If your plan is to travel to Mendoza in February, get ready to immerse yourself in a truly memorable experience!
Located in a region with beautiful wineries, Mendoza offers a captivating fusion of stunning landscapes, culture, and unparalleled wine and gastronomic experiences.
To ensure your trip is unforgettable, we’ve gathered our most valuable tips so you can make the most of Mendoza in February.
Discover your trip to Mendoza in February
The average temperature in Mendoza in February is 23°C (73.4°F). Although temperatures are high, there is also significant rainfall during this period.
February is high season in Mendoza due to the grape harvest. Therefore, accommodation and tour prices are slightly higher.
Your suitcase for Mendoza in February should include light clothing, as temperatures at the destination are quite high.
The weather in Mendoza during this month is ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying events related to the grape harvest.
1. Weather in Mendoza in February: Get ready for the heat!
The weather in Mendoza in February is very similar to January. This means that suggestions for things to do, places to visit, and clothes to wear are quite similar. February is also one of the rainiest months in the city, and summer remains at its peak, so temperatures continue to be high.
The average temperature in Mendoza in February
Temperatures remain high in Mendoza in February. The average temperature in the city is 23°C (73.4°F), very close to that of January, the hottest month of the year. The average maximum temperature recorded in February is 31°C (87,8°F), while the average minimum temperature is 17°C (62,6°F).
The lowest temperatures occur at night, reaching as low as 10°C (50°F) in some areas, especially near the Andes.
During February 2024, the city experienced quite high temperatures, with most days reaching over 30°C (86°F). The highest temperature recorded in February 2024 was 40°C (104°F), while the lowest temperature recorded during the month was 16°C (60.8°F).
Therefore, if you plan to visit Mendoza in February, be prepared for the high summer temperatures.
Precipitation in Mendoza in February
February is the third month with the highest precipitation levels in the city, behind only January and March. Because it is a semi-arid region, Mendoza receives little rain. Therefore, even as the third rainiest month in the city, the chances of encountering rain are still low.
Rain in the region also tends to be short-lived, so it is unlikely to disrupt your trip. The chance of rain in Mendoza for February is 22%, with an average precipitation of 39.9 mm.
Daylight duration in February
In February, the days in Mendoza are as long as those in January and December, with an average of 13 hours and 50 minutes of sunlight.
With long days and the sun rising early and setting late, February is a fantastic month for engaging in extended outdoor activities. This allows you to plan longer tours or visit more than one place in a single day.
2. What to do in Mendoza in February: Unmissable excursions for the month
Because it is a very hot month, just like January, February is perfect for water activities such as rafting, canoeing, and more. For this reason, the San Rafael region is an ideal summer destination for water sports enthusiasts or anyone looking to cool off in the waters of the Atuel Canyon.
Wineries also can’t be left out of the itinerary, as they are Mendoza’s main attraction year-round. The destination offers many classic tours that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Check out our tips for the best tours in Mendoza.
- Visiting the wineries: A tour for any time of the year. Take advantage of February to visit the wineries during the grape harvest season, when the vines are laden with fruit.
- Wine tasting: Be sure to enjoy fine wines, whether at the wineries or during meals. Take advantage of the hottest month of the year to savor wines with fresh and fruity notes that pair perfectly with summer.
- Outdoor activities: Take advantage of the long summer days to enjoy outdoor activities, such as cycling tours and visiting the Atuel Canyon.
- Rafting on the Mendoza River: Take advantage of the summer for an exciting rafting trip on the Mendoza River and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
- Kayaking tour in Potrerillos: Explore the Potrerillos Dam and its stunning landscapes on a kayaking tour. Besides being fun, it’s an ideal option for the hotter days.
Look for more tours in Mendoza.
3. Must-visit wineries in February
As we’ve already mentioned, the wineries are the main stars of Mendoza. If you’re planning to visit Mendoza in February, check out our tips for wineries perfect for the hot summer days.
- Susana Balbo Wines: This winery is one of our favorites for the warmer months, as it offers an outdoor picnic experience. Additionally, the restaurant features a delicious summer menu, specially designed for hot days.
- Renacer: It is also an excellent winery to visit in the summer, offering a guided tour that includes a picnic and a bike ride through the vineyards.
- Luigi Bosca: The winery offers a fascinating experience with wine tasting, a sensory tour through the company’s oldest vineyard, and a delightful country-style lunch in the estate’s gardens.
4. Cuisine in Mendoza: Perfect restaurants to explore in February
Summer in Mendoza pairs well with light and refreshing dishes, accompanied by a good Malbec with fresh notes. So, if you love to enjoy the best of cuisine in every place you visit, be sure to try the dishes that are perfect for summer.
Most of Mendoza’s fine restaurants feature a seasonal menu, offering dishes that match the climate and are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Check out our tips for restaurants and dishes to try in Mendoza in February:
- Osadia de Crear: The restaurant, which belongs to the Susana Balbo winery, offers a special menu for each season. If you visit during the summer, be ready to enjoy light and refreshing dishes.
- 1884 Restaurante: Considered one of the best in Mendoza, the restaurant offers an incredible menu and an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. Located in a winery dating back to 1884, the restaurant features outdoor seating where you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and watch the chefs in action.
- Ramos Generales: This restaurant at the Kaiken winery, located in Luján de Cuyo, offers dishes that complement each season. Additionally, meals are served in a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards.
