The best time to visit Uruguay is November to March for the beach, and October-November or March-April to visit the cities in mild weather. The country is in the southern hemisphere: summer falls in December, January and February, when Montevideo reaches 27.8 °C (82 °F) in the afternoon, and winter in June, July and August (14.7 °C (58 °F) in July).
Uruguay’s climate is temperate, with no dry season: rain is spread across the whole year. What changes from month to month is the heat, the sunshine and the sea temperature. Here is the month-by-month detail, based on the official normals of the Uruguayan Meteorological Institute (INUMET), with our own calculations on sun and rain.
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When to go to Uruguay at a glance
- Beach and swimming December to March, the austral summer
- Cities (Montevideo, Colonia) October-November and March-April, mild temperatures
- To avoid if you like warmth June to August, cool winter
- Rain present all year, about 6 to 7 days a month in Montevideo
- Reversed seasons Christmas in the middle of summer, July in winter
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Rainy days | Sun / day | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 18.8 °C (66 °F) | 94.6 mm (3.7 in) | 6.0 | 9.5 h | ✅ Summer, beach |
| February | 27.0 °C (81 °F) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) | 93.8 mm (3.7 in) | 6.0 | 8.4 h | ✅ Summer, beach |
| March | 25.3 °C (78 °F) | 17.1 °C (63 °F) | 105.8 mm (4.2 in) | 6.0 | 7.1 h | ✅ End of summer, mild |
| April | 22.0 °C (72 °F) | 14.1 °C (57 °F) | 111.1 mm (4.4 in) | 7.0 | 5.4 h | ⚠️ Mild autumn |
| May | 18.5 °C (65 °F) | 11.0 °C (52 °F) | 83.4 mm (3.3 in) | 6.0 | 5.2 h | ⚠️ Cool |
| June | 15.6 °C (60 °F) | 8.1 °C (47 °F) | 89.4 mm (3.5 in) | 7.0 | 4.2 h | ❌ Winter, the darkest |
| July | 14.7 °C (58 °F) | 7.3 °C (45 °F) | 93.2 mm (3.7 in) | 6.0 | 4.6 h | ❌ The coldest |
| August | 16.7 °C (62 °F) | 8.5 °C (47 °F) | 89.9 mm (3.5 in) | 7.0 | 5.3 h | ❌ Winter |
| September | 17.9 °C (64 °F) | 9.9 °C (50 °F) | 92.1 mm (3.6 in) | 7.0 | 6.0 h | ⚠️ Cool spring |
| October | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 12.4 °C (54 °F) | 102.2 mm (4.0 in) | 7.0 | 7.3 h | ✅ Mild spring |
| November | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 14.7 °C (58 °F) | 95.9 mm (3.8 in) | 7.0 | 8.3 h | ✅ Mild, sunny |
| December | 26.4 °C (80 °F) | 17.1 °C (63 °F) | 91.3 mm (3.6 in) | 7.0 | 9.1 h | ✅ Start of summer |
Seasons in Uruguay
The austral summer (December to February)
- Pros: the warmth (27.8 °C (82 °F) in January in Montevideo), the sunniest days (9.5 hours of sun a day in January), the warmest sea.
- Cons: more marked heat in the interior of the country (Paysandú).
Autumn (March to May)
- Pros: March is still summery (25.3 °C (78 °F)), April and May are mild for city visits.
- Cons: sunshine drops quickly (5.2 hours a day in May) and swimming becomes cool.
Winter (June to August)
- Pros: a good time for Montevideo and Colonia if the cold does not bother you.
- Cons: 14.7 °C (58 °F) in the afternoon in July, 7.3 °C (45 °F) at night, and only 4.2 hours of sun a day in June. Beach resorts are largely asleep.
Spring (September to November)
- Pros: rising temperatures (23.7 °C (75 °F) in November), sunshine returning (8.3 hours a day in November).
- Cons: the sea stays cool early in the season; October is one of the wettest months.
By region: coast, capital and interior
| Place | January high | July high | Annual rain | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montevideo (Prado) | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 14.7 °C (58 °F) | 1143 mm (45.0 in) | INUMET, 1991-2020 |
| Punta del Este (Península) | 25.2 °C (77 °F) | 14.4 °C (58 °F) | 1011 mm (39.8 in) | WMO, 1961-1990 |
| Paysandú (interior, west) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) | 17.0 °C (63 °F) | 1239 mm (48.8 in) | INIA, 1980-2009 |
The Atlantic coast and Punta del Este
On the Punta del Este peninsula, the ocean tempers the summer: 25.2 °C (77 °F) in January, cooler than in Montevideo. According to Wikipedia, the sea surface temperature there varies between 8 to 23 °C (46 to 73 °F) depending on the time of year, warmed by the Brazil Current from January to early May. The best period for the beach runs from December to March.
Montevideo and the Río de la Plata
The capital has a humid temperate climate: 27.8 °C (82 °F) in January, 14.7 °C (58 °F) in July, and regular rain, between 83 to 111 mm (3.3 to 4.4 in) a month. You can visit it all year; the transition months are the most pleasant for walking.
The interior and the Uruguay River
In Paysandú, on the Uruguay River, summer is markedly hotter (32.0 °C (90 °F) in January) and winter a little milder in the afternoon (17.0 °C (63 °F) in July). Rain is heavier in spring and autumn there.
