SOUTH AMERICA

South America offers unmatched diversity, from the Andes to the Amazon and Patagonia. With most of the continent in the Southern Hemisphere, its inverted seasons create unique Deep Off-Season and Shoulder Season opportunities.

Understanding its distinct climatic zones and seasonal shifts allows you to uncover incredible value, avoid crowds, and experience South America’s wonders intimately. This guide will help you find your perfect adventure.

Explore South America

BRAZIL
PERU
ARGENTINA
ECUADOR
CHILE
COLOMBIA
BOLIVIA
URUGUAY
PARAGUAY
VENEZUELA
GUYANA
SURINAME

South America's Seasons

South America’s vastness means seasonality varies dramatically by region. Strategic planning based on these climatic zones is essential for off-season travel.

Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay):
    • Summer (December – February): This is generally the Peak Season for popular destinations like Patagonia, with warm weather for trekking. Expect higher prices and crowds.
    • Autumn (March – May): A beautiful Shoulder Season with mild temperatures and stunning fall foliage. Crowds thin, and prices drop, ideal for city and nature exploration.
    • Winter (June – August): Generally Deep Off-Season for many areas (e.g., Patagonia), but Peak Season for skiing in the Andes. Cities like Buenos Aires offer great value.
    • Spring (September – November): An excellent Shoulder Season with wildflowers, rising temperatures, and good value before the summer rush.
Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, high-altitude regions of Colombia, Chile, Argentina):
    • Dry Season (May – October): Often considered the Peak Season for trekking (e.g., Inca Trail) due to clearer skies and less rain, but nights are very cold at altitude.
    • Wet Season (November – April): Generally the Deep Off-Season. Expect more rain (often afternoon bursts), but lush landscapes, minimal crowds, and significantly lower prices. Cultural experiences are largely unaffected.
Amazon Rainforest (Spanning Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia):
    • The Amazon experiences a hot, humid climate year-round with varying levels of rainfall.
    • Wetter Periods (Generally December – May): Often the Deep Off-Season. Higher water levels mean deeper access into the forest by boat, but also more mosquitoes. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
    • “Dryer” Periods (Generally June – November): Often the Shoulder Season for the Amazon, with lower water levels revealing more trails. Still humid, but potentially less rain.
Brazil (Coastal & Interior Regions):
    • Summer (December – February): Peak Season, especially for coastal areas and major events like Carnival (usually Feb/Mar).
    • Winter (June – August): A fantastic Shoulder Season for most of Brazil. Temperatures are milder and more comfortable, especially in the south. Crowds are fewer, and prices offer better value. Great for exploring cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
    • Shoulder Months (March-May & September-November): Offer a good balance of pleasant weather and reduced crowds before or after the main peak and winter periods.
Northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, The Guianas):
    • These equatorial regions often have more complex rain patterns, sometimes two wet and two dry seasons. Generally, the wet seasons present Deep Off-Season opportunities with lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent value, requiring flexibility.