South America is the fourth largest of the world's continents. It consists of 12 independent countries, each with its unique charm. It also has the world's largest river and driest area! Therefore, it is essential to know the best time to visit.

Between September to November is the best time to visit. The temperature fluctuates around 80 F (27 C) during this time, which is perfect for hiking. Visiting in December is popular for celebrating Christmas and the Santurantikuy Festival. However, travel costs increase up to 11% during December. Whereas in August, travel costs tend to drop by 6%.

Since there are many different countries in South America, it may be challenging to decide the best time to go to each. Therefore, this article will go through a monthly analysis to highlight each country's special events, activities, and festivals.

Worst Time to Visit South America

December through February is usually the worst time to visit South America. During these months, the temperatures are hottest, and the rainy season occurs.

Since many people visit South America from December through February, prices are at their peak. In addition to this, many attractions are crowded with tourists. Therefore, it may not be an ideal time to visit.

Cheapest Time to Visit South America

September to November and March to May are the cheapest months to visit South America. During July, August, and December, prices are much higher, and tourist places are busier.

While many countries in South America are relatively cheap, some can be pricier. Those on a tight budget may want to save around $36 per day for traveling. Though, it may be possible to go lower if staying in rural villages.

Related Read: Epic Peru 3 Week Itinerary

Planning Your Visit To South America: Monthly Breakdown

January: Fiesta de la Santa Tierra in Peru

The average high temperature in Peru is 79 F (26 C), and the low is 66 F (19 C). January is one of the best months for swimming as it has dry and sunny weather.

While January is a popular month to visit South America, it does not have many events and festivals. Therefore, those that visit in January may want to do more sightseeing or hiking trails.

If you are visiting Chile, it is a great time to visit Chiloe Island. During January, you have the opportunity to watch penguins and whales!

• Fiesta de la Santa Tierra in Peru
• Go on a Hike in Patagonia
• Go on a Cruise
• Go Snorkeling

February: Carnaval in Brazil

The average temperature in Brazil ranges from 100 F (37 C) to 110 F (43 C). Its nighttime temperatures are not much better at 80 F (26 C) to 90 F (32 C).

February is a fantastic time for those that want to experience Brazil's culture. Brazil has plenty of fun events this month and is beautiful to discover. There are also plenty of fun festivals in other regions of South America in February.

The Carnaval in Brazil is plenty of fun for everyone. It is one of the most famous celebrations and consists of beautiful parades and pageants! Plus, there are plenty of intriguing costumes and music!

• Carnaval in Brazil
• Festival of Song in Chile
• Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria in Bolivia and Peru
• Oruro Carnival in Bolivia

Related Read: Basic Portuguese Phrases

March: Iberoamerican Film Festival in Colombia

The daily high temperature in Colombia is usually around 66 F (18 C). In contrast, its daily low temperature is around 48 F (8 C).

March is one of the best times to visit Colombia as the Andes are drier. Moreover, Colombia is not as hot in March compared to September.

For those that enjoy films, Colombia is a great place to visit. Colombia holds the Iberoamerican Film Festival, and it has plenty of amazing documentaries to watch.

• Iberoamerican Film Festival in Colombia
• Semana Santa in Peru
• Mendoza Wine Harvest Festival in Argentina
• Go on a Cruise in the Amazon

April: Caracas International Theatre Festival in Venezuela

The daily high temperature in Venezuela is around 83 F (28 C). The daily low temperature ranges from 66 F (18 C) to 68 F (20 C).

April is a perfect time to visit many South American countries. Whether you are looking for hiking trails in the Andes or taking a cruise, April will be an enjoyable time to visit.

If you visit South America in April, Venezuela will be an excellent place to visit. Venezuela holds the Caracas International Theatre Festival, which lasts for a week! Moreover, there are fun activities for the whole family!

• Caracas International Theatre Festival in Venezuela
• Go on an Amazon Cruise
• Visit the Atacama Desert
• Semana Santa in Peru

May: Tomorrowland in Brazil

While May in Brazil is overcast most of the time, the daily high temperatures are still comfortable at 76 F (24 C). The daily low temperature tends to be 60 F (15 C).

Traveling to South America in May offers fewer crowds at popular tourist attractions and mild temperatures. In addition to this, the prices are lower during May! Therefore, it is a great time to visit if you are on a budget.

Those that are interested in attending music festivals will want to travel to Brazil for Tomorrowland. This festival takes place over three days in May and has some of the greatest artists of electronic music.

• Tomorrowland in Brazil
• Attend Fiesta de la Cruz in Peru
• Visit Argentina
• Visit the Peruvian Jungle

Related Read: Do's & Don't's in South America!

June: Festival of the Sun in Argentina

The daily high temperature in Argentina ranges from 58 F (14 C) to 61 F (16 C). Its daily low temperature ranges from 48 F (8 C) to 51 F (10 C).

