The Best Time to Visit Paraguay

Introduction

When I first moved to Paraguay, I had no idea how much the seasons would impact daily life, let alone travel. The weather here can be extreme—scorching summers, mild winters, and in-between seasons that can be perfect for exploring (depending on the daily weather forecast). Little did I know, the best time to visit Paraguay is a fine art that needs to be nuanced.

After spending multiple years living in Paraguay, I’ve learned that choosing the right time to visit or live in Paraguay can make or break your experience in the country.

So, when is the best time to visit Paraguay if you are visiting for the first time? The answer depends on what you want to do during your time here. In this guide, I’ll share my firsthand experience with Paraguay’s seasons, the top things to do in each, and the best times to visit depending on your travel goals.

Understanding Paraguay’s Seasons: When is the Best Time to Visit Paraguay?

Paraguay’s weather is one of the biggest factors that will shape your visit. Unlike many other countries, it doesn’t have four distinct seasons in the traditional sense. Instead, there are two main ones: a hot, humid summer and a mild, dry winter.

Here’s what you can expect throughout the year:

• Summer (December–March): This is the hottest time of year, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F) consistently, and I mean often for weeks on end, if not months. If you love hot, humid weather and want to enjoy Paraguay’s lakes, rivers, and beach towns, this might be the best time for you. But be prepared—the heat can be intense, especially in main cities like Asunción and Ciudad del Este.
• Fall (March–May): The heat starts to ease, and the weather becomes more comfortable for sightseeing and activities. This is a great time for exploring the countryside, visiting Jesuit ruins, or taking day trips to places like Areguá and San Bernardino. However beware, as most of the fall months are also still quite hot, and can easily be between 25-35 degree Celsius, with some humidity.
• Winter (June–August): While “winter” in Paraguay doesn’t mean snow, temperatures can drop to around 10°C (50°F) in the evenings, especially in the south. The weather is dry, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking in Cerro Corá National Park or exploring border city Ciudad del Este without the summer humidity.
• Spring (September–November): In Spring, you can expect the weather to be warm but not overwhelming. The countryside turns green, and it’s a great time for road trips and visiting Paraguay’s national parks (and local parks inside the city). If you’re looking for a mix of good weather and fewer crowds, this is a good time to visit Paraguay. Usually in September and October, it starts to get hotter, as August is still fairly cold compared to these months.

Each season has extensive pros and cons, and depending on what you’re looking for, one might be better suited for your trip than another. I’ve experienced them all, and I’ll share my insights on what each season offers in the next sections.

You can read more on the general pros and cons of living in Paraguay as an expat here.

For me, the constant heat and humidity of Paraguay summers (and often springs and falls as well) is too much. Having grown up in Canada, its not a heat I enjoy or can stand for long periods of time. Since this time period is also the holiday break, many expats leave the country and go home or continue to travel elsewhere.

Major Events and Holidays in Paraguay

One of the best ways to experience Paraguay as a local is by timing your visit with a local festival or holiday. Paraguayans love to celebrate, and whether it’s a patriotic holiday, a religious event, or a lively festival, the Paraguayans are always ready to party and share their proud culture and history with visitors.

Here are some of the biggest events and holidays to expect throughout the year:

Summer & Early Fall Events (December–April)

Carnaval (February/March, varies by year) – While Paraguay’s Carnaval isn’t as famous as Brazil’s, it’s still a fun event that takes place in various cities across the country. Encarnación hosts the largest celebration in the country, with colorful parades, costumes, and live music. If you visit Paraguay in February, this is a must-see event! Or, hop over for a quick flight to Brazil to experience the real Carnaval in its home country.

Looking to book a hotel for your stay in Paraguay? Find some of my top recommendations below.

Día de los Héroes (March 1st) – A national holiday honoring Paraguay’s fallen heroes, especially Marshal Francisco Solano López. You’ll see parades, ceremonies, and patriotic displays, particularly in the downtown center (Catedral area) of Asunción.

Semana Santa (Holy Week, March/April) – Paraguay has strong Catholic traditions, and Holy Week is widely observed. Cities like Asunción and smaller towns hold religious events, and it’s also a time when many Paraguayans travel to the countryside.

