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.
1. Weather in Mendoza in February: Get ready for the heat!
The weather in Mendoza in February is very similar to that of January. This means that the suggestions for things to do, places to visit, and clothing to wear are quite similar. February is also one of the rainiest months in the city, and summer remains at its peak, so temperatures remain high.
The average temperature in Mendoza in February
Temperatures remain high in Mendoza in February. Therefore, the average temperature in the city is 23 °C (73.4 °F), staying very close to January’s temperature, the hottest month of the year. The average maximum temperature recorded in February is 29 °C (84.2 °F), and the average minimum temperature is 18 °C (64.4 °F).
The lowest temperatures occur at night, reaching as low as 10 °C (50 °F) in some regions.
During February 2024, the city experienced a high average temperature, with most days recording over 30 °C (86 °F). The maximum temperature recorded in February 2024 was 40 °C (104 °F), while the minimum temperature recorded was 16 °C (60.8 °F).
So, if you plan to visit Mendoza in February, be prepared for the high temperatures.
Precipitation and humidity in Mendoza in February
February is the third month with the highest precipitation index in the city, behind only January and March. However, being a region with a semi-arid climate, Mendoza receives little rainfall. Therefore, even though it is the second-rainiest month in the city, your chances of encountering rain are not very high.
Rain in the region also doesn’t usually last long, so it’s unlikely to disrupt your trip. The chance of rain in Mendoza for the month of February is 22%, with an average precipitation of 52 mm, while the humidity in the air during this month is 49%.
Daylight duration in February
In February, the days in Mendoza are as long as in January, with an average duration of 13 hours and 20 minutes of sunlight.
With the day being quite long and the sun rising early and setting late, February is a great month for engaging in outdoor activities of longer duration. This way, you can plan longer excursions or visit more than one place in a single day.
2. What to do in Mendoza in February: Unmissable excursions for the month
Being a very hot month, much like January, February becomes perfect for water activities such as rafting and canoeing. That’s why the San Rafael region is a perfect 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 also can’t be left out of the itinerary; after all, they are the attractions of Mendoza at any time of the year. The destination offers many classic tours that should be done at any time. Check out our article on the best tours in Mendoza.
Tips for activities to do in Mendoza in February:
- Visiting the wineries: A tour for any time of the year. So, take advantage of February to visit the wineries during the grape harvest season, with the vines laden.
- Wine tasting: Don’t miss out on tasting good wines, whether at wineries or during meals. Take advantage of the hottest month of the year to enjoy wines with fresh and fruity notes that perfectly complement the summer.
- Outdoor activities: Take advantage of the long summer days to engage in outdoor activities such as biking and visiting the Cañón del Atuel.
- Rafting on the Mendoza River: Enjoy a fun rafting experience down the Mendoza River and take in the beautiful scenery of the destination.
- Kayaking tour in Potrerillos: Explore Dique Potrerillos (Potrerillos Dam) and its beautiful landscapes on a kayaking tour. Besides being fun, this is a perfect outing for the warmer days.
3. Must-visit wineries in February
As we’ve already mentioned, the wineries are the main stars of Mendoza. So, if you’re planning to visit Mendoza in February, check out our tips for the perfect wineries 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 February, as it offers a guided tour with a picnic and a bike ride through the vineyards.
- Luigi Bosca: It offers a very interesting experience with wine tasting, a sensory tour at the company’s oldest estate, and a delightful countryside lunch in the farm’s gardens.
Mendoza has many more must-visit wineries. So, if you’re unsure which ones to visit, I recommend reading our guide to the best wineries in Mendoza.
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 the good restaurants in Mendoza have a menu tailored for each season of the year, featuring dishes that complement the weather and are crafted with seasonal ingredients. Check out our restaurant and dish recommendations for exploring Mendoza in February:
- Osadia de Crear: The restaurant, belonging to Suzana Balbo winery, offers a special menu for each season. If you visit during the summer, expect to find light and refreshing dishes.
