Argentina, South America

Buenos Aires in December

Summer arrives, with long days and outdoor life. Christmas and New Year are family holidays with some closures.

GoodHot, highs near 82F (28C), humid

Puerto Madero waterfront, Buenos Aires — Buenos AiresPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Buenos Aires. Summer arrives, with long days and outdoor life. Christmas and New Year are family holidays with some closures.

Weather: Hot, highs near 82F (28C), humid
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Buenos Aires

December is the start of summer in Buenos Aires. Highs are near 82F (28C), the air turns humid, and the days are long, with outdoor life spilling into parks and terraces. Christmas and New Year are family holidays, and some shops and restaurants close on those days. Crowds and prices are moderate.

December suits couples and families who like warm weather and long evenings, and travelers combining the city with Patagonia, which is in its prime season. Heat-sensitive visitors should aim for early December. If you want milder weather, November is more comfortable.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Buenos Aires this month.

Long summer evenings

Late sunsets make it easy to enjoy dinner outside, especially in Palermo.

Gateway to Patagonia

December is a good time to pair the city with a trip south, where the season is in full swing.

Costanera Sur by bike

Early mornings are pleasant for biking the riverside nature reserve before the heat.

What to pack for December

Light, breathable clothes
Sunscreen and a hat
A refillable water bottle
A dressier outfit for holiday dinners

Our timing tip

Come in the first half of December for warm but not hot weather, and check opening hours around Christmas and New Year.

Book Buenos Aires for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Buenos Aires
Opens a hotel search for Buenos Aires in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Buenos Aires
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Buenos Aires
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Buenos Aires for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Buenos Aires

Full guide

Teatro Colon

Take a guided tour or, better, see an opera or ballet during the main season. Its acoustics are among the best in the world.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Recoleta Cemetery

A city of marble mausoleums, including Eva Peron's family tomb. Go in the morning when it is quieter.

Tickets and tours →

San Telmo Sunday market

The Feria de San Telmo fills Calle Defensa on Sundays with antiques, crafts, and street tango.

Tickets and tours →

MALBA

The Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, with works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Argentine modernists.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

La Boca and Caminito

The painted tin houses and La Bombonera stadium. Visit in daylight and stay in the main tourist area.

Tickets and tours →

A milonga

Watch or dance at a traditional tango hall. Many start late and run into the early morning.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Recoleta Cemetery and La Boca in the morning before tour groups arrive.
Go to San Telmo early on Sunday; by midafternoon, Calle Defensa is packed.
Book Teatro Colon tickets as soon as the season schedule is released; the best performances sell out.
May and September offer mild weather and lower prices, with fewer international visitors.

Know before you go

January is summer holiday season: some restaurants, shops, and theaters close for part of the month while locals head to the coast.
Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 8pm, and locals eat around 9pm or 10pm. Plan accordingly.
Argentina has frequent public holidays, often moved to Mondays to create long weekends. Some businesses close on these days.
Economic conditions change quickly in Argentina. Check current guidance on exchange rates and card payments before you travel.

Buenos Aires in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Buenos Aires?

December is a good month to visit Buenos Aires. Summer arrives, with long days and outdoor life. Christmas and New Year are family holidays with some closures.

What is the weather like in Buenos Aires in December?

Hot, highs near 82F (28C), humid.

Is Buenos Aires crowded in December?

Crowds in Buenos Aires are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.