Best Time to Travel to Argentina, Especially Patagonia

What is the best time to travel to Argentina? Good question. Argentina is a long country with many different climates. Like many places, it really varies based on where you want to go and what you plan to do.

You also need to remember in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Here’s how they align:

1. Spring: Spring begins in September and lasts until November. During this time, the days gradually become longer, and temperatures start to rise. Early spring can be a great time to visit as it is sort of a shoulder season and there are fewer crowds.
2. Summer: The Summer months start in December and continue until February. It’s the warmest season, with longer daylight hours and higher temperatures.
3. Fall (Autumn): Fall (autumn) begins in March and ends in May. The days start to shorten, and temperatures begin to cool down.
4. Winter: The Winter months start in June and last until August. It’s the coldest season, with shorter days and cold temperatures.

Remember that these dates are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific region within the Southern Hemisphere.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Argentina by Region

Depending on what your plan to do in Argentina, the best time of year to visit will be different. We visited Argentina twice. Once in 2022 in late February and early March, and the second time in late April 2024. There was a big difference in the weather between these two visits.

Here are our recommendations so that you will have a great time:

• If you want to explore Patagonia and see the glaciers, lakes, national parks, and mountains, the perfect time is December to March, when the weather is warmer and more accessible. However, this is also the peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. You can also go in July, to visit the ski resorts, which is the best month for winter sports. ⛷️
• If you want to visit Buenos Aires and enjoy the cultural events, festivals, and nightlife, the best time is September to November or March to May, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. You can also experience the spring flowers or the fall colors in these months. 🌷
• If you want to see the wildlife and natural wonders of Iguazu Falls, Puerto Madryn, or the Northwest, the best time is April to June or August to October, when there are cooler temperatures and the rainfall is lower. You can also avoid the summer heat and humidity that can make these regions uncomfortable. 🐋
• If you want to taste the wines and celebrate the harvest in Mendoza, the best time of year is February to April, when the grapes are ripe, the vinyards are harvesting and the festivities are in full swing. You can also enjoy the scenery of the vineyards and the Andes mountains. 🍇

Best Time to Travel to Argentina – Buenos Aires

If you plan to visit Patagonia, most likely Buenos Aires will be your first stop. As the Capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the obvious jumping off point for a trip to this fun country. Buenos Aires is also the clear culture capital of the country, representative of the urban characteristics of European Cities, e.g., Paris and Madrid.

The city is also a great place for sports activities and great food and wine. The city is a collection of neighborhoods from upscale neighborhoods such as Recoleta, to great sports neighborhoods, e.g., Boca, and traditional fun, historic places.

Best Time Meet People and Travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentines and, in particular, Portenos (people of Buenos Aires) are particularly proud of some of their most famous people. Pope Francis and Eva Peron are two who are visible throughout the city.

Sports – Soccer and Car Racing

Portenos are also very proud of their sports stars. Juan Manuel Fangio is a famous Argentine car racing hero. He dominated formula one racing in the early days. Soccer (or Futbol as they call it in most of the Spanish world), is also a very popular activity in Buenos Aires.

Everyone must declare their loyalty to one of the two Buenos Aires teams, Boca or River. We haven’t declared, but we did visit the Boca stadium.

Argentina won the 2022 World Cup which totally excited the country which had been in a terrible economic situation. The hero of the 2022 World Cup was of course Lionel Messi. Messi’s image is part of the Street Art Scene throughout the country,

For information on how to get tickets to Sports events in Argentina and other sports locations, please see our Sports Information Section in our Travel Resources Post.

First Trip to Argentina, February 2022

On our first trip to Argentina, we stayed in San Telmo, at the very nice Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton. In San Telmo, every Sunday is party day with street fairs and loud parades. During our first trip, in addition to Buenos Aires, we visited El Calafate in Patagonia, as well as the wine region of Mendoza and breathtaking Iguazu Falls. This may not have been the best time to travel to Argentina, as it was very hot, particularly in Iguazu Falls.

