In Bolivia, there are two distinct seasons; summer and winter. The country lies in the Southern Hemisphere, which means the weather is opposite of visitors from the Northern Hemisphere. The summer months in Bolivia are from November through March. During this time, the country usually sees rainfall and warm weather.
However, the country’s climate can vary severely depending on altitude. It ranges from humid and tropical to cold and semiarid. In many areas of the country, winters are dry and summers are wet, and the altitude of cities like La Paz keeps things relatively cool. April through October is winter, which is mostly cold and dry.
The Altiplano region (the highest region in Bolivia), including La Paz and Lake Titicaca, is typically cold and considered to have a semi-arid climate. Since it is at such a high altitude, the region retains little heat and is quite dry. Cool temperatures and strong winds can sweep over the area. Weather year round is cool to mild, with the average temperature in summer being 72°F (22°C) and in winter, 59°F (15°C).
East of the Altiplano lie the central highland valleys. The main cities in this region are Cochabamba, Sucre, Tarija, and Potosi, which are considered to have the most comfortable climate in Bolivia. Temperatures are pleasant during the day, usually between 62 and 80°F (17 and 27°C), with cool nights. Since the region is not as high as the Altiplano, the weather is Mediterranean-like year round.
In the Yungas Valley and the eastern slopes of the Andean mountain range, the climate is considered to be tropical or sub-tropical, warm, humid, and wet all year round. The most rainfall occurs in the summer between November and March. Rainfall can total 155 cm annually.
The eastern lowlands cover about half of Bolivia and include anything that is north and east of the Bolivian Andes. The region runs through Santa Cruz, Trinidad, Beni, and up through Pando. To the northeast of the Bolivian Andes is the Amazon basin. The climate here is wet and tropical, with high humidity and heavy rainfall. Daytime temperatures can average more than 86° F for most of the year.
Best Time to Visit Bolivia
The high tourist season is from June to September due to the climate and the festival season, but the best time of the year for a visit is the cool, dry period from May to October. The rainy season from November to April, can make traveling difficult. Visitors are, however, advised to check the specific conditions of their destination since Bolivia’s weather can vary significantly from region to region.