When to go to Uruguay by trip type
| Trip | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beach at Punta del Este or José Ignacio | December to March | austral summer, warmest sea |
| Montevideo and Colonia | October-November, March-April | mild temperatures |
| Cabo Polonio and the wild coast | November to March | warmth and long days |
| Combined with Buenos Aires | October-November, March-April | same seasonal rhythm, see when to go to Argentina |
How many rainy days in a week?
It rains regularly all year in Montevideo, with no real dry season. Applying the average number of days with precipitation to a one-week stay, you can expect about 1.4 to 1.6 rainy days in a week depending on the month. Destination de Voyage calculation based on the INUMET 1991-2020 normals.
| Month | Rainy days in 7 days | Sun / day in Montevideo | Sun / day in Paris | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.4 | 9.5 h | 1.9 h | +7.6 h |
| February | 1.5 | 8.4 h | 3.0 h | +5.4 h |
| March | 1.4 | 7.1 h | 4.4 h | +2.7 h |
| April | 1.6 | 5.4 h | 5.9 h | −0.5 h |
| May | 1.4 | 5.2 h | 6.5 h | −1.3 h |
| June | 1.6 | 4.2 h | 6.8 h | −2.6 h |
| July | 1.4 | 4.6 h | 7.2 h | −2.6 h |
| August | 1.6 | 5.3 h | 6.9 h | −1.6 h |
| September | 1.6 | 6.0 h | 5.8 h | +0.2 h |
| October | 1.6 | 7.3 h | 3.8 h | +3.5 h |
| November | 1.6 | 8.3 h | 2.3 h | +6.0 h |
| December | 1.6 | 9.1 h | 1.8 h | +7.3 h |
The table shows the effect of reversed seasons: in January, Montevideo receives 9.5 hours of sun a day against 1.9 hours in Paris, a typical northern European city; in July, the trend reverses (4.6 hours against 7.2). A trip to Uruguay in December or January therefore lets you escape the northern winter.
Festivals and highlights
| Period | Event | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Variable dates | Carnival | candombe, a dance of African origin, is one of its expressions; check dates with the organizers |
| Week before Easter | Tourism Week (Semana de turismo) | secular name of Holy Week since 1919; a busy travel period |
| December 31 | Midday celebration at the Mercado del Puerto | big street party in Montevideo |
| December 25 | Family Day | secular name of Christmas, in the middle of the austral summer |
Month by month
Uruguay in January: Full austral summer: 27.8 °C (82 °F), the sunniest month (9.5 hours a day).
Uruguay in February: Still hot (27.0 °C (81 °F)). The beach season continues.
Uruguay in March: End of summer (25.3 °C (78 °F)), one of the wettest months (106 mm (4.2 in)).
Uruguay in April: Mild autumn (22.0 °C (72 °F)) and the wettest month in Montevideo (111 mm (4.4 in)). Tourism Week possible depending on the date of Easter.
Uruguay in May: Cool (18.5 °C (65 °F)), 5.2 hours of sun a day. Good for cities, not for the beach.
Uruguay in June: Start of winter (15.6 °C (60 °F)), the darkest month (4.2 hours of sun a day).
Uruguay in July: The coldest month: 14.7 °C (58 °F) in the afternoon, 7.3 °C (45 °F) at night.
Uruguay in August: Winter (16.7 °C (62 °F)). Bring warm clothes.
Uruguay in September: Spring is coming (17.9 °C (64 °F)). Sun rises to 6.0 hours a day.
Uruguay in October: Mild spring (20.7 °C (69 °F)), but one of the wettest months (102 mm (4.0 in)). Good for Montevideo and Colonia.
Uruguay in November: Pleasant (23.7 °C (75 °F)), 8.3 hours of sun a day: a good month for a full tour.
Uruguay in December: Start of summer (26.4 °C (80 °F)).
When to book
Compare flights and accommodation early, especially for a trip over the year-end holidays. Book beach accommodation well ahead for December to March.
Planning your trip
- Entry requirements: visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change regularly. See our entry requirements for Uruguay and check them before you travel.
- Time difference: see our guide to the time difference with Uruguay, which no longer observes daylight saving time.
- Currency: Uruguayan peso; use our currency converter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Uruguay?
November and March are good compromises: warmth (23.7 °C (75 °F) and 25.3 °C (78 °F) in Montevideo), good sunshine.
Is Uruguay cold in July?
Yes, it is winter: in Montevideo, 14.7 °C (58 °F) in the afternoon and 7.3 °C (45 °F) at night on average according to INUMET.
Is there a rainy season in Uruguay?
No. Rain is spread across the year: between 83 to 111 mm (3.3 to 4.4 in) a month in Montevideo.
When can you swim in Uruguay?
From December to March, during the austral summer. The sea is warmest at the end of summer.
Can you visit Uruguay at Christmas?
Yes: Christmas falls in the middle of the austral summer.
Our sources
- Instituto Uruguayo de Meteorología (INUMET), 1991-2020 normals for Montevideo (Prado), via the climate box of Wikipedia (article « Montevideo »), read on 23 October 2026
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), 1980-2009 agroclimatic characterization (sunshine in Montevideo, Paysandú normals), via Wikipedia (« Montevideo », « Climate of Uruguay »)
- World Meteorological Organization, 1961-1990 normals for Punta del Este, via Wikipedia (« Punta del Este »)
- Météo-France, climate sheet for Paris-Montsouris, for the sunshine comparison
- Wikipedia: « Uruguay », « Mercado del Puerto », « Time in Uruguay », read on 23 October 2026
- Destination de Voyage calculations: sun per day, difference with Paris, rainy days in a week
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
To plan your trip, see our guide to Uruguay.