Second Visit to Argentina, April 2024

Our second visit was via a cruise ship that started in Valparaiso, Chile and went around the southern most point in South America at Cape Horn. As a result, we first visited Ushuaia in Argentina and finally Buenos Aires. We were also expected to visit Puerto Madryn in Argentina, but the waters were too rough for us to be able to reach the port. Despite not getting into Puerto Madryn, the great weather we had on the rest of the trip made this best time to travel to Argentina.

Our cruise ended in Buenos Aires, and this time we decided to stay at the Buenos Aires Hilton in the Puerto Madera neighborhood. This is an excellent hotel, and we had a truly amazing corner room on the top floor of the hotel.

Best Time to Visit Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Argentina

During our two visits to Argentina, we were able to visit all the main neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, including Recoleta, Palmero, San Nicholas, Montserrat, Puerto Madera, San Telmo, and La Boca. We visited in February and April. April was better as the weather was cooler. The neighborhoods are very diverse, and all add to a unique culture in the city. Here is what we learned in each of the neighborhoods.

Recoleta

Recoleta is the epitome of elegance and sophistication in Buenos Aires. It is a true upscale neighborhood. The best time to travel to Argentina and to visit Recoleta is practically any time. It is clearly the upscale neighborhood in BA (Buenos Aires). There are so many things to visit in Recoleta that we recommend you plan at least two days to spend there. Here are our recommended places to visit:

Recoleta Cemetery

The Recoleta Cemetery is a best place to visit any time you travel to Argentina. Best known for the mausoleum dedicated to Eva Peron, there are many other famous people buried in some beautiful crypts.

Eva Duarte Peron, better known as just Eva Perón or by the nickname Evita, was an Argentine politician, activist, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina from June 1946 until her death in July 1952. She was the wife of Argentine President Juan Domingo Perón despite being born in poverty in the rural village of Los Toldos, in the Pampas, In 1934, at the age of 15, she moved to the nation’s capital of Buenos Aires to pursue a career as a stage, radio, and film actress. Eva Perón became powerful within the pro-Peronist trade unions, primarily for speaking on behalf of labor rights. 

In any case, the architecture of the cemetery is amazing and clearly worth a visit.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

The Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a significant historical and architectural landmark. The basilica was constructed in 1732. It was designed by the Jesuit architects Andrés Bianchi and Juan Bautista Prímoli. The Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of Buenos Aires. Its preservation allows visitors to appreciate the art and architecture of the 18th century. It is one of the oldest churches in Buenos Aires, preserved in its original Baroque style. The basilica has a simple, whitewashed colonial exterior and magnificent original altarpieces and ornaments inside. It sits across from the Recoleta Cemetery, adding to its historical context. The church was originally dedicated to the Virgin of the Pillar, an apparition of the Virgin Mary associated with Zaragoza, Spain.

Centro Cultural Recoleta

Located next to the Recoleta Cemetery and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is the Centro Cultural Recoleta. It is an interesting  exhibition and cultural events center. Since 1980, it has been a mythical space for showcasing visual arts, music, cinema, dance, and literature. Collaborating with both local and foreign artists, the center offers a diverse range of activities and experiences.

Culture – Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Floralis Generica and Other Outdoor Art

The Museo Nacional de Belle Artes museum is an excellent place to visit on your tour. The museum has an excellent collection of works from famous European artists including Van Gogh, Goya, Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec. We were particularly impressed by the sculpture collection of Rodin, which is probably the best Rodin collection outside of Paris.

Floralis Generica

Buenos Aires is also a mecca of outside public art as demonstrated by the beautiful “Floralis Generica”, a mechanical flower that opens and closes with the sunrise and sunset.

Unfortunately, between our two visits, Buenos Aires had a really bad storm and it broke two of the leaves off of the flower. We were told that they are repairing the flower, but as of April, 2024 it still wasn’t working.

Best Time to See Other Outdoor Art in Recoleta, Argentina

In Recoleta, below is a picture of the Four Seasons Hotel with their running horses proudly displayed in front of the hotel. You can see them running any time of the year.

