Weather
Since the seasons are opposite in the southern hemisphere, August falls squarely in the middle of winter in northern Argentina and southern Brazil. It doesn't feel like it, though: days are warm and dry, with highs in the mid- to upper-70s. It can get a little chilly after dark, with lows falling into the 50s, but the tropical humidity often makes it feel warmer than the thermometer reads.
August is part of the dry season in the region, too, so you don't have to worry too much about encountering rainy days during your stay. Bring a jacket and sunscreen—and mosquito repellant, of course! Days are short, since it's winter, which means you'll want to make the most of the time you have in the park, getting an early start each day.
Crowds & Costs
Crowds are manageable at Iguazú at this time of year. Many travelers from other parts of the world—particularly the northern hemisphere—flock to Brazil and Argentina when the weather is cold in their home countries.
August is comparatively quiet at Iguazú, save for the first week of the month, when some Argentine and Brazilian families are finishing up their winter vacation and the region sees an uptick in domestic travel. (If you visit in the latter half of the month, it's a non-issue.)
If you're traveling to Iguazú in August, it's wise to think ahead about where you'd like to stay, but you won't be battling lots of other tourists for hotel rooms—or paying higher than usual rates for them. On weekends, you'll see more visitors in the area, so it's a good idea to reserve a rental car ahead of time, too, if you need one.
What To Do
Take advantage of the fact that you're visiting during a relatively quiet time at Iguazú! Thanks to the comfortable weather and relatively few crowds, you can hike, boat, and take photos in peace. Go on a thrilling boat ride to the base of the falls on the Gran Aventura excursion or raft on a quieter section of the river on the Ecological Trip ride that's offered by the same tour operator (information on both options is available at the Visitors Center).
Hike the catwalks around the waterfalls' cascades and bird-watch in the forest, stopping at viewing platforms and lookout points along the way, where you'll enjoy relatively unobstructed views of key natural attractions like Bossetti Jump and Garganta del Diablo.
If you really want to get away from it all, consider the round-trip trek to a small waterfall on Macuco Trail, where most visitors never venture. Bring a picnic and enjoy the great outdoors, plus 430 species of birds and 70 species of mammals.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What To Look For
A disclaimer for big cats enthusiasts: it's not likely to see a jaguar at Iguazú, but it's also not impossible, especially at times of the year when the region isn't overcrowded with tourists. Jaguars live in the rainforest, swim in rivers and streams, and eat birds, frogs, foxes, deer, fish, and monkeys, among other animals—all of which you can more reasonably expect to see in their natural habitat.
Birds in the park include toucans, hummingbirds, doves, cuckoos, and parakeets. You'll also see howler and capuchin monkeys—like the raccoon-like coati, they like to congregate at concession areas in the park, where they can feast on leftovers of sandwiches and other snacks—plus the capybara, also known as largest rodent in the world.
Events & Activities
Walks in the Moonlight: Iguazú National Park offers guided nocturnal tours on five evenings each month. The schedule depends on the lunar calendar. Sign up ahead of time for the chance to see the park’s natural attractions under the moonlight, plus owls and other creatures that only come out at night. Several departures are available (7:45, 8:30, and 9:15 pm) and reservations are required.
Visiting Iguazú Falls in August? Check out these itineraries.
Buenos Aires & Iguazú Falls Experience - 7 Days Begin your journey in Buenos Aires and head to Iguazú Falls to see the jaw-dropping beauty of the largest waterfall system in the world. You'll get to experience the falls from both Argentina and Brazil, and take in a tango show in the capital city.
Ultimate Iguazú Falls Experience - 4 Days This four-day getaway to Iguazú Falls takes you into the heart of one of Argentina’s most prized destinations. Then, you'll experience another side of the falls from Brazil, with expansive, panoramic views.
More Helpful Information
Ultimate Guide to Iguazú National Park
Argentina in August
Argentina Tours & Itineraries
Iguazú Falls in July
Iguazú Falls in September