Bolivia's Autumn: A Seasonal Guide To The Country's Charms

The best time to visit Bolivia is during the dry season, from May to October, especially if you plan on engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking. During the dry season, days are generally shorter, but when the sun is out, it shines brightly and trails are easy to navigate. However, it's important to note that the weather in Bolivia varies by region, with three main regions influencing the climate: the Altiplano (highlands) in the west, the central highlands in the south-central region beyond the Andes, and the tropical lowlands in the east, including the Amazon Basin.

Weather in La Paz and Lake Titicaca

The weather in La Paz and Lake Titicaca varies depending on the time of year. La Paz, located in a deep gorge in the Altiplano, experiences a dry season from May to October, which is considered the best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking. During this time, days are generally shorter, but the sun shines brightly and trails are easy to navigate. The dry season is also characterised by pleasant daytime temperatures, less rain, and clearer skies, though it can be cold, especially at night.

In contrast, the rainy season in La Paz lasts from December to March, with frequent rainfall and warmer temperatures. While this can make outdoor activities more challenging, it transforms the dusty landscape into a lush, green environment, with wildflowers blooming on the mountain slopes.

Lake Titicaca, nestled high in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia, has a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. The lake's weather varies throughout the year, with distinct changes in temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours. The warmest months are typically from September to December, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 18.8°C, while the cooler months are from May to August, with temperatures dropping to as low as -7°C.

The best time to visit Lake Titicaca is generally considered to be between September and November, when temperatures are mild, rainfall is minimal, and there are ample daylight hours for exploration and outdoor activities. In contrast, the worst time to visit is during the rainy season from January to March, when heavy rainfall and colder temperatures create less-than-ideal conditions for most activities.

It is worth noting that La Paz and Lake Titicaca have different weather patterns due to their distinct locations and altitudes. La Paz, being further inland, experiences a more pronounced dry season and colder nights during the winter months. Lake Titicaca, on the other hand, is influenced by its proximity to the Andes and experiences a more moderate climate with less extreme temperature variations.

Visiting the Amazon

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, spanning nine countries in South America, including Bolivia. The Bolivian Amazon is a budget-friendly option for exploring the rainforest, offering cheaper and less crowded tours compared to the Brazilian Amazon. Here's everything you need to know for an amazing Amazon experience in Bolivia:

When to Go

The dry season, from May to October, is considered the best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon. During this period, you'll find more wildlife attracted to the rivers and fewer mosquitoes. However, it's important to manage your expectations as it can still be hot and humid, with mosquitoes and occasional rain showers.

Getting There

The town of Rurrenabaque is the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon. You can either take a short but expensive flight from La Paz or opt for a longer and more affordable bus ride. The flight to Rurrenabaque takes around 40 minutes, while the bus ride can range from 12 to 18 hours.

Choosing a Tour

There are two main ways to experience the Bolivian Amazon: the Madidi National Park ("The Jungle") and the Pampas.

Madidi National Park (The Jungle)

The Bolivian Amazon Jungle offers a true jungle experience. You'll be immersed in a humid environment with mosquitoes, tarantulas, frogs, butterflies, snakes, and the constant sound of howler monkeys. It is challenging to spot wildlife due to the dense forest, but trekking through the jungle is an experience in itself.

Pampas

The Pampas provides a more relaxing experience compared to the jungle. It is a wetland savannah on the edge of the Amazon basin, making it easier to spot wildlife. You can expect to see a variety of animals, including pink dolphins, squirrel monkeys, caymans, alligators, capybaras, and turtles.

Tour Operators

When choosing a tour company, spend time researching and reading reviews. Emphasize eco-tourism, wildlife protection, and ethical practices. Avoid companies that allow feeding or touching wild animals.

Reputable companies include Mashaquipe Eco Tours, Bala Tours, Madidi Travel, and Dolphin Travel. These companies offer more expensive but higher-quality experiences.

What to Pack

• Mosquito repellent
• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved tops for the evenings
• T-shirts/vests for the day
• Swimwear (if you plan to swim with dolphins)
• Head torch
• Sunscreen
• Cash for beers and other expenses

The rainy season

Despite the challenges posed by the wet weather, the rainy season in Bolivia has its own unique beauty. The valleys shine with greenery and wildflowers, and travellers can enjoy swimming, rafting, and kayaking in the crystal-clear rivers. It is also a great time to witness the famous Uyuni salt flats, which become flooded and create a mirror effect that is a popular spectacle for visitors. The rainy season is also a cultural highlight in Bolivia, with Christmas and New Year celebrations, as well as the Alasitas festival in La Paz and Carnaval in February.

Overall, the rainy season in Bolivia offers a mix of challenges and opportunities for visitors. While transportation and outdoor activities may be impacted by the heavy rainfall, it is a great time to experience the country's cultural festivals and the natural beauty of the landscapes.

The dry season

While the dry season is a great time to visit the country, it's important to note that the weather varies across different regions of Bolivia. The highlands, for example, will be cold during this period, and temperatures can drop below -15°C (5°F) at altitude. In the Bolivian Andes, which has a semi-tropical climate, you'll experience variations in temperature depending on whether you're at 1000 or 3,500 metres above sea level. The dry season in the lowlands, on the other hand, is warm and less humid, with a lower chance of torrential rain. However, there's still the possibility of surazos, polar winds that can drop temperatures below freezing for several days.

August, Bolivia's Independence Day month, is the busiest of the year, so expect higher prices and heavy demand for hotels and tourist services. If you're looking for a quieter and slightly warmer experience, September is a great month to visit the Amazon and the cities of the lowlands. The dry season is also an excellent time to visit the hot and humid lowlands, as temperatures are generally slightly lower, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Spring in Bolivia

In Bolivia, spring falls between September and November. This is a "shoulder season", meaning that the dry winter season is coming to an end, and the wet summer season hasn't yet begun.

In spring, Bolivia sees an increase in rainfall and temperature. September has an average maximum temperature of 18°C (64°F) and 8 rainy days on average. By October, the average maximum temperature rises to 20°C (67°F) and there are 10 rainy days on average. In November, the temperature remains the same, but the number of rainy days increases to 13. The rain usually falls in the evening and at night, so mornings tend to be foggy, with drizzle during the day. The level of air humidity reaches 65%, so the weather feels colder than the temperature suggests.

In spring, the weather is warm and dry in areas like La Paz and Uyuni, with highs of 66°F/19°C and 67°F/19°C, respectively. However, the temperature can drop to lows of 19°F/-7°C in Uyuni at night. The Bolivian Amazon, on the other hand, experiences some rain showers due to its tropical climate. In Rurrenabaque, a town on the Beni River in the Bolivian Amazon, the temperature can reach highs of 97°F/36°C.

Spring is a great time to visit Bolivia if you want to avoid the rainy season, which can cause travel disruptions and make outdoor activities like hiking or cycling less enjoyable. In spring, travellers can visit popular destinations like the Uyuni Salt Flats under clear skies and warm temperatures. It's also a good time to explore Bolivia's historical ruins, such as Inca sites, natural landmarks, and colonial cities.

Frequently asked questions