What is the best time to visit Bolivia?

Best Time to Visit Bolivia

The best time to travel to Bolivia is during the dry season (May to October) and the wet season (November to April).

Dry Season in Bolivia

The dry season in Bolivia is from May to October and is the best time to visit. During this season, the weather is sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm. This is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and exploring the country’s diverse landscapes. The dry season is also the best time to visit the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, which is a popular tourist destination. Additionally, Bolivia celebrates its independence day on August 6th, so visitors can take part in the festivities.

Wet Season in Bolivia

The wet season in Bolivia is from November to April and is also a great time to visit. During this season, the country experiences a lot of rain, but temperatures remain mild. This is a great time to explore the country’s lush forests and enjoy the blooming wildflowers. The wet season is also the best time to visit the Amazon rainforest, as the rain brings out a variety of wildlife. Additionally, the city of La Paz celebrates its carnival in February, so visitors can take part in the festivities.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Bolivia

Bolivia in January

Weather

January is the summer season in Bolivia, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot depending on the region. The average temperature in La Paz is around 18°C (64°F). The dry season is in full swing, with little to no rain throughout the month.

Events

• The Feast of the Kings (Fiesta de Reyes) is celebrated on January 6th. This is a traditional celebration of the three kings who visited baby Jesus and brought him gifts.
• The Carnival of Oruro is celebrated from January 24th to 27th. This is one of the most important festivals in Bolivia, with colorful costumes and parades.
• The Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria is celebrated on January 28th. This is a religious festival that celebrates the Virgin Mary.
• The Festival of the Virgin of Copacabana is celebrated on January 31st. This is a religious festival that celebrates the Virgin Mary in the town of Copacabana.
• The International Film Festival of Bolivia is held from January 15th to 20th. This is a film festival that showcases the best of Bolivian cinema.

Bolivia in January

Weather

January is the summer season in Bolivia, and the weather is usually warm and humid. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (18-30°C). The days are generally sunny, but there can be some rain showers in the afternoons.

Events

• The New Year is celebrated in Bolivia with fireworks and parades. People gather in the streets to celebrate and spend time with family and friends.
• The Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria is held on January 2 in the city of La Paz. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Bolivia and features traditional dances, music, and food.
• The Festival of the Sun is held on January 24 in the city of Sucre. This festival celebrates the sun god Inti and features traditional dances, music, and food.
• The Carnival of Oruro is held on January 28 in the city of Oruro. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Bolivia and features traditional dances, music, and food.
• The Festival of the Virgin of Copacabana is held on January 31 in the city of Copacabana. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Bolivia and features traditional dances, music, and food.

Bolivia in March

Weather

The weather in Bolivia during March is generally mild and pleasant. Temperatures range from lows of around 10°C (50°F) to highs of around 25°C (77°F). March is the beginning of the dry season in Bolivia, so the days are usually sunny and dry.

Events

• Carnival of Oruro: This is a five-day festival held in the city of Oruro, which is known for its vibrant and colorful parades and dances. It is held in the first week of March and is a major tourist attraction.
• Semana Santa: This is a religious holiday celebrated in Bolivia during the week leading up to Easter. It is celebrated with processions, festivals, and other religious observances.
• International Women’s Day: This is a day to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women around the world. It is celebrated in Bolivia with marches, rallies, and other events.
• Carnaval de La Paz: This is a two-day festival held in the city of La Paz. It is celebrated with parades, music, and dancing.
• Dia de los Difuntos: This is a day to remember and honor the dead. It is celebrated with graveside vigils, parades, and other events.

Bolivia in April

Weather

April is a transitional month in Bolivia, as the dry season begins to give way to the wet season. Temperatures range from a high of around 80°F (27°C) to a low of around 50°F (10°C). In the highlands, temperatures can be cooler and the nights may be quite chilly.

Events

• The Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated in Bolivia during the week leading up to Easter. This is a religious holiday, with many people attending church services and processions.
• The Festival of the Sun is held in the city of Oruro in April. This is a traditional festival that dates back to pre-colonial times and includes music, dance, and colorful costumes.
• The International Book Fair takes place in La Paz in April. This event brings together authors, publishers, and readers from around the world.
• The Fiesta de la Cruz (Festival of the Cross) is held in Sucre in April. This is a religious festival that includes processions, music, and traditional dances.
• The Fiesta de la Virgen de Urkupiña (Festival of the Virgin of Urkupiña) is held in Cochabamba in April. This festival includes traditional music and dance, as well as a procession of the Virgin of Urkupiña.

Bolivia in May

Weather

May in Bolivia is typically warm and dry. Temperatures range from lows of 10°C (50°F) to highs of 24°C (75°F). The days are sunny and the nights are cooler.

Events

• May 1st: Labor Day is celebrated in Bolivia with parades and other festivities.
• May 3rd: The Festival of the Cross is celebrated in La Paz and other cities. People build and decorate crosses with flowers and candles.
• May 24th: The Feast of the Virgin of Carmen is celebrated in the city of Potosi. It is a religious festival that includes processions and traditional dances.
• May 25th: The Battle of La Coronilla is celebrated in Cochabamba. It is a reenactment of a battle that took place in 1811.
• May 31st: The Festival of the Virgin of Urkupiña is celebrated in the city of Quillacollo. It is a religious festival that includes processions and traditional dances.

Bolivia in June

Weather

June in Bolivia is the beginning of the winter season. The average temperature is around 18°C (64°F), with lows of 10°C (50°F) and highs of 26°C (79°F). The days are generally sunny, but there is a chance of rain and snow in the higher altitudes.

