What Is the Climate in Bolivia? A Quick Guide to Seasons & Regions

Flamingos wading in a high-altitude Bolivian lagoon, typical of the dry climate in the Andean region — *Flamingo-tinged Horizons*

What is the climate in Bolivia? It’s a fair question, especially since the weather here isn’t exactly one-size-fits-all. You’d think being a landlocked South American country would make things simple – but Bolivia’s got everything from tropical heat to chilly mountain air, sometimes in the same day.

If you’re planning a trip or just curious how it all works, here’s the lowdown on Bolivia’s climate – by region, season & altitude.

So… What Is the Climate in Bolivia Like?

Right, let’s not beat around the bush – Bolivia has varied climate zones. That’s the polite way of saying the weather changes wildly depending on where you are. The main reason? Altitude. You can go from humid Amazonian lowlands to freezing high-altitude cities in a few hours.

In general, Bolivia’s climate is split into:

Tropical in the east (think Santa Cruz & the Amazon basin)
Temperate to cool in the valleys (like Cochabamba)
Cold & dry in the highlands (La Paz, Potosí, Uyuni)

Bolivia’s Climate by Region

Altiplano (Highlands)

Up here, you’re often over 3,500 metres above sea level. The air’s thin, the sun’s intense & the nights can be properly freezing.

Daytime: 10–15°C
Night: Often below 0°C, especially in June–July
Rainy season: November to March

The highlands are dry most of the year, but when it rains – roads get messy. If you’re heading to Salar de Uyuni, expect mirror-like reflections in rainy season & cracked salt crust in dry months. Don’t worry, both are still amazing as I was privileged enough to experience!

Yungas & Lowlands

This region is where the jungle starts. Towns like Rurrenabaque sit at much lower altitudes – and it shows in the weather.

Hot & humid: 25–35°C most of the year
Rainy season: Heavy rainfall Nov–Feb
Best time to visit: May–September (drier, still warm)

If you’re brave (or mildly unhinged), this is also where you’ll find Bolivia’s Death Road – full guide here: Death Road Bolivia: The Complete Travel Guide.

Valleys (Cochabamba Region)

A bit of a sweet spot. Warm days, cool nights, not too much rain. No wonder it’s nicknamed The City of Eternal Spring.

Typical temps: 18–25°C
Mild year-round: Great for those who hate extremes
Occasional rain: Mainly in summer months

Seasons in Bolivia

Bolivia’s seasons are pretty straightforward if you’re used to southern hemisphere logic:

Summer (Nov–Mar): Warm & wet – rainstorms can hit hard, especially in the tropics
Winter (May–Aug): Dry & cooler – great for travel, less mud, clear skies
Shoulder seasons (Apr & Sep–Oct): Mild transitions, usually decent weather

What is the climate in Bolivia in July?

In July, Bolivia’s highland regions like La Paz can be cold at night, often dropping below 0°C, with sunny but crisp days. The valleys stay mild & pleasant, while the lowlands, including areas like Santa Cruz, are warm with low humidity. It’s part of the dry season, so skies are usually clear across the country.

Packing Tips Based on Bolivia’s Climate

Highlands: Layers. Sun hat, thermals, sunscreen – all at once.
Jungle: Lightweight clothes, mozzie spray, raincoat if going Nov–Feb
Valleys: Spring gear – think light jumpers, comfy tees

And if you’re planning stops along the way, A Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Bolivia: The 12 Best Things to Do will help you narrow it down to the real highlights.

Quick Fact: Bolivia’s Climate Extremes

The highest capital city in the world? La Paz – sits at 3,640m, often feeling like winter in summer. The closest thing I can compare it to is when you’re on a ski holiday!
Santa Cruz, by contrast, gets sticky & sweltering – and can top 35°C (95F) in January.
The salt flats can go from sunburn weather in the day to freezing overnight. Pack for both.

If you’re also curious how Bolivia ended up with two capitals, I have you covered!

Two alpacas grazing in the Bolivian Andes dry and cold climate with snow-capped mountains in the background — *Alpaca My Bags for Views Like This (Don’t worry, this is a one off, I swear)*

Final Word: What Is the Climate in Bolivia?

So… what is the climate in Bolivia? In one word – diverse. From sweaty jungle treks to frosty mountain mornings, Bolivia doesn’t do boring weather. Planning ahead means checking altitudes as much as temperatures.

Want to know how climate ties into the bigger picture? Check out Is Bolivia a Poor Country? for more on how geography affects daily life here

Been to Bolivia in a weird weather month? Share your experience below – I love hearing how people handled sunburn & shivers in the same trip. Happy Travels!