Season guide · Montevideo · Uruguay
Montevideo in summer
December–February: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Marcelo Campi, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
Warm, sunny weather, busy beaches and carnival; many Montevideans leave for the coast in January. Expect highs up to 28°C (82°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F), with about 21 rainy days across December–February. December–February are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- December–February
- Temperatures
- 16°C (61°F) to 28°C (82°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 21
- Sea
- 21°C (70°F) to 23°C (73°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in summer
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 7 | 14.3 h | 4/5 |
| February | 27°C (81°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 7 | 13.4 h | 4/5 |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 7 | 14.5 h | 4/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 27°C (81°F) against a yearly 21°C (70°F), and 21 of the year's roughly 85 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.
What's on in summer
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- January: Carnival opening parade along Avenida 18 de Julio (usually late January)
- February: Desfile de Llamadas — candombe drum parade through Barrio Sur and Palermo (usually February)
- February: Murga and comparsa contests at the Teatro de Verano (through February)
- December: Paper-throwing from office windows in the Centro (last working day of the year)
- December: New Year's Eve fireworks along the Rambla (31 December)
Make the most of the weather
Waterfront · Pocitos
The Rambla
Montevideo's waterfront promenade follows the Río de la Plata for over 20 km, from the Ciudad Vieja past Parque Rodó, Punta Carretas, Pocitos and Buceo to Carrasco.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Kids
- Active
Architecture · Centro
Palacio Salvo
Book a guided tour to reach the upper floors; the ground-floor tango museum is also inside.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Views
- History
- Iconic
Park · Parque Rodó
Parque Rodó
A seaside park with a lake for pedal boats, a miniature castle, a small amusement park with traditional rides and a weekend crafts and food fair.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Kids
- Free
- Outdoors
Viewpoint · Punta Carretas
Punta Carretas lighthouse
Visit late afternoon and stay on the rocks for sunset over the river.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Historic site · Cerro
Fortaleza del Cerro
The hill that gave Montevideo its name rises across the bay from the port, topped by an early-19th-century Spanish fortress and lighthouse that now house a small military museum.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- History
- Off the beaten path
Day trips in summer
- Colonia del Sacramento (About 2.5–3 hours by bus) — A UNESCO-listed Portuguese colonial town on the river, with cobbled lanes such as the Calle de los Suspiros, a lighthouse with a view over the old quarter, and riverside sunsets.
- Punta del Este (About 2 hours by bus) — Uruguay's best-known beach resort on a peninsula between the river and the Atlantic, with the 'La Mano' hand sculpture on Playa Brava, a yacht harbour with sea lions and long beaches.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- A packable rain jacket for showers
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is summer a good time to visit Montevideo?
Yes: December–February are among the best months. Warm, sunny weather, busy beaches and carnival; many Montevideans leave for the coast in January.
+What is the weather like in Montevideo in summer?
Highs of up to 28°C (82°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F), with about 21 rainy days over the season.