South America in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Caribbean Coast & the Guianas (Venezuela’s northern coast, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana)

Sea breezes and spells of fierce rain alternate through the month, keeping daytime highs in the high 20s to low 30s; coastal Venezuela and Suriname are hot but not blistering. The Guianas begin to show the first signs of the seasonal wet pulse in places, with intense short-lived storms rather than continuous rain. Boat trips into mangrove-lined creeks or the lower Orinoco are still doable but guides will watch river levels; bring a light sunhat and waterproof bag for electronics. Mosquito activity increases after storms-long sleeves in the evening help.

Amazon Basin (Brazilian Amazon, eastern Peru, southern Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia)

Daily squalls keep the forest humid and green, with dawn chorus and amphibian activity intensifying; temperatures rarely dip below the high 20s. Longboat journeys can become longer as crews navigate higher channels; many lodges adapt schedules to the river pace, and photographic opportunities of flooded forest wildlife are excellent. Pack quick-dry clothing and waterproof cases-electronics and papers should be kept sealed.

Northeast Brazil & the Sertão (Coastal cities: Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza - interior drylands of the Sertão)

Humidity and brief tropical showers increase in some coastal stretches while the interior stays very dry and hot; expect 30-33°C on the beaches and well above that inland. Recife and Salvador can have afternoon thunderstorms but inflows are usually short-lived; the coastal evenings remain comfortable for dining out. If you plan desert-like hikes in the sertão, schedule walks very early and avoid remote drives during the hottest hours.

Southeast Brazil & Central Plateau (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Brasília, Goiás)

Afternoon thunderstorms are still common near the Atlantic coast while Brasília enjoys dry, sun-filled days; temperatures generally range from the mid-20s inland to low 30s by the sea. São Paulo’s weather can flip from warm to stormy quickly, so keep an eye on app alerts if you’re moving between museums and parks. Mountainous routes into Mantiqueira and Serra da Bocaina provide cooler hiking without the intense coastal humidity, but sticky evenings remain possible.

Andean Highlands & Altiplano (Colombia highlands, Ecuador, Peru highlands, Bolivia’s Altiplano, northern Argentina high Andes)

Late-winter air is crisp and the highland landscapes are usually dry and dusty but spectacular for long-distance views; days in Arequipa and Puno are pleasant while nights can be quite cold. This is a prime time for high-elevation festivals and for planning multi-day treks because storms are rare. Altitude headaches remain a risk-allow an extra acclimatisation day when ascending rapidly and keep activity moderate on arrival.

Northern & Central Chile - Atacama, Coastal North and Central Chile (Arica to Santiago, including Atacama Desert and valleys)

Early autumn conditions produce clear days and cold desert nights across northern Chile; daytime highs remain comfortable and night temperatures can drop significantly in the altiplano. Coastal cities like La Serena and Coquimbo begin to cool slightly, and the Humboldt Current keeps water temperatures brisk. Wine valleys in the north-central region are in their harvest rhythm-great for off-the-beaten-path vineyard visits-so pack a light sweater for chilly evenings.

Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego (Southern Chile & Argentina: Chiloé, Puerto Montt, Torres del Paine, Ushuaia, southern Lake District)

Touring the southern fjords and coastal towns is easier with relatively milder temperatures (daytime often 6-14°C) and extended daylight; boat trips to see glaciers and sea lion colonies operate regularly. Expect heavy winds that can delay small-boat excursions and open stretches of plains feel raw; quality windproof jackets and gaiters matter more here than warmth alone. Crowds are highest on classic treks, so reserve permits early and plan for variable trail conditions.