Climate
The weather is mild all the year around. Temperatures range from 10-16oC in the southern hemisphere winter, while in the summer they hover in the mid-twenties. Wet and windy conditions outside high summer are not unheard of, and can make it feel very chilly. Rainfall is moderate and varies little over the year, apart from during July and August when there are prolonged wet periods.
Below are two graphs showing average 24-hour temperature and rainfall for Montevideo, Colonia, Punta del Este and London for comparison.
Average 24-hour Temperature (in oC)
Average Rainfall (in mm)
Festivals & Holidays
Carnival is the principal fiesta, and takes place the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. During this time Montevideo hosts displays of traditional Afro-Uruguayan dances, called candombe. Holy week coincides with La Semana Criolla, and festivities include barbecues, folk music and rodeo exhibitions by gaucho cowboys.
Currency
The local currency is the Uruguayan peso. Current exchange rates are available via Google currency conversion or the OANDA currency converter. It's not advisable to try to acquire Latin American currency before travelling, if a currency is available in high street banks or exchange outlets the exchange rate is usually very poor. You can change US dollar cash or travellers checks locally and obtain cash advances via ATMs in most towns and cities. We'd advise that you tell your bank you intend to use your card abroad before you set off.
Visas
British citizens can find up-to-date information on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Citizens of other countries should consult their embassy before travel.
Vaccinations
We recommend that you always check with your own travel clinic or health professional before you travel, for advice specific to your requirements. The NHS Fit For Travel website contains for up-to-date health advice and lists the common vaccinations for travellers to Uruguay.