Events

• The Festival of San Juan is celebrated on June 24th in honor of St. John the Baptist. The festival is celebrated with parades, bonfires, and traditional dances.
• In the city of La Paz, the annual La Paz International Film Festival is held in June. The festival showcases films from around the world and features workshops, seminars, and other events.
• The city of Cochabamba celebrates the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen on June 16th. The festival includes parades, traditional dances, and fireworks.
• The city of Santa Cruz celebrates its annual Carnival of Santa Cruz in June. The carnival features parades, music, and traditional dances.
• The city of Sucre celebrates its annual Festival of the Crosses on June 3rd. The festival includes traditional dances, parades, and the blessing of crosses.

Bolivia in July

Weather

July in Bolivia is the start of the winter season. Temperatures in the highlands can range from 6-15°C (43-59°F). In the lower elevations, temperatures range from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Rainfall is common in July and can be heavy in the Amazon region.

Events

• The city of La Paz celebrates its founding on July 16th. The holiday is celebrated with parades, music, and dancing.
• The Festival of the Virgin of Copacabana is held on July 16th. The festival is celebrated with traditional music and dance, and a procession of boats on Lake Titicaca.
• The city of Cochabamba celebrates its founding on July 24th. The holiday is celebrated with parades, music, and dancing.
• The Festival of the Virgin of Urkupiña is held on July 25th. The festival is celebrated with traditional music and dance, and a procession of boats on Lake Titicaca.
• The city of Santa Cruz celebrates its founding on July 28th. The holiday is celebrated with parades, music, and dancing.

Bolivia in August

Weather

August in Bolivia is the start of the dry season. Temperatures are warm to hot during the day and cool at night. The average temperature is around 15°C (59°F).

Events

• Fiesta de la Virgen de Urkupiña: This festival is celebrated in Cochabamba, Bolivia’s fourth largest city. It is a week-long celebration featuring parades, traditional music, and folk dancing.
• Festival de la Candelaria: This festival is celebrated in La Paz, and it is held in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria. It features parades, music, and traditional dances.
• Festival de la Cruz: This festival is held in Potosí, and it is celebrated in honor of the Virgin of the Cross. It features parades, music, and traditional dances.
• Festival de la Virgen de Guadalupe: This festival is celebrated in Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital. It is a week-long celebration featuring parades, traditional music, and folk dancing.
• Fiesta de San Lorenzo: This festival is celebrated in Oruro, Bolivia’s fifth largest city. It is a week-long celebration featuring parades, traditional music, and folk dancing.

Bolivia in September

Weather

September is the beginning of spring in Bolivia, and the weather is usually mild and pleasant. Average temperatures range from 5-20°C (41-68°F). The days are generally sunny, but rain showers are common.

Events

• The annual Cochabamba Carnival takes place in September. This traditional Bolivian festival includes colorful parades, live music, and street dancing.
• The town of Potosí celebrates its annual Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria in September. This religious festival includes processions, fireworks, and traditional music.
• The city of La Paz hosts the annual Festival of the Lord of the Great Power in September. This religious event includes a parade, live music, and traditional dances.
• The city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra celebrates the annual Fiesta de la Cruz in September. This festival includes parades, live music, and traditional dances.
• The city of Sucre celebrates its annual Fiesta de la Virgen de la Merced in September. This religious festival includes processions, fireworks, and traditional music.

Bolivia in October

Weather

October in Bolivia is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s Fahrenheit (10-15°C) in the mornings to the low-70s Fahrenheit (20-25°C) in the afternoons. It is the beginning of the dry season in Bolivia, and rain is rare.

Events

• The Bolivian Independence Day is celebrated on October 6th, commemorating the day in 1825 when Bolivia declared its independence from Spain.
• The city of La Paz celebrates its anniversary on October 20th. The festivities include a parade, music, and traditional dances.
• The Festival of the Sun is celebrated on October 25th in the city of Potosi. The festival includes a parade and traditional dances.
• The Festival of the Lord of the Miracles is celebrated on October 28th in the city of Sucre. The festival includes a procession and traditional dances.
• The Festival of the Dead is celebrated on October 31st in the city of Cochabamba. The festival includes a procession and traditional dances.

Bolivia in November

Weather

November in Bolivia is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. The rainy season has ended, and the days are generally dry.

Events

• All Saints’ Day (November 1): All Saints’ Day is a religious holiday in Bolivia, and many families attend church services and visit cemeteries to honor their deceased relatives.
• Day of the Dead (November 2): The Day of the Dead is a traditional holiday in Bolivia, and many families gather to remember and honor their deceased loved ones.
• Independence Day (November 6): Bolivia celebrates its independence from Spain on November 6. Many cities and towns host parades and other festivities to mark the occasion.
• Carnival of Oruro (November 7-9): The Carnival of Oruro is one of the most important festivals in Bolivia. The festival features colorful costumes, traditional dances, and music.
• Gran Poder Festival (November 18-20): The Gran Poder Festival is held in La Paz and celebrates the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Gran Poder. The festival features traditional dances, music, and food.

Bolivia in December

Weather

December is the start of the summer season in Bolivia, and temperatures can be quite warm. The average temperature in December is around 16°C (61°F). The days are usually sunny and dry, and rainfall is low.

Events

• The Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria is held in La Paz on December 8th. It is a celebration of the patron saint of Bolivia, and the festivities include traditional music and dance performances.
• The Festival of the Sun is held in Copacabana on December 21st. It is a religious celebration of the winter solstice, and includes a procession of boats on Lake Titicaca.
• The Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe is held in Sucre on December 12th. It is a celebration of the patron saint of Bolivia, and includes traditional music and dance performances.
• The Festival of the Virgin of Urkupiña is held in Cochabamba on December 8th. It is a celebration of the patron saint of Bolivia, and includes traditional music and dance performances.
• The Festival of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception is held in Santa Cruz on December 8th. It is a celebration of the patron saint of Bolivia, and includes traditional music and dance performances.