June is an excellent time for those that want to visit Argentina. It allows you to visit many popular tourist sites while avoiding the crowds and increased prices.

Argentina has plenty of fun and exciting things to do in June. While you can visit sites such as Iguazu Falls, you can also attend some of Argentina's festivals and parades!

• Festival of the Sun in Argentina
• Gaucho Parade in Argentina
• Visit the Iguazu Falls
• Attend the Septenario Festival in Ecuador

July: Fiesta de la Tirana in Chile

Chile has relatively moderate weather in July, with a daily high temperature of around 60 F (15 C). Its daily low temperature is approximately 38 F (3 C).

Since July is Chile's peak winter season, there will be plenty of fun winter activities to do. Therefore, while there are not as many events and festivals, there are still some fun things to discover and explore!

July has cooler and breezier weather. However, it makes to be an excellent time for hiking! Those interested in hiking should check out Ecuador's Cotopaxi National Park.

• Visit the Fiesta de la Tirana in Chile
• Attend the Fiestas Patrias in Peru
• Hike in Ecuador at the Cotopaxi National Park
• Visit the Galapagos Islands

August: Feria de las Flores in Colombia

The daily high temperature in Colombia is around 63 F (17 C). In contrast, its daily low temperature is around 47 F (8 C).

August is an excellent time to visit the wetlands of the Pantanal. These wetlands are the largest tropical wetlands in the world! In addition, they are located across Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.

However, the Pantanal is not all to see, as Peru and Bolivia have plenty of tourists visiting during this time. These countries have beautiful weather in August and plenty of fun activities to do. In Bolivia, you can celebrate Independence Day.

• Feria de las Flores in Colombia
• World Tango Championship in Argentina
• Celebrate Independence Day in Bolivia
• Visit the Wetlands of Pantanal

Related Read: 20 BEST Restaurants in Colombia

September: Mistura Food Festival in Peru

The temperature in Peru has a high of 66 F (19 C). The daily low temperature does not differ much, at 59 F (15 C). Therefore, it is a little chilly during September in Peru.

September offers moderate and comfortable temperatures with beautiful wildflowers. In addition to this, September means fewer tourists. Therefore you will have fewer crowds and lower prices!

If you want to try Peru's food, September is the month to do so. Peru holds the Mistura Food Festival annually and has plenty of great food for you to taste.

• Mistura Food Festival in Peru
• Celebrate Independence Day in Chile
• Virgen del Valle in Venezuela
• Visit Patagonia

October: Lord of the Miracles in Peru

The weather in Peru will offer plenty of sun without being overbearing. The average day temperature is 68 F (20 C). During the night, the temperature is 41 F (5 C).

October is just like September: there are fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful flowers to see! It will also be a great time to visit the wildlife spots!

Those that want to see wildlife should visit Galapagos Islands. In Galapagos Islands, there is various wildlife that you can see here. Some examples of wildlife you can see are birds, lizards, and penguins!

• Lord of the Miracles in Peru
• Visit Torres del Paine National Park
• Explore the Galapagos Islands
• Visit Uruguay

November: All Souls' Day

November starts to have a hotter temperature with cloudy skies. The high temperature is around 82 F (28 C), depending on where you visit.

The temperature in South America during November is warm but not overbearing. Therefore, it is one of the last months with the best weather before summer starts. There are plenty of places to discover in November while also allowing you to avoid the crowds.

Moreover, November is the celebration of All Souls' Day across most of South America. This is a day where many remember their deceased friends and relatives and commemorate them.

• All Souls' Day
• Independence Day in Ecuador
• Visit Machu Picchu
• Sunbathe at a Costa Rican Beach

December: Ferias de Cali in Colombia

Colombia typically has hot and humid weather during December. The daily average high is 86 F (30 C), while its low is 65 F (18 C).

Even though Colombia can have humid weather during December, it will still be a great place to visit. It is primarily an excellent time to visit for those that enjoy seeing cultural festivals and parties.

December is also a great time for holiday celebrations. Brazil is one of the best places to celebrate as they have plenty of beautiful lights, huge Christmas trees, and fireworks!

• Ferias de Cali in Colombia
• Santurantikuy Festival in Peru
• New Year's Eve in Brazil
• Celebrate Christmas in Brazil

Best Time to Visit Colombia, South America

December to March and June to September are the best months to visit Colombia. During these months, there is not much rainfall.

June to September is an excellent time to visit Colombia for those that enjoy festivals. There are plenty of fun festivals during these months varying from the Medellin Flower Festival to the Cali World Salsa Festival!

In addition, June to September is one of the driest times of the year. Plus, it is not as busy despite the higher flight prices.

