Argentina, South America
Buenos Aires in May
Late fall, crisp and quiet. Great for museums, cafes, and parrillas, with lower prices.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit Buenos Aires. Late fall, crisp and quiet. Great for museums, cafes, and parrillas, with lower prices.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 66F (19C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What May is like in Buenos Aires
May is late fall in Buenos Aires, crisp and quiet. Highs are near 66F (19C), mornings and evenings are cool, and the city's cafes and parrillas feel cozy. Crowds are light and prices lower than in the peak spring and fall months. Museums, theaters, and tango halls are all running.
May suits food lovers, museum fans, and couples who enjoy cool, clear days and a slower pace. It is a great value month. Families who want warm afternoons in the parks may prefer March or October, but for city sightseeing, May is excellent.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Buenos Aires this month.
Cafe and parrilla season
Cool evenings are perfect for long steak dinners and classic cafes.
MALBA and Museo Evita
Quiet galleries make it easy to enjoy Latin American art and the story of Eva Peron.
Lower prices
Hotels offer better rates than in the spring and early fall peaks.
What to pack for May
- A warm jacket for evenings
- Layers for cool mornings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small umbrella
Our timing tip
Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 8pm, so plan a late afternoon snack at a cafe to hold you over.
Book Buenos Aires for May.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Buenos AiresOpens a hotel search for Buenos Aires in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Buenos AiresWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Buenos AiresTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Buenos Aires for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Buenos Aires
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.
Recoleta Cemetery
A city of marble mausoleums, including Eva Peron's family tomb. Go in the morning when it is quieter.
San Telmo Sunday market
The Feria de San Telmo fills Calle Defensa on Sundays with antiques, crafts, and street tango.
MALBA
The Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, with works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Argentine modernists.
La Boca and Caminito
The painted tin houses and La Bombonera stadium. Visit in daylight and stay in the main tourist area.
A milonga
Watch or dance at a traditional tango hall. Many start late and run into the early morning.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Buenos Aires?
May is a good month to visit Buenos Aires. Late fall, crisp and quiet. Great for museums, cafes, and parrillas, with lower prices.
What is the weather like in Buenos Aires in May?
Cool, highs near 66F (19C).
Is Buenos Aires crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Buenos Aires; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Buenos Aires.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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