Booking flights to South America can be tricky, but timing is everything if you want to save money. Here’s what you need to know:
- Book 2–8 months in advance for most trips. For peak times like Carnival or December holidays, plan ahead by 4–10 months.
- Cheapest months to fly: September, October, and February.
- Most expensive month: December, due to holiday and summer demand in South America.
- Shoulder seasons (April–May, October–November) offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Dry season (December–April): High demand for beaches means higher fares.
- Midweek flights (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) are often cheaper.
- Use flight alert tools like Dollar Flight Club to track deals and mistake fares.
Start tracking fares early, stay flexible with dates, and avoid last-minute bookings for the best prices.
When to Book Flights to South America
Book 2–8 Months Before Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to South America, the sweet spot for booking flights is usually 2–8 months before departure. This timeframe strikes a good balance between availability and competitive pricing. It’s especially effective during the shoulder seasons – mid-April through May and October through November – when demand is typically lower. However, if you’re traveling during the dry season (December to April), when beach destinations are in high demand, it’s smart to book earlier to secure better rates.
Booking within two months of your travel date could increase fares by 20–30%, while booking more than 11 months in advance might mean you miss out on price drops. Historical trends suggest that flight prices to South America are generally at their lowest between five weeks and 11 months before departure.
For peak travel times or major events, you may need to plan even further ahead, as detailed below.
Book 4–10 Months Ahead for Major Events
If you’re traveling to attend high-demand events like Rio’s Carnival in February, aim to book your flights 4–10 months in advance. Flying earlier in the month can also help you snag lower fares. Similarly, in Argentina, events such as the Gualeguaychú Carnival (running from December through April) may require booking as far as 12 months ahead to avoid steep price hikes.
The exact timing for advanced bookings can vary depending on the country and event, as explained in the next section.
Booking Windows by Country
While the general guideline of booking 2–8 months ahead applies broadly, each country has its own nuances when it comes to flight pricing trends:
- Brazil: For Rio de Janeiro, the 4–10 month window is ideal during Carnival or the high-demand season from December through April. During shoulder seasons, the standard 2–8 month window typically works well.
- Argentina: For low-season travel, such as September through November or mid-April through June, booking 3–4 months in advance often yields good deals. However, for peak periods or major events like the Gualeguaychú Carnival, planning up to 12 months ahead is a safer bet.
- Chile: Generally follows the 2–8 month booking pattern, but summer peaks (December through March) and holiday periods may require securing flights earlier than usual.
Cheapest Months to Fly to South America
September, October, and February Offer the Lowest Prices
If you’re looking to save on airfare to South America, September, October, and February are your best bets. These months strike a perfect balance between decent weather and lower travel demand, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Flying during these off-peak months can lead to big savings, especially when compared to pricier times like December. December fares tend to skyrocket due to a combination of U.S. holiday travel, South America’s summer vacation season, and major events like Carnival and the Christmas/New Year holidays. Understanding these pricing trends can help you plan smarter and save more.
Shoulder Season Travel: April–May and October–November
Shoulder seasons – mid-April to May and October to November – are another excellent time to visit South America. These periods offer a sweet spot: cheaper flights, fewer crowds, and comfortable weather. Plus, hotels are more available, giving you more options at better rates.
Take Brazil, for example. In Rio de Janeiro, April–May follows the Carnival rush and the hot summer months, while October–November comes just before the holiday frenzy. Similarly, in Argentina, the months from September to November and mid-April to June are considered low season. During these times, both flights and accommodations are significantly cheaper compared to the high-demand months of December through February. And the weather? It’s mild and enjoyable, so you can save money without sacrificing comfort.
Why December Is the Most Expensive Month
Flying to South America in December will hit your wallet the hardest. This is because it’s a perfect storm of high demand: Americans book trips for Christmas and New Year, South America’s summer holidays kick off (with schools out from mid-December to late February), and local travel peaks.
