The best time to visit Bolivia depends on where you go. Although it is a country of climatic extremes, it can be visited all year round.
The best time to visit the highland areas is April to October. Although this is the cold winter period, it is normally dry. Expect plenty of blue skies and sunshine, with temperatures around 59°F.
The start and end of this dry season (April-May and October) are especially good times to go. The crowds will have thinned, and you can still enjoy the lushness of the green vegetation left over from the rains in April. October sees spring on the horizon and temperatures begin to increase.
Although southern Altiplano sees bright blue skies, it’s also very cold, dropping to well below freezing at night. November to March (the summer rainy season) causes some disruption on the roads, but travel is still possible and fewer visitors means you can explore without worrying about the crowds.
The eastern lowlands, including Santa Cruz and the Amazon, enjoy warm temperatures year-round, with lows of 75°F and highs of 88°F. It’s busier and therefore more expensive in July and August, thanks to the dry and sunny weather, although the temperatures still drop at night.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Bolivia
Visiting Bolivia in November - March
As the rain season begins, temperatures become a little milder in the highlands and more humid in the lowlands. During the heaviest rains road travel can be disrupted but is still perfectly enjoyable for the more adventurous who don’t mind occasional delays. In the high Altiplano and Uyuni, for example, although overland touring will take a longer route around, you can get some spectacular photographs of reflections on the salt flats.
Events & Festivals
- Carnival (February): Carnival is celebrated across Bolivia, with the liveliest festivities to be found in Oruro and Santa Cruz.
- Feria de Alasitas (last week of January): You'll see countless stalls sell all manner of miniature items which Bolivians purchase to appease Ekeko, the household god of abundance. It's a fascinating festival to experience in La Paz.
Visiting Bolivia in April - October
Bolivia’s dry season is the most popular time of year to travel, despite the cold weather. Road travel is easier and the bright sunny conditions mean you can photograph the salt flats and Lake Titicaca against dazzling blue skies. June to September is the peak time for visitors, so you should plan well in advance to get the best choice of accommodation. Bolivia’s temperatures are determined by the altitude as well as the season, with highland areas such as La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Potosí and Uyuni generally cool year round and extremely cold at night. This altitude does bring strong sunshine in the dry season, making high factor sunscreen essential.
Events & Festivals
- Bolivia’s Independence Day (August 6): Bolivia’s Independence Day is a public holiday, with patriotic marches taking place in towns and cities across the country.
- El Señor del Gran Poder (May/June): The feast of El Señor del Gran Poder (Feast of Jesus Christ) brings over 20,000 dancers in brightly decorated costumes to the streets of La Paz.
Bolivia Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 61°F 5" | 59°F 4" | 61°F 3" | 61°F 1" | 59°F 1" | 59°F 0" | 59°F 0" | 61°F 0" | 61°F 1" | 64°F 1" | 64°F 2" | 63°F 4" |
| Lake Titicaca | 59°F 7" | 59°F 5" | 59°F 4" | 59°F 2" | 59°F 1" | 59°F 0" | 59°F 0" | 61°F 1" | 59°F 2" | 63°F 2" | 63°F 2" | 61°F 4" |
| Potosí | 64°F 4" | 64°F 3" | 64°F 2" | 63°F 1" | 64°F 0" | 61°F 0" | 61°F 0" | 63°F 0" | 66°F 0" | 70°F 1" | 70°F 1" | 66°F 3" |
| Santa Cruz & The Jesuit Missions | 88°F 8" | 88°F 5" | 86°F 4" | 84°F 4" | 79°F 3" | 75°F 3" | 77°F 2" | 82°F 2" | 86°F 2" | 88°F 4" | 88°F 6" | 88°F 7" |
| Sucre | 72°F 6" | 72°F 5" | 72°F 4" | 72°F 1" | 72°F 0" | 72°F 0" | 72°F 0" | 73°F 0" | 86°F 1" | 75°F 2" | 75°F 2" | 73°F 5" |
| The Southern Altiplano | 70°F 2" | 68°F 2" | 68°F 1" | 68°F 0" | 64°F 0" | 54°F 0" | 55°F 0" | 55°F 0" | 64°F 0" | 66°F 0" | 70°F 0" | 70°F 1" |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Bolivia, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Bolivia
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A path less trodden in Bolivia ![Reflections on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia]()
A path less trodden in Bolivia
A path less trodden in Bolivia
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