The Summer of BsAs from a Nordic Point of View

(Weather this week)

Summer in Argentina started this week (21st December 2011) meaning the start of holidays; ice-cream; sunbathing and beaches! Having immersed myself in the culture and traditions of Buenos Aires from partying at La Bomba to relaxing in Bosques de Palermo with mate, to finding those hidden treasures in Buenos Aires, my first 2 months in Buenos Aires have been unforgettable.

The summer has an average temperature of 76°F (23°C) which is reasonable however, between January and February the temperature has been known to reach 110°F (40°C), though this is apparently and I hope, rare. The killer factor is the humidity which, during the summer varies between 75% and 90%!

One of the ‘highlights’ of Buenos Aires for any traveller has got to be the ‘Subte Experience’. You need to endure at least one journey on a hot day during rush hour. The carriages are crammed full to the point that a tin of sardines have more room to move! An insider’s tip is to make sure you get under the air conditioning between the two rows of seats, this is the less cramped area and it offers ‘’fresh’’ air. Another piece of advice, if you are not in a rush to get to downtown during rush hour (in Buenos Aires it begins at 8am and ends at 10am); it is probably best to wait for a less crowded time when using public transportation.
 

During the summer, there are few days of high humidity that are usually preceded by days of storms. If you see the sky getting dark on consecutive days, start preparing your raincoats because an umbrella won’t be enough for a day or two of non-stop rain.

1/ Ateneo 2/Tigre full day Tour 3/ Mar del Plata

To escape the Buenos Aires humidity between December and March by taking refuge in some of the best places Buenos Aires has to offer:

 • Museums fill the city but I would recommend visiting, the Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA) where you can easily spend a day admiring the largest collection of modern Latin American art in the region.

• Bookstores are not usually on traveller’s must see list; however, not all bookstores are like the Ateneo Grand Splendid. Sit and relax with a drink on the old theatre stage or sit in one of the old theatre booths and read a book in one of the most jaw-dropping and beautiful building in the world.

• Shopping and fashion are highly regarded in Buenos Aires with Abasto and Alto Palermo shopping centres housing many of the big brands. Enjoy the cool air conditioning in one of the shopping centres and grab a Freddo ice-cream whilst there.

• Buenos Aires Playa: As you can see also in our previous post from last summer in Buenos Aires, on the 8th of January, the government opens artificial beaches with free access for the general public, similar to the one in the main capitals of Europe.  For more info and how to find the beaches, click here.

Floralis Genérica / Recoleta

However, if you are brave enough to venture outdoors with more clothes than a bikini, you can visit Tigre and explore the magical waterways of the delta, you can also enjoy a day on a Tigre island and practice some kayaking or take a refreshing swim in the river. Stay away from the coastal region of Mar del Plata as it becomes overrun with Porteños on their holidays. However, if you are looking for a much needed coastal breeze, visit Puerto Madero and take a walk besides the docks and then enter the Ecological Reserve and walk towards the Rio de la Plata coast.

If you are not used to high temperatures and you get heat stroke, in any public or private hospital you will receive free assistance and if you need special exams, the prices will be relatively low. However, remember your sun cream, bring a hat and drink a lot of water if you want to enjoy exploring this beautiful city and to fall in love with it as much as we have!

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the month of December, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com.