The Iguazu Falls are beyond epic. They are indescribable. Nowhere else can you feel such a formidable, unyielding force of nature in such a magnificently beautiful setting. Iguazu Falls are not just a sight, they are an experience. Read on to learn about the best time of year and the best time of day to visit Iguazu Falls.
Luckily the Falls are not too far from the Equator, which means the region has a tropical climate and is accessible all year-round. For this reason, there is never really a bad time to visit in terms of the weather, and even though the temperature does fluctuate a little bit throughout the year, it rarely drops below 50 °F. What really determines the best time to visit the falls depends on what you want to get out of your experience, and much of this hinges on whether you visit in the wet season or the dry season.
The rainy season, from December to March, sees higher temperatures, a lot of humidity, and high water levels, making the falls noisier, stronger, and generally more impressive with a greater volume of water. On the downside, high water levels might make the Isla de San Martín, which is an island located in the river, inaccessible. The island spans the three levels that form the falls, and can only be reached in small boats unless the river is below the minimum level. You may also find that heavy rain and thunderstorms have closed some of the trails and activities.
Of course, the rainy season could just mean cloudy skies. December to March is incredibly hot and uncomfortably humid, with temperatures around 85 – 90°F most days.
However, this is the best time to go if you want to get into the falls and get wet. Taking a wild boat ride right under the veil of the cascades is a thrilling and exhilarating experience, which will truly give you a sense of the power of the falls.
From April through to October, blue skies prevail, making for the best photo opportunities, the weather is much milder and the humidity will be far more bearable. However, during this time the dwindling water flow might detract from the magnificence of the falls. If the levels get too low, the falls may lose some of their mystique and majestic nature.
Iguazu Falls In Misiones Province, Argentina
Visiting the Argentinean side of the falls is all about getting up close and personal with the cascades so visiting when they are in full flow is a great way to experience them. Generally, people agree that the shoulder months of March, April, and September are the best time to visit Iguazu Falls as the water levels are still reasonably high and it isn’t too hot. However, it is important to remember that this is a tropical destination and it can rain any time of the day or year.
Many Brazilians and Argentineans take a vacation during the months of January and February which means the falls will be more crowded. This busy season also means you should expect to pay full and higher rates. The Easter holiday represents another high season with many locals making their way to Iguazu Falls for their holiday celebration. If you want to skip the crowds then you should avoid traveling during this time.
The Devil’s Throat, or Garganta del Diablo in Spanish, is the heart of Iguazu Falls. About half of the mighty river’s flow tumbles down the sheer walls of the plateau here, plunging 260 feet to the bottom of the narrow canyon with a deafening noise. One of the things you will need to decide before starting your day is whether you want to visit the Devil’s Throat early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Heading straight to Devil’s Throat first thing in the morning will allow you to experience this dramatic part of the falls with the least amount of crowds. The drawback is the sun is rising from the resilient side, which means you will be looking directly into the sun as you look out over Devil’s Throat. Therefore, the best time of day for viewing of this part of the falls and taking photographs is in the late part of the afternoon.
Iguazu River Spreads Widely Among The Dense Tropical Forest, Devil’s Throat, Brazil
The best time to explore the upper and lower trails is during the earlier part of the morning. The sun, which rises on the Brazilian side, lights up the falls, making for some great photos. However, it is these trails that give you access to the boats, and you may prefer to get wet in the latter part of the day.
Finally, if you time your visit to coincide with the full moon, you can take a moonlight tour of the Falls.
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