Climate and Average Weather in Argentina
The climate in Argentina is very varied. The country stretches from north to south over a length of no less than 3,700 kilometers (2299 miles). This is the same distance as between Stockholm in Sweden and Seville in Spain. Also the vast differences in location relative to the equator, elevation differences and variations in landscape mean that Argentina has multiple climate zones. Most parts of Argentina however have relatively dry desert and steppe climates.
The Andean zones and Patagonia in southern Argentina have mostly temperate Mediterranean and maritime climates, with a highland climate on the highest peaks. The highest areas have perpetual snow, and the south also has a huge permanent ice sheet. The eastern part of Argentina has a combination of a number of different climates. The northern part of Argentina has a subtropical character, with a distinctly dry period in the local winter months and wet summer months (December to March).
Rainfall varies greatly in Argentina. The southwest and west of the country are dry, with precipitation amounts averaging between 200 and 400 millimeters per year (7.8 - 15.7 inch). In the south and in the Andes mountains this can fall in the form of snow. Tierra del Fuego, in the extreme south, has a distinctly wetter character with an average of four hundred to eight hundred millimeters (15.7 - 31.4 inches) of precipitation per year, as does the extreme west of Patagonia.
As you head northeast from central Argentina, you see precipitation amounts increase significantly. The subtropical northeast, along the border areas with Brazil has nearly two thousand millimeters (78.7 inches) of precipitation. This is much wetter than the rest of the country. These amounts of precipitation, combined with higher temperatures, creates a totally different landscape.
Not only are the amounts of precipitation very different in Argentina, but the distribution of rainfall per month can vary considerably from region to region. In the northwest the winter months are almost completely dry, the number of days with rain can be counted on one hand. In summer, however, large amounts of rain fall, with the wettest months being January and February. The dry areas of central Argentina have an almost equal amount of rain per month.
The Andes and Patagonia are generally cool in summer and very cold in winter, varying according to altitude. Extreme temperature shifts within a single day are common here. Take note that seasons in Argentina are reversed from those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means summer takes place from December till February. The difference between the seasons in terms of temperature is greater the further south you go.
It is virtually impossible to pinpoint one travel period as the best time to travel to Argentina. This South American country is so enormously diverse in terms of weather and climate that it varies a bit from region to region when it is best to travel to Argentina. Most travelers choose December through March as the travel period to visit Argentina. Since November is also great in many places within the country, we would say November through March is the best travel time for Argentina.
Interested in more detailed Weather and Climate information for Argentina?
Please select the city below you wish to travel to, or the one closest to your destination. Each selected city will show you the following graphs:
1. Yearly average minimum and maximum temperatures
2. Monthly averages of precipitation throughout the year (rainfall, snow etc)
3. Monthly average hours of sunshine throughout the year
Additionally, some pages provide historical weather data such as humidity, wind speed, and water temperature.