Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, though winters are mild and summers can be intensely hot and sticky.
Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, but spring and autumn bring occasional heavy downpours that can catch pedestrians off guard, making a compact umbrella a constant companion.
Summer temperatures regularly soar above 30°C with high humidity, while winter rarely drops below 8°C, though the damp cold feels more penetrating than the thermometer suggests.
The Pampero wind—a sudden, cold southwesterly blast—can drop temperatures by 10°C in minutes, particularly in spring and summer, turning a warm afternoon into a chilly evening without warning.
Porteños dress with European flair and take appearance seriously, so functional weatherproof clothing that looks polished rather than overtly technical will help you blend in on the streets of Palermo and Recoleta.