The Best & Worst Times to Visit Buenos Aires in 2023

A pulsating, tango-oriented, and cosmopolitan city, Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting capitals in the world.

Given its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, modern art scene, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder why visiting it is so transformative, even for the most traveled of people.

But before you plan out your trip, you need to learn what the best time to visit Buenos Aires is.

And, as we always over-deliver to our readers, we’ll also share the cheapest time to visit the city, when to avoid the big crowds, and when not to go to Buenos Aires at all. Ready to plan that once-in-a-lifetime trip? Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Visit Buenos Aires

Most people don’t need any persuading to visit Buenos Aires. They’ve heard stories, gotten first-hand recommendations, seen videos, and read articles, yet many haven’t gotten around to actually visiting it.

To give you that extra boost to start planning your Argentinian itinerary right away, here are the most exciting reasons why visiting Buenos Aires is so worth it:

• There are many free attractions in the city, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts or the Recoleta Cemetery. We know what you’re probably thinking, “Why would anyone in their right mind recommend going to a cemetery as part of your holiday?”, but the Buenos Aires cemetery is no regular cemetery. This is a museum with a myriad of mausoleums and tombs. There lie the remains of some significant people such as Eva Peron, Raul Alfonsin, Carlos Gardel, Domingo F. Sarmiento, and others. Between the legend and myths surrounding the cemetery, one discovers a real work of art.
• You’ll love the food. Given its Creole, Italian, and Spanish heritage, Argentina boasts fine gastronomy.  
• You’ll make friends. Trust us, the locals are so friendly and welcoming that you’ll feel at home right away and make a few friends along the way.
• In Buenos Aires, you’ll learn what real passion is. Passion for dancing, football, the arts, and the nightlife, to name a few.
• Referred to as “Paris of the South,” Buenos Aires seduces with its European-style streets, wide boulevards, and vibrant buildings. With its myriad of neighborhoods,  each with its own character and spirit, Buenos Aires offers architectural magic.
• You can visit some very unusual landmarks that no other city has, such as Buenos Aires’ defining monument, El Obelisco (or the Obelisk). Located in the middle of Avenida 9 de Julio, the Obelisco was built to celebrate 400 years since the city was first founded. However, given its phallic appearance, in 2005, it was decided the statue was the perfect solution to promoting World AIDS Day by placing the world’s largest condom on it.
• When you feel like the city hustle and bustle gets too much, you can always find some refuge in nature. There’s the Parque Tres de Febrero, Buenos Aires’ biggest park, and the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, the largest biodiverse space in the entire city.

Now that you know why you should visit Buenos Aires, let’s see when you should do so!

Overall Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires

The best time to visit Buenos Aires is either in the April–June period or anytime from September to December.

1) Fall Period

With average temperatures ranging between a minimum of 58.1°F and a maximum of 73°F, April is a relatively pleasant month. May is also quite enjoyable, with temperatures varying between 54°F and 65.7°F.

With an average relative humidity of 76%, May is also the most humid month. From April through June, visitors get to enjoy fall foliage landscapes, and the summer humidity finally leaves the city.

Fall also sees room rates take a nosedive, and the season is packed with nice events. Movie buffs should check out BAFICI, an independent film festival.

Regarded as one of the most prominent film festivals in the world, BAFICI provides movie enthusiasts with a wide range of screenings across the city. However, movie buffs aren’t the only ones benefiting from vibrant festivals at this time.

Namely, bookworms can attend the Feria del Libro, the Buenos Aires International Book Fair, in April. Rated as one of the top five book expos worldwide, it accommodates both the general public and the formal literary community.

May visitors also get to celebrate the Día de la Revolución de Mayo, or the Anniversary of the First National Government. 

2) Spring Period

September sees temperatures ranging between an average high of 64.8°F and an average low of 50.7°F. If you’re visiting Buenos Aires in September, check out the Ciudad Emergente festival schedule.

What began as a rock-oriented festival transformed into an event that celebrates other music genres and includes both emerging and established artists. October is an agreeable month — it welcomes visitors with average temperatures fluctuating between 54.3°F and 70°F.

