun celebrations to get a taste of the culture and national pride here! 

Cheapest Time to Visit Argentina

• August-September is the cheapest time to visit
• Discounted flights and hotels are common this time of year
• Late winter/early spring weather with little rainfall

The best time to visit Argentina on a budget is August and September (especially late September). This is when flights and hotel rates are deeply discounted as Argentina finishes one of its shoulder seasons and enters the low season.

You can find the year’s lowest rates on flights during these 2 months and lodging as low as $30-$40 per night!

The weather at this time of year is cool and crisp, much like fall time. As Argentina shrugs off the snowy weight of winter and welcomes spring’s lush new growth and warmth, it’s a wonderful time to visit.

Nice breezes, little rain, and temperatures in the low 50s to mid-60s make it a very comfortable time to hike in the national parks and spend time outdoors.

You’ll see wildflowers sprouting and bringing some of the first spring color in Argentina’s Lake District at this time of year. Spot playful whales, penguins, sea birds, sea lions, and seals in late August and September down in Peninsula Valdes.

If you’re sticking to the cities, head down in August for the 2-week Buenos Aires Tango Festival and take a tango class to bring the memories home! Check out the largest music festival in the country (Pepsi Music Festival) in September.  

Least Busy Time to Visit Argentina

• June-August see fewer visitors in Argentina
• Low season with open booking availability
• Cool/crisp to cold and snowy weather

If you’re trying to avoid the mega crowds of summertime, the best time to visit Argentina is from June to August – Argentina’s winter. It ranges from cool and crisp to frigidly cold and snowy, depending on the region you visit.

But this less-than-ideal weather keeps most tourists away and makes it a great time to visit without crowds! The coldest southern regions of Argentina, like Patagonia, are usually impassable for tourists at this time of year.

Summer beach resorts are closed for the season. So instead of venturing too far south, enjoy the snowy weather at one of the cozy ski resorts or go up north to escape the coldest weather. 

June to August is ski season for the country, and while you’ll notice some crowds forming at the most popular resorts, it’s nothing like peak summertime.

If you really want peace and quiet, you can skip the ski resorts and visit just about anywhere outside of southern Argentina at this time of year. Just be aware that snowfall and very cold temperatures may put a damper on any outdoor exploration plans. 

If you plan to visit during June-August, book your stay early at a ski resort and use your getaway to master a new skill (or just to keep your ski skills sharp)! 

Worst Time to Visit Argentina

While there’s something enjoyable to do and see anytime of year in Argentina, certain times of year are better than others. It all depends on your goals for the trip and what you plan to do – or not do – while you’re there.

Here’s a look at the worst time to visit Argentina:

• If you’re not planning to ski, the worst time to visit is June-August (ski season). Temperatures range from chilly to downright freezing at this time of year, depending on the region you visit. Mountain passes and roads in the south typically close due to ice and snow, so you’ll be limited in the areas you can comfortably explore. 
• If you’re trying to beat the heat, the worst time to visit is January and February. These are the hottest months of the year in Argentina with highs in the upper 90s. It can make rigorous hikes and climbing unpleasant.  
• If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, the worst time to visit is during January-February and July. These are Argentina’s two peak seasons for tourism (summer and ski season). Flights and hotels are more expensive during these periods and you’ll have to book at least 3 months in advance to secure reservations in most cases.

More Things to Consider

Now that you know the best time to visit Argentina (and the worst), what other info do you need to make the most of your stay? Keep these tips in mind to enjoy your Argentinian journey to the max. 

