Much of the continent starts the new year basking in summer sun. Chilean and Argentine Patagonia are in their prime in January, with almost perfect “inbetween” days (not too hot; not too cold) and near-perfect hiking conditions. Whale watching from the Valdés Peninsula in Argentina is also still possible in early January. The Galápagos is also a dream at this time of year; we’re talking warm waters, active marine life and sea lions practicing their swimming skills. Colombia’s Caribbean coast is blissfully dry, making it a great time to combine Cartagena’s vibrant streets with the beaches of Tayrona, and the coffee region. Peru is hot and dry along the coast, making it a good time for Lima and its gastronomic delights, but it’s wet in the Andes.

Patagonia continues to shine for trekking before the chill of autumn sets in and Costa Rica is sunny and dry, perfect for jungle hikes and Pacific coast surfing. In Ecuador, the Amazon is lush and teeming with wildlife, and it’s a fantastic time to see the marine iguanas changing colours in Galápagos. February is also the month for celebrations, with Colombia’s Barranquilla Carnival, one of the biggest in Latin America, bursting into life and of course, the infamous Rio Carnival taking over the streets in Brazil.

March is the time for all things grape-related! Chile and Argentina kick off their harvest season in spectacular style, making it a great time for wine tastings and vineyard explorations. Patagonia is cooling down (which might be to your preference) and it’s still an excellent time for trekking. Over in the Galápagos, the sea turtles are hatching and the marine life is still in full swing, whilst Peru is starting to dry out after the rains—in fact, it’s one of the best times to visit the Sacred Valley before the peak season sets in. In Colombia, the Caribbean Coast is particularly beautiful and still basking in sunshine.

April is another excellent month to visit Peru, this time for Macchu Pichu: the rains have mostly stopped, the landscapes are juicy and beautiful, and the crowds haven’t yet arrived in full force. In Chile’s Atacama Desert, the wildflowers are blooming after the rains and whilst the landscape isn’t in its iconic dry state, it’s an incredible sight. In Ecuador, the jungle lodges in the cloud forests are stunning at this time of year, and there’s plenty of wildlife activity in the Amazon. Costa Rica’s dry season lingers, but the beaches are less busy.

Across the continent, May is a transitional month, and we promise, that’s a good thing! It’s ideal if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and there are some seriously good highlights to take advantage of. The Amazon starts drying out, making jungle treks much easier, and the Sacred Valley in Peru is green from the rains but drier and quieter than the summer months. Over in the Galápagos, whale sharks start appearing around Wolf and Darwin islands. In Colombia, Bogotá and Medellín enjoy clear skies, making it a great time for a city break or a spot of urban exploration. Argentina’s northwest (Salta and Jujuy) is stunning in autumn, with mild weather that lends itself to road trips and hiking.

Winter begins in Patagonia (and most of the lodges are closed) and the focus shifts to the north of Argentina and Chile. The Amazon is well into the swing of dry season and as the river levels drop, animals congregate at the water’s edge to drink. Have your cameras at the ready! The highlands of Peru and Ecuador are also in their dry season, making this one of the best months for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and enjoying the festivities of Inti Raymi (the Festival of the Sun), in Cusco in Peru. Costa Rica’s green season starts, bringing dramatic thunderstorms but also quieter trails and luscious landscapes.

This is the peak season for Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The Andes offer superb trekking conditions in particular, with crisp, clear days for Machu Picchu and Colombia’s Cocora Valley. Over in Galápagos, the islands are entering their cool, dry season, bringing excellent diving conditions. In Chile and Argentina, winter sports lovers flock for the opening of the ski resorts, but Patagonia is firmly in winter’s grip. In Costa Rica, you can watch the humpback whales along the Pacific Coast, but it can be a little wet (although they do say July is the month that sees a short respite from the rains…).

August is a prime month for wildlife encounters, from whales off the coast of Argentina’s Valdés Peninsula to giant tortoises in the Galápagos and all the thrills of the Amazon. Peru and Ecuador are balmy and warm and it’s a still great time for hiking and walking here, and in Chile, the Atacama Desert’s landscapes are at their most striking under cloudless skies. It’s also a good time to explore Colombia’s coffee region.

The dry season continues in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Spring begins to appear in Patagonia and whilst it’s still a little chilly, the fresh greenery and newborn wildlife make a visit very worthwhile. The wine regions in Argentina and Chile come alive again after winter, making for beautiful road trips amid the wildflowers, and in Galapagos, the diving is exceptional (but the water a little cooler so come prepared). Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is wet, but the Caribbean side is at its best, so this is the time for the beaches at Puerto Viejo.

October is one of the best months for visiting the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, and Argentina’s Lake District, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Spotting the baby guanacos in Patagonia is a particular highlight. The Amazon is in transition as the end of the dry season draws near but, although the water levels are lower, the wildlife is still superb – and that also means excellent hiking. In Costa Rica, it’s the best time to see turtles nesting along the Caribbean coast.

November is a little like May in South and Latin America. The conditions are balmy and dry and there’s fewer visitors around than in the peak season. Patagonia, Peru, and Ecuador are all fantastic and you may be able to take advantage of good deals before the peak season prices kick in. In Argentina’s Valdés Peninsula, the whale watching is fantastic and the warm season returns to the Galápagos, making snorkelling and diving spectacular. In Peru, it’s shoulder season, ideal for those wanting fewer crowds at Machu Picchu. In Costa Rica, the dry season shifts to the Pacific Coast.

Summer takes hold in Patagonia and it is peak hiking season in Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy, although the weather can sometimes be a little unpredictable. Beach lovers should head straight for Colombia’s Caribbean or Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, as both will be basking in brilliant sunshine. The Galápagos is also warm and full of life and in general the Christmas and New Year celebrations bring colour and festivities to the big cities across the continent.