Visiting Buenos Aires can be an incredible experience. The city offers a mix of Latin American culture with a European flair, fascinating history, delicious food, lively nightlife and beautiful architecture.
However, packing for a trip to Buenos Aires can be a daunting task. Particularly if you’ve never been there before. This guide will help demystify the process and ensure you have everything you need for your Argentine adventure. I spend months each year in Argentina. And this are the items I pack for Buenos Aires.
Packing for a trip to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires: A City Of Four Seasons
Buenos Aires is renowned for its diverse weather conditions. The city experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers. And it has relatively mild winters, by North American or European standards. The sweltering heat of the summer and the chilly winter temperatures, can be further intensified by the city’s high levels of humidity.
Additionally, the city’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rainstorms followed by extended periods of sunshine. As such, it is advisable to pack a versatile wardrobe that can accommodate sudden changes in weather. Here’s what you should pack for each season in Buenos Aires.
Travel tip: I also carry a mask. I use it if I need to go into a pharmacy, medical clinic, ride in a taxi or take the subway. I also wear it in photos, like the one below, because my girlfriend once told me it improves my face.
Spring In Buenos Aires (September – November)
Spring in Buenos Aires is arguably the best time to visit. With temperatures ranging between 14°C (57°F) and 22°C (72°F), the weather is warm, yet comfortable. The city is adorned with blooming jacaranda trees, painting the streets with their vibrant purple flowers.
Packing essentials for spring:
- Lightweight clothing
- A light jacket
- Sweater or sweatshirt for cooler evenings
- Raincoat or a portable umbrella for unexpected showers
- Comfortable closed-toed shoes
Summer In Buenos Aires (December – February)
The summers in Buenos Aires can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures peaking in January with averages between 17°C (63°F) and 28°C (83°F). But, I have seen the temperature go over 40°C (104°F) in the city. While the city is less crowded due to locals vacationing at the beach, it’s a great time to explore Buenos Aires and enjoy outdoor dining and music events.
Packing essentials for summer:
- Very light clothing for the hot days
- Sandals
- Raincoat or a portable umbrella for sudden downpours
- A sweatshirt and a long-sleeve shirt for cooler evenings
Summer travel tip: Be sure that the accommodation you book in Buenos Aires, is equipped with very good air-conditioning. You will need it.
Autumn In Buenos Aires (March – May)
Autumn is another fantastic time to visit Buenos Aires. Like spring, the temperatures are moderate and comfortable, with highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). The warm days and cool nights make it a wonderful time to explore the city.
Packing essentials for autumn:
- Light clothing
- A light jacket
- A sweater for cooler evenings
- A raincoat or a portable umbrella for unexpected showers
- Comfortable closed-toed shoes
Winter In Buenos Aires (June – August)
Winter in Buenos Aires is popular among travelers, particularly those from the Northern Hemisphere looking to escape the summer heat. The winters are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging around 15°C (59°F) during the day and dropping to around 7°C (47°F) at night.
Packing essentials for winter:
- A warm jacket
- Sweatshirt and sweaters
- Some light clothing for warmer days
- Closed-toed shoes or boots
- Gloves and a hat for particularly cold days
- A raincoat or umbrella for the rainy days
Fashion In Buenos Aires: Dressing Like A Local
Buenos Aires is one of the most fashionable cities in South America, with locals taking their style cues mostly from Europe. The city’s fashion leans towards classic styles in subdued solid hues, rather than bright colors or patterns. As a traveler, it can be beneficial to blend in with the locals to avoid standing out as a tourist.
Dress Code For Buenos Aires Argentina
When packing for Buenos Aires, keep in mind that Argentines tend to dress up more than people in other South American countries. In general, avoid packing items like baseball caps, loud sneakers, or safari-style travel vests, as these can make you stand out as a tourist. Instead, opt for classic and stylish pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Additionally, Argentina is not like other popular travel destinations, where you can easily buy what you forgot to pack. Imported goods are heavily taxed. Which means prices can be significantly higher than in North America, Asia or Europe. And taxes are the highest for electronic goods. Therefore, it’s crucial to pack everything you’ll need for your trip.
Pack Clothing You Can Layer When Visiting Buenos Aires
Due to the diverse weather conditions in Buenos Aires, the key to dressing appropriately lies in layering. During the summer and in humid areas, breathable materials like cotton and linen are ideal. In cooler areas or during the winter, it’s a good idea to have a light travel cardigan, a fleece sweater or an all-weather jacket on hand.
