7 Essential tips for visiting Mendoza in March

Are you planning a trip to Mendoza in March? In this special guide, we have gathered all the essential information to ensure that your trip is truly memorable. Get ready to explore a paradise for wine and nature lovers.

Argentina’s Mendoza city is situated in a region known for its beautiful wineries. The destination offers its visitors a fusion of beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and unparalleled wine and gastronomic experiences.

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Discover your trip to Mendoza in March

The average temperature in Mendoza in March is 20°C (68°F).

Due to the end of the grape harvest, March marks the end of Mendoza’s peak season.

The high summer temperatures begin to give way to the mild autumn temperatures in the second half of March.

Your travel suitcase for Mendoza in March should include light clothing. If traveling in the second half of the month, also pack clothes for cooler temperatures.

This month’s weather in Mendoza is perfect for outdoor pursuits and taking in harvest-related events.

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1. Weather in Mendoza in March

In March, we begin to bid farewell to summer in Mendoza. As a result, the city’s temperature starts to drop slightly. The large influx of tourists from the high season also begins to decrease shortly after the vendimia festivities (grape harvest).

March is a good month for those who want to experience Mendoza during the grape harvest season but don’t want to face the peak of high temperatures or the height of the high season in the region.

Average temperature in Mendoza in March

The high summer temperatures start to drop in March, especially from the second half of the month as autumn approaches. However, if you visit the city at the beginning of the month, you will still encounter very high temperatures.

The average temperature during March is 20°C (68°F). The average maximum temperature recorded is 28°C (82.4°F), and the average minimum temperature is 15°C (59°F). The lowest temperatures occur at night, sometimes reaching 11°C (51.8°F) in some areas.

In 2024, Mendoza experienced very high temperatures throughout the summer, including early March, when thermometers reached 36°C (96.8°F). Until March 15th, most days saw temperatures above 30°C (86°F). By the end of the month, the maximum temperature in the city averaged 28°C (82.4°F), with a minimum of 15°C (59°F).

Precipitation in Mendoza in March

March is a month with a high rate of precipitation, being one of the rainiest months in Mendoza.

Even though it is a rainy month, the showers are not long-lasting or very frequent. This is due to Mendoza’s semi-arid climate, where it rains little throughout the year, and rain is unlikely to disrupt your trip.

The average precipitation during March in Mendoza is 32.6 mm, and the probability of rain is 13%.

Day length in March

In March, the days are already getting shorter, with an average duration of 12 hours and 50 minutes of natural light. At the beginning of the month, the sun rises around 7:20 a.m. and sets around 8:10 p.m.

If you travel at the beginning of the month, you will experience summer weather with longer days. If you travel at the end of the month, you will enjoy a bit of autumn weather, with cooler temperatures and slightly shorter days.

2. What to do in Mendoza in March: must-see activities for the month

March is still a month with quite high temperatures. So, take advantage of the end of summer to enjoy water activities like rafting, canoeing, and more.

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 the Atuel Canyon. The wineries are also a must on any itinerary, as they are Mendoza’s main attraction year-round. In addition, the destination offers many classic tours that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Check out our tips for the best tours to take in March:

• Visit the wineries: A year-round activity. Take advantage of March to visit the wineries at the end of the grape harvest season.
• Wine tastings: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste great wines, whether at the wineries or during meals. Enjoy the warmer days to savor wines with fresh, fruity notes that pair perfectly with summer.
• Outdoor activities: Make the most of the long summer days for outdoor activities, such as bike rides and visiting the Atuel Canyon.
• Rafting on the Mendoza River: Summer goes hand in hand with water activities. Enjoy the warmer days for a fun rafting adventure on the Mendoza River and take in the beautiful landscapes along the way.
• Kayak tour in Potrerillos: Explore the Potrerillos Dam and its stunning landscapes on a kayaking tour.
• Paragliding flight: See Mendoza’s landscapes from a different perspective with an incredible paragliding flight.

Look for more tours in Mendoza.

3. Must-visit wineries in March

As we’ve mentioned, the wineries are the shining stars of Mendoza, Argentina. So, if you plan to visit the city in March, check out our recommendations for perfect wineries to visit at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

• Susana Balbo Wines: One of our favorites to visit during the warmer months, as it offers an outdoor picnic. Additionally, its restaurant has a delicious summer menu, perfectly designed for hot days.
• Renacer: Another exceptional winery to visit in summer, offering a guided tour with a picnic and a bike ride through the vineyards.
• Luigi Bosca: Offers a very interesting experience with wine tasting, a sensory tour of the company’s oldest estate, and a delightful country lunch in the estate’s gardens.
• Vistalba: A great winery to visit in Luján de Cuyo. With a magnificent restaurant and a beautiful view of the vineyards, this bodega provides an excellent wine and gastronomic experience in its bar and restaurant.

4. Gastronomy in Mendoza: perfect restaurants to visit in March

A good Malbec with fresh notes goes well with light and refreshing dishes during Mendoza’s summertime. So, if you love savoring the best of cuisine in every place you visit, make sure to try dishes that embody the season.

Most of Mendoza’s top restaurants offer a menu adapted to each time of year, with dishes that suit the climate and are made with seasonal ingredients. Check out our restaurant recommendations for March in Mendoza:

• Osadia de Crear: The restaurant, which belongs to the Susana Balbo winery, offers a special menu for each season.
• 1884 Restaurante: Considered one of the best in Mendoza, this restaurant offers an incredible menu in an elegant and cozy atmosphere. Located in an 1884 winery, it also offers outdoor tables where you can enjoy the beauty of the place and watch the chefs in action.
• Ramos Generales: A perfect spot for warmer days. The restaurant at the Kaiken winery, located in Luján de Cuyo, offers dishes tailored to each season. Meals are served on a beautiful outdoor patio with a view of the vineyards.
• Gingger Cocktails Bar: If you’re looking for a laid-back place to enjoy some drinks, Gingger is perfect. Their cocktails are amazing (we recommend trying the Aperol Spritz and Mojito). In the afternoons, you can also take advantage of happy hour promotions.

