Cheapest and Most Expensive Time to Visit Uruguay

The cheapest and most expensive times to visit Uruguay will vary based on seasons. Knowing when to go—and when not to—can help you save hundreds or ensure you get the experience you're really after.

Here’s a complete breakdown of Uruguay's seasonal travel costs, highlighting off-season, peak season, and shoulder season, and what to expect during each time of year.

Cheapest Time to Visit Uruguay

The cheapest time to visit Uruguay is during the winter months, especially from June through August. This is considered the off-season, with cooler weather and fewer tourists, particularly along the coast.

Popular beach towns like Punta del Este, La Paloma, and Piriápolis quiet down significantly, and hotel prices drop across the board. Inland cities like Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento also see fewer visitors, making it a peaceful and affordable time to explore the country’s cultural side.

Off Season Highlights:

• Lowest hotel and travel prices of the year
• Fewer crowds at historical and cultural sites
• Cozy stays in wine regions and countryside estancias
• Good time for exploring Montevideo without tourist traffic

Most Expensive Time to Visit Uruguay

The most expensive time to visit Uruguay is during the summer months, especially from late December through February. This is Uruguay’s peak travel season, when both locals and international tourists head to the beaches.

Rates for hotels, vacation rentals, and transportation spike, especially in beach destinations like Punta del Este. It’s also a popular time for events, beach festivals, and nightlife, so demand is high and availability is limited unless booked in advance.

Peak Season Highlights:

• Warmest weather and prime beach conditions
• Full calendar of events, music festivals, and nightlife
• Best time for coastal cities and resort towns
• Outdoor markets, beach clubs, and tourist services in full swing

Best Time to Visit Uruguay on a Budget

The best time to visit Uruguay if you're on a budget is going to be during the shoulder months, especially in October to early December and March to early April. These periods offer a perfect balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than the peak summer season.

You’ll still get warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies—ideal for both city trips and beach visits—without paying the high-season premiums. Traveling in shoulder season also helps you avoid the coldest parts of winter and the packed coastal towns of peak summer, ensuring your trip doesn’t get derailed by weather or cost.

Shoulder Season Highlights:

• Great weather without peak pricing
• Smaller crowds at beaches and major cities
• Better hotel availability at mid-range rates
• Ideal time to explore both culture and coastline affordably