- Gingger Cocktails Bar: If you’re looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy some drinks, this bar is perfect. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, ideal for the warmer days. Their drinks are simply amazing (we recommend trying the Aperol Spritz and the Mojito), and in the afternoons, they have great happy hour promotions.
5. Hotels in Mendoza perfect for the high summer temperatures
Nothing beats 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. Below are our recommendations for hotels to stay at in Mendoza in February.
Located in front of Independencia Square, the 5-star hotel has a pool, 3 restaurants and air conditioning in all rooms.
Located near squares Independencia and Italia, this hotel boasts a complete infrastructure and a beautiful pool.
Located in Valle de Uco, the hotel at Bodega Salentein features a pool overlooking the vineyards and good infrastructure.
Tips for booking accommodation in Mendoza in February:
- In February, it is still high season in Mendoza. Therefore, the tourist flow remains high in the city, just like in January. To secure amazing accommodations at affordable prices, I recommend booking in advance.
- Be cautious of scams, as the number of fraudulent reservations outside official platforms has been high in Mendoza. Prefer booking through official platforms such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Airbnb.
- Do not make any advance payments outside the chosen platform, even if a property requests it.
- Carefully read the reviews and check the location before booking any accommodation.
- If you’re unsure where to stay in Mendoza, I recommend staying in the downtown, especially in hotels near the main squares or on Calle Aristides, a great 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 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 February
Packing a summer suitcase for Mendoza is quite simple, as we Brazilians are familiar with the heat. Therefore, your suitcase for all summer months will be quite similar, since the temperature and climate are alike.
Pack light clothing, open-toe footwear, and remember to use plenty of sunscreen. Check out the essential items for your trip to Mendoza in February below.
- Sunscreen: Sun exposure in Mendoza is intense in February, so don’t forget to adequately protect yourself from UV rays.
- Light clothing: Make the most of light clothing in your summer suitcase. Dresses made of breathable fabrics, tank tops, shorts, and skirts will be your best allies for creating summer looks in Mendoza.
- Moisturizer: Don’t forget facial, body, and lip moisturizer. In the heat, our body tends to lose more fluids, which can result in dry skin and chapped lips. So, remember to drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated.
- Cap/Hat: Caps and hats not only help create fantastic looks but also provide excellent protection from the sun.
- Comfortable shoes: If you love sandals and flats, this is the perfect time to wear them in Mendoza. If you prefer sneakers, you can also wear them in the summer — just pair them with light clothing.
- Trail shoes: If you’re an adventurer planning to go trekking in the region, don’t forget to pack appropriate trail shoes or boots.
- Activewear: If you’re going hiking or cycling, wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for your chosen activity. In the summer, opt for tank tops and lightweight shorts to stay cool while practicing any sport.
- Swimwear: If you plan to do any water activities or visit the Cacheuta hot springsa, be sure to pack at least one swimsuit in your suitcase.
- Sunglasses: Don’t forget your sunglasses with lenses suitable for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Jacket: Even though February is the peak of summer with high temperatures, a jacket (such as a denim jacket, kimono, blazer, cardigan, or sweater) is essential. Temperatures drop a bit at night in Mendoza, sometimes reaching 15 °C (59 ºF). Therefore, it’s a good idea to pack at least one jacket and a pair of pants.
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 February
High season in Mendoza
The summer high season in Mendoza runs from late December through February. Therefore, in February, the city is still quite crowded, and prices may be slightly higher. Despite the destination being crowded, the number of tourists visiting the city in February is usually lower than in January and December.
If you’re traveling to Mendoza in February, be prepared to find the city crowded and with high season prices. Also, get ready for limited availability for lunches and tours at some wineries if you don’t book in advance.
To avoid any inconveniences, it’s advisable to make reservations at restaurants, especially at wineries, and schedule tours in advance, as the demand for these services tends to be high during the month of February. And to secure a good hotel with a prime location and reasonable prices, I recommend booking your accommodation at least 3 months in advance.
Vendimia in Mendoza
In February, the grape harvest begins in Mendoza, known as “vendimia.” During this month, the wineries remain at the peak of their beauty and are filled with grapes. When you take guided tours at the wineries, you will likely see the grape harvesting process firsthand during the tour.
In addition to all the beauty of Mendoza’s wineries in February, during the “vendimia,” some wineries allow visitors to eat grapes freely. So, if you’re lucky, you’ll delight in grapes straight from the vines.
When visiting the city at the end of February, you can take part in the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, which celebrates the grape harvest and wine production of the region.
In addition to the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, some wineries host their own vendimia celebration, which is typically a smaller event to celebrate the grape harvest of the vineyard. The event is usually promoted to guests and visitors.
The landscapes of February in Mendoza
The landscapes of Mendoza in February are quite similar to those in January. Therefore, the vineyards and other scenery are beautiful, with lush green vegetation standing out against the desert landscapes. If you visit San Rafael, the blue waters of Cañón del Atuel stand out even more in the summer.
The landscapes around the Potrerillos Dam also look magnificent at this time of year. The blue waters of the dam form a beautiful mirror, reflecting the Andes Mountains and the surrounding landscapes.
Extra Tip: festivals and events to enjoy in Mendoza in February
The main festival that takes place in Mendoza in February is the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, one of Argentina’s most important events, celebrating wine production and the grape harvest.
The Vendimia festival typically begins at the end of February and continues into early March. The event offers a variety of attractions, such as shows, theatrical performances, and contests. Additionally, the festival hosts events in all the major cities of the Mendoza province.
To check the dates and the full schedule, visit the official Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia 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:
- Mine 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.
