As one of the main tourist destinations in South America, the Iguazu Falls welcome visitors throughout the year. In general, any month it is possible to enjoy this natural spectacle, but there are more propitious times to travel according to the weather and the tourist seasons. In relation to this last point, if you are looking for periods with fewer people I recommend you not to go at Easter (April 10 to 16), in winter holidays (second and third week of July) and in summer (December to March).
For the weather, you can check the temperatures throughout the year and read our article, where I'll help you plan the best travel date with all the information about when to go to Iguazú:
Iguazu's weather in summer
In summer (December to March) temperatures can be suffocating (average highs of 33°C), it is advisable to consume plenty of water to stay hydrated, use sunscreen and a cap since the sun is very Strong at this time, I also advise you to add mosquito repellent to your backpack, since the heat and humidity keep them quite active.
Although the rains are fairly evenly distributed throughout the calendar, there is more rainfall in the spring-summer period that is why I recommend you always have a pilot at hand, since the rains do not usually last long but are intense.
The days in summer are longer: dawn begins at 6 am and gets dark at 10 pm. It is a good time to fully enjoy the Iguazu Falls, cool off in the streams and go hiking through the parks to enjoy the fauna and flora. In the summer, the yellow lapacho and ibirá pytá are in their moment of splendor and in bloom, while the ceibo stands out in the jungle with its orange-red flowers. Other species that you will be able to see are the rosewood, laurels and guatambú.
On the side of the fauna, it is possible to find on the trails and around the falls agoutis, guinea pigs, corzuelas, mountain foxes, black lizards and jaguars. In the water it is possible to see some alligator, the aninga or biguá snake neck and water turtles along with numerous fish. In the summer there are also a large number of bird species, such as eagles, parrots, parrots and toucans. There are also butterflies with a great variety of colors and sizes.
The climate of Iguazú in autumn
Autumn (March to June) are considered the best time to travel to Iguazú, since the rains decrease and the temperatures are more pleasant and moderate. The maximum temperature is between 30°C and the minimum temperature is 13°C. Another point in favor is that at the end of the rainy season, the water level of the falls is brutal and it becomes a great natural show.
It is the time of year where parks and the jungle is dressed in gold and ocher. For those who enjoy wildlife sightings, it is autumn when most animals, birds and insects are seen on the trails, trees and near the falls. The variation of colors in the local vegetation, the sounds of the jungle, the freshness of the water given off by the falls, the scent of its orchids are the highlights that can be experienced in Iguazú in the low season.
During autumn you can see how the flora of the Iguazú National Park (lianas, ferns, herbs and shrubs) transforms its colors into brown and reddish tones. The “ Niño Azoté ”or“ Barba de Chivo ”, an ornamental tree with feathery foliage, shows off its pink and white flowers. Another beautiful spectacle of this time is given by the large trees such as the Cupay or the Cedro with its more than 30 meters, It will attract your attention due to the dark brown color of its fruits. At this time the streams and waterfalls also stand out with their greenish colors.
Regarding the climate, mornings and afternoons are warmer, while at nights they drop a few degrees. Therefore, it is important to travel with a light coat so as not to feel the change in temperature. It is an ideal date for people who want to enjoy long walks and excursions, since the absence of heat and so much humidity makes everything more comfortable. Of course, do not forget to bring your mosquito repellent because they are present throughout the year.
The climate of Iguazú in winter
The climate in Iguazú throughout the year is humid subtropical, typical of the jungle but it is important to note that during the winter months of June to August there may be cool days (average temperatures of 15°C), so bring something warm. The coldest month and in turn the driest of the year is July, with an average temperature of 16º, with maximums of 25º and minimums of 10º. This indicates that even in the coldest month in Iguazú there are no really low temperatures. Therefore, it is not necessary to wear clothes that are too warm for the day, although it is important that you carry a diver and a coat for the night which is when the temperature tends to drop.
The advantage of traveling in winter is that it is the driest time of the year. Low rainfall makes the humidity much lower, an ideal condition for hiking and outdoor excursions. One point to keep in mind is that if you travel in August, it is a warmer month compared to June and July, it is ideal for those who prefer to find fewer tourists in the destination, since after the winter holidays in Iguazú (July) , the number of people traveling is less.
Each season has its own, and August stands out for the end of winter and the beginning of spring, an ideal time to appreciate the vegetation of the jungle, where the first flowers begin to appear and the beautiful colors that will give rise to spring in September. A great example is the Black Lapacho that at the end of winter, before shedding its leaves, is completely covered with pink flowers, embellishing the entire landscape.
The Iguazú weather in spring
For the spring months (September to November) temperatures begin to rise compared to winter, being between 25º and 30º. At this time the presence of humidity begins to be felt more which generates more vegetation in parks and reserves.
As temperatures begin to climb, the days are longer , the afternoons get warmer and the nights, although they retain some heat, the humidity begins to feel. In October, the days begin to get warmer and l rains are increasing, so I recommend you always take a pilot with you, since the activities continue despite the fall of water.
In conclusion, spring is another good time to travel to Iguazú, since you will be able to enjoy all the activities such as walks, horseback riding, visits to the city and the different navigations. Wherever you go, don't forget your camera! At this time the colors of nature intensify, the amount of flowers explode and butterflies and birds begin to flutter in the air.