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 kilometers from north to south. And then there is the altitude difference that ranges from sea level to almost 7000 meter altitude. These geographics create major climate differences between regions. The main factors affecting the temperature in South America are: Latitude, Altitude, Ocean currents, Seasonal rainfall and Local geography. Altitude plays a particularly important role. In mountainous regions such as the Andes, temperatures can drop rapidly as elevation increases. And in the mountains the weather can also quickly change.
Temperature in South America’s Andes mountain regions
The Andes mountains have a major influence on the temperature in South America because elevation changes temperatures dramatically. The Andes mountains often also work as a wall, to prevent clouds from travelling from one area to another. This creates many valleys with different micro climates. The mountains also prevent clouds from the rainforest, to reach the dry coastal areas and visa versa during raining season on the coast. This makes the Andes one of the most unpredictable climate zones for the temperature in South America. Countries with a climate that is strongly influenced by the Andes include: Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
Temperature examples at high altitude
Known Andes cities such as Cusco in Peru and Quito in Ecuador typically experience daytime temperature between 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)and nighttime temperature between 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). Even bigger temperature differences you can find higher areas like Lake Titicaca and the Salar de Uyuni. On a sunny day, you can have day-time temperatures between 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F). While at night, the temperature easily drops below freezing point.
Temperature in South America’s tropical regions
The tropical regions of South America remain warm throughout the year with relatively small seasonal changes. The tropical regions include large parts of: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Average temperatures in tropical areas usually range between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Humidity is often high, especially in the Amazon basin. When discussing the temperature in South America, rainforest regions are among the warmest areas on the continent. Night temperatures generally remain mild, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
Temperature at South America’s Pacific Coast
Although a long stretch, from the south of Ecuador, until the Atacama desert in Chile, of Pacific coast consist of a desert landscape, it has a surprisingly mild climate. This is due to the cold Humboldt Current, which affects the western regions of: Peru, Chile and Ecuador. For example, Lima experiences: Summer: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86.0°F) and Winter: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). However, it is important to mention that this part of the coast also suffers from Garúa. This is the Spanish word for drizzle, or mist. In Ecuador and Peru Garúa refers to the moist cold fog that blankets the coasts of Peru, southern Ecuador, and northern Chile, especially during the southern hemisphere winter. Especially Lima suffers from Garúa for most of the year, outside of its summer, from December until March.
Temperature at the Galápagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are located around the Equator at an distance of about 990 km (615 mile) from the Ecuadorian mainland. Because of their location, they enjoy relatively stable temperatures year-round. In warm season (December–May) the day temperatures are around 26°C to 31°C (79°F to 88°F). During cool season (June–November) day temperatures usually don’t get below 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F). At night the temperature usually doesn’t get below 18°C to 23°C (65°F to 73°F). But when you’re on a cruise ship, the wind will make the temperature feel colder.
Temperature in South America’s Desert Regions
In desert regions, the temperature in South America can shift dramatically within just a few hours. The Atacama Desert is a good example. It is one of the driest places on Earth and has extreme temperature changes between day and night. Typical temperatures include: Daytime: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) and nighttime: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). The Atacama desert is connected to the Bolivian desert, where high altitude makes temperature differences between day and night even bigger. Above 4000 meter altitude, the temperature during the day can be above 20 °C (68°F), while at night it can get below -15°C (5°F).
Temperature in Patagonia
Southern parts of the South American continent become progressively colder, especially in Patagonia. Patagonia is known for its wild natural landscapes and great hiking opportunities! Patagonia covers most of the south of Chile and Argentina. The area is famous for unpredictable weather and dramatic temperature changes. The average temperatures in South America’s Patagonia region are: Summer (December–February), 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F); Winter (June–August) -5°C to 8°C ( 23°F to 46°F). When you go hiking, be advised that strong winds often make temperatures feel much colder.
Best time to visit based on temperature in South America
The best travel period for you, will depend on the destination you would like to visit and your own preferences. If you prefer to encounter fewer tourists, then then rainy/ low season might be more attractive for you. Generally speaking we can give the following recommendations about the best times to visit the following popular destinations:
• Peru and Machu Picchu -> May to September for dry and cooler weather.
• Patagonia ->November to March for milder temperatures.
• Amazon Rainforest -> Dry seasons often offer easier wildlife viewing, because the animals gather together to drink from small pools of water.
• Galapagos Islands -> Can be visited year round. During their warm season, the visibility in the water is better to go diving and snorkelling. During their colder season, there is more wind, less visibility, but better changes to spot whales, dolphins and sharks. That’s because the colder Humboldt current brings in more food.
Final Thoughts on Temperature in South America
The temperature in South America is incredibly diverse. Few continents offer such dramatic contrasts between tropical jungles, mountain plateaus, deserts, coastal regions, and glaciers.
When planning a trip, always remember that the temperature in South America depends heavily geography, altitude and season. Packing for multiple climate zones is often the best strategy, especially if your itinerary includes different regions.
Whether you prefer tropical warmth, cool mountain air, or dramatic southern landscapes, South America offers something for every traveler.
