The climate of Uruguay
Uruguay, the second smallest nation in South America, rests on the southeastern coast of the continent, sandwiched between Argentina to the west and Brazil to the north. Its geography features rolling plains, low hill ranges, and fertile coastal and riverine lowlands, rendering it ideal for agriculture. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, maritime influences moderate the country's climate, preventing extreme temperatures.
Uruguay experiences a humid subtropical climate, falling under the Cfa category in the Köppen climate classification. Its coldest month averages above -3°C (26.6°F), but below 18°C (64.4°F), signifying the characteristic temperate conditions. Unlike many subtropical regions, Uruguay does not have a distinct dry season, indicating fairly evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. The summers are hot, with temperatures occasionally reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in the hottest month of
January.
The best time to visit Uruguay
To experience
Uruguay at its most vibrant and enjoyable, many travelers prefer the period from
October to
March. This encompasses both spring and summer, offering tourists an array of warm weather activities. Spring, from
September to
November, graces the country with mild temperatures, usually between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F). Summer, from
December to
February, sees temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F), providing ample warmth for beachgoers.
The worst time to visit Uruguay
The winter season from
June to
August is generally considered the least favorable time for a visit. During this period, the temperatures drop between 6°C (42.8°F) and 15°C (59°F). Though
Uruguay does not experience freezing temperatures, the weather is noticeably cooler and there is increased rainfall. Furthermore, the seaside resorts and many tourist facilities often close down or limit their services during these cooler months.
Spring weather in Uruguay
Spring in
Uruguay starts in
September and lasts until
November. This season is marked by a gradual increase in temperature, starting from around 15°C (59°F) in September and reaching up to 25°C (77°F) by November. Spring brings an array of blooming flowers and greenery across the country, making it a particularly scenic time for a visit. Rainfall during this period is moderate, averaging 90mm (3.54") per month.
Summer weather in Uruguay
Summers in
Uruguay, extending from
December to
February, are characterized by warm to hot temperatures. In the daytime, temperatures can soar to 35°C (95°F), particularly in
January, but the ocean breezes often provide respite from the heat. Nighttime temperatures are milder, falling to 20°C (68°F). These warm conditions make it an ideal time for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The average rainfall is relatively high during this season, at about 100mm (3.94") per month.
Autumn weather in Uruguay
Autumn extends from
March to
May in
Uruguay. The temperatures during this season gradually decrease from the summer highs, with a range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). This season experiences a slight decrease in rainfall compared to summer, averaging 80mm (3.15") per month. The landscapes during this time take on a golden hue as the leaves change color, providing a beautiful backdrop for any activities.
Winter weather in Uruguay
Winter in
Uruguay lasts from
June to
August. During this time, the temperatures range from 6°C (42.8°F) to 15°C (59°F). The winters are generally mild compared to many other countries, and snow is a rare occurrence. The winter months see the highest rainfall of the year, with
July being the wettest month, receiving around 100mm (3.94") to 120mm (4.72") of precipitation. Despite the cooler weather, it can still be an enjoyable time to explore the country's interior regions and cities.
Weather in January
January is the peak of summer in
Uruguay and typically the warmest month of the year. The country, on average, experiences temperatures ranging from a comfortable 20°C (68°F) at night to a hot 35°C (95°F) during the day. This is noticeably warmer compared to the adjacent months of
December and
February, where the average high temperatures are slightly lower. Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, mirrors the country's overall climatic conditions in January.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the last month of summer,
February in
Uruguay continues to experience warm weather, although temperatures start to decline slightly compared to
January. Average temperatures across the country vary from a pleasant 18°C (64.4°F) during the nighttime to a warm 32°C (89.6°F) in the daytime.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the beginning of autumn in
Uruguay. During this month, the country experiences a noticeable transition from the summer heat towards milder conditions. Average temperatures range from 16°C (60.8°F) at night to 28°C (82.4°F) during the day, revealing a gradual decrease compared to
February. The capital city, Montevideo, embraces the onset of autumn with temperatures varying between 17°C (62.6°F) and 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in March » Weather in April
April in
Uruguay brings a deeper plunge into autumn, with temperatures continuing their downward trend from
March. The average temperature during this month ranges from a cool 13°C (55.4°F) at night to a mild 23°C (73.4°F) during the day.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the advance of autumn in
Uruguay and is characterized by cooler temperatures. The country experiences an average low of 10°C (50°F) during the night and an average high of 20°C (68°F) during the day. This marks a further decrease from
April, making it a cooler and drier month. Montevideo witnesses a further dip in temperatures, averaging between 10°C (50°F) and 19°C (66.2°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Uruguay marks the onset of winter, characterized by cooler temperatures across the country. Average temperatures during this month range from a low of 8°C (46.4°F) at night to a daytime high of 16°C (60.8°F). Compared to
May, there is a significant drop in temperature, indicative of the country's transition into its coldest season. In Montevideo, the capital city, June temperatures generally vary between 9°C (48.2°F) and 15°C (59°F).
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Uruguay is in the heart of winter and is typically the coldest month of the year. Average temperatures range from 7°C (44.6°F) at night to a daytime high of about 15°C (59°F). This marks a slight decrease from
June, making July the month with the lowest average temperatures in Uruguay. Montevideo's temperatures in July usually oscillate between 7°C (44.6°F) and 14°C (57.2°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Uruguay marks the end of winter, with temperatures starting to rise slightly from the chilly lows of
July. The average temperature during this month ranges from 8°C (46.4°F) at night to a daytime high of 17°C (62.6°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Uruguay heralds the arrival of spring, with a further rise in temperatures compared to
August. Average temperatures range from a mild 10°C (50°F) at night to a warmer 20°C (68°F) during the day. This increase signifies the transition from the colder winter months to the warming trend of spring. In Montevideo, temperatures generally vary between 11°C (51.8°F) and 19°C (66.2°F).
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Uruguay is characterized by a continued warming trend as the country progresses further into spring. Average temperatures range from 13°C (55.4°F) at night to 22°C (71.6°F) during the day. Compared to
September, both daytime and nighttime temperatures see a noticeable increase. In Montevideo, temperatures in October usually fluctuate between 14°C (57.2°F) and 21°C (69.8°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Uruguay is a time of increasing warmth as the country advances towards summer. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) at night to a warm 25°C (77°F) during the day. This significant increase in both daytime and nighttime temperatures, compared to
October, underlines the country's transition to its hottest season. In Montevideo, November temperatures typically vary between 16°C (60.8°F) and 24°C (75.2°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Uruguay marks the start of summer and is characterized by the year's highest temperatures. Average temperatures fluctuate from 18°C (64.4°F) during the night to a hot 28°C (82.4°F) during the day. The increase in temperature from
November to December underscores Uruguay's transition into its warmest season. In Montevideo, temperatures in December generally range between 19°C (66.2°F) and 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in December »