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Home / Destinations / Montevideo

Montevideo

Uruguay · Coast · UYU · -34.901100, -56.164500
Family friendly 7/10 · Rank 786 of 2 709
Best season: December-March (warm weather)

Best for

For all types of travellers: history, city life, beaches and Uruguayan cuisine.

Best season

December-March (warm weather)

Daily budget
$152.00 (≈ 12 756 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 064.00 (≈ 89 291 ₽)
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay, spread along the coast of the Río de la Plata. The city charms with its atmosphere of tranquility and elegance, blending the colonial architecture of the Old City with modern skyscrapers. It is home to the famous Mercado del Puerto, where the best asado in the country is served, and the pedestrian street "18 de Julio" is the main commercial artery of the capital.
Summer
29.0°C
Winter
8.0°C
Sea
23.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Hospitable, friendly, loving mate and football.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history and culture
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Beautiful waterfront
  • Delicious cuisine
  • Active nightlife

Cons

  • High cost
  • Traffic jams
  • Water pollution on some beaches
  • Pickpocketing
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
22.8°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
28.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
29.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
10.8°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
15.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
8.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
22.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
23.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
year-round, peak in autumn
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Pocitos Beach, Ramirez Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Main dangers are pickpocketing in tourist areas and rip currents. Lifeguards on beaches.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found on rocky bottoms in Montevideo coastal waters. Protective footwear is recommended when swimming.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Deep-sea coral reefs, including Desmophyllum pertusum, have been discovered off the Montevideo coast at a depth of 300 metres. One of the largest reef complexes covers 1.3 km². They do not pose a danger to swimmers.

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish occasionally appear along the coast, usually harmless

Sharks — details

  • Sharks, including Mustelus schmitti (narrownose smooth-hound), hammerhead sharks and Carcharhinus obscurus, inhabit Montevideo waters. Attacks on humans are extremely rare.
Attractions

Ciudad Vieja

Historic centre with colonial architecture, Mercado del Puerto and Teatro Solís.

Rambla

Scenic 22 km waterfront promenade along the bay, ideal for walks and cycling.

Mercado del Puerto

Famous market with restaurants serving asado and local delicacies.

Playa Pocitos

Popular city beach with golden sand and a promenade.

Teatro Solís

Historic 19th-century theatre, one of the most beautiful in South America.

Best areas

Ciudad Vieja

Historic centre with colonial architecture and markets.

Pocitos

Residential area with beach, cafes and restaurants.

Punta Carretas

Area with a shopping mall, beach and parks.

Must-try food

Chivito

Uruguay's national dish — a sandwich with steak, ham, cheese, egg and vegetables, served with fries.

Asado

Uruguayan barbecue of beef, chicken and sausages grilled over charcoal.

Empanadas

Pastries with meat, chicken or cheese filling.

Milanesa

Breaded beef or chicken cutlet.

Mate

Traditional Uruguayan herbal drink, popular throughout the city.

Where to go next

Punta del Este

Resort town with beaches, ~140 km.

Colonia del Sacramento

Historic town, UNESCO site, ~180 km.

Minas

Town with natural attractions, ~120 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Карраско (MVD).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required for most countries (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-March (warm weather)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$95.00
≈ 7 972 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.20
≈ 101 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Montevideo: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-March (warm weather). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Montevideo: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +29.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Montevideo: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +8.0°C, during the day — up to +15.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Montevideo: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +23.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Montevideo: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on year-round, peak in autumn. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Montevideo: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Pocitos Beach, Ramirez Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Montevideo: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Montevideo: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Main dangers are pickpocketing in tourist areas and rip currents. Lifeguards on beaches.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Montevideo: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $152.00 (≈ 12 756 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Montevideo: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $25.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $95.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $150.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $100.00 per night, a villa — $180.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Montevideo: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $35.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Montevideo: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $35.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.20, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Montevideo: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Ciudad Vieja — Historic centre with colonial architecture, Mercado del Puerto and Teatro Solís.; Rambla — Scenic 22 km waterfront promenade along the bay, ideal for walks and cycling.; Mercado del Puerto — Famous market with restaurants serving asado and local delicacies.; Playa Pocitos — Popular city beach with golden sand and a promenade.; Teatro Solís — Historic 19th-century theatre, one of the most beautiful in South America.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Montevideo: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Chivito — Uruguay's national dish — a sandwich with steak, ham, cheese, egg and vegetables, served with fries.; Asado — Uruguayan barbecue of beef, chicken and sausages grilled over charcoal.; Empanadas — Pastries with meat, chicken or cheese filling.; Milanesa — Breaded beef or chicken cutlet.; Mate — Traditional Uruguayan herbal drink, popular throughout the city.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Montevideo: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Ciudad Vieja — Historic centre with colonial architecture and markets.; Pocitos — Residential area with beach, cafes and restaurants.; Punta Carretas — Area with a shopping mall, beach and parks.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Montevideo: is a visa required?
Visa: not required for most countries (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Montevideo: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Карраско (code MVD). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $35.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Montevideo: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — UYU. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $152.00 (≈ 12 756 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Montevideo: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Montevideo: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
Montevideo: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Punta del Este — Resort town with beaches, ~140 km.; Colonia del Sacramento — Historic town, UNESCO site, ~180 km.; Minas — Town with natural attractions, ~120 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7/10
Overall rank: 786 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 525