Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa under Koppen) with four distinct seasons opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Summers (December to February) are hot and humid, winters (June to August) are mild and damp, and spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the most comfortable conditions. The city receives about 1,215mm of rain spread fairly evenly throughout the year, with March typically the wettest month. There is no true dry season, though July and August are the driest months.
January
January is the hottest month. Daytime highs average 30degC (86degF) and lows stay at 20degC (68degF) with humidity around 65%. Rainfall averages 120mm over 9 days, typically as brief afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. Expect about 9 hours of daily sunshine. Many Portenos leave the city for Uruguay or Mar del Plata beaches in January, so some neighborhood restaurants and shops close for summer holidays.
February
February remains hot but slightly less intense than January. Highs average 29degC (84degF), lows 19degC (66degF). Rainfall averages 110mm over 8 days. The carnival season brings street parties and murga parades, especially in San Telmo and La Boca. This is still peak summer vacation period for locals.
March
March begins autumn. Highs drop to 26degC (79degF), lows to 17degC (63degF). March is the wettest month with 140mm over 9 days. The jacaranda trees begin their purple bloom in late March, transforming streets in Palermo and Recoleta. This is an excellent month for visiting: summer crowds are gone, hotel rates drop, and the weather stays warm.
April
April brings true autumn. Highs average 22degC (72degF), lows 14degC (57degF). Rainfall is 100mm over 8 days. With 6.5 hours of daily sunshine and comfortable humidity, April is one of the best months for walking the city. Autumn foliage in Palermo’s parks and the Recoleta cemetery grounds creates beautiful photo opportunities. This is shoulder season with good hotel availability and moderate rates.
May
May brings late autumn. Highs reach 18degC (64degF), lows 10degC (50degF). Rainfall is 75mm over 7 days. The cultural calendar picks up with theater season in full swing on Avenida Corrientes. This is the lowest hotel rate period before winter. A warm coat is needed. Expect about 5.5 hours of sunshine daily.
June
June starts winter. Highs reach 15degC (59degF), lows 7degC (45degF). Rainfall drops to 60mm over 7 days. While mild by Northern Hemisphere standards (snow has fallen only twice, in 1918 and 2007), humidity and wind make it feel colder. This is a great month for indoor culture: museums, tango shows, and historic cafes. Hotel rates are at their lowest.
July
July is the coldest month. Highs average 14degC (57degF), lows 6degC (43degF). Rainfall is just 55mm over 7 days, the driest month. Winter school holidays (mid-July) bring Argentine families to the city. Winter sales begin in July with discounts of 30-50% along Avenida Santa Fe and Florida Street. Pack winter gear: coat, scarf, gloves.
August
August remains cool, beginning the spring transition. Highs reach 16degC (61degF), lows 8degC (46degF). Rainfall is 65mm over 7 days. The Tango Buenos Aires Festival and World Cup takes place in August. The weather is unpredictable: some days feel spring-like, others remain grey and damp (garua).
September
September is spring. Highs reach 19degC (66degF), lows 10degC (50degF). Rainfall is 80mm over 8 days. The jacarandas begin full bloom. Hotel rates begin rising. A medium jacket is sufficient. Outdoor cafe seating and street markets return in force.
October
October delivers peak spring. Highs average 22degC (72degF), lows 13degC (55degF). Rainfall is 120mm over 9 days. Jacarandas are in full bloom through mid-October, especially dense in Palermo and Recoleta. With 7.5 hours of sunshine, this is one of the best months for outdoor exploration. Pack a light jacket for evenings.
November
November brings summer-like warmth. Highs reach 26degC (79degF), lows 16degC (61degF). Rainfall is 100mm over 8 days. La Noche de los Museos in November sees 200+ museums open free until 3 AM. This is a premium tourism month with high hotel rates. The weather is excellent for exploring on foot.
December
December starts summer. Highs average 29degC (84degF), lows 18degC (64degF). Rainfall is 105mm over 8 days. The holiday season brings Christmas lights along Avenida 9 de Julio. New Year’s Eve fireworks launch from Puerto Madero. By Christmas week many Portenos have left for coastal vacations. Afternoon thunderstorms remain common.
Buenos Aires Climate Data at a Glance
| Month | High (degC/degF) | Low (degC/degF) | Rain (mm) | Sun (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 / 86 | 20 / 68 | 120 | 9.0 |
| Feb | 29 / 84 | 19 / 66 | 110 | 8.5 |
| Mar | 26 / 79 | 17 / 63 | 140 | 7.5 |
| Apr | 22 / 72 | 14 / 57 | 100 | 6.5 |
| May | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 75 | 5.5 |
| Jun | 15 / 59 | 7 / 45 | 60 | 5.0 |
| Jul | 14 / 57 | 6 / 43 | 55 | 5.0 |
| Aug | 16 / 61 | 8 / 46 | 65 | 6.0 |
| Sep | 19 / 66 | 10 / 50 | 80 | 6.5 |
| Oct | 22 / 72 | 13 / 55 | 120 | 7.5 |
| Nov | 26 / 79 | 16 / 61 | 100 | 8.5 |
| Dec | 29 / 84 | 18 / 64 | 105 | 9.0 |
The best months for visiting are March, April, October, and November when temperatures are comfortable (13-26degC/55-79degF). For seasonal advice, see our Buenos Aires best time to visit guide.
