Things to Do in Uruguay in August

August Weather in Uruguay

25°C (77°F) High Temp

6°C (42°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Winter whale watching season peaks - Southern right whales migrate to Uruguayan waters from July through October, with August offering the most consistent sightings from Peninsula Valdés and Punta del Este coastlines
Tango season intensifies - Indoor milongas reach their social peak during winter months, with authentic porteno dancers crossing from Buenos Aires for weekend events in Montevideo's Barrio Sur
Wine harvest celebrations - August marks the tail end of harvest season with bodega open houses in Canelones region offering fresh must tastings and vintage releases unavailable other times
Thermal resort season - Natural hot springs at Termas del Daymán and Termas de Almirón operate at full capacity with locals escaping winter, meaning better spa services and full facility access

Considerations

Beach activities severely limited - Ocean temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F), making swimming uncomfortable even for locals, and coastal winds can reach 40 km/h (25 mph)
Unpredictable daily temperature swings - Can start at 6°C (42°F) at sunrise and reach 25°C (77°F) by afternoon, requiring complex layering and frequent clothing changes
Rain disrupts outdoor plans frequently - Ten rainy days spread throughout the month with sudden afternoon showers lasting 2-3 hours, often forcing indoor alternatives

Best Activities in August

Colonia del Sacramento Historical Walking Tours

August's cooler temperatures make exploring the cobblestone UNESCO World Heritage quarter comfortable for extended periods. Morning fog often lifts by 10am, creating dramatic lighting for the colonial Portuguese architecture. Fewer cruise ship tourists mean better access to key viewpoints and restaurant reservations. Indoor museums provide perfect rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: Book guided walking tours 3-5 days ahead through certified historical guides. Tours typically cost $25-40 USD per person and last 2-3 hours. Look for operators offering indoor museum access as backup for weather. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Montevideo Tango Experiences

Winter is peak tango season when serious dancers fill traditional milongas. August evenings bring authentic atmosphere to venues like Joventango and El Milongón. Cooler weather makes indoor venues more comfortable, and many Buenos Aires dancers cross over for weekend events. Perfect time for lessons before evening social dancing.

Booking Tip: Tango lessons range $15-30 USD per class, with milonga entry typically $10-20 USD. Book lessons 1 week ahead, especially for weekend workshops with visiting Argentine masters. Many venues offer dinner-show packages $40-70 USD. Check current tango experiences in booking section below.

Peninsula Valdés Whale Watching

August is prime whale watching season with Southern right whales at peak numbers in coastal waters. Day trips from Punta del Este offer 85% sighting success rates. Cooler air temperatures make boat trips comfortable, and winter whale behavior is most active for breaching and surface play.

Booking Tip: Full-day whale watching tours cost $80-120 USD including transportation from Montevideo. Book 10-14 days ahead as boats have limited capacity and weather can cancel trips. Look for operators guaranteeing return trips if no whale sightings. Current whale watching tours available in booking section below.

Thermal Springs Resort Experiences

Winter is peak season for Uruguay's thermal resort towns like Termas del Daymán. Natural hot springs averaging 40°C (104°F) provide perfect contrast to cool August air. Spa facilities operate full schedules with hydrotherapy and wellness treatments. Many resorts offer day packages with meals included.

Booking Tip: Day passes range $20-40 USD with spa treatments adding $30-60 USD. Weekend packages often required - book 2-3 weeks ahead. Transportation from Montevideo typically costs $25-35 USD each way. Midweek visits offer better rates and smaller crowds. See thermal resort options in booking section below.

Canelones Wine Region Tours

Late harvest season brings special vineyard events and fresh wine tastings unavailable other times. August weather is ideal for vineyard walking without summer heat. Many bodegas offer harvest participation experiences and vintage release tastings. Indoor cellar tours provide weather backup options.

Booking Tip: Half-day wine tours range $45-75 USD including 3-4 vineyard visits and lunch. Private tours cost $100-150 USD for up to 4 people. Book harvest experience tours 1-2 weeks ahead as they depend on grape readiness. Transportation typically included from Montevideo. Current wine tours in booking section below.

Gaucho Ranch Cultural Experiences

August marks traditional gaucho winter activities including cattle management demonstrations and horseback riding in cooler conditions. Working estancias offer authentic cultural immersion with asado preparation and folk music. Indoor activities include leather working and mate ceremony education perfect for rainy days.

Booking Tip: Full-day estancia experiences cost $60-90 USD including meals and activities. Horseback riding suitable for beginners with winter clothing provided. Book 1 week ahead, especially for weekend visits. Many ranches offer overnight packages $120-180 USD per person. See current gaucho experiences in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August

Tango Agosto Festival

Month-long celebration of tango culture across Montevideo venues featuring Argentine guest performers and intensive workshop series. Evening milongas extend later into the night with special themed events and live orchestras.

Early August

Fiesta de la Candelaria

Religious festival in northern Uruguay combining Catholic traditions with gaucho culture. Features horseback processions, traditional folk music, and regional food specialties. Centered in Tacuarembó with satellite celebrations throughout rural areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof mid-layer jacket - August brings 51mm (2.0 inches) of rain over 10 days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 2-3 hours

Thermal base layers for morning temperatures dropping to 6°C (42°F) - cotton won't dry quickly in 70% humidity conditions

Comfortable waterproof walking boots - cobblestone streets in Colonia and Montevideo become slippery when wet

UV protection despite winter - UV index reaches 8 on clear days with strong reflection off water and white colonial buildings

Layering system for 19°C (34°F) daily temperature swings - zip-off sleeves and removable insulation work best

Wool or synthetic socks - avoid cotton as feet stay wet longer in humid conditions and leather shoes

Compact umbrella - sudden showers make large umbrellas cumbersome while exploring narrow historic streets

Evening layers for tango venues - indoor spaces can be warm while transitioning from cool outdoor temperatures

Polarized sunglasses for whale watching - winter sun reflects intensely off ocean surface during boat trips

Quick-dry pants for thermal springs - swimwear transitions between hot pools and cool air happen frequently

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat dinner later in August starting around 9-10pm to socialize indoors during longer winter evenings - many restaurants don't open until 8pm

Wednesday farmers markets in Montevideo offer better prices and selection as weekend tourists are fewer, plus vendors eager to clear inventory before weekend

Hotel rates drop significantly mid-week but weekend thermal resort packages often provide better per-night value including meals and spa credits

Most museums and indoor attractions extend hours during August to accommodate weather-driven visitors - call ahead for current schedules as websites often show summer hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for cold weather - afternoon temperatures can reach 25°C (77°F) leaving tourists overheated in heavy winter coats bought for morning temperatures

Assuming beach towns like Punta del Este are closed - many restaurants and attractions operate year-round with better service and local atmosphere during low season

Booking accommodations in beachfront areas - inland locations offer better access to winter activities like thermal springs and wine regions while avoiding coastal winds