Things to Do in Uruguay in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Uruguay
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter shoulder season means 30-40% lower accommodation rates compared to December-February peak, with most coastal properties offering midweek discounts and last-minute deals through late June
- Thermal hot springs season is at its absolute best - the 38-42°C (100-108°F) natural pools in Salto and Paysandú feel incredible when morning temps hover around 6-8°C (43-46°F), and you'll actually have the facilities mostly to yourself on weekdays
- Wine harvest celebrations happen throughout Canelones and Colonia departments - working bodegas open their doors for tastings, barrel sampling of the 2026 vintage, and asados that showcase tannat paired with slow-roasted lamb, typically running 1,200-2,500 pesos per person
- Whale watching from the southeastern coast peaks in July as southern right whales migrate through - sightings from shore at Punta del Este, La Paloma, and Cabo Polonio happen 4-5 days per week in calm conditions, no boat required
Considerations
- Beach activities are essentially off the table - Atlantic water temps drop to 12-14°C (54-57°F), winds along the coast average 25-35 km/h (16-22 mph), and most beach clubs and waterfront restaurants in Punta del Este close until September
- Daylight is genuinely short with sunset around 5:45pm, which compresses your sightseeing window and means outdoor activities need to start by 2pm if you want decent light for photography or comfortable temperatures for walking
- Montevideo can feel surprisingly empty as locals who can afford it head to thermal resorts or across the border to Brazil - this means some neighborhood restaurants operate on reduced schedules or close entirely for winter maintenance
Best Activities in July
Colonia del Sacramento Old Town Walking Tours
July is actually ideal for exploring this UNESCO site because summer crowds are gone and the cobblestone streets are walkable without the 32°C (90°F) heat. Morning fog rolling off the Río de la Plata creates atmospheric conditions for photography around the lighthouse and Portuguese ruins. The cooler weather means you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours wandering without needing constant café breaks. Most guided walking tours run 10am-1pm when temperatures reach their daily peak of 12-15°C (54-59°F).
Termas Hot Springs Circuit
Winter is THE season for Uruguay's thermal belt along the Río Uruguay. Natural springs in Salto, Paysandú, and Guaviyú maintain 38-42°C (100-108°F) year-round, but the experience of soaking in outdoor pools when air temperature is 6°C (43°F) at sunrise is what makes July special. Weekday visits mean you'll share facilities with maybe 20-30 people instead of summer's 200-300. Most complexes offer day passes with multiple pools at varying temperatures plus mud therapy areas.
Montevideo Market and Food Walking Routes
July brings winter comfort food to Mercado del Puerto and Mercado Agrícola - this is when you'll find the best chivito sandwiches, cazuela stews, and tortas fritas that locals actually eat. The 12-16°C (54-61°F) temperatures make walking between Ciudad Vieja, Mercado del Puerto, and the port area comfortable for 2-3 hours. Sunday mornings at Tristán Narvaja street market are less crowded than summer, and vendors are more willing to chat and offer samples. The indoor market halls provide natural shelter if those 10 rainy days hit.
Estancia Day Visits with Winter Activities
Working cattle ranches in the interior open for day visits year-round, but July offers something summer doesn't - you'll see actual gaucho work like cattle herding for winter feeding, sheep shearing in preparation for spring lambing, and mate drinking around outdoor fires. The cooler weather means horseback rides of 1-2 hours are comfortable without the insects and heat that plague December-February. Most estancias serve traditional asado lunches in enclosed quincho pavilions with wood-burning fires.
Cabo Polonio Coastal Wildlife Watching
July is peak season for southern right whale sightings from shore, with whales passing within 200-400 m (650-1,300 ft) of the coast 4-5 days per week in calm conditions. The resident sea lion colony of 200-300 animals is most active in winter, hauling out on rocks throughout the day. Without summer's crowds, you can walk the dunes and lighthouse area with maybe 30-40 other visitors instead of 300-400. The lack of electricity makes the star visibility exceptional on clear nights, though you'll need serious cold-weather gear for evening viewing.
Wine Harvest Experiences in Canelones
Late June through July is harvest time for Uruguay's signature tannat grapes, and about 15-20 bodegas in Canelones department offer harvest participation experiences. You're looking at actual grape picking in the morning when temps are 8-10°C (46-50°F), followed by cellar tours where you can taste must from the 2026 vintage before fermentation completes. The cooler weather makes the 2-3 hours of outdoor vineyard work manageable, and most experiences include traditional asado lunch with current vintage wines.
July Events & Festivals
Fiesta de la Vendimia Wine Harvest Festivals
Multiple wine harvest celebrations happen throughout Canelones department in July as bodegas complete their tannat harvest. These aren't formal festivals with set dates but rather open-house weekends where individual wineries host tastings, cellar tours, and asados. Each bodega sets its own schedule, typically running Saturday-Sunday events from 11am-5pm. You're looking at barrel tastings of the just-pressed 2026 vintage, traditional Uruguayan folk music, and the chance to stomp grapes if you're willing to brave the cold must.
Día de la Independencia
August 25th is the actual independence day, but July 18th marks the Jura de la Constitución with some civic ceremonies in Montevideo, particularly around Plaza Independencia. This is a relatively low-key national holiday compared to August 25th - you'll see some flag displays and the occasional neighborhood gathering, but it won't significantly impact your travel plans. Some government offices and banks close, but restaurants and tourist sites remain open.