If you plan to travel to Mendoza in May, get ready to explore one of the most charming cities in Argentina. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Andes Mountains, in the heart of a wine region, Mendoza combines stunning landscapes, rich culture, excellent restaurants, and a wide variety of wines.
In this article, we will share all the essential information and valuable tips about the weather, tours, and attractions to ensure your visit to Mendoza in May is memorable.
Prepare to discover the city’s charm and take advantage of all the tours, events, and attractions Mendoza has to offer during this season.
Discover your trip to Mendoza in May
The average temperature in Mendoza in May is 12°C (53.6°F).
May is still a fantastic month for outdoor activities.
Your May suitcase for Mendoza should already include warm clothes, as temperatures can get quite low on some days.
May is the low season in Mendoza. The cost of lodging and tours is very appealing during this month.
1. Weather in Mendoza in May
In May, it is autumn in Mendoza, and temperatures continue to drop. Overall, the weather at the destination is still pleasant, especially during the day, even though it has reached some lower temperatures.
Average temperature in Mendoza in May
During the month of May in Mendoza, temperatures are already considered low, but the weather remains quite pleasant on most days. However, on some days, temperatures can drop further and approach 6°C (42.8°F).
The average temperature in the city in May is 12°C (53.6°F), with an average minimum temperature of 6°C (42.8°F) and an average maximum temperature of 18°C (64.4°F).
In May 2024, the lowest recorded temperature in Mendoza was 0°C (32°F), while the highest was 27°C (80.6°F). Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Mendoza in May, be ready for a range of temperatures, including mild days and cooler nights, particularly as the month draws to a close.
Precipitation in Mendoza in May
In May, the precipitation level in Mendoza is quite low, as it is close to winter, the driest season. Therefore, your chances of experiencing rain during your trip to Mendoza in May are very low, with an average precipitation of 9.9 mm.
It’s worth noting that Mendoza is a region with little rainfall throughout the year due to its semi-arid climate. But if you do encounter a rainy day, don’t worry, as the rain typically doesn’t last long and is unlikely to disrupt your trip.
Daylight Duration in May
In May, the days are significantly shorter compared to the summer months in Mendoza. There is an average of 10 hours and 50 minutes of natural daylight. Therefore, the sun rises around 8 a.m. and sets around 6:50 p.m. Keep in mind that sunrise and sunset times vary throughout the month.
Despite the shorter days, as temperatures remain pleasant, May is a fantastic month for outdoor activities such as hiking and rappelling. However, don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing for your activities, especially a windbreaker jacket.
2. What to Do in Mendoza in May: Must-See Tours for the Month
May still offers pleasant temperatures, good weather, and a low chance of rain. Take advantage of this to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, rappelling, biking, and picnics. But always remember to bring some warm clothing with you.
As in other months, visiting the wineries is a must on your itinerary, as this is Mendoza’s main attraction year-round. The location also provides a variety of traditional tours that are available throughout the year.
Check out our tips for the best activities to do in Mendoza in May:
- Visit the Wineries: A tour for any time of year. Take advantage of May to explore the wineries and enjoy the autumn scenery of the vineyards.
- Wine Tastings: Don’t miss the chance to taste fine wines, whether at the wineries or during meals. Use your trip to sample different Malbec labels, the region’s specialty.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy the pleasant weather and low chance of rain for outdoor activities. Include trekking, rappelling, picnics, and bike rides in your itinerary.
- Hiking and Rappelling in Cacheuta + Hot Springs: Enjoy nature in Cacheuta with a hike and rappelling descents. Then, relax at the Cacheuta Hot Springs.
- Paragliding Flight: Explore Mendoza’s landscapes from a different perspective with a paragliding flight.
- Wine Bike Tour: On an enjoyable bike tour, take in stunning scenery, winery visits, and wine and liquor tastings.
Look for more tours in Mendoza.
3. Must-Visit Wineries to Explore in May
As previously stated, Mendoza, Argentina’s main attractions, are its wineries. If you’re visiting the city in May, check out our favorite wineries to explore during autumn:
- Susana Balbo: This winery is one of our favorites for warmer or mild weather, as it offers an outdoor picnic. Additionally, its restaurant features a delicious autumn menu, perfectly suited for cool days.
