December is a very interesting month to visit Mendoza. In addition to exploring the destination at a great time, you can secure year-end gifts. Who would not want to receive delectable wines for Christmas, after all? Additionally, we have compiled the top advice to help you make the most of Mendoza in December to guarantee the ideal experience.
Discover your trip to Mendoza in December
The average temperature in Mendoza in December is 23 °C (73.4 °F), still very pleasant. It may, however, progressively rise as the month goes on.
December is a bit of a crowded month in the city, despite not being the peak season.
The weather in Mendoza in December is perfect for outdoor activities, such as the Wine Bike Tour.
In December, your suitcase for Mendoza should include light clothing, but don’t forget to bring at least one jacket for the evening, when the temperature usually drops a bit. It works best with a lighter piece.
1. December weather in Mendoza: Prepare for the arrival of summer
Mendoza is a city in Argentina with a semi-arid climate, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains. For those who intend to travel there, this is a very enticing month.
In Mendoza, it is still springtime in early December. So you can see some flowers around the city, enjoy a drier climate, and experience slightly cooler temperatures. However, summer arrives in the city by the end of December, bringing with it increased precipitation and warmth.
Average temperature in Mendoza in December
In December, temperatures begin to rise again in Mendoza, heading towards the hottest period in the destination. The average temperature in the city is 23°C (73.4 °F), with an average maximum temperature of 32°C (89.6 °F) and an average minimum temperature of 17°C (62.6 °F). The lower temperatures occur at night, sometimes reaching 14 °C (57,2°F) in some areas.
During the month of December 2023, the city experienced generally high temperatures. The maximum temperature recorded was 45°C (113 °F), while the minimum temperature was 11°C (51.8 °F).
Precipitation in Mendoza in December
As the days go by in Mendoza in December, the precipitation rate rises, meaning there is a higher chance of rain during your trip. However, there’s no need to worry, as it is a semi-arid region, and there is little rainfall at the destination.
Rain in the city usually doesn’t last long, so it’s unlikely to disrupt your trip. In Mendoza, there is 19.8 mm of precipitation on average in December.
Daylight duration in December
In December, the days in Mendoza are quite long, with an average of 14 hours of natural light. This day length hardly varies throughout the month. Consequently, the sun rises at 6:30 AM and sets at 8:30 PM.
Since the days are quite long, December is a great month for outdoor activities that last longer. You can schedule longer excursions or make multiple trips in a single day.
2. What to do in Mendoza in December: must-see activities for the month
December is the best month for water sports like canoeing and rafting because it is when the temperatures start to rise again. With that, the San Rafael region can be included in the itinerary, especially if you enjoy water sports or simply want to take a dip and cool off in the waters of the Atuel Canyon.
And the wineries must be included in the itinerary—just like in any other month. Ultimately, this is the primary draw and among the top tours in Mendoza, and it is available year-round.
See our recommendations for things to do in Mendoza in December:
- Visit the wineries: Take advantage of December to visit the wineries, when the vineyards are loaded with grapes. If you plan to bring home the best wines, use this tour to buy the ones you like the most.
- Wine tasting: Whether at restaurants or at wineries, do not pass up the chance to sample excellent wines.
- Outdoor activities: Enjoy the long days at the beginning of summer to engage in outdoor activities, such as paragliding, trekking, or visiting the Atuel Canyon.
- Mendoza River Rafting: Enjoy the picturesque scenery of the destination while having a great time rafting on the Mendoza River.
- Wine Bike Tour: Enjoy beautiful landscapes, visit wineries, and taste wines and liqueurs on a fun bike tour. You can take this tour at any time of year, and it is our favorite in the destination.
- Kayak tour in Potrerillos: Explore the Potrerillos Dam and its beautiful landscapes on a kayak tour. In addition to being fun, this is a perfect activity for hotter days.
Look for more tours in Mendoza.
3. Must-visit wineries in December
The wineries are the main stars of Mendoza. So, if you plan to visit Mendoza in December, check out our tips for perfect wineries to visit during the early summer.
- Susana Balbo Wines: One of our favorite wineries to visit in the warmer months, as it offers outdoor picnics. Its restaurant also offers a summer menu that is ideal for hot days.
- Renacer: A great winery to visit in December that offers a bike ride through the vineyards and a guided tour complete with a picnic.
- Luigi Bosca: This winery offers a very interesting experience with wine tasting, a sensory tour of the company’s oldest estate, and a delightful country lunch in the farm’s gardens.
- Tempus Alba: This place offers a typical Argentine lunch with a stunning view, paired with a delicious Malbec, in addition to a tour that includes wine tasting.
4. Gastronomy in Mendoza: perfect restaurants to visit in December
The beginning of summer in Mendoza pairs perfectly with light and refreshing dishes, accompanied by a good Malbec with fresh notes. Therefore, be sure to sample the dishes that embody the essence of the season if you enjoy dining at the best restaurants wherever you go.
Most of Mendoza’s top restaurants have a menu adapted to each time of year, with dishes that suit the climate and are made with seasonal ingredients.
Check out our recommendations for restaurants in Mendoza to visit in December:
- Osadia de Crear: The restaurant, part of Bodega Susana Balbo, offers a special menu for each season. In summer, get ready to enjoy light and refreshing dishes.
- 1884 Restaurante: Features an incredible menu with an elegant and cozy atmosphere. Located in a winery dating back to 1884, it is perfect for dinner, especially on warm days with good weather, 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 offers dishes that match each season. Additionally, meals are enjoyed on a beautiful outdoor patio with views of the vineyards.
- Restaurante Tempus Alba: The restaurant at Bodega Tempus Alba serves its delicious meals on an outdoor terrace. There is a food truck there as well, where you can have a light, healthy lunch in a lovely garden overlooking the vineyards.