Layering allows you to adjust your outfit according to the temperature fluctuations throughout the day and night. And I will typically wear tees while carrying a leather jacket during the shoulder seasons. Yet, in winter, I will wear the leather jacket with a light hooded sweatshirt underneath.
Women’s Packing List For Buenos Aires
Women in Buenos Aires tend to dress stylishly yet modestly. While Argentina is a predominantly Catholic country, women do not typically dress conservatively. However, overly revealing outfits can draw unwanted attention. Aim for a classy yet comfortable wardrobe.
Essential items for women:
- A couple of pairs of slim-fit dark jeans or Garbadine trousers
- Comfortable jersey capris for warmer weather
- Leggings and a loose flared tunic top for comfort during travel
- Multiple cotton T-shirts or tank tops for layering
- A chiffon v-neck blouse for evenings out
- A solid color dress with pockets and a 3/4 sleeve flare faux wrap dress for formal occasions
- A light travel cardigan for cooler evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals with good traction for summer
- Waterproof hiking boots for outdoor activities
Solo female travel tip: Argentine men tend to fancy themselves as modern day casanovas. And they will often chase anything in a skirt. So, if you pack revealing clothing, be prepared to get hit on frequently.
Men’s Packing List For Buenos Aires
Men in Buenos Aires usually dress in a casual, yet smart manner. A pared-down wardrobe of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched is the way to go.
Essential items for men:
- A few cotton T-shirts and long-sleeve crew neck shirts
- A stylish travel hoodie with pockets
- A pair of black jeans
- Lightweight, wrinkle-free slacks
- A wrinkle-free lightweight sport coat for formal occasions
- A basic pullover or a sweater fleece shirt for colder weather
- Comfortable walking shoes (boots or Converse sneakers)
- Waterproof hiking shoes for outdoor activities
Essential Electronics And Accessories
When packing electronics for your Buenos Aires trip, remember to consider the type of activities you’ll be engaging in. If you plan on capturing professional-quality photos, a digital SLR camera would be ideal. However, if you’re mostly interested in documenting your trip casually, a GoPro or even your smartphone camera will suffice.
Remember to pack all necessary chargers and cables, as these can be very costly to replace in Argentina. If you plan on using your electronics frequently, a good power bank can be invaluable.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a plug adapter or converter to ensure your electronics will work with Argentina’s power outlets. I will typically also carry a small portable surge protector for my more expensive electronics.
Argentina’s standard voltage is 220 V (50 Hz). And the sockets are type I in Buenos Aires.
Travel tip: If you forget to pack a plug adapter, you can locate these in what’s called a ‘ferretería’. Which is like a local hardware store in Argentina. And no, they don’t sell ferrets.
Toiletries, Medications & Other Essentials
While most toiletries can be purchased in Argentina, there are certain products that may be hard to find or more expensive than in your home country (such as imported perfumes). One place to look for such items is via the Rappi mobile application (Argentina’s UberEats).
If you require any medications, make sure to bring enough for your entire trip. Because some medications may not be available in Argentina. Also, remember to bring a copy of your prescription for any medication that could be considered illegal.
Lastly, prepare for the intense Argentine sun by packing high-quality UV-protection sunglasses and sunscreen. The sunblock available in Argentina tends to be expensive and greasy. So bringing your own preferred brand of sunblock from home, can save you both money and discomfort.
Travel tip for men: If you use any particular brand of body wash or facial scrub and you want to use it on your vacation in Buenos Aires, bring it with you. Most places in the city only stock generic local brands. And facial scrub for men, is nearly impossible to find.
My Final Travel Recommendations For Buenos Aires
When packing for Buenos Aires, avoid bringing valuable jewelry or family heirlooms. A simple wedding band is more common for locals. And flashy jewelry can make you a target for pickpockets and thieves.
Also, remember to keep a copy of your passport, credit cards, travel insurance and other important documents in your cloud storage for easy access in case of loss or theft. I will typically leave my passport, physical credit cards and other documents in my accommodation. And I only carry a photo of my passport and my Wise debit card on my phone.
Lastly, cash is king in Argentina. You should familiarize yourself with the ‘dolar blue’ exchange rates and get the Western Union mobile application setup on your mobile phone, before traveling to Argentina.
With all these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to a well-prepared and memorable trip to Buenos Aires.
Safe travels!
Where Can I Get More Information About Buenos Aires?
If you’re planning to visit Buenos Aires on your next vacation, or you’re simply interested in Argentina in general, you should read my Buenos Aires City Guide.
My Complete Buenos Aires City Guide is updated regularly. And it seeks to answer all of your questions regarding Buenos Aires and Argentina in one place. Read my Complete Buenos Aires City Guide.
