Iguazu Falls · Month comparison

August vs May

May ranks #1 overall vs August at #2. Shoulder month: pleasantly cool (23C/13C), 30% off summer hotel rates, river flow tapering but still strong.

August clear-weather panorama of Iguazu Falls from Brazilian side

August

#2 of 12 months

Best match

Driest month with stable clear weather — water at minimum but viewing conditions ideal.

  • Driest month of year — boardwalks consistently open
  • Dry low water reveals river bed and rapids upstream
May cooler-light Iguazu Falls Devil's Throat from above

May

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Shoulder month: pleasantly cool (23C/13C), 30% off summer hotel rates, river flow tapering but still strong.

  • Hotel Loi Suites Iguazu from USD 180 vs USD 280+ in January
  • Argentine Park Upper Trail cool enough for full-day walking
FactorAugustMay
Weather score
9
8
Value score
7
8
Crowd score
6
7
Events score
4
4
Atmosphere
8
8
Avg high temp25°C23°C
Monthly rain70mm110mm
Daily sunshine7hrs6hrs

August trade-offs

  • Falls noticeably less full than summer peaks
  • San Martin Island access via boat sometimes paused on low water
  • Smoke from agricultural burning in nearby fields can haze views

May trade-offs

  • Evenings can drop to 10C — bring layers
  • Some cataracts already visibly thinning vs Feb
  • Boat tours (Macuco) suspend on cold/cloudy days
Scores compare months within Iguazu Falls. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →