Best time to go to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a city to discover at any time of the year, but if you have a preference for the weather, a reduced budget or want to see the city with few tourists, don't miss this article.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

9 min read

Best time to go to Buenos Aires

Floralis Generic | ©boriskhol

Among the best things to see and do in Buenos Aires at all times of the year are interesting things like visiting museums, strolling through green spaces, visiting the most emblematic buildings and taking a cultural tour

. However, other alternatives such as water parks or national holidays have specific dates, so if you want to live these experiences you will have to choose carefully the time of your trip.

What is the best time of the year to visit Buenos Aires?

Bus Tour| ©Juanedc
Bus Tour| ©Juanedc

Buenos Aires is a very eclectic city that offers fun and activities all year round, but the best time to visit will depend on your preferences and what you are looking for. If you go by the weather, here are the best times of the year:

If you prefer cooler temperatures, as the heat can be too much of a burden in the city:

  • Visiting Buenos Aires during spring, from September to November, is an excellent idea.
  • Also in autumn, from March to May, is a great option.
  • During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 25 °C, and there are fewer tourists, which means less crowds at the tourist sites.

If, on the other hand, you prefer a warmer and more humid climate:

  • Visiting Buenos Aires in the summer, which runs from December to February, will be a good alternative.
  • During this time, the city is vibrant and there is a lot of energy, especially during the carnival in February.
  • Be aware that there can be heat waves and the city becomes more congested due to the large number of tourists.

If you like or don't mind the cold:

  • In winter, which runs from June to August, temperatures can drop below 10°C.
  • This season is also ideal if you are looking to enjoy cultural activities such as theatre plays, music festivals and movies in the cinema, as there are many festivals taking place during this time and you will also be able to visit the best museums in Buenos Aires, such as the MALBA or the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Book tickets to visit the MALBA

When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires with children?

Bosques de Palermo by bicycle| ©Turismo Buenos Aire
Bosques de Palermo by bicycle| ©Turismo Buenos Aire

If you are planning to visit Buenos Aires with children you should take into account many factors:

  • In summer you will be able to enjoy outdoor activities, as well as the nearby water parks and the green spaces of the Argentinean capital.
  • In autumn and spring the weather is less hot and prices are more affordable, as it is low season in the city. This will save money on accommodation and some of the attractions, although you should be aware that some activities, such as the water parks, may not be available.
  • Winter can be a good time to visit if your family prefers cooler weather. During this season, the city is less crowded and there are many cultural events in the capital's theatres and cinemas. It is also a good time to enjoy some of the best gastronomic tours in Buenos Aires.

You can also visit Buenos Aires during Christmas, when the city offers some very interesting activities for children, such as the giant Christmas tree in Plaza de Mayo or the children's plays at the Teatro Colón. Taking a tour on the Buenos Aires tourist bus to see the Christmas lights and decorations can also be a great option, don't you think?

Book a seat in the tourist bus of Buenos Aires

When is the cheapest time to visit Buenos Aires?

Tango show| ©deepfoto
Tango show| ©deepfoto

The best time to visit Buenos Aires as cheaply as possible is during the low season, which generally runs from May to September. During these months, the prices of flights and accommodation are usually lower than during the high season from October to April and there is less crowding.

There are also some events and festivals that take place during the low season in Buenos Aires, such as the Book Fair in May and Tango Week in August, which could be a good option for visitors interested in the city's culture. There you can take tango lessons or participate in traditional music shows.

In any case, you can also save money and time during your trip to Buenos Aires if you book your excursions in advance online or if you get discounts at the time of booking the tours.

Book a tango lesson in Buenos Aires

When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires with less tourists?

Inside the Boca Juniors Sports Museum| ©Wally Gobetz
Inside the Boca Juniors Sports Museum| ©Wally Gobetz

The best time to visit Buenos Aires with fewer tourists is during the autumn and winter months from March to September. During these months, tourists tend to be fewer and attractions and restaurants are not as crowded.

Also, prices for accommodation and flights tend to be lower during the low season compared to the summer months when there is a larger influx of tourists.

However, if you want to escape the crowds, keep in mind the following:

  • Some places like La Boca, where you can visit the Boca Juniors Museum, or San Telmo, which is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the capital, tend to be full of tourists all year round.
  • In general, try to avoid weekends and holidays to find less crowded places in Buenos Aires.
  • Palermo and Recoleta, which are two of Buenos Aires' main neighbourhoods, are busy all year round.

Book a tour of Recoleta Cemetery

When is the best time to get to know the traditions of Buenos Aires?

Obelisk of Buenos Aires| ©leonardo samrani
Obelisk of Buenos Aires| ©leonardo samrani

The best time to visit Buenos Aires and get to know its traditions is during the month of August, when Buenos Aires Week is celebrated and numerous cultural and traditional events take place all over the city:

  • The Tango Week Festival is one of the highlights and pays homage to the iconic musical genre that originated in Buenos Aires. During this week, tango shows take place all over the city and you can enjoy dances and classes with expert teachers.
  • The Fiesta de San Cayetano is one of the most important religious festivities in Buenos Aires and takes place in the neighbourhood of Liniers. During the festival, processions take place and traditional food and drinks are offered to give thanks or to ask for a job.
  • The Mataderos Fair takes place every Sunday in the Mataderos neighbourhood. The fair is an excellent way to get to know the gaucho and folkloric traditions of the region, with live music, dances, food and handicrafts.