Recoleta is not the centerpiece of street art in Buenos Aires. However, here is some classic work that we found. The first piece contains many small tiles that are pictures of the local people. All combined, they make up the full beautiful art piece. For the heavy stuff, you need to visit Palermo.

Palermo

 Palermo is the largest barrio (neighborhood) in Buenos Aires, is a vibrant and diverse area that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, a shopaholic, or just looking to have a good time, Palermo has you covered. Here are some special features of Palermo:

1. Botanical Gardens: This green oasis in the heart of the city is home to more than 6,000 species of trees and plants. You can explore photogenic statues, an organic vegetable garden, and even a Roman garden. 
2. Feria de Plaza Serrano: Located in the heart of Palermo, this open-air market is a bohemian hotspot. Browse stalls and craft booths selling jewelry, clothing, and accessories by up-and-coming designers. 
3. Parque Tres de Febrero: Designed by Franco-Argentine architect Carlos Thays, this scenic green space was inspired by Paris’ Bois de Boulogne.  Don’t miss the stunning Rosedal de Palermo, a rose garden with over 12,000 roses and a serene lake.
4. Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo: Housed in a finely featured Beaux-Arts mansion, this museum displays a heavyweight art collection and other personal belongings, from pretty dishes to period furniture. Among the outstanding pieces, there is the set of European miniatures from the 16th to the 20th centuries – the most important of its kind -, an oil on canvas by El Greco, tapestries from the 16th century, a sculpture by Auguste Rodin and a bronze clock that It was a wedding gift for Kings Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
5. Palermo Chico: An exclusive area where Buenos Aires’ rich and famous reside. Palaces-turned-embassies face luxury apartment buildings, all with easy access to the city’s largest green park, Los Bosques de Palermo. The Japanese Gardens, polo fields, and the Hippodromo (racetracks) are also part of this chic neighborhood.
6. Plaza Italia: A bustling square where main avenues converge. Visit the lovely Botanical Garden, picnic on its grassy lawns, and spot resident cats. The adjacent Buenos Aires Zoo adds to the area’s charm.
7. Palermo Viejo: This restored area features cafes, restaurants, stylish houses, and boutiques. It’s known for its narrow single-story houses called “casas chorizo.” Each sub-neighborhood within Palermo has its own nickname and unique vibe.

Graffiti and Street Art in Palermo

While there is plenty of very high-quality street art throughout Buenos Aires, Palermo is particularly the hot spot to see it. Graffiti and street art is particularly vibrant in Buenos Aires, because unlike other countries it is all legal. Artist don’t need to sneak their artwork onto building at night but can do it in the day as long as they have the building owner’s permission. As a result, we found more quality artwork, and less graffiti. We did a street art tour of Palermo during out second visit in 2024 and we captured some excellent artwork.

To see more of the Buenos Aires and Palermo Street Art please see our post: Love Graffiti Art.

San Nicholas

The San Nicholas neighborhood was named for the San Nicolás Parish, consecrated in 1773. The parish church was demolished when work on Ninth of July Avenue started, the Obelisk of Buenos Aires now stands in its place. Best time to travel to the San Nicholas, Argentina Government area is definitely not at rush hour as it can get quite busy.

San Nicolás shares most of the city and national government area with neighboring Montserrat and is home to much of the financial sector. This shared area is referred usually as El Centro (“The Centre”). It is also referred to as the Microcenter, roughly coinciding with the area around the historic center of Plaza de Mayo.

Best Places to Visit in the Microcenter

Our three favorite places in the Microcenter are the Teatro Colón (Colon Theatre), one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, and two famous buildings in the Plaza del Mayo, a large square which has seen may large scale political speeches and demonstrations. While there are many important buildings surrounding the Plaza, our favorites are the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

The Casa Rosada, literally the Pink House, is the President of the Argentine Republic’s official workplace. The Casa Rosada sits at the eastern end of the Plaza de Mayo, a large square which since the 1580 foundation of Buenos Aires has been an important location. It is best remembered as the building where Juan Peron and his wife Eva, delivered their famous speeches, well remembered from the Evita movie and play.