5. Hotels in Mendoza perfect for staying in March

Although temperatures begin to drop in March, the weather is still quite warm. Therefore, choosing a hotel with a beautiful pool is an excellent idea to make the most of the last days of summer. Here are 3 recommendations for hotels perfect for staying in March in Mendoza with plenty of comfort.

Tips for booking accommodation in Mendoza in March

• March already signals the end of the peak season. Therefore, the flow of tourists decreases. Even so, I recommend booking your hotel in advance to find good accommodations at good prices.
• Be aware of scams, as the fraud rate for bookings made outside official platforms is quite high in Mendoza. It is better to make your reservation on official platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and AIRBNB.
• Do not make any advance payments outside the chosen platform, even if a property requires it.
• Read the reviews carefully and check the location before booking any accommodation.
• If you are unsure where to stay in Mendoza, we recommend that in the city center, you stay at hotels near the main squares or Calle Aristides, a great area for those who enjoy nightlife.
• If you prefer the winery regions, the best options are Mendoza’s vineyard hotels, which offer a complete immersion experience with lots of comfort, security, and beautiful landscapes. In Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, there are excellent vineyard hotels.

6. What to pack for Mendoza in March?

Your suitcase for Mendoza in March will vary slightly depending on the period of your trip. If you’re traveling by around the 20th, you can pack for summer much like you would in January and February, with light clothing and open shoes.

However, if you’re traveling at the end of the month, include some extra pants and jackets in your suitcase. During this period, the weather is already transitioning into autumn, and the temperatures begin to drop slightly.

• Sunscreen: Sun exposure in Mendoza is still intense in March, so don’t forget to protect yourself adequately from the sun’s rays.
• Light clothing: If you are traveling by mid-March, pack plenty of light clothing. Dresses made from fresh fabrics, tank tops, shorts, and skirts will be your best allies for creating summer outfits. For those traveling at the end of the month, in addition to light clothing, pack some pants and light sweaters/jackets for mild temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
• Moisturizers: Don’t forget your facial, body, and lip moisturizers. In the heat, our bodies tend to lose more moisture, which can result in dry skin and lips. So, remember to drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated.
• Cap/Hat: Caps and hats, aside from helping you put together great looks, will also protect you well.
• Comfortable shoes: If you love sandals and flats, this is the perfect time to wear them in Mendoza. However, if you prefer sneakers, you can also wear them this month—just pair them with light clothing. For those traveling at the end of the month, boots, moccasins, sneakers, or other closed shoes can be great for cooler days.
• Hiking shoes: If you’re an adventurer planning to do some trekking in the region, don’t forget to bring suitable hiking shoes or boots.
• Sportswear: If you’re planning on hiking or cycling, pack comfortable and appropriate clothes for the activity of your choice.
• Swimwear: If you plan to do any water activities or visit the Termas de Cacheuta, make sure to include at least one swimsuit in your luggage.
• Sunglasses: Don’t forget your sunglasses with proper lenses to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays.
• Jacket: Whether traveling at any time in March, a jacket (denim, kimono, blazer, cardigan, or sweater) is always essential. That’s because the temperatures drop a bit at night in Mendoza, reaching around 15°C (59°F). So, it’s good to have at least one jacket and a pair of pants in your suitcase. For those traveling at the end of the month, bring at least one item for lower temperatures, like a wool sweater or sweatshirt, in addition to a jacket.

In addition to the items mentioned above, remember to bring 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 March?

End of the high season in Mendoza

During the month of March, the summer high season in Mendoza comes to an end.

The flow of tourists starts to decrease in the city, especially after the Vendimia festivities. Although the peak of the high season has passed, the city is still somewhat busy in March, particularly during the first half of the month.

Even though the city is less crowded than in previous months, I recommend that you book your tours, accommodations, and lunches (especially at wineries) in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

How are Mendoza’s wineries in March?

March is still harvest season, and the vineyards remain green and full of grapes. However, some may have already completed the harvest, so don’t be surprised if you visit a vineyard and find no grapes on the vines.

March is a great month for those who want to experience Mendoza during grape harvest time. The weather is no longer as hot as in previous months, the city is quieter, the vineyards remain green and charming, and it’s still grape harvesting season.

In addition to the beauty of the vineyards in March, during the vendimia, some wineries allow visitors to eat grapes directly from the vines. So, if you’re lucky, you can indulge in fresh grapes straight from the vineyard.

Moreover, if you visit the city at the beginning of March, you can still participate in the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Grape Harvest Festival), which celebrates grape harvesting and wine production in the region.

Aside from the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, some wineries hold their own Vendimia celebrations, smaller events to honor the grape harvest. These events are usually organized for guests and invitees.

March landscapes in Mendoza

In March, the predominant landscapes in Mendoza are still those of summer. The vineyards and other natural scenery are spectacular, with green vegetation standing out against the desert-like landscapes.

Additionally, some landscapes, such as the Atuel Canyon and the Potrerillos Dam, are magnificent with their blue waters, which reflect and highlight the beautiful surroundings.

Extra tip: Festivals and events to enjoy in Mendoza in March

The biggest festival that takes place in Mendoza during March is the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, one of Argentina’s most important festivals, celebrating wine production and the grape harvest.

The Vendimia festival usually begins at the end of February and runs until early March. The event features a variety of attractions, such as shows, theater performances, and contests. The festival hosts events in all the major cities of the Mendoza region.

To check the dates and schedule of the festival, visit the official website of the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia.