Elizabeth_S

I should clarify that it is now almost 35C in Toronto with 41% humidity - and I'm thinking - yikes, is this the entire month of February in BsAs?

We tend not to use AC - in fact just turned ours on for only the 3rd time in 24 years - but certainly the heat is dampening activity - such as walking, shopping, etc - which would be the cornerstone of our month there. The apartment I'm considering has AC but I don't want to spend time indoors just because it's too hot.

Any comments appreciated.

MarnieWDC

We are not air conditioner people either, but we are more frequent users than you are: it's nearly 100 degrees F here (WDC) today and YES that air conditioner is running. So I do not put myself forward as typical - I generally love the summertime, heat included. My husband and I have relished spending January, February and part of March in Argentina for several years. Not all days are very hot, and I think in several years there may have been a couple of days that kept us from staying out to explore part of the day. And the air cooled museums are great on such days.

However, if you tend to avoid being outside on warm days, and to wilt in the hot ones, you might not love those months in BsAs. Remember, there are lots of return tourists to BsAs and Arg. during the Astral Summer. Check the weather history for those months; perhaps that will provide a better idea of the actual number of days that are typically very hot.

And do not plan to come to WDC in August !

~MarnieWDC

avrooster

I again move Marnie be named Chief DE for this forum!

Elizabeth_S

Thanks Marnie - yesterday I looked at the day by day historical information for this past February - and it looked pretty grim. High temps and humidity the entire month. Perhaps it was atypical so I'll see if I can go further back on that website.

condu

I enjoyed the warmth of BA during the months of January/February. So much so that I am am returning for 6 weeks
January/February/March 2012!

Whenever, I feel too hot, I just think of winter back home...

yestravel

First, I have not spent nearly the amt of time that Marnie has spent in BA. Second I'm not a fan of very hot weather. I esp do not like sightseeing when the temps are high. As u stated it "dampens" activities outdoors. For that reason we have avoided BA in February. Our first trip to BA was in December and we thought it very hot then. We loved BA and wanted to return so the next trip we went in November thinking we would have cooler weather and hit what we were told was the hottest November in 50 years. This year we were there in late March and with the exception of a couple days it was nice weather. I think if you don't enjoy being out and about in very hot weather, I would think twice about BA in February. BA is a wonderful city and I love it, just not when the temps soar.

And skip DC in July too! I'm dying here!

Elizabeth_S

Maybe I'm overreacting - we did spend February in Galapagos a few years ago without air conditioning and survived high heat and humidity. Our trip will begin with 2 weeks in Brazil in January then the 4 weeks in BsAs, followed by 3 weeks elsewhere in Argentina. Perhaps we should split our 4 weeks into two in BsAs and 2 in a beach town? Any suggestions? We would want to be near the beach and not in a huge high rise.

yestravel

I don't think u r overreacting! For us BA was no fun in the high heat and humidity and coming from DC I'm used to hot and humid. Can't help out with beaches, but have u thought about the ARG Lake District? We really liked that area. I don't know if any areas are still having problems with the ash from the volcano eruption, but it would be a nice place to go with its several nice towns and beautiful scenery.

Elizabeth_S

Thanks yestravel - we plan to visit the Lake District in March, after staying in BsAs (plus Mendoza, Salta and Iguazu).

Lots to consider as the clock ticks on my planning.

avrooster

Well, how about going to our South in Feb. and to BA in March, when it's not so warm?

Elizabeth_S

avr - looking at that possibility now - we've been to the far south/Patagonia before --- how is February in the Lake District/Mendoza/Salta? Thanks for your help!

avrooster

In the Lake District, it's wonderful, but it could be quite warm in Mendoza and Salta.

Elizabeth_S

Perhaps we could spend 2 weeks or so in the Lake District in a rental - we really don't want to travel for 6 weeks non stop before arriving in BsAs.....we love staying in a place and getting to know it. Or as previously mentioned, perhaps a beach town.

gulliver433

You could split the Buenos Aires time with Punte del Este in Uruguay for some beach time too. I was in in Buenos Aires in February and didn't mind the heat, but I thought Uruguay was wonderful to visit too and you have time to see both and they're just a short boat ride apart.

boudecca

Agree with gulliver433. Take the fast ferry to Uruguay, rent a car and travel up the coast. Punta del Este, Jose Ignacio, Punta del Diablo. Wonderful safe country with lots of beautiful scenery and beaches. Four weeks is way too long for BA.

MarnieWDC

That's a matter of opinion, of course.

We have returned to BsAs every year after our first 2 week visit - and added a week or so each year. Now we are up to 10 weeks for 2012 - and we cannot wait to get back to BsAs. So, again, it's a matter of choice.

I would never drive, as you did, boudecca, in Buenos Aires, so I walked and took buses and fell in love with the city. We take a wonderful side-trip each year (where we do drive) - and every time we are delighted to return to our apt. in Buenos Aires.

So, I would suggest time in the Argentina Lakes District as you suggest, Elizabeth, followed by time in Buenos Aires (with short side-trips such as Tigre Delta or Colonia Uruguay)for the last days or weeks of February.

Let us know what you decide - and then how you fare. Best,
~Marnie

Elizabeth_S

Thanks all for your opinions. I appreciate all of them.

My original posting didn't contain all of the important information it should have - we travel for 10 weeks during the northern winter; with 3 weeks traveling around first (in this case Brazil) 4 weeks in one location in a rental apartment (BsAs); and then 3 weeks traveling before returning home late March (in this case elsewhere in Argentina).

The 4 week period in an apartment allows us to settle in and get to know a place, and average down our costs (no rental car/+ eating at home) It also allows us to do a bit of work and welcome guests.

I am now reconciled to the potential heat in February in BsAs (as I sit in my house in 33C weather with high humidity without the AC on - by choice). We have 2 godchildren who will come to stay with us on separate occasions and we'll have a great time - no matter how hot it is!

More postings to follow with more questions - thanks again!

MarnieWDC

Sounds like a wonderful life-style, Elizabeth. Just one additional thought : do not eat ALL of your meals in while you are in Buenos Aires !

~Marnie

Elizabeth_S

Marnie - no fear of that! Restaurant recos welcomed!

boudecca

Try Casa Saltshaker. Interesting experience.

http://www.casasaltshaker.com/