Young, Uruguay Travel Guide

City City in Río Negro Department, Uruguay

On Route 3, Young serves as a gateway to cattle estancias and parrilla restaurants where beef and local chorizo dominate. Visitors pass through for weekend markets, tree‑lined plazas and drives across patchwork pampas.

Main image
Costs
Very affordable provincial Uruguayan town
$35-60/day including meals and local transport.
Safety
Generally safe and relaxed
Low violent crime; usual caution at night and in busy areas.
Best Time
October-April (spring and summer)
Warmer weather and local festivals make visits pleasant.
Local Time
8:00 AM
GMT-3
Weather
Light Showers 65°F
Light Showers
Population
16,756
Infrastructure & Convenience
Local buses, taxi services, and compact central streets.
Popularity
Mostly visited by domestic travelers and agricultural business visitors.
Known For
Rail junction, cattle ranching, agriculture, local festivals, Plaza Artigas, meat processing, provincial markets, colonial buildings
Young serves as an important regional agricultural centre for Río Negro Department.

Why Visit Young, Uruguay? #

Located in Río Negro Department, Young is a practical stop for travelers exploring Uruguay’s rural interior and gaucho culture. The town plaza and weekly artisan fairs showcase local leatherwork and ceramics, and mate-drinking rituals play out in cafes and family gatherings. Beef-driven cuisine, including classic asado, is central to social life, while nearby cattle ranches and quiet country roads invite scenic drives and encounters with traditional hospitality.

Best Things to Do in Young, Uruguay

Young, Uruguay Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Plaza Artigas (Plaza central) - Relax at Plaza Artigas, the town's main square lined with trees and monuments.
  • Young Municipal Museum - Drop into Young Municipal Museum to see local history exhibits and archival photographs.
  • Iglesia Matriz de Young - Visit the main parish church to view its architecture and central role in town life.
Hidden Gems
  • Local estancia visits - Book a nearby estancia visit to experience gaucho traditions, horseback riding, and rural cuisine.
  • Weekly craft market - Attend the weekly craft market for local textiles, ceramics, and artisan foods.
  • Río Negro riverfront - Walk the Río Negro riverfront for peaceful views, fishing spots, and sunset scenes.
Day Trips
  • Fray Bentos - Take a drive to Fray Bentos for industrial heritage museums and riverside promenade.
  • Paysandú - Visit Paysandú for larger markets, historic plazas, and regional ferry connections across the Uruguay River.

Best Time to Visit Young, Uruguay #

Young is best in spring and autumn when temperatures are mild and days are pleasant for countryside drives and winery visits. Summers are warm and humid; winters are cool and quieter.

Summer
December - February · 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F)
Hot, humid days are common; rivers and pools fill up and nightlife livens, though occasional heatwaves make midday outdoor plans taxing.
Autumn
March - May · 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
Cooler, stable weather with beautiful light and fewer bugs - ideal for exploring gaucho culture, vineyards and countryside drives without summer crowds.
Winter
June - August · 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F)
Chilly nights and mild days; quieter towns, lower prices, and crisp air - expect occasional rain and frost inland on the coldest nights.

Best Time to Visit Young, Uruguay #

Climate

Young, Uruguay's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1239 mm/year), wettest in March.

Best Time to Visit
JanuaryDecemberFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 32°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
18° 30°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (149 mm).

80 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

149 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

79 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 24°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
11.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.8h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).

80 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.6h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
17° 30°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
14.1h daylight

How to Get to Young, Uruguay

Young is best reached by intercity bus or private car from Uruguay's larger cities; Montevideo is the main air gateway. Buses are frequent and are the straightforward public option for long-distance travel.

By Air

Carrasco/Montevideo (MVD): Montevideo’s Carrasco International is Uruguay’s main international airport; Young is a several-hour drive northwest (around 4-5 hours by road). From Montevideo you can take intercity bus services to Young (see coach paragraph) or rent a car for the drive.

Paysandú / Salto (regional airports): Regional airports at Paysandú and Salto handle limited domestic flights and private charters; these are closer to Young but services are intermittent. If flying regionally you’ll typically continue by road to Young.

By Train & Bus

Train: Uruguay’s national passenger rail service is very limited and does not provide frequent commuter links to small inland towns like Young.

Bus / Coach: Intercity buses are the main public transport to Young. Several companies run scheduled services from Montevideo and other departmental capitals; travel times vary (Montevideo-Young around 4-6 hours) and fares depend on company and class-book via bus terminals or operator websites.

How to Get Around Young, Uruguay #

Young is a small Uruguayan city where the centre is easily walkable and local streets are bike‑friendly. Intercity buses connect Young to larger towns and Montevideo; taxis and remises serve local trips. Local bus fares depend on route length; for most visitors, walking and short taxi rides cover what you need. If you plan to explore the department, consider renting a car for greater flexibility.

Where to Stay in Young, Uruguay #

Budget
Town centre - $20-45/night (USD estimate)
Young is a modest departmental capital with simple inns and small hotels. Budget rooms are basic but clean; online availability can be limited outside peak season.
Mid-Range
Central district - $50-100/night
Mid-range hotels offer comfortable rooms and on-site dining; options are few so advance booking is wise, especially during local festivals and agricultural events.
Luxury
No local luxury - Montevideo or estancia stays for premium options ($150+/night)
No true luxury hotels in Young. For upscale amenities, travelers should base in larger Uruguayan cities or look for premium estancia stays in the countryside.

Where to Eat in Young, Uruguay #

Nightlife in Young, Uruguay #

Evening options are limited but pleasant: cafes, parrillas (steakhouses) and a few bars host locals and families. There are not many late‑night clubs - the social life tends to be relaxed and community centred.

Shopping in Young, Uruguay #

Shopping focuses on everyday goods: supermarkets, butcheries, bakeries and locally owned shops along the main commercial street. Occasional artisan stalls and small markets sell regional produce; for brand stores and malls you’d head to larger Uruguayan cities.

Nearby Cities #