What to do in Buenos Aires in mayo

In January locals flee to the Atlantic coast, so you'll wander Palermo and San Telmo without the high-season queues.

On February weekends the neighborhood corsos erupt with murgas — drums, sequins and foam from dusk onward, all free.

Lollapalooza Argentina takes over the San Isidro racetrack in mid-March with 100-plus acts across five stages.

The International Book Fair opens at La Rural in late April — three weeks with hundreds of authors and publishers from across the Spanish-speaking world.

June is genuine low season: you'll tour the MALBA and Bellas Artes museums almost queue-free and at softer prices.

The Exposición Rural agricultural fair fills La Rural in mid-July with thousands of prize animals, gaucho riding and the country's finest beef.

The Tango BA Festival and World Championship makes August the global capital of the 2x4 — a dance contest, milongas and free classes citywide.

The Buenos Aires International Marathon draws 15,000-plus runners one September Sunday, past the Obelisco, the Bombonera and Puerto Madero.

October is one of the best months to visit: highs of 22°C/72°F, clear skies and the first jacarandas turning the avenues violet.

The city's nearly 19,000 jacarandas hit peak violet in November, especially along Figueroa Alcorta, 9 de Julio and the Rosedal.

December opens the southern summer: highs rise to 28°C/82°F and life shifts to open-air parrillas and the riverside at night.