When to go Bolivia ?

Climate Bolivia

Bolivia is located in the southern hemisphere, just below the Equator, and so the seasons are reversed compared to Europe: winter begins in June and summer in December. However, there are two main seasons: the dry season from April to October and the wet season from November to March. Moreover, the climate varies considerably according to the altitude and the regions. Roughly speaking, there are three main climatic zones: the Altiplano and the Andes (above 3,000 m), the temperate regions (from 1,500 m to 3,000 m) and the central plains (the Amazon and the Oriente). However, this does not constitute a headache to organize your trip, you can travel in Bolivia all year round. But, generally speaking, it rains almost everywhere from December to March, as well in Amazonia as on the Altiplano. From April to October, the sky is mostly blue, but it is cooler.

Altiplano

The Altiplano includes La Paz, the Salar de Uyuni, the South Lípez, Lake Titicaca and the Andes. Located between 3,000 m and 6,540 m above sea level, it has a cool and dry climate. During the day the sun warms the visitor and the thermometer can reach more than 20 °C, but temperatures drop drastically after dark, often below 0 °C. The higher the altitude, the lower the temperatures. Strong cold winds blow regularly, so it is essential to bring appropriate clothing. The summer (December to March) has heavier rainfall, making road travel difficult at times. It is preferable to visit this region during the dry season (from May to the end of November)

The region of La Paz and Lake Titicaca is more protected, especially because of the influence of the lake which moderates the climate. In general, temperatures are milder and precipitation moderate in winter, but snowfalls are always possible! Thus it is not uncommon to see the banks of Lake Titicaca frozen in the early morning.

In the Salar of Uyuni and in the South Lípez, the days are often sunny, but there is a polar night (sometimes up to -20°C in the South Lípez). From April to November the rains are rare, but from January to the end of March, the trips to the Salar are made in extreme conditions: a layer of water covers the Salar and not only is it difficult to avoid possible holes, but the salt and water also damage the vehicles considerably. The excursions are therefore more limited.

In the Andes Mountains, temperatures are colder due to the altitude and snow is frequent. It is important to note that the village of Sajama, the starting point for hiking in the Sajama National Park, is located at an altitude of 4,800 meters. Moreover, the departure time of the ascents is often in the middle of the night, so an adequate equipment is necessary!

Think of the altitude sickness (sorojche)! At altitude, oxygen is scarcer and therefore feeds the blood less, which coagulates and thickens... It is therefore necessary to avoid sudden movements or efforts, and above all not to panic if the heart beats faster than usual. Coca mate, chewing coca leaves and coca sweets (especially those from the Museo de la Coca in La Paz) are effective. Little by little, you will get used to the altitude... Don't forget that the sun is very strong! Even if you are not hot, your face burns (up to the second degree) will remind you. Protect yourself accordingly: sun cream is a must and remember to bring lip balm.

Central regions

The temperate valleys, located between 3,000 m and 1,500 m above sea level, have a pleasant dry climate with relatively mild winters and hot summers. It is more similar to a Mediterranean climate. Sucre, located at an altitude of 2,800 m, enjoys a spring climate almost all year round. These regions are pleasant to visit all year round, but one should be wary of the precipitations in winter which can make certain displacements perilous.

The Amazon and the Oriente

This climatic zone includes tropical regions where temperatures can rise to 40°C in summer. Santa Cruz de la Sierra has a drier climate, with occasional strong winds blowing dust in the streets (and on its inhabitants!). Some winds coming from the south, the Surazos, sometimes blow in winter and bring the thermometer down for a few days. The Chaco region, halfway between the Oriente and the Amazon, offers a climate that is half tropical and half arid. The Yungas region, on the eastern side of the Cordillera, also has an intermediate climate. Rains can be abundant and the heat is often present, with a certain mugginess. The Bolivian Amazon (Beni, Pando and even the Pantanal) has a wetter climate than the plains and the trade winds blowing over the Amazon basin bring heavy, but mostly sporadic rainfall, creating regular flooding. The best time to visit the Amazon is from May to the end of August, the driest and least hot period.