When is the best time to visit Uruguay?

Visiting Uruguay in March

The crowds have officially left Uruguay's beaches by March, and whilst some restaurants have started to close, much of the coastal infrastructure remains open and visitors have access to vast quiet stretches of sand and ocean.

Events & Festivals

• Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha (March): Taking place in Tacuarembó, this festival celebrates all things gaucho, featuring parades, rodeos and traditional music.
• Montevideo Carnival (around Easter): this celebration takes place annually in February and March, although Uruguay is proud of holding the longest carnival in South America, with some starting as early as late January in Montevideo.

Visiting Uruguay in April - May

Although the country has entered its autumn, the sea around Uruguay is generally at its warmest in April and May, making this a good time to visit the beaches and go snorkelling offshore. 

Visiting Uruguay in June - September

Uruguay's winter months (June to September) are quiet in terms of visitor numbers, but don't necessarily make bad times to travel; particularly if the focus of a trip is more cultural. Visiting Montevideo and some of the small surrounding towns can be enjoyable experiences year-round. This is also the time to spot southern right whales in Uruguay's waters.

Events & Festivals

• Whale watching (June to November): At this time of year it's possible to spot southern right whales off Uruguay's coast, where they come annually to breed.

Visiting Uruguay in October

Spring has arrived in October, and toward the end of the month some of the country's beaches are starting to attract visitors again, with some restaurants re-opening for the season. A hire car is invaluable for beach exploration at this time of year.

Events & Festivals

• Whale watching (June to November): At this time of year it's possible to spot southern right whales off Uruguay's coast, where they come annually to breed.

Visiting Uruguay in November

A lovely month to visit Uruguay. Montevideo is pleasantly warm and the beaches are quieter than in December.

Events & Festivals

• Whale watching (June to November): At this time of year it's possible to spot southern right whales off Uruguay's coast, where they come annually to breed.

Visiting Uruguay in December

Uruguay's beaches can fill up with holidaying Brazilians and Argentinians in December and hotel prices shoot up; particularly over Christmas and New Year.