One tradition to try? Chipa, a cheesy bread that’s baked in large batches during this week, however you can quite easily find chipa on any street corner throughout the year as well.

Winter & Early Spring Events (May–September)

San Juan Festival (June 24th) – This festival blends Catholic and indigenous traditions, with games, fire-jumping, and traditional Paraguayan food like mbeju and sopa paraguaya. You’ll find celebrations across the country, from Asunción to rural towns.

I highly recommend trying all the local Paraguayan cuisines at these festivals (most are full of starch and aren’t healthy, but they are delicious). Cheesy mbeju is my favourite.

Late Spring & Summer Events (October–December)

Día de la Virgen de Caacupé (December 8th) – This is Paraguay’s biggest religious pilgrimage. Thousands of Paraguayans walk to the town of Caacupé to honor the Virgin Mary. Even if you’re not religious, witnessing the devotion and energy of this event is an unforgettable experience.

Christmas & New Year (December 24th–January 1st) – A big day to spend with family in Paraguay. Paraguayans celebrate with fireworks, family feasts, and midnight celebrations – except to see lots of fireworks at midnight throughout the city.

If you’re in Asunción, expect the city to be quiet as many people leave for the countryside. And note that most businesses are closed the 25^th (and sometimes on the 24^th). Plan your groceries accordingly!

Top Things to Do in Asunción

If you’re planning your trip and wondering about the best time to visit Paraguay, you’ll also want to know what to do once you’re here—especially in the capital city, Asunción.

As someone who lives in Paraguay, I can say that Asunción is a city that surprises many of its visitors. While it’s not as internationally famous as Buenos Aires or Rio, it has a charm of its own, blending colonial history, modern life, and a laid-back atmosphere.

It’s a small country and a small city, but what I love about it is the ease of getting around (its not a super walkable city, but you can easily Uber or Bolt anywhere in a few minutes), and how green the city is. There are trees everywhere and its lovely.

If you are planning to have a quick trip in Paraguay for only a few days, be sure to view this full guide on the top activities and adventures you don’t want to miss in and near Asuncion during your visit.

Here are some of the best things to do in Asunción when you visit:

Explore the Historic Downtown

Palacio de los López – This stunning presidential palace is one of Asunción’s most iconic buildings. While you can’t go inside, it’s a great place for photos, especially at night when it’s lit up.

I highly recommend trying the restaurant café across the street, Casa Clari. It’s without a doubt my favourite food in the city, with the best views.

Casa de la Independencia – This small museum is where Paraguay declared its independence in 1811. If you love history, this is a must-visit spot to learn more about Paraguay’s past.

Ñu Guazu Park– Head nearby to Luque and stroll the nature of Asuncion. Located in the heart of the city and along one of the main highways between Asuncion and Luque, you will find Ñu Guazu Park.

This park is a lovely park for a 10 minute or 3 hour walk, as there is lots of different areas and trails to walk. There are also parks for kids and football fields with bleachers to catch a game. Read more on my full experience in Ñu Guazu park.

Stroll Along the Costanera de Asunción

The Costanera is one of my favorite places in the city, especially at sunset. This riverside walkway offers stunning views of the Paraguay River and the skyline. You’ll see people jogging, biking, and enjoying tereré (Paraguay’s famous iced yerba mate drink, that you will find literally attached to the hip of all Paraguayans).

Here are some of the top tours I recommend when visiting Asuncion for the first time.

If you’re visiting during the hot months (which is most of the year in Paraguay), this is a great spot to catch a breeze and watch the sunset over the river. The sunsets are beautiful here, so I recommend to visit just before sunset to catch the sun going down.

However, don’t wander too much in this area, especially at night, as it isn’t always the safest area. The Chacarita sums are nearby. Read more here on the slums and the best and worst areas to stay in Asuncion.

You Must Try The Local Foods in Paraguay

Mouth Watering Asado – Paraguayans love their barbecue, and one of the best things to do in Asunción is eat at a parrilla (steakhouse). Paraguay is one of the world’s top exporters of beef, which means that the beef here is always delicious and high quality. When the locals cook an asado, they BBQ the meat for hours, which makes it mouth-watering and tender. A must try in Paraguay.

