What is the climate like in Bolivia?
Bolivia has two seasons: dry (May–October) and wet (November–March), opposite to Europe's. Climate varies greatly by altitude and region, from the cold Altiplano mountains to the hot eastern plains and Amazon humidity.
Bolivia's two seasons
Bolivia experiences a dry season from May to October (austral winter) and a wet season from November to March (austral summer). Temperatures are higher during the rainy season, becoming oppressive in the eastern plains.
Three climates according to geography
- Altiplano and mountains : cold, especially at night during the dry season (negative temperatures possible)
- Eastern plains : hot tropical climate, up to 35°C, but with sudden cold snaps caused by Patagonian wind (surazos)
- Bolivian Amazon : hot and humid year-round, with significant temperature variations within the same day
Key points to remember when planning your trip
Bolivia's geographical contrasts create extreme microclimates. You can experience frost at night on the Altiplano and 35°C in the plains on the same day. The phenomenon of surazos (Patagonian cold wind) can cause temperatures to drop sharply in the eastern part of the country.