The climate of Argentina varies greatly, as might be expected in a country with a length of nearly 2,300 miles from north to south. In the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fé, San Luis, Mendoza, parts of Cordoba, and parts of one or two adjoining provinces, the climate is temperate with mild winters and moderately hot summers, while in the north the climate is hot and moist. Towards the south the cold becomes more and more severe, and the winters last from May to the beginning of October. Snow frequently falls. In Buenos Aires the spring begins in September and lasts to mid-December, followed by summer, which extends into March. Autumn lasts till the end of May, and winter occupies the rest of the year. The following table will show that in the city of Buenos Aires itself the extremes are not rigorous:-- At 2 p.m. At 9 p.m. December 77·6 66·8 January 82·0 71·2 February 80·7 68·9 March 81·1 69·0 April 72·0 59·9 May 61·3 55·0 June 59·7 52·5 July 55·2 47·0 August 60·8 51·7 September 67·2 56·0 October 67·1 59·6 November 75·4 62·8 The annual rainfall is about 34 inches. But the above table gives only the average temperature. The thermometer in Buenos Aires often rises as high as 100, and in the early mornings of June and July sometimes touches freezing-point. In Mendoza, Cordoba, and Tucuman, and many other places, the mercury frequently falls below 32, while in Patagonia the cold of winter is intense. The following figures will give a rough idea of the general climate of the Republic:-- Mean Temperature. Maximum. Rainfall. Ushwiya (Fuegia) 42 81 120 inches Bahia Blanca 60 105 19 " Buenos Aires 64 100 34 " San Luis 61 103 24 " Rosario 63 101 40 " Mendoza 60 100 6 " San Juan 65 108 3 " Cordoba 61 111 26 " La Rioja 67 109 12 " Catamarca 69 109 10 " Santiago del Estero 70 113 19 " Tucuman 68 104 39 " Salta 63 109 23 "