October is known for its wide range of cultural and sports events. Runners look forward to the Buenos Aires Marathon, and art lovers get to explore different forms of movement at the Ciudanza.

Being a moderately hot month, November has temperatures hovering around an average high of 77.5°F during the day and an average low of 58.8°F at night. It’s also the month with the most rainfall (there’s rain for 10.1 and around 77mm of precipitation is accumulated).

Join the crowds at the Night of the Museums, or Noche de los Museos, and take advantage of the city museums’ open-door policy. If you’re into jazz, you can’t skip the Buenos Aires Jazz Festival.

As the city is known for its tango and rock’n’roll sounds, the jazz festival is a breath of fresh air. December is also a hot month with temperatures in the range of an average high of 84.6°F and an average low of 64°F.

With approximately 11.2h of sunshine, December boasts the most sunshine of the entire year and sees temperatures rise in anticipation of the New Year celebration.

Key events during this period include National Tango Day (Día Nacional del Tango), Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), and New Year’s Eve (Fin de Año).

Cheapest Time to Visit Buenos Aires

The best time to travel to Buenos Aires on a budget is from June through August. It’s when travelers can take advantage of affordable accommodation options and airfare tickets.

With temperatures ranging between an average high of 57.2°F and an average low of 46.6°F, July is the coldest month in Buenos Aires. July sees the celebration of Independence Day.

It’s a significant public holiday, as it commemorates the day Argentina declared independence from Spain. Locals take to the streets and organize a myriad of patriotic celebrations, parades, and rallies.

Those keen to experience some countryside vibes should put Exposición Rural on their July list. An annual agricultural show, this rural exhibition was founded with the motto, “To cultivate the soil is to serve the country.”

August sees temperatures fluctuating between a maximum of 62.1°F and a minimum of 48.7°F. It’s the perfect time to tango, and no wonder, as the biggest tango event takes place in the city, the Buenos Aires Tango Festival & World Cup.

Loved by both locals and visitors alike, the event features many international couples, competitions, dance shows, and tango classes.

Finally, you can secure an affordable stay in Buenos Aires regardless of when you go — just make sure to follow our tips in the Things to Consider section.

Least Busy Time to Visit Buenos Aires

If you’re trying to avoid the big crowds, consider going in June. It’s one of the slowest months in Buenos Aires when it comes to tourism.

A moderate month, June has varying temperatures between 58.8°F and 48.4°F. June is also the month with the least rain. However, with almost 10 hours of daylight on average, it’s also the month with the shortest days of the year.

And while Buenos Aires sees fewer tourists in June, it also sees fewer events. However, you can always take day trips or include other locations as part of your itinerary.

For instance, if you truly want to experience an Argentinian celebration, Gauchos of Güemes Parade is a must. Hosted each year in Salta, the parade pays homage to  General Juan Martin Miguel de Güemes.

Known to have defended northwestern Argentina from the Spanish army during the Argentine War of Independence, this liberator fought for national sovereignty. He was accompanied by his so-called gauchos, hence the parade’s name.

Worst Time to Visit Buenos Aires

The worst time to visit Buenos Aires is in January and February. January is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures varying between an average high of 87.6°F and an average low of 68°F.

The average heat index is estimated at a hot 93.2°F. The seawater temperature is the warmest in January as well. With an average relative humidity of 56%, January is also the least humid month.

It’s also when all locals and guests hit the beach (read: occupy it), and finding shade or even a place to leave your towel becomes an impossible mission. Schools are off, so there’s a bunch of kids running around too.

This also translates into a lot of family trips, as people take time off work to either escape the city heat or harsh winters if they’re coming from the northern hemisphere.

Visiting Buenos Aires in January requires booking in advance, as it’s peak season. However, chances are prices will be high regardless of when you end up booking.

In any case, Argentine summer requires proper celebration, and Verano en la Ciudad is the perfect excuse to experience it first-hand. February sees average temperatures varying between 85.1°F and 67.8°F.

The heat index is evaluated at a tropical 89.6°F. But many don’t care about the heat, as February screams Carnival time!

With parades each weekend building up the pressure for the official event, many troupes perform the so-called murga (a type of dance) on the streets, and everything seems brighter, livelier, and more colorful.

