Weather
April is considered a good time to take advantage of the country's still-pleasant temperatures, especially in the central and northern regions. Buenos Aires, for instance, sees average highs in the low 70s Fahrenheit with occasional rains making sightseeing a pleasant experience, and it will get slightly warmer and drier if you travel west towards Mendoza, or north towards Salta or Iguazú Falls.
In Patagonia, fall foliage brings out bright hues in Lake District's forests, as well as more chances to experience wildlife with dissipating crowds. The further south you travel, the more likely you are to experience moisture so it's best to come prepared with good quality outdoor gear. Those who do, though, may find that they luck out with a dose of dry hiking weather. If you can handle the potential cooler temperatures (daily highs in the upper 40s) this can be an ideal time to visit, and winds are not as strong as they are in the summer.
Crowds and Costs
This is prime shoulder season in Argentina—an ideal time to take advantage of lower prices for accommodations and flights after the Southern Hemisphere's busy summer season. In most parts of the country, you can rely on pretty foliage and nice weather for full days of walking and sightseeing, but crowds clear out, especially in Southern Patagonia, due to chilly temperates and more rain.
Keep in mind though that Easter typically falls in April, and there may be an uptick in prices during this week as locals and international tourists take advantage of the holiday. In general, though, traveling in Argentina during autumn means better prices and fewer tourists.
Where to Go
In April, you still have the green light to travel everywhere in Argentina before winter fully arrives in the Andes. From Buenos Aires, you can fly pretty much anywhere in the country since the country's major attractions are spread out.
Argentina's Northern Patagonia region offers scenic road trip options through the Lakes District where you can gawk at the brightly colored forests while staying near Bariloche. There's even a chalet-style hotel that serves afternoon tea with panoramic views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and the snow-covered mountains that surround it.
For wine enthusiasts, this is also a good month to check out Mendoza. Plenty of visitors come for the wine tasting and tours, as well as harvest festivals this time of year—not to mention the fine dining that comes along with it, whether at the wineries or in the city's best restaurants. While here, set aside a day or two for hiking and horseback riding since you're in the foothills of the Andes. Here's more on Argentina's best wine regions.
Further north in the desert, you can find a unique culture thanks to a mix of indigenous and Spanish colonial history, as well as a cuisine that's distinct from other areas of the country. For instance, Salta is a perfect place to base yourself for a few days with great day-trips to otherworldly landscapes, like Andean peaks, red-rock valleys, salt flats, and vineyards. Return to Salta at night to explore the great restaurants and live music scene.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What To Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find that most outdoor activities are still available this time of year if you are prepared for the elements. For instance, in the Lakes District, you can take a two-day hike to/from Emilio Frey Refuge while staying overnight in a tent. Also in Northern Patagonia, you can drive to Peninsula Valdés to enjoy whale-watching along the beautiful coastline. This area even has off-the-beaten-path historic Welsh settlements like Gaiman and Trelew, where old-fashioned teahouses still serve afternoon tea and traditional Welsh delicacies every afternoon. For more ways to get off the beaten path in this region, check out this article.
This is also a great time to head to the Brazilian border to see the largest waterfall system in the world at Iguazú Falls. Enjoy the views while strolling along the gravity-defying catwalks built high over the cascades, or get a nice soak on a boat tour for an up-close view.
Your Argentina trip will likely start and end in Buenos Aires, where you can explore the neighborhoods, steakhouses, and speakeasies. Romantics will want to stroll through Puerto Madero, an upscale waterfront neighborhood adjacent to downtown with a bridge called Puente de Mujer—a great stop at sunset.
Events in April
Festival Nacional del Chocolate. Happening during Easter week (dates vary annually), Bariloche's chocolate festival often highlights a massive chocolate egg, which is cracked and consumed on Easter Sunday. If that's not enough, there's the world's longest chocolate bar on display as well.
Tour around Tandil`s Way of the Cross. The Mount Calvary, along with the Way of the Cross, attracts believers who, apart from arriving during the Holy Week, may experience religious tourism all year round.
Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente. Independent film buffs will want to head for this film festival in Buenos Aires, which screens more than 100 films from Argentina and Uruguay. Over eight theatres screen movies and tickets can go fast so get in the queue early.
Monkey-Puzzle Tree Festival. Easter’s long weekend is a great way to pay tribute to the monkey-puzzle tree, a typical species on the Andean area in the Province of Neuquén.
Traveling to Argentina in April? Check out these great itineraries.
Highlights of Buenos Aires. The vibrant capital of Argentina—both Latin American and European in feel—is a place like no other with neoclassical architecture, world-class culture, cobbled neighborhoods, street art, and serious soccer fans. Get the best of this concrete jungle on a 5-day tour which explores the city and its rising food scene (especially for carnivores), not to mention tango dancing and horseback riding with real gauchos. Olé!
Argentina's Wine & Culture Tour. Experience the best of Argentina's culture, wine, cuisine, and Andean scenery on this 12-day tour. Begin by exploring the vibrant city of Buenos Aires and then fly to high-altitude Medoza for Malbec tastings. Next, head to the colonial city of Salta—your jumping off point for rugged gorges, giant salt flats, and more vineyards in the country's far north before returning to the capital for horseback riding with gauchos.
More Helpful Information
Argentina in March
Argentina in May
Best Time to Visit Argentina
Going Off the Beaten Path in Argentina