7 Essential tips for visiting Mendoza in January

Are you thinking of traveling to Mendoza in January? Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Located in a beautiful wine-producing region, Mendoza offers a unique combination of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unparalleled wine and gastronomic experiences.

And to ensure a perfect experience, we’ve gathered the best tips to help you make the most of Mendoza during the month of January.

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Discover your trip to Mendoza in January

The average temperature in Mendoza in January is 25°C (77°F), making it the month with the highest temperatures and the most rainfall at this destination.

In January, it’s high season in Mendoza. As a result, accommodation and tour prices tend to be slightly higher.

Your suitcase for a trip to Mendoza in January should include light clothing, as temperatures tend to be quite high at this destination.

The weather in Mendoza during this month is ideal for outdoor activities, such as the Wine Bike Tour.

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1. Weather in Mendoza in January: Get ready for the heat!

Mendoza is a city in Argentina with a semi-arid climate, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains. In January, the city is at the height of summer, being a rainier month with quite high temperatures.

The Average temperature in Mendoza in January

January is usually the hottest month in Mendoza. The city’s average temperature is 25°C (77°F), with an average high of 33°C (91,4°F) and an average low of 18°C (64,4°F). The lower temperatures occur at night, sometimes dropping to 16°C (60,8°F) in some areas.

During January 2024, the city experienced quite high average temperatures, with some days reaching up to 39°C (102,2°F), while the lowest recorded temperature was 17°C (62,6°F). So, if you plan to visit Mendoza in January, be prepared for the high temperatures.

Precipitation in Mendoza in January

January is one of the months with the highest precipitation in Mendoza, making it one of the rainiest months. However, there’s no need to worry, as it’s a semi-arid region, and rainfall is minimal. Even in the rainiest month, the amount of rain is low.

Rain in the city usually doesn’t last long, so it’s unlikely to disrupt your trip. The average precipitation in Mendoza in January is 48.3 mm.

Daylight duration in January

In January, the days in Mendoza remain quite long, with an average of 14 hours of natural light. The sun rises around 6:30 a.m. and sets around 8:30 p.m.

Since the days are long, January is a great month for extended outdoor activities. You can plan longer tours or visit more than one place in the same day.

2. What to do in Mendoza in January: Unmissable excursions for the month

As a warmer month, January becomes perfect for water activities such as rafting and kayaking. Therefore, the San Rafael region is an ideal summer destination for water sports enthusiasts or even for those who just want to swim and cool off in the waters of Cañón del Atuel (Atuel Canyon).

Wineries are an essential stop on any itinerary. They represent the primary draw and offer one of the most exceptional experiences in Mendoza, available year-round.

Suggestions for activities to do in Mendoza in January:

• Visiting the wineries: Take advantage of January to visit the wineries when the vineyards are full of grapes.
• Wine tasting: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste great wines, whether at the wineries or during meals. Enjoy the hottest month of the year to sample wines with fresh and fruity notes, which pair perfectly with summer.
• Outdoor activities: Take advantage of the long summer days to engage in outdoor activities such as biking tours and visiting the Cañón del Atuel.
• Rafting on the Mendoza River: Have fun rafting down the Mendoza River and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the destination.
• Kayaking tour in Potrerillos: Explore the Potrerillos Dam and its stunning scenery on a kayak tour. Besides being fun, this is a perfect activity for the hotter days. Look for more tours in Mendoza.

Look for more tours in Mendoza.

3. Must-visit wineries in January

As we’ve already mentioned, the wineries are the main attractions of the destination. So, if you’re planning to visit Mendoza in January, check out our tips on perfect vineyards to visit during the summer.

• Susana Balbo Wines: One of our favorite wineries to visit during the warmer months, as it offers an outdoor picnic. Its restaurant features a summer menu perfectly tailored for hot days.
• Renacer: Excellent winery to visit in January, as it offers a guided tour with a picnic and a bike ride through the vineyards.
• Luigi Bosca: This winery offers a very interesting experience with wine tasting, a sensory tour of the oldest farm on the estate, and a delicious countryside lunch in the gardens.

4. Cuisine in Mendoza: Perfect restaurants to explore in January

Light and refreshing dishes go well with a good Malbec with fresh notes during the Mendoza summer. Therefore, make sure to sample the dishes that capture the spirit of summer if you enjoy sampling the greatest food available wherever you go.

Many reputable restaurants in Mendoza tailor their menus to the seasons, offering dishes crafted to complement the weather and featuring locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Our restaurant recommendations to visit in Mendoza in January:

• Osadia de Crear: This restaurant, part of Bodega Suzana Balbo, offers a special menu for each season. In the summer, get ready to enjoy light and refreshing dishes, perfect for the season.
• 1884 Restaurante: Considered one of the best restaurants in Mendoza, it offers an incredible menu with an elegant and cozy atmosphere. Located in a winery from 1884, it’s perfect for dinner, especially on warm, pleasant days, as it has outdoor seating where you can admire the beauty of the place and watch the chefs at work.
• Ramos Generales: Located in Luján de Cuyo, the restaurant at Bodega Kaikén serves dishes that match each season. Meals are enjoyed in a beautiful outdoor patio with a view of the vineyards.
• Gingger Cocktails Bar: If you’re looking for a relaxed place to have a few drinks, this bar is perfect. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, ideal for warmer days. Their drinks are simply amazing (we recommend trying the Aperol Spritz and Mojito), and in the afternoons, there are great happy hour promotions.

