Best Time to Visit South America
Seasonality & Pricing
South America
Why South America?
South America may truly be the destination for all seasons. Every age, activity level, and interest will find something to add to their list of lifetime wonders. Whether you marvel at Machu Picchu, cruise through the Galapagos waters, or feel the power of Patagonia’s rugged landscapes, South America luxury travel will move you at any time of year.
With its cosmopolitan cities and stunning natural wonders, South America enchants. Its urban hubs pulse with art, culture, and history, while its vast expanses of wilderness call to the adventurer in us all.
South America
Seasonality & Pricing
Seasonality in South America varies significantly due to the continent's vast size, diverse landscapes, and range of latitudes, spanning from tropical to temperate and even polar climates.
Tropical Countries (Amazon Basin, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana):
- Wet Season (December to May): This period sees more frequent rainfall, especially in the afternoons and evenings. However, mornings often remain sunny.
- Dry Season (June to November): Offers clearer skies and more manageable weather for outdoor activities.
Andean Highlands (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia):
- Wet Season (December to March): Frequent rainfall, particularly in the afternoon, can affect trekking conditions. The waters around the Galapagos are warm and clear.
- Dry Season (May to September): Ideal for hiking and visiting archaeological sites like Machu Picchu.
Temperate Regions (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, southern Brazil):
- Summer (December to February): With warm and hot temperatures, this is the peak tourist season, ideal for beach visits, festivals, harvest activities, and outdoor adventures.
- Autumn (March to May): Brings cooler temperatures and a beautiful display of fall foliage, particularly in places like the wine regions of Argentina and Chile.
- Winter (June to August): The Andes see snowfall, making it a prime time for skiing.
- Spring (September to November): Marked by mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring cities and natural attractions.
Southernmost Regions (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego):
- Summer (December to February): With mild temperatures and long daylight hours, this is one of the best times to explore the rugged landscapes and national parks.
- Winter (June to August): Many areas becoming inaccessible or challenging to visit due to harsh conditions.
Customized Itinerary Pricing
$1,200 per person per day
May to October: Colombia, Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Amazon Basin
November to March: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Southern Brazil
(This is the Austral Summer season, with special rates applied during Christmas and New Year Holidays.)
$950 per person per day
December to March: Colombia, Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Amazon Basin
(Special rates applied during the Christmas and New Year Holidays)
June to Early September: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Southern Brazil
(This is the Austral Winter season, with closures in Patagonia)
$1,050 per person per day
Regional
Considerations
Important considerations when traveling to South America:
- Machu Picchu is one of the most visited sites on the continent. It is a year round destination, however it experiences closures during the February rainy season. It is most crowded June through August.
- The Galapagos Islands are a year round destination, with the seasons determined by the currents. While the equatorial islands are always ready for visitors, the chilly Humbolt current brings the coolest weather in October. By March, the Panama current has warmed the islands. Rains have become less predictable, and any oceanic disturbance, such as El Nino, will affect the climate
- Harvest season in Colombia’s Eje Cafetero (Coffee Triangle) is during the summer months, from May through July.
- Prime jaguar viewing in Brazil’s Pantanal is from May to October.
- Harvest season in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay is from late February to mid-April. While considered a year round destination, harvest and the months immediately prior is the ideal time for wine touring.
- Patagonia experiences many closures in the low season, though in Northern Patagonia winter sports such as skiing are popular. The Lakes Districts of Argentina and Chile are technically year round, but are much slower in the Austral Winter (June to August).
- The Atacama Desert is a year-round destination, but it is very hot, and the best guides tend to move south during the Austral summer/early autumn (December to early April).
- Many people attempt to cover all of Chile’s diverse regions in one trip. The best time to attempt one of these trips is October to December or March to April.
- The best celebration of Rapa Nui culture takes place during the Tapati Festival on Easter Island at the end of January.
- For those who want to experience New Year or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, plan at least a year in advance. The city is always lively, and at those popular times it can be nearly impossible to find last minute space.
The Ker & Downey
Difference
- Luxury, first-class, and diving-specific yachts, catamarans, and trimarans in the Galapagos.
- Adventurous overland safaris through Patagonia.
- Exclusive-use lake lodge accommodations in Chile and Argentina.
- Glamping experiences in Atacama.
- Exclusive-use villa options in Peru, Colombia, and the Galapagos.
- Luxury beach retreats and private wine experiences in Uruguay.
- Horseback riding holidays in Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru.
- Private Jet Tours in Peru
- Community sustainability projects in the Sacred Valley of Peru and the Andes Mountains of Ecuador.
- Private helicopter transfers in Chile, Brazil, and Colombia.
With centuries of civilization and colonial influence, every region of the continent has a story to tell, and Ker & Downey will connect you to the storytellers. Contact your luxury travel consultant to begin planning your journey to South America.