- Renacer: Another excellent winery to visit in autumn, offering a guided tour with a picnic and a bike ride through the vineyards.
- Luigi Bosca: Provides a unique experience with wine tastings, a sensory tour of the winery’s oldest vineyard, and a delightful country-style lunch in the estate’s gardens.
- Tempus Alba: Besides a wine-tasting tour, you can enjoy a traditional Argentine lunch with a magnificent view, paired with a wonderful Malbec.
- Bodega Monteviejo: Located in Valle de Uco, this winery is an amazing place to visit in May, especially during the Wine Rock event, featuring rock music and plenty of wine. The winery also has a restaurant and stunning views of the Andes.
4. Gastronomy in Mendoza: Perfect Restaurants to Visit in May
Mendoza is widely renowned for its unparalleled wine and culinary experiences. During autumn, don’t miss the opportunity to savor Argentina’s traditional dishes paired with an excellent Malbec, especially if you are a food enthusiast looking to experience the best of every destination you visit.
The majority of Mendoza’s best restaurants have seasonal menus, with weather-appropriate dishes made with fresh ingredients. Here are our restaurant and dish recommendations to enjoy in May:
- Osadia de Crear: This restaurant, part of the Susana Balbo winery, offers a seasonal menu. If you visit during autumn, be ready to savor delicious dishes prepared with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- 1884 Restaurante: Considered one of the best restaurants in Mendoza, it features an incredible menu and an elegant, welcoming atmosphere. Located in an 1884 winery, it’s perfect for dinner, especially on pleasant days. Outdoor seating allows you to enjoy the beauty of the venue and watch the chefs at work. In autumn, with its mild weather, it’s also an excellent option for an outdoor lunch.
- Ramos Generales: A perfect choice for pleasant days with good weather. This is the restaurant of the Kaiken winery, located in Luján de Cuyo, offering dishes that reflect each season. A lovely outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards is used for dining.
- Gingger Cocktails Bar: If you’re looking for a relaxed spot for drinks, Gingger is ideal. The cocktails are amazing (we recommend the Aperol Spritz and Mojito), and during the afternoon, you can take advantage of happy hour specials. If it’s a colder day, or you visit at night, Gingger offers a cozy indoor setting.
- Restaurante Tempus Alba: Tempus Alba features an exceptional restaurant that serves its delicious meals on an outdoor terrace with stunning views. Outdoor lunches are perfect for autumn, thanks to the pleasant temperatures and the typically clear blue skies.
5. Perfect Hotels in Mendoza for Autumn
Nothing compares to spending autumn in Mendoza in a cozy hotel. Since some autumn days still reach temperatures above 25°C (77°F), air conditioning is a welcome feature in hotels. For cooler nights, a heater can also be useful. To ensure a comfortable stay, we recommend a hotel with both air conditioning and heating.
As the weather can vary significantly, for those who love a good swim, we suggest booking a hotel with a heated pool. Here are three hotel recommendations for a cozy autumn stay, but you can also explore other incredible options for lodging in Mendoza.
Located in front of Independence Square, this 5-star hotel has a pool, casino, and excellent facilities for the colder days.
Located near Independence Square and Italy Square, the charming hotel offers full facilities and a pool with a view of the city.
Located in the Uco Valley, the lodge at Bodega Salentein features a pool with a view of the vineyards and good infrastructure.
Tips for Booking Accommodation in Mendoza in May
- In May, the tourist flow in Mendoza is lower, so you can find excellent lodging options. Take advantage of the low season to select a quality hotel for your stay.
- Be aware of scams, as the rate of fraud for bookings made outside official platforms is quite high in Mendoza. It’s best to make your reservation 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.
- Read the reviews carefully and check the location before booking any accommodation.
- If you’re unsure where to stay in Mendoza, I recommend staying in the downtown, close to the main squares or on 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 May?
