Weather
Due to Argentina's location south of the equator, this is the month of late autumn, which means different things depending on where you travel. Buenos Aires will see highs in the mid-60s with less rainfall than previous months. In Iguazú Falls, along the Brazilian border, you'll get high-70s with slightly increasing rain, while in Mendoza, you'll see temps in the mid-60s with hardly any rain at all.
If you don't mind the chilly and potential wet weather, this can be a quiet time to visit Patagonia. Winds are not quite as strong as they are in the summer and the forests can offer the last peeks of brightly-colored fall foliage. Keep in mind that daily highs fall into the mid-40s with lows in the 30s making brisk conditions for exploration. Not only that but rain showers are more likely, while daylight hours are shortening leading up to winter.
Crowds & Costs
May makes up Argentina's shoulder season without the threat of Easter crowds (like April). That makes this month a great time to take advantage of consistent off-season pricing. In other words, both hotel rates and crowds are at some of their lowest numbers of the year.
Where to Go
It's a wise idea to stay north of Patagonia this time of year if you like nice weather for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. In Buenos Aires, for instance, you count perfect weather for full days of walking and sightseeing through a variety of neighborhoods.
For wine lovers, there are 1500-odd vineyards in the Mendoza region, which mostly offer the Argentine Malbec. A few out-of-the-ordinary wine-themed attractions exist, like the wine wellness retreat at Cavas Wine Lodge where you can get a facial scrub made from crushed grapes.
You can also head the Calchaquí Valley for some epic day-trips based out of Salta. For instance, travel along National Route 68, arriving in the village of Cafayate, which is also internationally recognized for its wine production. Also in the area is the village of Purmamarca, where you'll find the famous Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colors), as well as salt flats, and jaw-dropping desert landscapes with few tourists.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What To Do
Those in search of urban culture will love exploring the capital this time of year for a range of tango performances, steakhouses, dazzling colonial buildings, and neat cocktail bars including hard-to-find speakeasies.
This is also the best season to visit Argentina's famous wine-growing region for tastings, local festivals, and vineyard tours, plus a wealth of options ranging from cycling to horseback riding in the foothills of the Andes. In other words, the region is filled with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Here's more on Argentina's best wine regions.
If heading northwest to Salta, you can spend days driving through canyons and mountain passes while visiting villages that have a relaxed vibe, friendly locals, hiking trails, and spectacular mountain vistas.
This is also a great time to explore Iguazú National Park where you can take a full-day guided excursion that involves traversing three circuit routes around the falls, each offering exceptional vantage points from which to view this magnificent natural wonder including hundreds of waterfalls and tropical foliage. Bike and boat tours are also available.
Events in May
Día de Virgen de Luján. On May 8 thousands of devout believers make a pilgrimage to the pampas town of Luján in honor of the Virgin Mary. Other pilgrimages take place in early October, early August, late September and on December 8.
Iguazú in Concert. Hundreds of children and teenagers come from Argentina and neighboring countries each May to gather in Puerto Iguazu for a special performance.
Traveling to Argentina in May? Check out these great itineraries.
Scenic Highlights of Argentina. This 12-day tour of Argentina includes some of the country's most spectacular scenery for an unforgettable adventure. After exploring Buenos Aires, you'll fly to Mendoza for Malbec vineyards and high-altitude Andean peaks. Then, head to Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park for access to the Perito Moreno Glacier before finishing in Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world.
Patagonia & Iguazú Falls. This adventurous 13-day itinerary combines Argentina's most spectacular scenery in the far north and south. After getting to know Buenos Aires with a local guide, you’ll head to the Brazilian border to hike around hundreds of waterfalls. Then, fly to Patagonia where you'll get up close to glaciers and partake in a range of outdoor activities. Finish back in the capital for a tango dance and hands-on culinary experience.
More Helpful Information
Argentina in April
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Best Time to Visit Argentina
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