The future Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires was also built in the San Nicolás area between 1770 and 1822. The Cathedral doesn’t have the traditional cathedral look from outside but is beautiful inside.

The Catholic Church is a strong proponent of assisting the Argentine poor as evidenced by this unusual monument in the cathedral honoring the homeless.

Montserrat

Monserrat is the neighborhood of Buenos Aires that shares the Microcenter district with San Nicholas, and it features several significant public buildings, including:

• City Hall
• City Legislature
• Casa Rosada (the Pink House, which serves as the presidential palace)
• Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires (a prestigious high school)
• Libertador Building (housing the Ministry of Defense).

In summary, Monserrat is a neighborhood rich in history, home to important government buildings, and a testament to Buenos Aires’ past and present. The transition from Monserrat to the historic San Telmo district to the south is nearly seamless.

San Telmo

During our first visit to Buenos Aires in 2022 we stayed in San Telmo and got to enjoy the older neighborhood. We stayed at the Plaza Dorrego which is the main public square of the neighborhood.  The Plaza Dorrego hosts a semi-permanent antique fair known as the Feria de Antigüedades. Here, you can explore stalls selling vintage treasures, from old books to quirky collectibles. It’s a delightful spot for both locals and tourists.

San Telmo is a hub for tango-related activities. You might catch impromptu street performances or visit one of the cozy tango venues. The neighborhood has a bohemian vibe, attracting artists, dancers, and musicians. 

La Boca

La Boca is a charming place to visit. It is very colorful and there is a real spirit to the neighborhood. Here are some of the reasons we enjoyed our visit:

• La Boca played a crucial role in the early development of the tango. Its streets are normally alive with music, dance, and artistic expression.
• The famous football club Boca Juniors calls La Boca home. Their stadium, Estadio Alberto J. Armando, is affectionately known as La Bombonera (Spanish for “the bonbon box”).
• The neighborhood exuded a fighting spirit, embodied by the hardworking, no-nonsense people of La Boca. This spirit was also reflected in Boca Juniors’ passionate play on the football pitch. While we were there in 2024, Boca Juniors defeated their cross-city rival, River Plate team. this was the first time the teams had met in five years, due to a number of violent incidents in previous matches.

In summary, La Boca is a must-visit best time for anyone looking to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks make it a captivating destination for tourists and locals alike! 

Puerto Madera

During our second visit to Buenos Aires in 2024, we stayed at the Hilton Hotel in Puerto Madera.

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Puerto Madera is the newest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. It is known for its modernity and waterfront location. Here are some reasons why you might consider staying in this area:

1. Stunning Architecture: Puerto Madero features sleek high-rise buildings with cutting-edge architectural designs. The skyline is dotted with luxurious hotels and residential towers.
2. Riverfront Views: The neighborhood occupies a significant portion of the Río de la Plata riverbank, providing beautiful views of the water. Imagine waking up to the sight of the river each morning!
3. Hip and Trendy: By day, Puerto Madero is a bustling business and shopping district. However, as the sun sets, it transforms into a hip neighborhood with upscale restaurants, fashionable clubs, and a lively nightlife scene.
4. Restaurants and Cuisine: If you’re a food enthusiast, you’ll love the dining options here. Puerto Madero boasts a variety of restaurants, from traditional Argentine steakhouses (known as parrillas) to international cuisine. Enjoy a meal with a view of the river!
5. Parks and Green Spaces: The area is well-equipped with parks and green spaces. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade or relax in one of the beautifully landscaped parks.
6. Urban Restoration Success: Puerto Madero is considered one of the most successful urban waterfront restoration projects globally. Its transformation from abandoned docks to a vibrant neighborhood is impressive.

Whether you’re a business traveler, a food lover, or simply seeking a modern and lively atmosphere, Puerto Madero offers a unique experience in Buenos Aires. 

