Paraguay enjoys a subtropical to tropical climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters.
The Paraguay River divides this South American country into two regions: the Eastern Paraguay, known as the Paraneña, with subtropical climate, and the Western Paraguay, known as the Gran Chaco, with tropical climate bordering semi-arid.
While the Chaco covers 60 percent of the country’s total land area, the region is home to less than 2 percent of the Paraguayan population.
Seasonal Temperatures
Paraguay’s seasons are at opposite times to those in the northern hemisphere. During summer, October to March, the average temperature varies between 25 – 35ºC (about 77 – 95ºF). In winter, May to August, the temperature ranges from 10 – 20ºC (50 – 68ºF).
Climatically speaking, autumn and spring do not really exist. April and September can be considered transitional months in which temperatures are below the seasonal averages.
The weather in the capital city of Asunción is warm and humid throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of 24ºC (73ºF). January is the warmest month, averaging 29ºC (84ºF), while July is the coldest month with an average temperature of 18ºC (64ºF).
Despite the mild winter, the territory of Paraguay is exposed to the dry and cold pampero winds of the South Atlantic. On the other hand, during summer the climate is influenced by the warm humid sirocco blowing out of the northeast Amazon basin. The absence of natural barriers, such as mountains, creates the conditions for abrupt temperature changes.
Rainfall
Rainfall in Paraguay increases from northwest to southeast: Gran Chaco is the driest region, while the wettest region is that of the rainforest around the Paraguay River.
In the Paraneña region, rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The two periods of maximum precipitation are March through May and October to January. In the Chaco region, rainfall is concentrated during the summer months.
Temperature and rainfall chart – Asunción, Paraguay
When to Go
The best time to visit Paraguay is from late May to August, that is, during the southern hemisphere’s winter. This is the driest season in most of the country, and temperatures are usually mild or pleasantly warm.