Another important moment in Buenos Aires takes place in May, when Independence Day is celebrated and one of the typical customs is to eat traditional food, such as locro or empanadas.

Book a tango show in Buenos Aires

When is the best time to discover the best views of Buenos Aires?

Carlos Thays Botanical Garden| ©Denise Alvarez García
Carlos Thays Botanical Garden| ©Denise Alvarez García

The best time to visit Buenos Aires and discover its best views is during spring and autumn. In those seasons you will be able to:

  • Enjoy the panoramic views from some of the best buildings in the city, such as the Barolo Palace.
  • Visit the Puerto Madero neighbourhood and walk along the famous Puente de la Mujer bridge.
  • Climb the Monumental Tower viewpoint in Plaza San Martin.
  • Contemplate the views from the neighbourhood of San Telmo and its viewpoint in Parque Lezama, which is usually included in the best tours of Buenos Aires.

During spring, the city is full of flowers and colours, which makes it especially photogenic, so I recommend that if you travel during this time of the year, always carry your camera with you. You can visit the city's parks, such as the Botanical Gardens and the Palermo Rose Garden, to enjoy the flowers and nature at its best.

In autumn, on the other hand, the trees turn reddish and golden, which makes the parks and avenues of Buenos Aires even more beautiful. At this time of the year, you can visit places like Parque Tres de Febrero or Avenida del Libertador to gaze at the skyline.

Book a guided tour of Buenos Aires

When is the best time to avoid the cold weather and rain in Buenos Aires?

Colon Theatre| ©Leo Tomarchio
Colon Theatre| ©Leo Tomarchio

The best time to visit Buenos Aires and avoid the cold weather and rain is during the summer, which runs from December to February. During these months, temperatures are warm and days are longer, which will allow you to discover more outdoor activities and still enjoy the city during the night.

However, you should keep in mind that summer in Buenos Aires can also be quite hot and humid, with temperatures that can exceed 30 °C (86 °F). It is therefore important to bring light clothing and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

If you prefer to avoid the extreme summer heat, another option is to visit the city during the spring, which runs from September to November, when temperatures are milder and rain is less frequent than in winter. This season is ideal for activities such as bike tours or rides on the hop-on-hop-off open-top tourist bus, although you should be aware of the Santa Rosa Storm, which usually hits from 30 August and lasts up to a week.

Book a bike tour in Buenos Aires

When is the best time to go on a bike tour around Buenos Aires?

Pink House| ©David Berkowitz
Pink House| ©David Berkowitz

In general, the best time to visit Buenos Aires and enjoy a full day trip to the surroundings is in spring and autumn, as temperatures are mild and the weather is more stable. During these months, rainfall is less frequent and humidity is lower, which makes it more pleasant for outdoor activities.

If you want to take a full day trip to the surroundings of Buenos Aires, you can visit the Tigre Delta, the towns near the Argentine capital where the main gaucho festivals take place or even take a trip to Uruguay.

However, if you prefer a warmer climate and don't mind the heat and humidity, summer is also a good time to visit Buenos Aires for a full day trip. During this time of year, you can enjoy nearby beaches such as Mar del Plata and Pinamar, as well as outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and sailing in the delta.

Book an excursion to the Tigre Delta

So... When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?

Tigre Delta| ©Barbieri2
Tigre Delta| ©Barbieri2

Buenos Aires is a fascinating city that can be visited in any month of the year, depending on your interests and preferences. However, in order to choose the best time for your trip, you should take into consideration several factors:

  • The weather: Buenos Aires is hot and humid during the summer months and cooler and drier during the winter months. If you prefer a tour with warm weather and outdoor activities, then the summer months will be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, then the winter months may be the best option.
  • Cultural activity: if you want to experience the local cultural scene, then the spring and autumn months will be the best option, as there are a lot of cultural events taking place during this time and the weather is pleasant.
  • Budget: December and January are high season in Buenos Aires, which means that prices can be higher and crowds can be bigger.
  • Crowds: if you want to avoid them, you should consider making your trip during the autumn and winter months.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Buenos Aires will depend on the configuration of your trip, who is accompanying you and what your expectations are.

  • Spring
  • September-November
  • Temperature between 15 and 25 ºC
  • Good time for outdoor activities
  • Lower prices
  • Summer
  • December-February
  • Temperature above 30 ºC
  • Many outdoor activities are possible
  • Autumn
  • March-May
  • Temperature between 15 and 25 ºC
  • Good time for outdoor and cultural activities
  • Less crowds
  • Lower prices
  • Winter
  • June-August
  • Temperature above 10 ºC
  • Many traditional activities
  • Less crowds
  • Lower prices