Weather
July is the middle of winter in Argentina and Brazil, where Iguazú Falls are located. It doesn't look or feel like it, though, to travelers from the northern hemisphere: the season brings comfortable temperatures, sunshine, and minimal rainfall to the region.
Naturally, the days are shorter, but it's one of the only ways to detect that it's winter. Expect highs in the mid-70s and lows dipping into the 50s after nightfall with moderate humidity levels. Bring a jacket and sweater, but you probably won't need rain gear, as July sees only six days of rain during the month, on average.
Crowds & Costs
Planning travel to Iguazú around this time of year? Consider July two separate months: in terms of crowds and costs, the first two weeks of July are completely different than the second two weeks. That's because it's winter break at schools in Argentina and Brazil, and lots of families plan to travel within this time period, taking advantage of both vacation days and flight promotions and packages.
The dates vary slightly each year, and across schools (and countries), but generally speaking, you'll be better off visiting Iguazú in the first and second weeks of the month, when crowds are fewer in the parks and hotel rates are reasonable (or even low) while school is in session. During the last two weeks of the month, all bets are off. Hotels are booked out well ahead of time, rates soar, the parks fill up with visitors, and you'll probably need dinner reservations in town, as well.
What To Do
If you're visiting during the first half of the month, especially during the week, you'll be able to enjoy the parks in relative peace and quiet. Hike the catwalks around the waterfalls' cascades, get on a boat to see the falls up close on the Gran Aventura excursion, bird-watch in the forest as you make your way toward viewing platforms and lookout points where you'll enjoy relatively unobstructed views of key natural attractions like Bossetti Jump and Garganta del Diablo.
On the other hand, if you're visiting in the second part of July—one of the busiest times of the year in Iguazú—you'll want to strategize a bit more to get the most out of your trip.
Consider the following tips: first, try to be one of the first people at Iguazú National Park in the morning, then proceed directly to the train station, where you'll catch a ride most of the way to Garganta del Diablo. (The idea is to be one of the first people at the lookout point: this popular destination gets very crowded later in the day with tourists.) Second, book well ahead of time if you want to go on a boat trip or a nocturnal hike.
Third, get off the beaten path with a quiet hike on Macuco Trail, where far fewer visitors venture. You'll spend several hours on the round-trip journey to a single waterfall: take a picnic and lots of water, as there aren't visitor services along the trail.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What To Look For
Toucans, hummingbirds, doves, cuckoos, parakeets: these are just some of the more than 430 species of birds that live in the parks' jungles. They're generally active and easy to spot at this time of year, alongside more than 70 species of mammals, from capuchin monkeys swinging through the trees to pestering coati (a raccoon-like animal that has its sights set on your sandwich, energy bar, or any other food item) to larger-than-life lizards and the elusive jaguar.
Since the level of the river is lower in winter than in summer, you may find that the views of the waterfalls are somewhat less dramatic than what you'd see in summer. This is good news, though, for hikers and families traveling with children: catwalks and trails stay dry (they often get slippery in other seasons) and boat tours run without interruption.
Ask at the Visitors Center about going on the Ecological Tour raft ride, which departs from the Garganta del Diablo train station: the journey is partly about observing flora and fauna, and your guide can help you spot plants, trees, birds, and animals you might otherwise miss.
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 9:15pm) and reservations are required.
Visiting Iguazú Falls in July? 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 July
Argentina Tours & Itineraries
Iguazú Falls in June
Iguazú Falls in August