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Sunset in the Andean Highlands

When is the best time to visit Bolivia?

The best time to visit Bolivia depends on where you go. Although it is a country of climatic extremes, it can be visited all year round.

The best time to visit the highland areas is April to October. Although this is the cold winter period, it is normally dry. Expect plenty of blue skies and sunshine, with temperatures around 59°F.

The start and end of this dry season (April-May and October) are especially good times to go. The crowds will have thinned, and you can still enjoy the lushness of the green vegetation left over from the rains in April. October sees spring on the horizon and temperatures begin to increase.

Although southern Altiplano sees bright blue skies, it’s also very cold, dropping to well below freezing at night. November to March (the summer rainy season) causes some disruption on the roads, but travel is still possible and fewer visitors means you can explore without worrying about the crowds.

The eastern lowlands, including Santa Cruz and the Amazon, enjoy warm temperatures year-round, with lows of 75°F and highs of 88°F. It’s busier and therefore more expensive in July and August, thanks to the dry and sunny weather, although the temperatures still drop at night.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Bolivia

Nov - Mar Apr - Oct
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Visiting Bolivia in November - March

As the rain season begins, temperatures become a little milder in the highlands and more humid in the lowlands. During the heaviest rains road travel can be disrupted but is still perfectly enjoyable for the more adventurous who don’t mind occasional delays. In the high Altiplano and Uyuni, for example, although overland touring will take a longer route around, you can get some spectacular photographs of reflections on the salt flats.

Events & Festivals

  • Carnival (February): Carnival is celebrated across Bolivia, with the liveliest festivities to be found in Oruro and Santa Cruz.
  • Feria de Alasitas (last week of January): You'll see countless stalls sell all manner of miniature items which Bolivians purchase to appease Ekeko, the household god of abundance. It's a fascinating festival to experience in La Paz.
View from Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca

Visiting Bolivia in April - October

Bolivia’s dry season is the most popular time of year to travel, despite the cold weather. Road travel is easier and the bright sunny conditions mean you can photograph the salt flats and Lake Titicaca against dazzling blue skies. June to September is the peak time for visitors, so you should plan well in advance to get the best choice of accommodation. Bolivia’s temperatures are determined by the altitude as well as the season, with highland areas such as La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Potosí and Uyuni generally cool year round and extremely cold at night. This altitude does bring strong sunshine in the dry season, making high factor sunscreen essential.

Events & Festivals

  • Bolivia’s Independence Day (August 6): Bolivia’s Independence Day is a public holiday, with patriotic marches taking place in towns and cities across the country.
  • El Señor del Gran Poder (May/June): The feast of El Señor del Gran Poder (Feast of Jesus Christ) brings over 20,000 dancers in brightly decorated costumes to the streets of La Paz.

Bolivia Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
La Paz 16°C 118mm 15°C 99mm 16°C 70mm 16°C 30mm 15°C 13mm 15°C 5mm 15°C 7mm 16°C 12mm 16°C 31mm 18°C 35mm 18°C 48mm 17°C 90mm
Lake Titicaca 15°C 166mm 15°C 129mm 15°C 104mm 15°C 55mm 15°C 21mm 15°C 7mm 15°C 7mm 16°C 16mm 15°C 43mm 17°C 44mm 17°C 57mm 16°C 108mm
Potosí 18°C 103mm 18°C 73mm 18°C 51mm 17°C 14mm 18°C 3mm 16°C 2mm 16°C 1mm 17°C 4mm 19°C 9mm 21°C 22mm 21°C 33mm 19°C 73mm
Santa Cruz & The Jesuit Missions 31°C 201mm 31°C 124mm 30°C 110mm 29°C 99mm 26°C 79mm 24°C 72mm 25°C 52mm 28°C 49mm 30°C 58mm 31°C 96mm 31°C 145mm 31°C 170mm
Sucre 22°C 152mm 22°C 116mm 22°C 102mm 22°C 30mm 22°C 6mm 22°C 2mm 22°C 2mm 23°C 11mm 30°C 24mm 24°C 47mm 24°C 62mm 23°C 118mm
The Southern Altiplano 21°C 46mm 20°C 40mm 20°C 19mm 20°C 0mm 18°C 0mm 12°C 0mm 13°C 0mm 13°C 0mm 18°C 0mm 19°C 1mm 21°C 1mm 21°C 19mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Bolivia, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.

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