Bolivia Travel Advice

Bolivia in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The rain comes down heavily in January across the majority of Bolivia, despite temperatures in some regions such as the rainforest being at their annual high. There is still plenty to see and do. This is a brilliant time to explore Bolivia's big cities like La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, including a glut of cultural attractions that visitors in better weather pass over. The southeastern savanna is the most agreeable region now, and though parts of the Andes and rainforest inaccessible due to rain, swelling water levels make for excellent white water rafting.

Bolivia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The rainfall slackens off a little bit in February compared to the last couple of months, but this remains a decidedly drippy time of year in the majority of the country. Temperatures are almost at their annual peaks in the rainforest and much of the savanna, while the Andes are decidedly chilly. However, one big party this month brightens things up, and that's Carnival time. There are some truly spectacular celebrations across Bolivia for this at the end of the month.

Bolivia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It might still be a wash-out of a month in much of Bolivia, with rain especially heavy in the Amazon, but in the Andes and Savanna it's slowly drying up. Sun is definitely on the horizon, if not already here in places, with average daily temperatures in much of the savanna only a degree or two off their annual highs. It's an important time for harvesting coca (in the Andes and parts of the Amazon) and grapes (in the Savanna)—plus, Carnival can also fall at the beginning of March, as can Holy Week.

River crossing on the trek from Pongo to La Paz

Bolivia in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The end of the wettest weather brings travelers in greater numbers than have been seen in Bolivia for some months. Suddenly, visitors are eyeing up Bolivia's phenomenal outdoor activities, particularly its hiking, and crowds of both international and national holiday-makers descend on the country for that famous Latin American celebration of Semana Santa, or Holy Week. As the rain decreases, so it begins to get both sunnier and cooler in most areas.

Arbol de Piedra, or Stone Tree, in the Dalí Desert

Bolivia in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The rain steadily eases up in May, bringing with it drier days, brighter skies and refreshingly cooler temperatures. This is a great time to visit all regions of the country, from the heights of the Andes to the depths of the rainforest. And if you’re up for an outdoor adventure, go now for perfect conditions for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and more. Just bear in mind that you won’t be the only one traveling—the dry season marks the start of peak season in Bolivia.

Views of Salar de Uyuni from Incahuasi Island

Bolivia in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

One of the driest, brightest months of the year, June ushers in the start of peak season. But with the biggest crowds still yet to arrive, this a terrific time for snapping up the few remaining deals on tours and accommodation. Cooler temperatures everywhere from the Andes to the Amazon also mean this is a great month for all manner of outdoor pursuits, but you’ll want to pack layers for the chilly nights. The country celebrates some memorable festivals now too, such as the winter solstice celebrations at Tiwanaku.

Bolivia in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is peak season in Bolivia, with warm, bright, largely sunny days, though things can feel cooler up on the altiplano. Such reliable weather makes this a brilliant month to come for outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking in the Andes to expeditions into the wildlife-rich Amazon. That said, this is also one of the busiest months, ruling out special deals on accommodation and tours. Plan ahead if you want to visit during this popular time.

Volcanoes in the desert on plateau Altiplano, Bolivia

Bolivia in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It's still peak season in August in Bolivia, with plenty of blue skies and dry days that are ideal for tackling outdoor pursuits all over the country—from hikes in the footsteps of Incas in the Andes to jungle tours by boat in the Amazon. In the latter half of the month, temperatures begin to slowly creep up in the rainforest and the savanna, but it’s still nice and cool on the altiplano. The best digs are snapped up quickly during this popular month.

Bolivia in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The onset of spring in September marks the end of the peak season rush in Bolivia, so in many ways this is a fantastic month to visit, with largely dry days, warm weather and far fewer crowds. As the country edges into the less busy shoulder season, you should be able to snag some deals on tours and accommodation. While rising temperatures have taken the bitter edge off nights on the altiplano, this is the hottest time of year in the Amazon.

Bolivia in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is the height of spring in Bolivia. If you want to sidestep the crowds of winter, this is a fantastic time to visit, as there is still plenty of dry, sunny weather everywhere from the depths of the Amazon to the heights of the Andes. Rains are slowly but steadily increasing, so come prepared for the odd downpour. Shoulder-season benefits are many, especially when it comes to scoring deals on tours, outdoor activities, and accommodation. And the drop in visitor numbers is a blessing at big-hitters like the Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca.

Bolivia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Summer is swiftly approaching and bringing with it rainy days to much of Bolivia in November, though nothing like what will fall in the coming months. Come now and you'll experience the country at its tranquil best, with few crowds at major sights and milder weather up on the altiplano, where the showers are slowly transforming the parched highlands into a lush carpet of wildflowers.

Bolivia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Christmas might be around the corner (along with several other interesting festivals) but the weather in Bolivia this month is surprisingly good. In fact, of all the low season months from November through March, December is arguably best for a visit, with lower rainfall, higher temperatures, and more overall sun. And if the rain does come down, Bolivia has a phenomenal culture to tap into, which can usually be done indoors: at one of La Paz's standout museums, for example, or in buoyant cities like Sucre or Tarija.