Weather
This is the last full month of Argentina's winter season but weather depends on where you decide to travel. For those from the northern hemisphere in search of the white stuff, there's plenty of it. Snow blankets Argentina's southern Andes from June to August, so there's still time to hit the slopes.
Meanwhile, Argentina's central and northern areas offer a milder climate with lots of sunshine and little rain, especially in the desert. For instance, in Buenos Aires, highs typically fall in the low 60s Fahrenheit. It'll get warmer and drier the further you head north into the desert, while Iguazú Falls along the Brazilian border is more humid due to its tropical setting.
In southern Patagonia, it can still get quite cold and very wet in the winter, so this may not be the best time to visit unless, of course, you're taking part in snow sports. No matter where you travel, make sure to pack lots of warm layers for cooler temperatures in the evening, and outdoor gear in case of rain.
Crowds & Costs
Still considered low-season, August is a good option for travelers who like to skip the crowds and avoid paying top dollar. As for the ski resorts, prices lessen slightly this month now that they're wrapping up the season, while kids and parents are back in their normal routines after taking a winter break (mid-July).
In general, this is your chance to travel all over the country with few others, so you'll find more flexibility with last-minute accommodations and transfers. Keep in mind that transport services are at a minimum in certain popular areas around Patagonia this time of year, but with spring on the horizon, things will soon pick up again.
Where to Go
August is a great time to visit Argentina's stunning northern region, where sunshine and comfortable temperatures are particularly welcoming. This is also a great time to explore Iguazú Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world, straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina. Peninsula Valdes along the Atlantic coast is in the midst of its annual whale-watching season though it will be chilly along this portion of coastline. Buenos Aires is also starting to warm up slightly, which makes for some great sightseeing weather in the nation's capital.
If you want to take advantage of the last month of ski season, Argentina has over a dozen ski resorts dotted along the Andes in Patagonia and near Mendoza with few crowds compared to July. Las Leñas, for instance, is renowned for its steep terrain, backcountry and heli-skiing options, and adrenaline pumping double-black diamond chutes. It's no surprise this has become a mecca for extreme skiing and snowboarding.
La Hoya is an excellent choice for families with a range of easy and moderate runs. And yet another option near Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is the world-class ski area around Cerro Castor.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Most foreigners heading to Argentina will start and end in Buenos Aires and you'll want to make sure to spend a few days hitting the sites. The absolute best way to experience the heart and soul of Buenos Aires is on foot, either on your own or with a guided walking tour throughout this European-inspired metropolis with the aid of an English-speaking guide. After dark, nightlife thrives with a late dining scene, live tango performances, and sophisticated cocktail bars both marked and unmarked (speakeasy-style).
Argentina's lesser-visited north is loaded with scenery and culture. You can base yourself in the city of Salta 'La Linda' (meaning Salta the beautiful) due to its well-preserved colonial architecture, circa the 16th century, and from here, take many noteworthy day-trips with an experienced guide to giant salt flats and the Humahuaca Gorge, or traditional Andean towns known for pre-Colombian history in the Jujuy Province.
The Three Borders Landmark, which makes up the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, is home to Iguazú Falls where you can experience hundreds of stunning waterfalls from a variety of walking paths surrounding the cascades. You can also sign up for a guided mountain bike tour that departs from Puerto Iguazú—the main transit hub and where you'll likely stay while in the area.
August is the last month to experience prime conditions for snow sports in Patagonia including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, and dog sledding. A great way to check out the resort scene to go on a multi-resort tour or camp. You don't need to be an expert or advanced rider as there are many intermediate trips available, and some tours incorporate snowcat skiing, heli-skiing, as well as one-on-one instruction and coaching.
Events in August
Tango BA Festival y Mundial. This annual two-week festival draws world-class national and international tango dancers who perform throughout Buenos Aires. It's a great way to see some of Argentina's best tango dancers and musicians.
Traveling to Argentina in August? 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 Salta & Calchaqui Valley. This 5-day itinerary explores a special area of northwest Argentina starting in Salta—one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America (circa 16th century). From here, you’ll enjoy a scenic road-trip to the towns of Cachi and Cafayate, admiring colorful gorges, vineyards, and mountain villages with an experienced guide. Return to Salta for one more night to soak in the local culture before heading home.
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