Drink Tereré – If you see people carrying thermoses and drinking from metal straws, they’re enjoying tereré. This is a local drink that is cold and refreshing, and is an essential part of daily life here. I personally don’t love the taste too much, as it has a harsh taste, but the locals love it, so its worth a try.

Mercado 4 – If you love markets, Mercado 4 is an exciting (and chaotic) place to explore. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and handmade crafts to local street food like empanadas and mbeju here. It’s a great place to visit if you are wanting cheap clothes or fruits and veggies – and they have everything in between at shops throughout the market.

Explore the Nature of The Chaco

The Chaco of Paraguay, located in the northwest of the country, is a little inhabited countryside where many of the local beef is produced. While the heat gets rather unbearable in the summer months (so most of the year in Paraguay), it is a region of the country you will hear many locals speak of.

If you have a few extra days or weeks in Paraguay and want to speak it doing something most tourists (and even many locals) haven’t, visiting the Chaco is what you need to do.

This vast, sparsely populated land is known for its wild landscapes, unique wildlife, and remote Mennonite communities. Driving through theTranschaco Highway, you quickly realize how untouched and expansive this region is—just miles of open land, scattered palm trees, and the occasional capybara or rhea crossing the road.

One of the highlights of visiting the Chaco is exploring Defensores del Chaco National Park, home to jaguars, anteaters, and a variety of bird species. If you’re into history, a visit to Filadelfia and the surrounding Mennonite towns offers insight into a completely different side of Paraguay, with German-speaking communities, local dairy farms, and museums showcasing the area’s history.

The Chaco isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s hot, remote, and requires planning—but for those who love off-the-beaten-path travel and raw nature, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion: When is the Best Time to Visit Paraguay?

Choosing the best time to visit Paraguay depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you enjoy warm weather and lively festivals, the summer months (December–March) are perfect for beach days in Encarnación and Carnaval celebrations.

If you prefer a more comfortable climate for sightseeing and outdoor adventures, visit in the cooler months of May–September, when temperatures are mild and events like Independence Day call for plenty of festivities across the country.

No matter when you visit, Paraguay offers a mix of history, nature, and interesting local traditions that make it a unique destination for travellers. The country of Paraguay is still quite untouched by outsider tourism, making it the perfect country to explore off the beaten path activities and festivities.

If you are looking for some of the best day trips from Asuncion, here is your ultimate guide on must-see day trips from the capital.

Read More Of Living in Paraguay: The Best Time to Visit Paraguay

• Food Prices in Paraguay and What To Expect Grocery Shopping
• What is the Currency of Paraguay and What’s It Worth? Here’s the full breakdown
• Ready to Rent an Apartment in Paraguay? Here’s My Mistakes Of Apartment Renting
• Living in Paraguay? Is it really worth it?
• Full Guide to the Ins and Outs of Getting Residency in Paraguay
• My 16-Hour Sleeper Bus Experience from Brazil to Paraguay

FAQ: The Best Time to Visit Paraguay?

1. What is the best time of year to visit Paraguay for good weather?

The best weather is typically from May to September, during Paraguay’s winter. Temperatures are cooler, rainfall is lower, and it’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught in the 40+ degree heat of Paraguay’s summer.

2. When is the cheapest time to visit Paraguay?

If you’re looking to save money, visit during the shoulder seasons (March–May and September–November). Flights and accommodations tend to be cheaper, and there are fewer tourists.

3. When is the worst time to visit Paraguay?

The peak summer months (December–February) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often over 40°C (104°F). If you don’t handle heat well, it’s best to avoid these months unless you plan to stay in cooler areas like San Bernardino or Encarnación’s beaches (the only beaches in Paraguay).

4. What are the biggest events and holidays in Paraguay?

Some major events include:

• Carnaval (February–March) – Colorful parades and street parties.
• Semana Santa (March–April) – Religious processions and traditional foods.
• Independence Day (May 14–15) – Parades and fireworks.
• San Juan Festival (June) – Fire games and folklore.

5. What should I pack for a trip to Paraguay?

It depends on when you visit! If traveling in summer (December–March), pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Be ready for peak summer heat! For winter (May–September), bring a light jacket as mornings and evenings can be colder.