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Best time to visit South America
Tucan Travel’s group tours to South America include visiting the incredible countries and regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Patagonia and the Galapagos Islands. Whether you want to spend your days delving into the depths of the Amazon Jungle, hiking the famous Inca Trail, or chilling with the sealions in the Galapagos, knowing the best time to visit South America is key to planning a good holiday.
Unless you are particularly fond of large crowds, high prices and congested beaches, it’s best to avoid travelling between July and August when schools are on their summer holidays. As a general rule, the closer to the equator you are (eg. Peru and Ecuador) the more consistent the warm weather is, so any time of year can be good. Bearing that in mind, the higher the altitude, the colder the weather tends to be.
South America spans a huge surface area including a dozen countries, so it’s best to check each country for more accurate advice. There are no hard and fast rules for which month is best to visit South America. The latitude and altitude varies greatly from country to country, affecting the temperature and weather. For example, when the weather is cool and mild in the Galapagos, it could be steamy and humid in the Amazon.
Top Tip!
If you are planning on travelling through lots of South America, make sure you pack layers. Peru can be cold high up in the Andes, whereas Tayrona National Park in Colombia is up on the Caribbean coast and temperatures can get scorchingly high!
Best time to visit South America for hiking
In general, the best time to visit South America for hiking is during the winter (from June - August) however it all depends on which country you’re visiting. The iconic Inca Trail is closed every February to help preserve the site, so plan your trip around that month. There is a relatively high chance of rain all year round, but the most reliable weather conditions are from May - September. Patagonia and Las Torres del Paine national park in Chile also suffer from fairly unpredictable weather. With each season bringing something special, they can be enjoyed all year round depending on your preferences.
Best time to visit South America for sightseeing and cities
If you are spending the majority of your time in major cities, it’s best to travel during the shoulder seasons to avoid the summer crowds. It is also worth bearing in mind the festivals and events which happen throughout the year. South America is notorious for wild street parties! So whether that fills you with excitement or dread, it’s a good idea to be clued up on dates. Some of the main ones are Carnival at the end of February and New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro. Possibly some of the biggest parties in the world!
Best time to visit South America for beaches
The best time to visit the stunning beaches of South America is during the summer. However, the crowds on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro become very heavy during Rio Carnival (end of February). The beaches of Colombia and Uruguay are particularly perfect at this time of year. Other incredible beaches to note are Lopes Mendes Beach in Brazil, Anakena Beach on Easter Island and El Cabo San Juan Beach in Colombia.
Best time to visit South America for Snowsports
The ski season in Argentina and Chile takes place from June to August, but tends to get busy from July. The further south you go the more seasonal the weather tends to be. For example, Buenos Aires and Santiago experience deep snow during winter due their latitudinal positioning. For ski and snowboarding resorts, head to Chile and Argentina. The Patagonia region of Argentina has a great selection of beginner and intermediate runs.
Important Information!
If you plan on taking the epic trek to Machu Picchu or visiting the wild Galapagos Islands, you will need to book at least 6 months in advance. Permits for visiting Machu Picchu go on sale around September and October each year.
The four seasons
Spring (September - November)
Referred to as the shoulder season, this is generally a great time to visit South America. The prices and the crowds are both much lower and the weather is all-round pretty pleasant. The northern part of South America will predominantly be hot, with less rainfall than in other times of the year. This is a great time for sightseeing in cities as the temperatures are manageable and the crowds are small. The pleasant weather and clear skies also make spring a great time to visit the Galapagos Islands and the Iguazu Falls.
Summer (December - February)
Summer is the hottest time of the year for the majority of South America, with warm weather running from December through to March. This is high season in most countries, meaning high prices and large crowds. If you don’t see these factors as an issue, South America has a great vibe this time of year! With huge festivals, world famous street parties and epic events happening all over. Summer is also a good time to visit Patagonia or trek in the Atacama and Uyuni Desserts.
Autumn (March - May)
Also referred to as a shoulder season, this is a great time to visit South America. You tend to miss the majority of families on their school break and the prices are significantly lower. This is also the ideal time to go to the Galapagos Islands. The sea is calm and the winds are low making it the perfect time to go snorkelling. This is also a particularly good time to explore South America’s wine regions.
Winter - June to August
Winter is often the best time to visit Machu Picchu. The rainy season has pretty much stopped, and the skies tend to be clear for that all important photo opportunity. The South of Chile, Argentina and Patagonia are perfect for snowsports during winter. If you’re looking to avoid the wet weather, winter is by far the driest season in South America.
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