- 1884 Restaurante: Considered one of the best in Mendoza, the restaurant offers an amazing menu in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. Located in a winery from 1884, it’s perfect for dinner, especially on warm and sunny days, as it has outdoor tables where you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and watch the chefs at work.
- Ramos Generales: Situated in Luján de Cuyo, Bodega Kaikén restaurant serves cuisine tailored to the changing seasons. Guests can savor their meals amidst the picturesque backdrop of the vineyards, dining al fresco on a stunning outdoor patio.
- Gingger Cocktails Bar: If you’re looking for a relaxed place to have some drinks, this bar is perfect. It has indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for warmer days. Their drinks are simply incredible, and they have good happy hour promotions during the afternoons.
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 Plaza Independencia, the 5-star hotel has a pool, three 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’s still high season in Mendoza. Therefore, the influx of tourists remains high in the city, just like in January. To ensure good accommodation at reasonable prices, I recommend booking your hotel well in advance.
- Be wary of scams, as the rate of scams with accommodations booked outside official platforms is quite high in Mendoza. Therefore, prefer making your reservation on official platforms such as Booking, Hotels.com, and Airbnb.
- Do not make any advance payments outside the chosen platform, even if a property requires it.
- Carefully read the reviews and check the location before booking any accommodations.
- If you’re unsure where to stay in Mendoza, in the city center, I suggest hotels near the main squares (Independencia, Italia, San Martín, Chile, and España) or Calle Aristides, a good area for those who enjoy nightlife.
- If you prefer the wine regions, the best options are the wine hotels in Mendoza, which offer a complete immersion experience with lots of comfort, safety, and beautiful landscapes. In Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, there are excellent wine hotels.
6. What to bring to Mendoza in February
Packing for summer in Mendoza is quite simple, as we Brazilians understand heat well. Therefore, your travel bag for all summer months will be quite similar, as the temperature and climate are alike.
So, pack light clothes, open-toed shoes, and make sure to use plenty of sunscreen. Check below for the essential items for your travel bag to Mendoza in February.
- Sunscreen: the sun exposure is quite high in February in Mendoza, so don’t forget to protect yourself. Facial and body sunscreen are essential items in your suitcase.
- Light clothing: make the most of the light clothes in your summer suitcase. Dresses with lightweight fabrics, tank tops, shorts, and skirts will be your best allies for putting together summer outfits in Mendoza.
- Lip and body moisturizer: Don’t forget the moisturizers—facial, body, and lip. In the heat, our bodies tend to lose more liquid, which can result in drier skin and lips. So, remember to drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated.
- Cap/Hat: It’s never too much to protect yourself from the sun, so bring along an item to shield your head from the sun. Caps and hats, besides helping to create great looks, will protect you very well.
- Comfortable shoes: If you love sandals, this is the perfect time to wear them in Mendoza. If you’re not without your sneakers, it’s also possible to wear them in the summer; just pair them with light clothing.
- Trail shoes: If you’re an adventurer and plan to go trekking in the region, don’t forget to bring suitable trail shoes or boots.
- Activewear: If you plan to go hiking or cycling, wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for the chosen activity. In the summer, opt for tank tops and lightweight shorts for any sport.
- Swimwear: If you plan to engage in any water activities or visit the Cacheuta hot springs, make sure to include at least one swimsuit in your suitcase.
- Sunglasses: Don’t forget your sunglasses, with lenses suitable for protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight.
- Jacket: Although February is the height of summer and high temperatures, a jacket (a jacket, kimono, blazer, cardigan, or sweater) is always essential. Temperatures drop a bit in Mendoza at night, possibly reaching 15°C (59 ºF). So, it’s good to have at least one jacket and a pair of pants in your suitcase.
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 biggest festival that takes place in Mendoza in February is the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, one of the most important festivals in Argentina, celebrating the wine production in the destination as well as the grape harvest.
The Vendimia festival typically starts at the end of February and runs until the beginning of March. The event features various attractions, including shows, theaters, and contests, and offers events in all the main cities of the province of Mendoza.
To see the dates and schedule of the festival, visit the website of the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia.