Clothing for moderate cold and a few items for days with mild temperatures should be in your May suitcase for Mendoza
We recommend bringing clothes suitable for temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to over 22°C (71.6°F). Accessories like boots and scarves are already highly appreciated in May for added comfort. For this month, a quality winter coat is also necessary. Thermal layers aren’t strictly necessary, but if you’re sensitive to the cold, you might opt for a thin one, especially for the evenings.
Pack for moderate cold weather, and don’t forget to include warm pants, knits, sweatshirts, and a coat that can handle the cold. Below are essential items for your suitcase when traveling to Mendoza in May:
- Sunscreen: Despite the dropping temperatures, sunscreen is always essential for skin health and protection.
- Cold-weather clothing: Be sure to bring warm pants, wool, knits, sweatshirts, jackets, and sweaters. Take advantage of mid-season clothing, but also bring outfits for potentially colder days.
- Thermal layers: Although it is not necessary in May, you might want to pack tights or a thin thermal layer if you are a cold person.
- Accessories: Although not necessary in May, think about bringing beanies, tights, and scarves if you get cold easily.
- Moisturizer: Don’t forget facial, body, and lip moisturizers. Mendoza generally has a dry climate, which can cause your skin and lips to dry out. Hydrate your skin and lips well.
- Cap/Hat: Since temperatures are lower and the sun is less intense, caps and hats are no longer essential but still useful, especially for hiking and adventure activities.
- Boots and Sneakers: Your May suitcase for Mendoza should include boots or sneakers. Closed shoes are essential to keep your feet warm in lower temperatures.
- Socks: Don’t forget to pack socks. Opt for thicker ones to keep your feet warm on colder days.
- Hiking Shoes: If you’re an adventurer planning to go trekking, pack appropriate hiking boots or trail sneakers.
- Sportswear: If you plan to hike or go biking, bring comfortable sportswear. In May, we recommend leggings/pants, lightweight tops/tank tops, and a jacket (such as a windbreaker). This way, you can wear or remove the jacket throughout the day depending on the temperature.
- Swimwear: If you plan to do any water activities or visit the Termas de Cacheuta, pack at least one swimsuit.
- Coat: A trip to Mendoza in May requires at least one coat that can withstand moderate cold.
In addition to the suggested items, don’t forget the necessary documents to enter Argentina, such as your passport or ID card.
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 May?
Low Season in Mendoza
In May, it’s already autumn in Mendoza, the grape harvest has ended, and the low season has begun. As a result, the tourist flow in the city decreases, and it becomes noticeably quieter.
Restaurants are also less crowded, and tours have far fewer tourists. This allows you to find low-season deals on accommodations, tours, and dining.
It’s an excellent opportunity for those who want to visit Mendoza, enjoying more affordable prices, less crowded attractions, and more relaxed dining experiences. Combining the benefits of the low season with the pleasant weather, we consider April and May fantastic months to visit this destination.
Even with fewer tourists, I recommend making reservations in advance at the most popular restaurants, especially for lunch or dinner at the wineries. It’s also advisable to book tours at least 3 days in advance. Despite being the low season, Mendoza is a destination that receives many visitors throughout the year.
May Landscapes in Mendoza
In May, the golden hues of autumn have taken over the region. You will see the trees of General San MartÃn Park and other cityscapes radiating the colors of fall.
In Mendoza’s vineyards, the leaves have turned yellow and are beginning to fall. The scenery is quite different from summer, when the vineyards are lush and full of grapes. Despite the change in vegetation, the vineyards remain beautiful, showcasing the golden tones of autumn.
For those visiting the High Mountain region, while it isn’t blanketed in snow like in winter, the landscapes are still stunning. The mild May weather is also ideal for trekking in the area.
The landscapes in San Rafael are equally breathtaking, with the blue waters of the Atuel Canyon reflecting off the rocks and standing out against the clear skies.
Extra Tip: Festivals and Events to Enjoy in Mendoza in May
If you enjoy rock music, you’ll find an exciting event to attend in May: Wine Rock. This event takes place at Bodega Monteviejo in the Uco Valley and combines rock, wine, and food.
You can check the cultural agenda for each month on the Ciudad de Mendoza website.
Also, explore our 3-day itinerary in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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.