If December travel is unavoidable, planning ahead is key. Start tracking fares and setting price alerts 6 to 10 months in advance. Flexibility also helps – consider flying midweek, departing from alternative airports, or booking flights with layovers to ease the financial strain.
Peak Travel Seasons and Events
Carnival, Holidays, and Festival Dates
Carnival season, typically in February or early March, is a magnet for millions of travelers, especially in Rio de Janeiro, which sends airfare prices soaring. To snag reasonable prices, aim to book your tickets 4–10 months ahead. Argentina’s Gualeguaychú Carnival, running from December through April, demands even more advanced planning – flights and accommodations often need to be secured up to a year in advance. The holiday season in December, combining Christmas, New Year’s, and South America’s summer vacations, creates another surge in demand, making early planning essential. These price spikes are further compounded by seasonal weather trends.
How Weather Patterns Affect Flight Prices
South America’s weather cycles have a huge impact on airfare. The dry season, lasting from December to April, draws crowds to popular beach destinations like Brazil and Colombia, driving up ticket prices. This period often overlaps with major holidays and festivals, amplifying the demand. On the flip side, the wet season, from June to October, typically sees fewer travelers and lower fares. However, destinations like the Amazon or the Andes may experience heavy rains, which could affect travel plans. For a balance of good weather and moderate prices, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons – April to May or October to November. Keep an eye on forecasts in areas near the Caribbean, as hurricane season can lead to sudden price jumps.
How to Book During High-Demand Periods
Navigating peak travel times requires smart strategies. For major events like Carnival or the December holidays, start tracking prices 4–10 months in advance and set up price alerts to catch any dips. For especially popular events, like Gualeguaychú Carnival, you may need to plan even earlier.
Flexibility can also save you money. Flying just before or after peak periods can help you avoid the highest fares. For example, traveling in early February before Carnival begins or waiting until early March after it ends can make a big difference. Similarly, for December travel, consider departing in late November or returning in early January to dodge the priciest days. Booking midweek – on Tuesdays or Wednesdays – and opting for flights with layovers can also help cut costs.
Best Days and Times to Book Flights
Book on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
If you’re looking to save on flights, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are your best bet. These days tend to offer lower prices compared to the rest of the week. Why? Airlines often roll out sales early in the week, and with fewer leisure travelers searching mid-week, demand-driven price hikes are less common. By Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, you’ll often spot sale fares that might vanish by the weekend.
Airlines adjust prices frequently, but many of these changes happen overnight in the U.S., with updates appearing by mid-morning. For the best chances of snatching a deal, check fares late morning or afternoon on these days. Setting fare alerts and comparing prices for different dates and nearby airports can also help you spot genuinely lower fares instead of temporary spikes.
Monitor Prices 5 Weeks to 11 Months Out
When planning trips to South America, the ideal time to book is 5 weeks to 11 months before your departure. Many of the best deals surface months in advance. Start tracking fares as soon as you have a rough idea of your travel plans – ideally 8 to 11 months ahead. Once you’re within the 2- to 8-month window, be ready to jump on a price drop that’s noticeably below the recent average.
If you’re more than 8 months out, checking fares weekly should suffice. But as your trip gets closer – particularly within 3 to 4 months – step up your monitoring to several times a week. For peak travel times like the December holidays or Carnival, aim to book earlier in this window, as prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches. Tools like Google Flights or services like Dollar Flight Club can track fares for you, making it easier to catch fleeting deals without constantly checking manually. If your schedule is flexible, these strategies can even uncover last-minute discounts.
Last-Minute Deals in September and October
For travelers with flexibility, September and October are prime months to find last-minute deals to South America. Airlines often lower prices for unsold seats during these months, as demand tends to be softer. However, these deals are best suited for those who can adjust their travel dates or routes. If your plans are fixed, or you need nonstop flights to cities like Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, it’s wiser to stick to the earlier booking windows.
That said, once you’re 4 to 6 weeks from departure and prices remain high, waiting longer is unlikely to pay off – especially during busy seasons. At that point, it’s better to book the best option available, regardless of the day.
