People often think that September to November is the best time to visit South America. In several countries, the weather is like spring, with lots of wildflowers and baby animals showing as the temperatures rise. South America is huge, has different altitudes, and has different weather all year long, so there is no one best time to visit. In June, the Galapagos Islands are cool and dry, while the Amazon is a hot 30°C. However, much of southern Patagonia is closed by snow and ice, so the best time to visit is from November to February. Steep changes in the land’s shape can make it warm on Chile’s coast but snowy at 5,000m just 100 km away.
When to Visit South America
As you go further south, the weather becomes more changeable. For example, the area around Buenos Aires and Santiago has hot summers and cold winters. Think of how the weather is in Scandinavia: cooler summers, more storms, and deep snow in the winter.
Remember that the seasons are backward in the southern hemisphere. Summer is from about November to February, and winter is from June to August.
Because it is close to the equator, Peru is a good place to visit pretty much any time of the year. But if you go between January and March, you’ll be there during the rainy season. During the month of February, the Inca Trail is closed for repair.
Summer temperatures last all the way from November to March and April in the southern parts of Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. This is when people tend to go to coastal towns and beaches.
At this time of year, Patagonia is the hottest and easiest to get to, especially in the south, which is cut off during the cold winters. From June to September, many places here will be closed.
South America is known for its Easter events, so if you want to travel or find a place to stay without making a reservation, keep this in mind.
July and August are often the busiest months for people who want to hike the Inca Trail or go to the Galapagos Islands.
If you want to look at Machu Picchu or watch wildlife, you should book your trip at least six months in advance. Every year, permits are given out around February, but it’s never too early to get on the list.
Between September and November, many South American countries look like springtime. You can look forward to blooms and baby animals, as well as warmer weather.
In December, popular coastal places get more people, while natural areas like the Pantanal and Amazon get the most rain. Read up on the place you want to visit to see if you can get there during this time. Some areas are inaccessible, but others can be toured by boat, which is a magical way to see the rainforest.