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Argentina 's vast territory and variations in terrain from coast to mountain means that there is a large variation in climate depending on where you go in the country.
Most people arrive in Buenos Aires and around the capital as well as in the Northeast the climate is more or less sub-tropical. Humid throughout the year the region is characterised by abundant plant growth and high temperatures. The Pampas enjoys a climate more continental in character. Warm summers (Oct-Mar) combined with cold winters are ideal for agriculture and cattle rearing.
The high plateau of the Andes to the west and north is less hospitable. At an average elevation of over 4,000m, vegetation is sparse and, although the climate is hot through summer days the temperature at night consistently drops well below freezing. In winter the region is snow-covered and bitterly cold. Patagonia further south is similarly a rocky land, characterised by a huge diurnal change in temperature and frequent high winds throughout the year.
Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of the continent endures a sub-arctic climate. Permafrost in higher areas and glaciers produce a bleak but fascinating landscape. Temperatures are always low, averaging a little higher than 10 degrees centigrade in summer and permanently below freezing in winter.
Peak periods for visitors vary by region, Buenos Aires with its year-round warmth could comfortably be visited at any time, but is probably best seen in the shoulder months, October-November and February-March when the temperatures aren't at their peak. If you're heading for the beaches only the peak months of December-February are really hot enough. In the interior Patagonia and the Andes are at their most hospitable in the December-February period, although even then the temperature can drop below freezing at night.
Feel comfortable smoking in almost any public place. In some bars there is a division between smokers and non-smokers, but these norms are not socially nor legally respected.
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Chat to your hosts. They adore speaking with foreigners about soccer, family and just about anything else. They also love to hear foreign accents speaking Spanish, a source of seemingly endless amusement.
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Do not take regular taxis in the street. Call to ask for a "radio taxi" or to a "remise". There are plenty of these companies in Buenos Aires. In the provinces, you can trust a little bit more in common cabs.
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Do not ask for help or for directions to anyone in the street . You can be "betrayed" by your accent in Spanish or just by speaking English and thieves can identify you as a possible victim.
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Don't buy or use drugs in Argentina. Penalties for doing so are extremely harsh and may involve imprisonment. Failing that you will certainly be deported and banned from re-entering the country.
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Don't be over-formal when greeting. People generally kiss one cheek (even between men) or they shake hands if there is a business relation between both persons or if there is a big age difference between them. Women are almost always kissed on one cheek.
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