The best time to visit Uruguay is during its summer months, which are between November and February. Temperatures are pleasant, sitting around 72°F and 84°F. This is an especially good time to visit the coastal areas, as many of the beach resorts close as soon as summer slips into autumn.
However, travel is possible year-round, especially if you focus on more cultural sites and cities.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Uruguay
Visiting Uruguay in January - February
This is the warmest and driest time of the year to visit Uruguay. Go horseback riding and wine tasting against a backdrop of blue skies, but make sure to book very early to get the best choice of hotels on the beach.
Events & Festivals
- Montevideo Carnival (around Easter): this celebration takes place annually in February and March, although Uruguay is proud of holding the longest carnival in South America, with some starting as early as late January in Montevideo.
Visiting Uruguay in March
The crowds have officially left Uruguay's beaches by March, and whilst some restaurants have started to close, much of the coastal infrastructure remains open and visitors have access to vast quiet stretches of sand and ocean.
Events & Festivals
- Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha (March): Taking place in Tacuarembó, this festival celebrates all things gaucho, featuring parades, rodeos and traditional music.
- Montevideo Carnival (around Easter): this celebration takes place annually in February and March, although Uruguay is proud of holding the longest carnival in South America, with some starting as early as late January in Montevideo.
Visiting Uruguay in April - May
Although the country has entered its autumn, the sea around Uruguay is generally at its warmest in April and May, making this a good time to visit the beaches and go snorkeling offshore.
Visiting Uruguay in June - September
Uruguay's winter months (June to September) are quiet in terms of visitor numbers, but don't necessarily make bad times to travel; particularly if the focus of a trip is more cultural. Visiting Montevideo and some of the small surrounding towns can be enjoyable experiences year-round. This is also the time to spot southern right whales in Uruguay's waters.
Events & Festivals
- Whale watching (June to November): At this time of year it's possible to spot southern right whales off Uruguay's coast, where they come annually to breed.
Visiting Uruguay in October
Spring has arrived in October, and toward the end of the month some of the country's beaches are starting to attract visitors again, with some restaurants re-opening for the season. A hire car is invaluable for beach exploration at this time of year.
Events & Festivals
- Whale watching (June to November): At this time of year it's possible to spot southern right whales off Uruguay's coast, where they come annually to breed.
Visiting Uruguay in November
A lovely month to visit Uruguay. Montevideo is pleasantly warm and the beaches are quieter than in December.
Events & Festivals
- Whale watching (June to November): At this time of year it's possible to spot southern right whales off Uruguay's coast, where they come annually to breed.
Visiting Uruguay in December
Uruguay's beaches can fill up with vacationing Brazilians and Argentinians in December and hotel prices shoot up; particularly over Christmas and New Year.
Uruguay Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmelo | 84°F 3" | 84°F 3" | 79°F 4" | 73°F 3" | 66°F 3" | 61°F 2" | 59°F 2" | 63°F 3" | 66°F 2" | 72°F 4" | 77°F 4" | 82°F 3" |
| José Ignacio | 79°F 3" | 79°F 4" | 77°F 3" | 70°F 3" | 66°F 4" | 61°F 4" | 59°F 4" | 61°F 4" | 63°F 4" | 66°F 3" | 72°F 3" | 77°F 2" |
| Montevideo | 84°F 3" | 82°F 3" | 79°F 4" | 72°F 4" | 66°F 3" | 59°F 3" | 59°F 3" | 61°F 3" | 64°F 3" | 68°F 4" | 75°F 3" | 81°F 3" |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Uruguay, 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 Uruguay
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![Lighthouse, José Ignacio, Uruguay]()
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What to do in Uruguay: Highlights of lesser-known South America ![Montevideo basilica]()
What to do in Uruguay: Highlights of lesser-known South America
What to do in Uruguay: Highlights of lesser-known South America
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