Frost and cold in the Uruguayan winter
Although Uruguay rarely sees snow except in exceptional episodes, winter (June to August) is cold and damp, with frequent frost in the interior.
What frost is
Frost occurs when the temperature near the ground drops below 0 °C and ice forms. It is more intense on clear, calm nights, and far more common in the interior (Salto, Tacuarembó, Melo) than on the coast.
Why it matters
- Farming: it affects crops, citrus and pastures, which are key to production.
- Roads: frost can make routes slippery at dawn.
- Health: damp cold and the use of heaters raise the risk of respiratory problems and carbon-monoxide poisoning.
What to do
On frost nights, protect sensitive plants, ventilate rooms with heaters and drive carefully at dawn. Check the overnight-low forecast for your area: the gap between coast and interior is large.