While visiting Buenos Aires in summer can be challenging due to the large crowds, higher prices, and boiling temperatures, the festivals during that period make it all worthwhile.

Things to Consider

Now that we covered the best time to visit Buenos Aires, go through the following travel tips to ensure a stress-free visit:

• Improve your bargaining skills. Instead of shopping in the nicer districts, visit stores in San Telmo or Boca to score better deals. Do note that many shops don’t accept credit cards, so make sure you always have some money with you.
• You may be surprised to see that almost all streets in the city have at least one little supermarket. Locals enjoy doing their grocery shopping in smaller stores than going to hypermarkets. Feel free to use these supermarkets yourself as they’re much more practical and closer regardless of where your accommodation is.
• To help yourself with your Buenos Aires travel budget, exchange money at the right place. Many streets have exchange offices, or casas de cambios, but it’s well-known that going to Calle Florida will get you the best deals.
• Here are some other money-saving tips:
  • Always ask for discounts before you buy a museum ticket.
  • If you buy fútbol tickets, opt for those in the standing room lower-terrace (known as las populares), as they’re much cheaper than the seated options.
  • The San Telmo market provides free tango classes on Sundays. Check if your hotel offers free tango sessions too!
  • Take advantage of the free public bikes.
  • Consider getting discount cards such as the Buenos Aires Pass.
  • La Nacion Premium Club Cards and La Nacion Club are connected with La Nacion Newspaper. Each week on the La Nacion Club Card website, you can find a wide range of participating venues that provide discounts to cardholders.
• Pick up some local traditions or customs during your stay. For instance, locals have the habit of greeting others with a kiss on the cheek instead of the Western way of shaking hands. Also, maintaining eye contact during conversations is advisable.
• Waiters are usually used to receiving a 10% tip. Of course, if the service is extraordinary, you’re free to leave more.
• While drinking tap water is safe in Buenos Aires, those who want to play it extra safe can always opt for bottled water instead.
• People go out late. They even have dinner late — around 9 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. If it’s the weekend, they might even push it to 10:30 p.m.! Night owls should definitely consider long-term stays in Buenos Aires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buenos Aires an expensive city?

Discussing whether a city is expensive or cheap is somewhat challenging as it depends on each person’s country of origin. That said, there are certain pieces of information that help you understand the costs of living in Buenos Aires.

Being ranked 114th out of 227 cities in the 2022 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Buenos Aires is said to be cheaper than Canberra and Vancouver but more costly than Belfast and Wellington.

However, as a traveler, this may not completely help you set a budget for your Buenos Aires trip or anticipate your expenses. The information below should do the trick, however:

• The average cost of a three-day trip to Buenos Aires costs:
  • $255 for a solo traveler;
  • $433 for a couple;
  • $561 for a family of four;
• Hotels in the city center cost between $65-$163 (with an average price of $82 per night); Airbnb rentals usually charge $20 per night for the whole apartment;
• We suggest setting aside $38 per person per day for eating at local restaurants and for public transportation expenses.

Finally, please note that the above-mentioned figures are simply approximations and, as such, are subject to change.

What is the best way to get around Buenos Aires?

The best way to get around the city is by using the subway. It’s cheap, quick, and easy to navigate. Also, locals are more than willing to help lost tourists and show them the way.

Bus lines are also a nice solution, although tourists don’t seem to use them frequently. Taxis are a third option. That said, never ride in unmarked taxis. Only stop yellow and black taxis to ensure a scam-free ride.

Cycling is also an option — not only does it get you to your desired destination, but it’s also great for sightseeing and staying fit during your holiday. Finally, you can always rent a car, but public transportation is quite reliable, so there’s really no need for it.

Note that to use the public transportation system, you need to obtain the SUBE, a magnetic card. Without it, you won’t be able to pay for your bus or metro rides.

What are five interesting facts about Buenos Aires?

Here are five interesting facts about Buenos Aires:

1. With more than 700 bookstores, Buenos Aires has the most bookstores per capita than any other city in the world. In fact, this means there are 25 bookstores for every 100,000 inhabitants. How cool is that?
2. Buenos Aires is the first Latin American city that recognized LGBT rights.
3. Public schools are tuition-free.
4. Buenos Aires is home to the largest avenue in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio.
5. The metro system in the city is said to be the oldest in Latin America.