December to March is also a very dry time in Colombia. This weather is more prevalent along the Caribbean Coast and the Andes. There will also be plenty of sunny skies, allowing you to take more time on hikes!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Colombia from December to March. If you want to immerse yourself in Colombia's culture, we recommend visiting The Barranquilla Carnival. This carnival is one of Colombia's most significant annual events in February.

Best Time to Visit Patagonia South America

The best time to visit Patagonia is from September to March. During these months, there is less rainfall, and the days will be longer and much warmer. June through August tends to experience snow and shorter days.

Those who want to go hiking and discover wildlife should visit during December and January. It is important to note that if you stay during these months, they tend to have crowds, and many places get fully booked.

December is especially crowded with tourists, and many people from Chile and Argentina will visit for Christmas. Therefore, book everything in advance if you want to see and experience a Patagonian Christmas.

November is one of the best months to visit as it has comfortable weather, and you have the benefit of more itineraries to choose from. In addition to this, there are usually fewer amounts of tourists visiting.

If you want to spot plenty of penguins or whitewater raft, December through February is one of the best times. These months are some of the warmest months in Patagonia, so you have the benefit of good weather.

Those that want to hike should visit from March through April. During these months, there is beautiful fall foliage. The temperature will also be cooler at a high of 72 F (22 C). Its lowest daily average is usually 43 F (6 C).

June through August is popular for skiing and snowboarding. Thus, the weather is a lot colder. June is a great time to visit for those that want to party, as the Town of Ushuaia celebrates the longest night in the world.

Best Time to Visit Peru

Visiting Peru in their driest season is recommended to be the best time of the year to visit. These months are May through September and are perfect for those that want to go hiking and have plenty of blue skies.

December through March tends to have warmer weather but is also the rainiest season. While average rainfall varies depending on where in Peru you go, Cusco experiences 4.7 inches in December alone.

April and October have varying weather conditions. Thus, it tends to be challenging to plan your days.

April is a great time to visit if you want to go hiking or see wildlife. The only problem in visiting during April is the weather and the costs as many start to visit.

If you want to visit Lima, we recommend going from December through April. The temperatures will be high, with very little rain. There are also plenty of fun festivals and events during these months!

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

The best months to visit Costa Rice is from December to April. During these months, the weather will be dry and warm. July through August is not ideal for visiting since rainfall is abundant.

For those on a budget, September through December typically has the cheapest costs and fewer crowds. However, there is plenty of rainfall during these months to look out for.

December through April is the best time to visit if you want to see wildlife, fiestas, or the beach. There are plenty of fun fiestas during these months, such as the Santa Cruz Fiesta and the Palmares Fiesta in January.

May through November is an excellent time to visit with fewer tourists and cheaper costs. May has occasional rain showers, though they are typically not enough to ruin your trip. November is similar to May, but visiting at the end of the month is recommended to experience the dry season.

Best Time to Visit the Amazon

If you want to experience the Amazon with low water levels and excellent weather for hiking trails, July through December is the best. While if you want to observe wildlife, January through June is best.

Hikers that want to visit the Amazon should avoid going from December to May. During these months, there is a lot more rain causing some trails to be inaccessible due to flooding.

If you want to experience the Amazon while on a cruise, canoe, or boat, it is best to visit from December through May. The river is at its highest during these months and will be more accessible to tourists.

Best Time to Visit Angel Falls in Venezuela

June through December is the best time to see Angel Falls. July and August bring the most rainfall, and there tend to be clouds that block the view.

Most people visit Angel Falls in July and August, so these months are crowded. Moreover, the prices will increase due to this.

Even though Angel Falls is never completely dry, December to March tend to have less water volume. Therefore, to see Angel Falls at its most beautiful and maximum volume, it is best to visit during the rainy season.

Best Time to Visit Rainbow Mountain Peru

Between June and August is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain. The temperature is comfortable, and the skies will be beautiful. It is important to note that visiting during these months can get busy.

There tends to be very little rain from June through August, and the temperature is usually 35 F (2 C). Once you reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain, it gets even colder and windier, so wear warm clothing.

Visiting Rainbow Mountain between November and March can be good if you are okay with hiking in colder weather. During these months, you can also see the mountain covered in snow, and there will be plenty of green.

Best Time to Visit Sao Paulo Brazil

March to May and October to November are the best times to visit Sao Paulo, Brazil. In these months, the temperatures are moderate with less rain and plenty of fun events!

The weather in Sao Paulo from March to May and October to November is typically in the upper seventies. In April, you can enjoy Sao Paulo's Fashion Week, while in October, you can visit Sao Paulo's International Film Festival.

December through February are not ideal times to visit Sao Paulo as the weather gets very hot. Moreover, it rains frequently during these months, with the average precipitation in January being 9.4 inches.

While June to September has comfortable temperatures averaging 71 F (21 C), it tends to have many tourists. Therefore, prices tend to increase, making it not an ideal time to visit.