Summer in Argentina: Sun-Kissed Adventures & Warm Weather

Summer in Argentina falls between December and February, making it the perfect escape from the cold winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in Argentina is generally warm and sunny, with the average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 30°C. The weather conditions, however, can vary depending on the region. In the northern part of the country, for instance, the mercury can soar up to 40°C, while in the south, it can dip to the 10°C mark.

Nonetheless, summer in Argentina offers longer daylight hours free of rain and snow. So remember to pack light and bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the strong UV rays, especially in higher elevation areas.

	January	February	December
Average high	30°C (84°F)	29°C (77°F)	28°C (82°F)
Average low	17°C (68°F)	16°C (66°F)	15°C (64°F)
Rainfall (mm)	3.6	3.97	3.7

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Argentina.

Other related articles:
Argentina in January
Argentina in February
Argentina in December

There are plenty of reasons to take a trip to Argentina in summer. Here are some of them:

• Beautiful weather: Argentina's summer season, which runs from December to February, offers warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This makes it an ideal time to enjoy the country's outdoor attractions, from beaches and parks to outdoor markets and festivals.
• Festivals and events: Argentina's summer season is packed with cultural events and festivals. Highlights include the Buenos Aires Tango Festival in January, the colorful Carnival celebrations in February, the Cosquin Folk Festival in Cordoba in January, and the National Grape Harvest Festival in Mendoza in February.
• Outdoor adventure: Warm summer weather is ideal for exploring Argentina’s natural beauty. From hiking in the Andes mountains to horseback riding in Patagonia, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy.

Insider's tip: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the longest hiking routes in Patagonia like the W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) and all hiking trails in El Chaltén (Argentina). - Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys

If you are planning a trip to Argentina, we recommend that you do not miss out on these destinations:

1. Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is a great summer destination. The city comes alive with outdoor concerts, festivals, and events in the many parks and plazas during the summer months. On your Buenos Aires tour, you can relax on the beaches of nearby towns like Mar del Plata and Pinamar, or enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife including tango shows.

Major attractions: The colorful buildings and street art of La Boca, along with live tango performances, make for a lively and cultural experience. Recoleta Cemetry is a must-visit for its historical significance and the graves.

Pros:

• Summer is the season for music festivals in Buenos Aires. The city hosts numerous events, including the Buenos Aires Tango Festival and Lollapalooza Music Festival.
• The summer days in Buenos Aires are longer, which means more time to explore the city.

Cons:

• Some businesses may close during the summer months, as locals take vacation around this time. So finding certain services or activities can be difficult.

2. Bariloche

Located in Argentine Patagonia, Bariloche is a popular destination that you can visit during summer. The place is famed for its picturesque lakes, stunning mountain views, and variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and rafting during the day and then relax at one of the many local breweries or indulge in chocolate from the city’s famous chocolate shops in the evening.

Major attractions: Its major attractions include the Nahuel Huapi National Park, where you can hike, bike, and enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. You can also take a scenic drive along the Seven Lakes Route. 

Pros:

• Beautiful landscapes with crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests—perfect for outdoor activities.
• Long daylight hours during summer give you more time to explore the place at your own relaxed pace.

Cons:

• The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and the possibility of thunderstorms.

3. Mendoza

Take a trip to Mendoza which is Argentina’s wine country and a perfect summer destination for wine lovers. You can explore the vineyards, learn about wine production, and taste some of the best Malbec wines in the world here. Besides wine tasting, Mendoza is also a great destination for outdoor activities like hiking, and hot air balloon rides.

Major attractions: The city offers a range of outdoor activities during summer such as hiking and rafting in the Andes Mountains. You can also enjoy the nightlight, with numerous bars and restaurants offering local cuisine.

Pros:

• You can see stunning sceneries of the Andes Mountains and the vineyards during the summer months.
• Sunny, dry days are perfect for vineyard tours and wine-tasting sessions.

Cons:

• Some visitors may find hot, dry weather conditions uncomfortable.

4. Iguazu Falls

A trip to Iguazu Falls, located at the Argentina-Brazil border, is a must-do experience to witness one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Warm conditions and sunny skies make summer an ideal time to explore these majestic falls. You can take advantage of the good weather conditions and take a boat tour to get up close to the falls and experience the thrill of the cascading waters. You can also enjoy hiking and birdwatching in the area.

Major attractions: Explore the beauty of the falls which consist of over 270 cascades. You can also enjoy hiking, and boat rides and get up close to the wildlife surroundings. 

Pros:

• Taking a boat tour during the summer months offers a chance to see the Iguazu Falls up close.
• Summer is a great time to see the spectacular views of the waterfalls and surrounding rainforests.

Cons:

• Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance during the summer months.

5. Salta

A trip to Salta during summer is warm and dry, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities. You can take a tour of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a Unesco World Heritage Site known for its colorful mountains and indigenous culture. You can also trek through the spectacular mountains and valleys in the region.

Major attractions: The major attractions include the historic city center, which is home to numerous museums and landmarks, such as the San Franciso Church and the Cabildo. You can also take a scenic drive along the Quebrada de Cafayate, which offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the colorful rock formations.

Pros:

• During the high season, Salta tourism is in full swing, which means you can take advantage of a wide range of services, including guided tours, accommodation, and transportation.
• Pleasant weather conditions offer a perfect opportunity to explore Salta’s stunning landscapes, including the Andes Mountains and the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

Cons:

• Though Salta’s weather is fairly dry and warm during the summer months, the region does experience occasional rain showers, which could upset your travel plans.

• Explore the beaches: Argentina boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in South America. Mar del Plata, Pinamar, Villa Gesell, and Miramar have some of the best beaches, and they offer a variety of water sports, such as surfing, kite surfing, and paddleboarding.
• Hiking in Patagonia: Patagonia is a vast region located in southern Argentina, and it offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. During the summer season, visitors can hike through the Andes Mountains, explore the glaciers, or simply take in the natural beauty of the region. The best places for hiking during a Patagonia trip are El Chalten, El Calafate, and Bariloche.
• Wine tasting: Argentina is one of the top wine-producing countries in the world, and the summer season is the perfect time to explore the country’s vineyards and taste some of the best wines. The region of Mendoza is Argentina’s most famous wine-producing region. Visitors can learn about the wine-making process, taste different varieties of wine, and enjoy delicious food pairings here.
• Horseback riding: Horseback riding is a popular activity in Argentina, and it offers travelers a unique perspective on the country's landscapes and culture. You can explore the countryside, ride through vineyards, and even participate in a traditional Argentine cattle drive on horseback. With its rich gaucho culture, Argentina offers a unique experience for riders, allowing them to explore the countryside and learn about the country's history and traditions.

• Summer is the peak season in Argentina, so plan ahead for a hassle-free trip to Argentina. You may also want to book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Argentina can be very hot during summer, particularly in the northern region. Make sure to pack breathable clothing items, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Taking public transportation can be a great way to get around the city to avoid traffic and save money.
• While you can certainly get by in Argentina with English, learning some basic Spanish phrases can be of great help, especially when you are visiting rural parts of the country.
• Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance during the summer months in Argentina. So make sure to pack plenty of insect repellent.

Argentina is a vibrant country with diverse landscapes and rich culture that make it an ideal holiday destination. From exploring the beaches, hiking in Patagonia, and experiencing the tango culture, to tasting the delicious local cuisine and wine, Argentina has something for every traveler visiting the country during the summer months. Whether it is an adventure you are after or just a relaxed vacation, Argentina is the place to be.

Reach out to our local travel experts to plan a customized tour to Argentina. For more travel ideas and tips, check out our article on how many days to spend in Argentina.