Things to Do in Uruguay in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Uruguay
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter means fewer tourists at major attractions like Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este - you'll actually get decent photos without crowds and restaurant reservations are easier to snag, especially mid-week
- Tango season hits its stride in August with milongas running nearly every night in Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja - locals take it seriously during winter months when outdoor activities wind down
- Wine tourism in Carmelo and Canelones is at its best with harvest season wrapping up - bodegas offer special tastings of the new vintage Tannat, and the cooler weather makes vineyard tours actually pleasant
- Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to January summer peak, particularly in coastal areas like Punta del Este and José Ignacio where you can access normally expensive properties at reasonable rates
Considerations
- Beach activities are essentially off the table - water temperatures drop to around 12°C (54°F) and most beach clubs and water sports operators in Punta del Este close until October
- That temperature swing from 6°C (42°F) mornings to 25°C (77°F) afternoons means you're constantly layering and unlayering - locals joke that you experience all four seasons in one day
- Some rural estancias and countryside accommodations operate on reduced schedules or close entirely during August, limiting your options if you're planning gaucho experiences outside Montevideo
Best Activities in August
Montevideo Walking Tours and Museum Circuit
August weather is actually ideal for exploring Montevideo on foot - mornings start crisp around 6-8°C (43-46°F) but by midday you're hitting comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F). The Ciudad Vieja, Museo del Carnaval, and Mercado del Puerto are all indoor-outdoor hybrid spaces where you can duck inside when those brief winter showers hit. The UV index of 8 means you still need sun protection during midday walks, which catches tourists off guard in winter. Locals fill the museums during August school holidays mid-month, but weekday mornings stay quiet.
Colonia del Sacramento Day Trips
The ferry ride across Río de la Plata is actually smoother in winter months with less choppy water than summer. Colonia's cobblestone streets and Portuguese colonial architecture photograph beautifully under August's softer light, and the cooler temperatures make the uphill walks to the lighthouse genuinely pleasant. The town gets a small bump in Argentine visitors during their winter school break mid-August, but nothing like the January crush. Worth noting that some waterfront restaurants operate shorter hours, closing by 8pm rather than staying open late.
Wine Region Tours in Canelones and Carmelo
Late harvest period means bodegas are finishing up their Tannat production and offering special new vintage tastings you won't get other times of year. The cooler August weather makes vineyard walks comfortable - summer heat can be brutal in these inland regions. Most wineries operate full schedules during winter unlike beach areas. The drive through Canelones takes about 45 minutes from Montevideo through rolling countryside that's green from winter rains, quite different from the brown summer landscape. Carmelo requires a longer 3-hour drive but combines wine tasting with riverside views of the Uruguay River.
Thermal Baths Circuit in Salto
This is actually peak season for Uruguay's northwestern thermal springs - locals flock to Termas del Arapey and Termas de Daymán specifically during winter months when soaking in 38-42°C (100-108°F) mineral water feels perfect against cold air. August weekends get busy with Argentine tourists crossing the border, but weekdays stay manageable. The facilities are proper spa complexes with multiple pools, not rustic natural springs. It's a 6-hour bus ride from Montevideo or 1-hour flight, so this works best as a 2-3 night add-on rather than a day trip.
Estancia Day Experiences Near Montevideo
Working cattle ranches within 90 minutes of Montevideo offer gaucho demonstrations, horseback riding, and traditional asado lunches. August weather is ideal for horseback riding - not too hot, and the winter rains keep the campos green and less dusty than summer. Some estancias reduce operations during winter, but the ones staying open cater specifically to this season with indoor fireplaces and heartier meal options. The experience gives you Uruguay's rural culture without committing to overnight stays in the countryside. Morning rides start around 10am when temperatures climb above 10°C (50°F).
Montevideo Tango Milongas and Classes
Winter is traditional tango season when locals fill the milongas that run nearly every night across Ciudad Vieja and Palermo neighborhoods. Unlike Buenos Aires tourist shows, Montevideo's tango scene stays more authentic with actual social dancing rather than performances. August specifically sees more activity because people stay indoors during colder evenings. Classes for beginners run 500-800 pesos for 90-minute sessions, and milonga entry costs 300-500 pesos. The scene starts late - milongas don't fill until 11pm or midnight, running until 3-4am on weekends.
August Events & Festivals
Noche de las Luces
Montevideo's winter light festival transforms Ciudad Vieja and the Rambla waterfront with projection mapping, light installations, and nighttime performances. The event capitalizes on longer winter nights and typically draws 50,000+ locals over the weekend. Free to attend with installations concentrated around Plaza Independencia, Teatro Solís, and the port area. Dress warmly as temperatures drop to 6-8°C (43-46°F) after sunset.
Feria de Libros Infantiles y Juveniles
Uruguay's children's book fair takes over the Palacio Municipal in Montevideo with author readings, workshops, and book sales. While aimed at families, it offers insight into Uruguayan literature and publishing if you read Spanish. The indoor venue provides a solid rainy day backup plan. Entry typically costs 150-250 pesos with many free activities.