Uruguay: When to go

The best time to visit Uruguay depends on your priorities: places visited, weather, availability, preferred activities, local seasonality, local festivals and events. Uruguay is an all-year destination, but its celebrated Atlantic beaches are best visited Dec-Mar.

• The weather is mild all the year around. Temperatures range from 10-16°C in the southern hemisphere winter, while in the summer they hover in the mid-20s. Rainfall is moderate and varies little over the year, wettest in Jul-Aug. You can enjoy a rewarding visit to Montevideo at any time of the year.
• The best time to visit the beaches around Punta del Este depends on how much you like the heat: but temperatures are rarely extreme and the hottest month, Jan, has an average temperature of 22°C. In winter the temperature may fall to 6°C. The resort is busy and lively in the high season Dec - Feb. Mar - Apr is much quieter and services more economical and it’s still pleasant on the beach. Many hotels and attractions are closed Apr – Nov.
• Along the coast west of Montevideo, the pretty ports of Carmelo and Colonia have cool winters (15°C May - Sep) and warm summers (28°C). Rainfall is regular and evenly spread throughout the year. The towns are full of life at weekends, quiet during the week. If you wish to visit the museums, plan a visit Tue – Thur.
• Festival lovers might consider the best time to visit Uruguay to be for Carnival in Feb-Mar. There are 5 days of fun and frivolity, especially in Montevideo with live bands and costume parades, alongside condomblé ceremonies (traditional religious rituals from Africa, celebrated by the Afro-Uruguayan population). Some of the festivities continue for a month.