5. Perfect hotels in Mendoza for Summer temperatures
Nothing is better than a hotel with a pool to enjoy the summer, but for the hottest days, air conditioning is also very welcome for those seeking a more comfortable stay. Check out our hotel recommendations to stay in Mendoza in December.
Located in front of Independence Square, this 5-star hotel features a pool and air conditioning in all rooms.
Located near Independence and Italy Squares, this hotel offers complete infrastructure and a beautiful pool.
Located in Uco Valey, the inn at Bodega Salentein features a pool with views of the vineyards and good infrastructure.
Tips for booking accommodation in Mendoza in December
- In December, the flow of tourists starts to increase in Mendoza, Argentina. To secure good accommodation at a reasonable price, I recommend booking your hotel well in advance.
- Be cautious of scams, as the rate of fraudulent bookings outside official platforms is quite high in Mendoza. It’s best to make your reservation through official platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Airbnb, and choose accommodations with good reviews.
- Do not make any upfront payments outside the chosen platform, even if a property requires it.
- Before making any reservations for lodging in Mendoza, carefully read the reviews and confirm the address.
- If you’re unsure where to stay in Mendoza, we recommend staying in the city center, preferably in hotels near the main squares or on Calle Aristides, a good area for those who enjoy nightlife.
- If you prefer the winery regions, the best choice is winery hotels, which offer a complete immersive experience in the wine capital with plenty of comfort, security, and beautiful landscapes. Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley have great winery hotels.
6. What to pack to Mendoza in December?
A summer suitcase for Mendoza is quite simple to prepare. So, pack light clothing, open shoes, and make sure to use plenty of sunscreen.
I recommend bringing clothes suitable for temperatures ranging from 17°C (62.6 °F) to over 32°C (89.6 °F). In December, cold-weather accessories and clothing are unnecessary. Check out some essential items for your travel suitcase for Mendoza in December:
- Sunscreen: You should always pack sunscreen for your body and face.
- Light clothing: Pack plenty of light clothes for your summer suitcase. Dresses made of breathable fabrics, tank tops, shorts, and skirts will be your best friends in December.
- Lip, facial, and body moisturizer: Don’t forget moisturizers. In the heat, our bodies tend to lose more fluid, which can result in dry skin and lips. So, be sure to drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin.
- Cap/Hat: Protecting yourself from the sun is always a good idea, so bring something to shield your head from the sun. Caps and hats not only help create great looks but will also protect you very well.
- Comfortable shoes: If you love sandals and flip-flops, this is the perfect time to wear them in Mendoza. If you can’t do without sneakers, they’re also an option in the summer; just pair them with light clothing.
- Hiking shoes: If you’re an adventurer and plan on trekking in the region, don’t forget to bring appropriate hiking shoes or boots.
- Sportswear: If you plan to go hiking or on a bike ride, pack comfortable, suitable clothing for the sport you’ve chosen. In the summer, opt for tank tops and light shorts to stay cool during any activity.
- Swimwear: If you’re planning to take part in any water activities or visit the Termas de Cacheuta, include at least one swimsuit in your suitcase.
- Jacket: At least one jacket for moderate cold is essential for those traveling to Mendoza in December, as temperatures may drop slightly at night.
Remember to bring the paperwork required to enter Argentina in addition to the items mentioned above.
When traveling to Mendoza, don’t forget to subscribe to a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Because it secures Wi-Fi network connections and grants access to any website or app from other countries, it is indispensable for our travels. We’ve encountered issues accessing bank apps while abroad, and the VPN enabled quick and secure access.
7. What to expect in Mendoza in December?
Start of the high season in Mendoza
In December, Mendoza once again starts receiving a large influx of domestic and foreign tourists. As a result, the destination begins to get a bit more crowded compared to previous months, and prices rise.
As December progresses in Mendoza, be prepared to find the city full, tours always packed with people, and a lack of availability for lunches and tours at some wineries 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 December?
The grape harvest (vendimia) begins in February. Therefore, during the months of December and January, the wineries are at their peak beauty, with lush green vineyards covered in grapes. So, when visiting Mendoza in December, be prepared to see beautiful vineyards filled with grapes.
The landscapes of December in Mendoza
In addition to the vineyards, the other landscapes of Mendoza in December are stunning, with green vegetation standing out against the desert scenery. If you visit San Rafael, the blue waters of Atuel Canyon stand out even more in the summer.
The landscapes of the Potrerillos Dam also become magnificent at this time. The dam’s blue waters form a beautiful mirror that reflects the Andes Mountains and the surrounding scenery.
Extra tip: Festivals and events to enjoy in Mendoza in December
In December, there are no major events in Mendoza, but you can check the cultural agenda for each month on the Ciudad de Mendoza website.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ARGENTINA
Book your hotel in Argentina in advance
To ensure the best stay in Argentina, we recommend using Booking or Hotels.com, reservation sites we trust for all our trips. With a wide selection of hotels and the best available rates, you will find the perfect option for your stay, ensuring an incredible and economical travel experience. Our favorite hotels in Argentina are:
- Libertador Hotel – Buenos Aires
- Diplomatic Hotel – Mendoza
- Hotel Nahuel Huapi – Bariloche
- Hotel Kosten Aike – El Calafate
For greater convenience, rent a car in Argentina
Argentina is a wonderful country to explore by car, offering stunning landscapes and charming cities. If your plan is to explore more than one city and maximize your comfort and freedom, renting a car is the ideal choice. The companies we recommend for car rentals are Discover Cars and Rental Cars.
Book your tours and experiences
Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to book all your activities directly from the comfort of your home and even pay with your credit card. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.
