Temperature in South America: What climate can you expect? When I tell people in the Netherlands that I travel to Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia in South America, they often ask me if it isn’t too warm. They often think that the temperature in in South America is by definition warm. What they don’t realize is that the temperature in South America varies enormously across the continent. From tropical rainforests and warm beaches to snow-covered mountains and icy glaciers, South America offers one of the most diverse climate ranges in the world. Something else that many travellers don’t seem to realize is that most of South America is in the Southern hemisphere. Seasons and Temperature in South America Because most of South America lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to Europe and North America: Summer: December to February Autumn: March to May Winter: June to August Spring: September to November This seasonal reversal strongly influences the temperature in South America depending on when you travel. Prepare for diverse climates A traveler through South America can experience tropical heat in the Amazon, cool mountain air in the Andes, and freezing conditions in the Salar de Uyuni and Patagonia. This wide variation makes understanding the temperature in South America essential when planning your trip. Are you planning to visit Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, the Galápagos Islands, Salar de Uyuni, or Patagonia? Or would you like to go on a trek, or even climb a mountain? Knowing what weather conditions to expect can help you choose the best time to travel and pack appropriately. Why does the temperature in South America vary so much? Several factors influence the temperature in South America. The continent stretches from the equator to the southern tip of the Southern Hemisphere, covering more than 7,000
Temperature in South America: What climate can you expect? When I tell people in the Netherlands that I travel to Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia in South America, they often ask me if it isn’t too warm. They often think that the temperature in in South America is by definition warm. What they don’t realize is that the temperature in South America varies enormously across the continent. From tropical rainforests and warm beaches to snow-covered mountains and icy glaciers, South America offers one of the most diverse climate ranges in the world. Something else that many travellers don’t seem to realize is that most of South America is in the Southern hemisphere. Seasons and Temperature in South America Because most of