Is Buenos Aires safer than Rio de Janeiro?

Yes, Buenos Aires is generally safer than Rio de Janeiro. Rio has a much higher crime rate, so travelers need to take extra precautions to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Even during the day, Rio seems to give “unsafe” vibes as opposed to Buenos Aires.

However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider visiting Rio de Janeiro. If you’re up for the challenge, find out how to have a hassle-free stay in Rio by diving deep into our detailed Rio guide.

What are the challenges of Buenos Aires?

While Buenos Aires is the major economic and political hub in Argentina, the city deals with ongoing challenges ranging from economic to social inequality. For instance, the gap between the poor class and the rich class continues to deepen.

Also, Buenos Aires deals with air pollution problems thanks to the high population and the increasing number of motor vehicles. Extreme weather conditions bring about threats such as river floods, vector-borne diseases, heat waves, and coastal flooding.

Is it safe to walk around Buenos Aires at night?

While it’s generally safe to walk around Buenos Aires at night, be sensible (as you should be in any other city, especially if you visit for the first time).

Avoid wandering the streets alone — being with a partner or a group of friends is a way safer option. Pickpocketing and petty theft are more than common, so be aware of your surroundings and don’t carry valuables. If you do so, don’t flash them out and keep a low profile.

If you’re in a taxi, keep the windows down and have your bag or purse in your lap. All in all, showing common sense and looking after yourself should be enough to ensure you have a safe stay in Buenos Aires.

What is the typical food and drink in Buenos Aires?

There are many typical dishes and drinks in Buenos Aires. While asking for local recommendations is always the best option, here are some suggestions to get you started on your foodie adventure in Buenos Aires:

• Asado, a banquet of beef;
• Locro, or another way to refer to South American Stew;
• Choripán, a sausage sandwich made in an Argentinian way;
• Arroz con leche, rice pudding;
• Pastelitos, sweet jam-filled pastries;
• Milanesa de carne, a round steak coated in breadcrumbs;
• Empanadas, folded pastry and filled with a wide range of fillings;
• Dulce de leche, often referred to as “the ideal Argentinian comfort food”;
• Alfajores, two-round chocolate-covered biscuits filled with dulce de leche.

When it comes to what locals drink, we suggest starting with maté (pronounced “mah-the”).

Hands down Argentina’s national drink, this magical caffeine-rich, herbal drink is loved by locals and tourists alike. Trying some local beers and wine should be on your list too.

How many days do you need in Buenos Aires, Argentina?

In general, you should spend at least three days in Buenos Dias to see the highlights of the city. However, for a more detailed and slow-paced trip, we suggest staying for at least one week.

That way, not only will you get the chance to explore the city but also attend a tango class, eat many yummy local dishes, visit some surrounding areas, and experience the city’s nightlife the way everyone should.

Finally, it all depends on whether you’re visiting only Buenos Aires or you plan to expand on your Argentinian trip and visit other regions too.

So, When Should You Visit Buenos Aires?

Our guide covered a lot of details, so to make sure you’ll leave with what we consider to be the most important information, we’ll briefly summarize the main points.

• All things considered, the best time to visit Buenos Aires is either in the April–June period or anytime from September to December. Fall sees a drop in prices and tourists but an increase in events. The spring period is also packed with vibrant events.
• For a more budget-friendly trip, consider going to Buenos Aires anytime from June through August. These months are excellent bets for travelers looking for cheaper tickets and affordable accommodation.
• If you want to avoid the peak season and its large crowds, stick to June. While June may not boast as many events as other periods of the year, consider having the city (almost) to yourself a privilege not a lot of visitors have experienced.
• The worst time to visit Buenos Aires is in January and February. The streets are busy, the beaches crowded, and the prices go crazy. However, many decide to put up with these “travel challenges” and take advantage of what this period has to offer – the unique experience of seeing the carnival first-hand.

Finally, note that the best time to visit Buenos Aires also depends on what you wish to do/see when you’re there. However, one thing’s certain – whatever you decide, you’re in for a treat. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!