5. Hotels in Mendoza perfect for the high summer temperatures

There’s nothing better than a hotel with a pool to enjoy the summer, but on the hottest days, air conditioning is also very welcome, providing a more comfortable stay. Check out our hotel recommendations for staying in Mendoza in January below.

Tips for booking accommodation in Mendoza in January:

• January is the high season in Mendoza and coincides with school holidays in Argentina, so the city receives a large number of both domestic and international tourists. To secure good accommodation at a reasonable price, I recommend booking your hotel well in advance.
• Be cautious of scams, as the rate of fraud with accommodations booked outside of official platforms is quite high in Mendoza. Therefore, it’s better to use official platforms like Booking.com, Hoteis.com, or Airbnb for your reservations.
• Do not make any advance payments outside of the chosen platform, even if a property demands it.
• Read the reviews carefully and check the location before booking any accommodation.
• If you’re unsure where to stay in Mendoza, we recommend the city center, preferably hotels near the main squares or on Calle Aristides, a great area for nightlife.
• If you prefer the winery regions, the best choice is winery hotels, which offer a complete immersive experience in the wine capital with lots of comfort, safety, and beautiful landscapes. In Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, you’ll find excellent winery hotels.

6. What to bring to Mendoza in January

Packing for summer in Mendoza is quite simple. Pack light clothes and open-toed shoes, and make sure to use plenty of sunscreen. Below are some essential items for your January trip to Mendoza.

I recommend packing clothes that can be worn in temperatures ranging from 18°C (64,4°F) to over 33°C (91,4°F). Below are some essential items for your travel bag to Mendoza in January:

• Sunscreen: The sun exposure is quite high in January in Mendoza, so don’t forget to protect yourself.
• Light clothing: Pack plenty of lightweight summer clothes. Dresses made from breathable fabrics, tank tops, shorts, and skirts will be your best allies for creating summer looks.
• Moisturizers: Don’t forget facial, body, and lip moisturizers. In the heat, our bodies tend to lose more fluids, which can result in drier skin and lips. So, be sure to drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated.
• Cap/Hat: Protecting yourself from the sun is essential, so bring something to cover your head. Caps and hats, in addition to helping create great looks, will protect you well.
• Comfortable shoes: If you love sandals and flats, this is the perfect time to wear them in Mendoza. If you prefer sneakers, they can also be worn in the summer; just pair them with lightweight clothes.
• Hiking shoes: If you’re an adventurer planning to go trekking in the region, don’t forget to bring suitable hiking shoes or boots.
• Sportswear: If you plan to go hiking or biking, pack comfortable and appropriate clothing for the sport you’ll be doing. In the summer, opt for tank tops and lightweight shorts for any sport.
• Swimwear: If you’re planning any water activities or visiting the Cacheuta Hot Springs, include at least one swimsuit in your luggage.

In addition to the items mentioned, don’t forget the necessary documents to enter Argentina.

When traveling to Mendoza, don’t forget to subscribe to a VPN (Virtual Private Network). It’s essential for our trips, as it secures connections on Wi-Fi networks and allows access to any website or app from other countries. We’ve encountered issues accessing bank apps while abroad, and the VPN enabled quick and secure access.

7. What to expect in Mendoza in January

High season in Mendoza

During the month of January, it is high season in Mendoza, with the city receiving a large influx of both domestic and international tourists. As a result, the destination is crowded, and prices are somewhat higher.

When visiting Mendoza in January, be prepared to find the city bustling, tours often filled with people, and limited availability for lunches and winery visits if you don’t book in advance.

To secure a good hotel with a great location and reasonable prices, I recommend booking your accommodation at least 3 months in advance.

How are the wineries in Mendoza in January?

In February, the grape harvest (vendimia) begins, so in January, the wineries are at the height of their beauty, with vineyards lush and covered in grapes. When visiting Mendoza in January, be prepared to find the vineyards stunning and full of grapes.

Although the official vendimia season starts in February, white grapes begin to be harvested in January, and in some cases, even red grapes start to be picked during this month. The exact date the harvest begins depends on weather conditions, which can cause it to start earlier or later.

Therefore, when visiting the city at the end of January, you may also witness the grape harvest process, and depending on the winery you visit, you might even enjoy tasting grapes straight from the vine.

The landscapes of January in Mendoza

In addition to the vineyards, Mendoza’s other landscapes in January are beautiful, with green vegetation standing out against the desert surroundings. If you visit San Rafael, the blue waters of Atuel Canyon are even more striking in the summer.

The landscapes of the Potrerillos Dam are also magnificent during this time. The blue waters of the reservoir create a stunning mirror that reflects the Andes Mountains and the surrounding scenery.

Extra Tip: festivals and events to enjoy in Mendoza in January

In January, you can already participate in some events related to the vendimia season, such as the “Música y Vino en las Alturas” (Music and Wine in the Heights) offered by the City Hall of Mendoza between January and March. To attend these free events, you need to pick up a ticket at the Tourist Assistance Center, located on 9 de Julio Street. For more information, visit the Ciudad de Mendoza website.