Visiting Argentina in December: Weather, Events & Travel Tips

December is the opening month of Argentine summer, and the country’s different regions begin their respective peak seasons simultaneously. It’s a dynamic and rewarding month, provided you plan around the Christmas and New Year dates.

Buenos Aires in December

December in Buenos Aires is warm — temperatures range from 26–30°C with humidity building toward January levels. The city maintains its full cultural pace through most of the month, with theatres, restaurants, and nightlife fully operational. The Christmas period brings an end-of-year energy to the city, and the streets in the affluent northern barrios (Recoleta, Palermo) are decorated.

Christmas and New Year: Argentina celebrates Christmas (December 25) and New Year (December 31) with a mix of family gatherings and street celebrations. Christmas Eve is the main family dinner night — many restaurants are closed or have fixed menus on the 24th. New Year’s Eve is more public — the costanera waterfront and major plazas fill with people, and fireworks are visible across the city.

Book accommodation and restaurants for December 24 and 31 well in advance — these dates fill up from October.

Patagonia in December

December offers the longest days in Patagonia — El Chaltén sees roughly 18 hours of daylight around the summer solstice (December 21). All trails are open, all accommodation is operating, and the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre massifs are at their most accessible. The summer weather window is beginning to establish itself, though Patagonian wind is never predictable.

Crowds in December are high but not yet at the January–February peak. Mid-December before Christmas is the sweet spot — full summer conditions without the absolute maximum tourist numbers.

Perito Moreno Glacier: Fully operational in December. Book glacier trekking excursions (the “Mini Trekking” and “Big Ice” options) well ahead as they fill quickly.

Mendoza in December

Mendoza in December is hot — regularly 35°C — and the vineyards are in full canopy. Winery visits continue year-round but the summer heat makes midday outdoor tastings uncomfortable. Visit wineries in the morning. The Uco Valley’s higher altitude (around 1,000–1,200m) offers slightly cooler conditions.

Northwest Argentina in December

The wet season begins in the northwest in December. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common, and road conditions to the Puna plateau can be affected after heavy rainfall. The Quebrada de Humahuaca remains accessible in December but travel to the highest-altitude routes (Salinas Grandes, the road to San Antonio de los Cobres) should factor in potential road closures.

Iguazú Falls in December

December marks the beginning of the wet season near Iguazú, which means the falls are at high volume and some lower catwalks may flood. The park stays open and the thundering water volume in December is one of the most impressive periods to visit. Heat is intense — 33–36°C with tropical humidity.

Practical Notes for December

• Christmas–New Year pricing: Hotels, flights, and restaurants in Buenos Aires and Patagonia see significant price increases for the final two weeks of December. Budget travellers should arrive by early December if possible.
• Patagonia early December: The two weeks before Christmas are arguably the best window in Patagonia — long days, full season, and slightly lower crowds than January.
• Domestic flights: Book Aerolíneas Argentinas domestic flights for the Christmas–New Year period months in advance — they sell out.
• Currency: Bring USD cash as always. ATM limits in Argentina are notoriously low per transaction — factor this into planning for a December trip where costs are higher.
• Summer wardrobe: Lightweight summer clothing for Buenos Aires and the north; full Patagonia layering system regardless of the season — Patagonian wind and rain don’t observe the calendar.