How Flight Alert Services Help You Save
How Flight Deal Alerts Work
Flight alert services are like having a personal assistant keeping an eye on airfare for you. These services track ticket prices and notify you when they drop significantly below the usual rates. All you need to do is set your preferences – your home airport and the South American destinations you’re dreaming of – and wait for the alerts to roll in. This way, you can book flights during the ideal 2–8 month window when prices are often at their lowest. It’s a simple yet effective way to save, and it’s one of the standout features of Dollar Flight Club.
Dollar Flight Club, in particular, scans flights from your chosen airports to South America and notifies you when there’s a major price drop. This even includes mistake fares – those rare airline pricing errors that can slash ticket costs by 70–90%. These deals don’t last long, sometimes disappearing within hours, so timely alerts can make all the difference.
Dollar Flight Club Features for South America
Dollar Flight Club goes beyond just sending you price alerts. You can select up to 10 “dream destinations” in South America, ensuring you get updates tailored to your travel goals. This is especially helpful if you’re planning trips around big events like Carnival or other regional celebrations.
Members also enjoy access to exclusive deals and discounts negotiated directly with airlines and travel companies – offers you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, the membership comes with over $1,000 in travel perks from top brands. Whether you’re booking economy or business class, the service ensures you’re covered, whether you’re looking to save or splurge a little on comfort for those long-haul flights.
Selecting the Right Membership Plan
Dollar Flight Club offers three membership options, tailored to different travel needs:
- Basic (free): Focused on domestic flights, economy deals, and 1–3 weekly alerts from a single departure airport.
- Premium ($69/year): Includes international flight deals (like South America), mistake fare alerts, coverage for up to 4 departure airports, and tracking for 10 dream destinations.
- Premium+ ($99/year): Adds business class alerts, SMS notifications, and priority support for those who need faster updates and added convenience.
If you’re planning one or two trips to South America each year, the Premium plan can easily pay for itself with the savings you’ll rack up. For frequent travelers, the Premium+ tier offers extra perks and quicker alerts, making it a solid choice for those who need to act fast on deals.
Conclusion
Snagging affordable flights to South America is all about timing and planning. Start tracking fares 6–8 months before your trip and aim to book 2–8 months in advance for the best deals. If you’re looking for the cheapest months to travel, focus on September, October, or February. For a balance of savings, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds, consider traveling during shoulder seasons like April–May or October–November.
Steer clear of December travel if possible – it’s consistently the priciest month of the year. Flexibility with your travel dates can save you hundreds, and for major events, booking early or just outside peak dates can help you avoid inflated prices. Midweek flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often come with lower fares, and checking nearby airports can uncover additional savings.
To simplify the process, tools like Dollar Flight Club can do the heavy lifting for you. These services monitor your chosen routes and send instant alerts when prices drop significantly – sometimes even catching rare mistake fares that vanish quickly. Instead of obsessively checking prices yourself, you’ll get timely notifications, making it easier to snag a deal.
FAQs
When is the best time to find cheap flights to South America?
The most budget-friendly months to book flights to South America are April, May, and September. These months typically fall outside the busy travel seasons, leading to lower demand and, in turn, cheaper airfare.
For extra savings, aim to book your tickets 2-3 months ahead of your trip. Steer clear of major holidays and local festivals, as these tend to push prices higher. Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can also open the door to some fantastic deals!
When is the best time to book flights for major events like Carnival in South America?
When planning to attend major events like Carnival, it’s smart to book your flights 3 to 6 months in advance. These celebrations draw huge crowds, which often leads to higher prices and fewer options as the event date approaches.
By booking early, you not only save on costs but also enjoy a wider selection of flights and accommodations during this busy time.
Why are flights cheaper on weekdays?
If you’re looking to save on airfare, consider flying on weekdays – especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays. These days typically see fewer travelers, so airlines often drop ticket prices to fill empty seats. If your schedule allows for flexible travel dates, this midweek lull can be a great chance to snag a better deal.
