South America Weather in November and December: What to Wear, Region by Region

South America's seasons run opposite to Korea's, so November and December are the shift from spring into summer there. With South America weather at this time of year, packing T-shirts and light clothes may seem enough, but in practice what you need varies quite a bit by region.

High-altitude places like Cusco swing widely between day and night temperatures, and in Patagonia you need to be ready for strong winds and sudden changes in the weather even in midsummer. The Atacama is warm by day but can get very cold at night. Here is a simple guide to South America weather in November and December and what to pack for each destination.

South America Weather in November and December: Bring a Jacket Even in Summer

The most important thing when preparing for a South America trip in November and December is not packing only summer clothes. In hot, humid places like Brazil and Iguazu, T-shirts and light clothes are comfortable, but in the Andean highlands or the Atacama, where morning and evening temperatures drop sharply, you need a warm layer.

If Patagonia is on your itinerary, it is hard to go without a jacket that blocks the wind. In the end, it is easiest to pack everything from T-shirts to fleece, a light down jacket or a windproof jacket, so you can layer as needed.

Peru and Bolivia Highlands: Rain and Big Temperature Swings

In high-altitude places like Cusco and Machu Picchu, mornings and evenings can be quite chilly even in November and December. Cusco sits at about 3,335 m above sea level and has wide temperature swings year-round, so even if the sun feels warm during the day, the temperature you feel changes quickly once it sets.

November and December are also when rain picks up, so it is good to be ready for sudden showers. Pack clothes you can layer, such as a thin long-sleeve top + fleece + windbreaker, and bring a packable poncho or waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses too.

Not sure how to prepare for South America?
South America, where one trip can take you from the highlands to the desert and on to Patagonia, calls for different clothes and plans in each region. If you would like to plan your South America itinerary around your travel dates, cities and preferred travel style, feel free to contact Ahmo Travel.

Patagonia: Think About the Wind First

November and December are when Patagonia moves from spring into summer. Days get longer and it is a great season for trekking, but it is not a place where light summer clothes are enough. Patagonia has strong winds and fast-changing weather, so even when the sun is out, the temperature you feel can change in a moment.

If you have treks planned, think of a technical long-sleeve top + fleece + wind- and waterproof jacket as the basics. It is also good to bring an outer layer for rain and wind and trekking shoes with good grip.

Brazil and Iguazu: Pack Light, but Be Ready for Rain

In tropical places like Brazil and Iguazu, light, breathable clothes are most comfortable in November and December. Brazil enters summer from late December, and many places in the north and the tropics are hot and humid.

Iguazu also has a tropical climate, so light, quick-drying clothes work well, and a thin waterproof jacket or poncho helps against rain and spray from the falls. Pack T-shirts and light trousers as the basics, and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for strong sun.

Atacama: Day and Night Are Completely Different

The Atacama in Chile is one of the trickiest places in South America to dress for. Days are dry with strong sun, but temperatures drop sharply at night, and if you head up to high ground like the El Tatio geysers or the high-altitude lakes, it can fall below freezing even in midsummer.

So even if you wear a T-shirt or a thin long-sleeve top during the day, it is best to prepare thermal underwear + fleece + a light down jacket or a heavier jacket for early-morning tours or stargazing. Summer rain can also reach the highlands from December, so it is important to check the weather and whether tours are running before you go.

What to Wear in South America in November and December at a Glance

Peru and Bolivia highlands (big temperature swings, start of the rainy season) 👉 long sleeves, fleece, windbreaker, poncho
Atacama, Chile (warm by day, cold at night and at altitude) 👉 light clothes + fleece and a light down jacket
Patagonia (heading into summer, but windy and changeable) 👉 technical long sleeves, fleece, wind- and waterproof jacket
Brazil and Iguazu (hot, humid, frequent rain) 👉 T-shirts, light trousers, poncho and waterproof jacket

In the end, South America weather in November and December is hard to sum up as simply “it is summer, so it is hot.” Pack T-shirts and light clothes as the basics, but the key is to prepare everything from a light outer layer to a windproof jacket and warm clothes so you can layer.

Especially if your trip includes the highlands and Patagonia, several thin layers you can put on and take off are much easier than one heavy jacket. Check the forecast for each city right before you leave and make a final adjustment to your bag, and your November and December trip to South America will be a little easier to prepare.

If you are thinking about a trip to South America, feel free to contact Ahmo Travel! From the best season for each region to an itinerary built around your purpose, we help you plan the South America trip that suits you best, without the stress.

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