Best Time to Travel to Argentina – Patagonia

Patagonia is the southern end of South America. It is a region that is shared by Argentina (90%) and Chile (10%). Since the second half of the 20th century, tourism has become popular in the region. Originally, a remote backpacking area known for outdoor activities, Patagonia now has a number of principal tourist attractions.

Cos and Robin made two trips to Patagonia, both in the late summer/early fall. This is an ideal time to visit as you will encounter fewer people on your ventures. On the first trip in 2022 we visited the Perito Moreno Glacier, on the Andes western side of the region. It is near the city of El Calafate.

This part of Patagonia is abundant with glaciers. The photo below is from the glacier at El Chalten which is reachable by ship from El Calafate.

Other tourist attractions in the Argentina Patagonia Region include The Valdes Peninsula. Also, the Argentine Lake District, Ushuaia and the Tierra del Fuego make up the region. Tierra del Fuego has become a jumping off point for tours to Antarctica and the feature of our second trip to Patagonia.

Ideal Time to Visit Ushuaia: The End of the World

On our second trip to the Argentine Patagonia was in 2024 when we were on a cruise that went around The Horn. We stopped in the city of Ushuaia, which the Argentines consider the southern most city in the world, or the “End of the World”. Since, Cape Horn is in Chile and south of Ushuaia, the Chileans have a different view of the “End of the World”.

Well, in either case this is an exciting place to visit and truly unique. Despite the strong winds we totally enjoyed our time at the ” End of the World”. To support the Argentina view of the “End of the World”, Highway 3, which is the Pan American Highway, starts in Alaska and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Actually, it ends in the Tierra del Fuego National Park precisely where our excursion catamaran left us off.

The city of Ushuaia looks beautiful from the sea. The view of the ariport is impressive as is the wonderful view at night.

Undeniably, the excursion cruise was the highlight of our visit to Ushuaia. Not only did we see a swarm of elephant seals, sea lions and cormorants, but we also had a big surprise (see below).. The cormorants in Ushuaia look a lot like penguins, but unlike penguins they can fly.

Anyway, the big surprise was just before we got to the National Park, we ran into a pod of whales. Robin believes there were twelve in all. Well, there may have been that many, but I did get some great pictures from at least half of them. These were all humpback whales which are different from the southern right whales which are more common in these parts.

Visit Punta Arena, also in Patagonia.

Another great place to visit in Patagonia, but on the Chilean side of Patagonia, is the city of Punta Arena. Punta Arena is the Capital of the Chilean Patagonian Region. It is located on the Magellan Strait and a place where there is much to do. The central plaza of the city has a great landscape including some beautiful trees and a magnificent statue of Magellan. People we met on our cruise even went horseback riding on a local beach.

However, our best time, believe it or not, was spending time walking through the beautiful Sara Braun Municipal Cemetery. See our post on Chile for details, but here is a teaser picture.

Best Time to Visit Other Places in Argentina

In addition to Buenos Aires and Patagonia, there are plenty of other really interesting places to visit. Our favorites are Mendoza for the wine, and Iguazu Falls.

Travel to Argentina – Mendoza

Mendoza on the western side of the country, is the wine region of Argentina. It hosts more than 1000 vineyards and is famous for the Malbec vintage of wine. We took a wine tour in Mendoza and visited Wineries that were both on the outskirts of the city and also in the Andes Mountains. We book our tour with getyourguide.com and used a company called troutandwine.com.

Best Time to Travel to Argentina – Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is on the border with Brazil. Along with the falls in Brazil it becomes the largest waterfall system in the world. To get there you fly to the small town of Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, or Foz do Iguacu in Brazil. However, crossing the border can cause some delay in getting around. The falls are larger than Niagara Falls and can be compared more to Victoria Falls in Southern Africa. Iguazu’s numerous islands divide the falls into many separate waterfalls. The Devil’s Throat, pictured below, is the largest of the falls and consumes about 50% of the water flow.

Our Restaurant Recommendations

Here is a list of our recommended restaurants from our 2023 trip to Argentina. If you wish to see which of these restaurants made our highly rated top-50 list, please go to Top 50 Restaurants.