Introduction to South America - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 9

When to go
With about two-thirds of South America near the equator or the tropic of Capricorn,
visitors to most destinations can expect a tropical or subtropical climate all year round.
Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C, while rainforest regions average maximum
temperatures of about 30°C. As you get further south (and don't forget the southern
hemisphere reverses the seasons), you'll find colder winters from June to August and
milder summers from December to February, with the extreme south of the continent
freezing between April and October. It's important to plan around the rainy season in
each country, particularly when travelling in the Andes.
Domestic tourism , especially in the richer countries of the south, is booming, meaning
that hostels, hotels and transportation can become fully booked during the summer
(December to March), especially on the coast, so book ahead if possible. Expect hordes
of local tourists to hit the road in any country on major religious holidays, especially
Christmas and Semana Santa (Easter).
Check the “When to go” information at the start of each country chapter for advice
about region-specific weather.