The Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires

The best time to visit Buenos Aires is in the spring (September to November) or during the fall (March to May). These shoulder seasons have fewer tourists than summer, reasonably priced hotels, and the best weather and events of the year.

Use this guide to help plan your trip to Argentina’s capital, known for its love of music, tango, food, and year-round good weather.

Popular Events and Festivals

Big festivities here are based around the arts and sports, rather than religious or public holidays. In March, the Argentine version of Lollapalooza brings in big name international artists for three days of music, while in August, The Tango Festival and World Cup take over parts of the city with showcases and classes. In April, Festival International de Cine Independiente (BAFICI) plays both national and international independent films.

While the arts will draw one type of crowd, soccer enlivens the whole nation. Any important game will be televised and played on a TV at local bars and restaurants. Buy a beer and enjoy cheering or booing with the locals, or go to a game with a tour group. (Tickets are difficult to come by on your own.)

Argentina is the land of protests. Sometimes these are marches with graffiti-happy participants. Other times, they manifest in strikes throughout the city with 24-hour airport closures. Still other times, they can be like parties with drum groups performing, the occasional circus show, and plenty of street vendors selling food. They usually take place at Plaza de Mayo. Exercise caution if you attend.

The Weather in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has a temperate climate and four distinct seasons. It isn't super cold, as winter temps generally stay in the mid-40s Fahrenheit or higher. By contrast, the highest summer temps reach are in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. However, the humidity intensifies the cold and the heat, maintaining itself at 64 to 79 percent year-round.

Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) have ideal weather, making them the best times to visit the city. Spring has the lowest humidity levels of the year, and high temps in the 60s and 70s. In fall, temps begin to drop from summer highs and go between the low 70s and high 50s Fahrenheit, throughout the season. March is the rainiest month though, so go in April or May if possible.

Peak Season in Buenos Aires

Summer (December to February) is peak tourist season in Buenos Aires. Two of the main reasons for this are: it’s a cheap, easily accessible vacation spot for North American tourists fleeing the winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s a travler hub for going to Patagonia. However, this does not mean it’s the best time to go. High temps, humidity, and higher hotel rates are all good reasons to avoid Buenos Aires’ high season.

Flight prices spike in December and January. If you come during high season, plan on February, when flights will be far cheaper and temperatures cooler. If you must go in December or January though, crowds will not be massive. In summer, most locals (Argentines and expats alike) leave the sweltering heat of the city for the country’s beaches. This mass exodus allows the city's streets to breathe, even with the influx of tourists.

January

This is peak season with heat, hotel rates, and flights at the highest you’ll see them all year.

Events to check out:

• The Ciudanza Urban Dance Festival occurs the last week of January. Witness and participate in urban dancing in the city’s parks, at its major monuments, and in other public spaces.
• The city creates urban beaches in January and February. They bus in sand, and beach umbrellas, crank up the wave machine, and even set up WiFi for beach goers to use while lazing by the Rio de la Plata. These pop-up beaches can be found in the Parque de los Niños and the Parque Indoamericano neighborhoods.

February

While temps begin to cool off a bit, nights will still be the most enjoyable time to see the city. Tourism starts to lower, as does hotel and flight rates. The city’s residents begin to come back from their beach vacations, and Buenos Aires begins to swing back to its normal rhythm.

Events to check out:

• While nowhere near the level of party across the border in Brazil, Carnival in Buenos Aires still sees loads of people dressed in bedazzled top hats and silk chaps as they drum (so much drumming) and dance their way through the city’s streets in murgas.
• Also for two days, Barrio Chino throws a Chinese New Year celebration of traditional food, educational activities, and dragon dances.

March

Fall is here, with pleasant, sunny days and cool nights. The temperature will barely creep above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while many days will be in the balmy mid-60s. However, expect lots of showers as this is the rainiest month.

Events to check out:

• The city hosts the ATP World Tour: Argentina Open.
• Lollapalooza occurs at the end of March, with nearly 200 bands playing rock, pop, hip-hop, and dance.

April

Trees in Los Bosques de Palermo are awash in oranges, yellows and reds. The rain abates and the temperature drops slightly, going between 72 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

Events to check out:

• See independent films at BAFICI.

May

With even less rain than April and the temperature dropping a bit more into the mid-60s and low 50s Fahrenheit, May is still an ideal time to experience Buenos Aires. Fewer crowds and reasonable hotel rates are two other bonuses.

Events to check out:

• La Feria del Libro hosts author talks and interviews with famous international authors, and a huge book fair (though mostly with books only in Spanish) from the tail end of April through mid-May.

June

The winter begins and temperatures begin to drop to the low 60s and high 40s Fahrenheit. It’s the least rainy month, but the trade-off is only four hours of sunshine on average per day.

Events to check out:

• On June 24, head to Chacarita Cemetery where legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel is buried. On the anniversary of his death, admirers and fans pay their respects, leaving lit cigarettes in his hand. Other events in the city include concerts at Niceto Club or stand up in English at BA Comedy Lab.

July

Temperatures reach their coldest of the year. Chilly mornings and wet evenings greet the small wave of tourists who pass through heading to Patagonia for ski season. Flight prices rise slightly due to this from the middle of the month until the beginning of August.

Events to check out:

• Livestock lovers head to La Rural Exposition for tons of animals, competitions, and acrobatic gaucho shows.
• Independence Day is July 9. To celebrate, eat a bowl of locro (traditional corn and meat stew) at local restaurants.

August

August is the warmest winter month, but it’s definitely still cold. It has lower humidity than the months preceding it and very little rain.

Events to check out:

• The International Tango Festival and World Cup takes over the city, is free to attend, and even has children's activities.

September

Spring arrives, and with it, warmer temperatures and lower humidity (only 70 percent!). Enjoy one of the city’s many green spaces during this time, like Parque Lezama which constantly hosts food and activity fairs.

Events to check out:

• Over 12,000 runners participate in the Buenos Aires Marathon each September, one of the largest races in the Southern Hemisphere. Expect major traffic delays and rerouting on this day.

October

Temperatures stay comfortable in the mid 50s to low 70s Fahrenheit. Humidity stays low, but expect more rain than in previous months.

Events to check out:

• Ciudad Emergente Festival is a free festival showcasing Buenos Aires artists in music, photography, film, dance, poetry, dance, and standup.

November

Temperatures rise slightly, but remain balmy. Humidity and rainfall lowers slightly, and most people take advantage of the weather by biking, walking, or napping in the city parks.

Events to check out:

• Head to the Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival, the Independent Circus Festival, or see a polo match at the Argentine Open Polo Tournament.
• Arte BA hosts over 500 exhibits of contemporary art and brings in artists, collectors, gallery owners, curators and critics.

December

Temperatures start to rise, as well as hotel and flight rates, especially around Christmas. High tourist season starts to begin, but the rain and humidity take a dip from November.

Events to check out:

• Check out Wateke, a food and entertainment festival at the Palermo Hippodrome, complete with local musicians, food trucks, yoga, and craft beer.