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.
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 foothills of the Andes Mountains (see how to get to Mendoza with tips on the best routes). And in January, the city is in the height of summer, being a more rainy month with very high temperatures.
The Average temperature in Mendoza in January
January is typically the hottest month in Mendoza. The average temperature in the city is 25 °C (77 °F), with the average maximum temperature being 30 °C (86 °F) and the average minimum temperature being 19 °C (66.2 °F). The lowest temperatures occur at night, dropping to around 16 °C (60.8 °F) in some areas.
During January 2024, the city experienced significantly high average temperatures, with some days reaching up to 37 °C (98.6 °F), while the lowest recorded temperature was 18 °C (64.4 °F). So, if you plan to visit Mendoza in January, be prepared for the high temperatures.
Precipitation and humidity in Mendoza in January
January is one of the months with the highest precipitation rates in Mendoza, meaning it’s one of the rainiest months. But don’t worry, as it’s a region with a semi-arid climate, there’s little rainfall in the destination. Even in the rainiest month, the rainfall is minimal.
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 53 mm, and the humidity is 44%.
Daylight duration in January
In January, days in Mendoza are quite long, with an average of 14 hours of natural light. Thus, the sun rises around 6:40 a.m and sets around 8:30 p.m.
With the day being so long, January is a great month for engaging in outdoor activities of extended duration. Thus, you can plan longer excursions or explore more than one place in a single 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.
Tips for activities to do in Mendoza in January:
- Visiting the wineries: A tour for any time of the year. So, take advantage of January 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 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: 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 January
Summer in Mendoza pairs well with light and refreshing dishes, accompanied by a good Malbec with fresh notes. So, if you love enjoying the best of cuisine in every place you visit, be sure to try the dishes that are perfect for summer.
Many reputable restaurants in Mendoza tailor their menus to the seasons, offering dishes crafted to complement the weather and featuring locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Restaurant tips to explore in Mendoza in January:
- Osadia de Crear: The restaurant, which belongs to Bodega Susana Balbo, offers a special menu for each season. In the summer, get ready to taste light and refreshing dishes, perfect for the season.
- 1884 Restaurante: Considered one of the best in Mendoza, the restaurant offers an amazing menu with 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 hotter days, air conditioning is also very welcome for those seeking a more comfortable stay. Check out our hotel recommendations for staying in Mendoza in January below.
Located in front of Plaza Independencia, 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 January:
- January is high season in Mendoza, and it’s also the school holiday period in Argentina, so the city receives a high number of both domestic and international tourists. To secure good accommodation at a reasonable price, 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 accommodation.
- 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 January
Packing for summer in Mendoza is quite simple. Pack light clothes, open-toed shoes, and make sure to use plenty of sunscreen. Below are some essential items for your January trip to Mendoza.
- Sunscreen: the sun exposure is quite high in January in Mendoza, so don’t forget to protect yourself. Facial and body sunscreen are essential items in your suitcase.
- 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 hydrate.
- 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 a 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.
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’s high season in Mendoza, when the city is receiving a large influx of domestic and foreign tourists. As a result, the destination is crowded, and prices are slightly higher.
When visiting Mendoza in January, be prepared to find the city crowded, tours always with many people, and a lack of availability for lunches and tours at some wineries if not reserved 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 vineyards are at their peak beauty, with lush green vines covered in grapes. Therefore, if you’re visiting Mendoza in January, be prepared to encounter stunning vineyards teeming with grapes.
While the official grape harvest season typically starts in February, the picking of white grapes often begins as early as January, with some instances of red grapes being harvested during this month as well. The precise commencement of the harvest is contingent upon weather conditions, which can either expedite or postpone it.
Thus, if you visit the city towards the end of January, you might have the chance to observe the grape harvesting process. Depending on the winery you choose to visit, there’s even the possibility of tasting grapes fresh from the vine.
The landscapes of January in Mendoza
In addition to the vineyards, the other landscapes of Mendoza in January are beautiful, with lush green vegetation standing out against the desert landscapes of the destination. If you visit San Rafael, the blue waters of the Cañón Atuel stand out even more in the summer.
The landscapes of Potrerillos Dan also become magnificent during this time. Thus, the blue waters of the reservoir form a beautiful mirror reflecting the Andes Mountains and the surrounding landscapes.
Extra Tip: festivals and events to enjoy in Mendoza in January
In January, no major events take place in Mendoza, but you can check the cultural agenda for each month on the Ciudad de Mendoza website.
