Weather in Argentina

The weather in Argentina is extremely varied and is best subdivided into four broad climate regions: east central Argentina (also known as the Pampas), western Argentina, the northeastern interior, and southern Argentina, which includes both the climate-specific Andes and Patagonia. It’s quite exceptional that you can experience both the howling, freezing gale-force winds of Patagonia and the sweltering subtropical heat of the north in a single season.

Argentina has four distinct seasons. Summer typically starts in late December, moves into autumn in late March, transitions into winter in late June, and finally changes into spring in late September. The south is characterised by cold temperatures and howling winds, and the north is subtropical and receives heavy rainfall.

The weather in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital and most popular expat destination, is relatively temperate with distinct seasonal changes. High temperatures and humidity are a normal part of the city’s sultry summers, with temperatures often reaching into the 80s and 90s°F (high 20s to low 30s°C). The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter is cooler, but mild and often sunny: perfect sweater weather. Snow is a rarity in Buenos Aires, although there may be an occasional day when the temperatures plunge toward freezing. Rainfall is heaviest during the summer months, but precipitation is present throughout the year.

You’ll find the varied climate makes certain parts of the country more attractive during different times of the year. The Lake District, Mendoza and Córdoba are fantastic in autumn when the leaves begin to change and the crowds begin to thin. Alternatively, Buenos Aires is something special in spring, with the jacarandas in full bloom in November alongside yellow tipas and colourful lapachos painting the city in vibrant hues as the gloom of winter fades away.

Patagonia and the south are best in summer, whereas the north is most bearable in winter.