• Argentina’s seasons are “reversed.” Argentina lies south of the equator in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons there are reversed. Winter is June through August. Spring is September through November. Summer is December through February. Fall is March through May. It can be a little confusing, but it’s important to know what weather and seasonal changes to expect before you book your stay! 
• The country is vast with lots of variation. Argentina is more than 4 times bigger than Texas and is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. The northern regions are warmest with a subtropical climate. Mid-eastern Argentina has a humid temperate climate, most of the western region has an arid climate, and the southern regions have a cold oceanic climate. The Andes’ desert climate gets frigid at night, so snowfall sticks around for years. 
• Pack properly for winter. If you’re visiting the north (Iguazu Falls, Gran Chaco), bring lightweight shirts and jackets, comfortable hiking shoes. If you’re visiting around Buenos Aires, bring warm sweaters, jackets, hats, and an umbrella. If you’re visiting further south, bring cold weather gear including heavy coats, hats, scarves, extra layers, and boots. If you’re going into the Andes, pack more warm layers the further south you go. 
• Know what to bring in summer. If you’re visiting the northern regions, bring lightweight summer clothing, sleeveless shirts, sunscreen, an umbrella, and a hat. If you’re visiting near Buenos Aires, bring lightweight summer clothing, sunscreen, a sweater or hoodie for nighttime, and an umbrella. Down south around Patagonia, bring layers you can remove or add as needed, comfortable boots or hiking shoes, and a warm jacket for the evenings. If you’re venturing into the mountains, bring layers, warm jackets, lightweight tees, hats, and plenty of sunscreen. 
• Brush up on your Spanish before you go. As the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, Argentina’s it’s highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the official language before you arrive. Learn basic communication phrases, emergency questions, and key transportation and directional words to make your visit less communication-challenged. There are plenty of English-speaking locals in the cities, but you’ll gain access cheaper food, hotels, and activities if you can wheel and deal with Spanish-speaking locals outside of the main “tourist traps.”
• You’ll need travel insurance to go. Argentina requires non-residents to have proof of travel insurance to visit. This rule was put into place in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Argentina offers universal healthcare, so they require visitors to prove that they’re insured for any medical care they may need while visiting. You’ll need to electronically submit your travel insurance proof within 48 hours before you arrive. 

Best Time to Visit Argentina: A Summary

Overall, the best time to visit Argentina is during the summer months — November through February. This is when the weather is warmest (hot upper 90s in some areas) and perfect for outdoor exploration, swimming, wildlife watching, and getting familiar with the cities.

It’s busy and more expensive at this time of year, but well worth it, no matter which region you visit. The best time to visit Argentina for winter sports is during July, which is the peak of ski season.

The ski resorts and snowy areas get a little crowded, but it’s not as hectic as peak summer season. In both cases, you’ll need to book early to secure your flight and room for a reasonable rate. 

The Cheapest Time to Go

The best time to visit Argentina on a budget is August through September. Flights and hotels are at their annual lows during this shoulder season.

This is the tail end of winter and the start of springtime, so the weather is pretty mild and pleasant in most regions. Mountain passes and regions down south may be impassable due to lingering snow and ice, so use caution and review closures before you go.

The Least Busy Time to Go

The best time to visit Argentina without big crowds is June through August. This is winter in Argentina, so some of the mountainous southern regions are impossible to access with snow and ice.

It’s most pleasant in northern regions at this time of year with mild but chilly temperatures. This is a great time of year to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the ski resorts to the south.

The Worst Time to Go

Pay attention to the wide variations in weather and climate patterns for the different seasons and regions in Argentina to avoid going at the wrong time.

If you’re seeking warm weather for hiking and swimming, you’ll be disappointed with a winter visit in July. If you’re hoping to catch cooler temperatures and pretty scenery, avoid visiting in January and February, which are the peak months of summer.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Argentina can be incredible with breathtaking natural beauty and so much cultural diversity in the bustling cities.

But your visit will only be great if you go at the right time of year for your specific trip goals! Keep what you’ve learned from this guide in mind as you move forward to plan your Argentina adventure.

Whether you’re planning to daringly summit Mount Fitz Roy or just want to take in the feel-good vibes and culture in Buenos Aires, we can guarantee that a well-researched trip to Argentina will be one of the most memorable and enjoyable of your life.