Updated November 2026
Short answer: January is high summer in Mendoza: hot, sunny and dry, with long days and warm evenings. It is a great month for Andes day trips, vineyard sunsets, winery lunches and river adventures, but it is not harvest season yet, which starts around late February. Book early, and plan outdoor activities for the morning and late afternoon.
January in Mendoza at a glance
| January in Mendoza | |
|---|---|
| Weather | Highs typically around 31–33°C (88–92°F); nights around 18–19°C (64–66°F); very high UV |
| Daylight | About 14 hours |
| Crowds | Peak summer season: more visitors and higher prices, so book early |
| The vines | Heavy with ripening grapes; harvest begins around late February |
| Events | Verano Cultural concerts: Vino Blues, January 26–28, and Jazz en el Lago del Parque, January 29–31 (dates announced by the provincial government for 2027; check before you travel) |
| Next up | Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia 2027: main show on Saturday, March 6 |
1. A day in the Andes
January is a good month to head up the Aconcagua road. The route climbs through Potrerillos, Uspallata and Punta de Vacas to the Puente del Inca, and mountain weather is generally more settled than in winter, when snow can disrupt the trip. Our Andes High Mountain tour covers it with a private guide and hotel pickup.
2. Sunsets in the vineyards
With about 14 hours of daylight, evenings are long and golden. Wineries in Luján de Cuyo such as Viamonte and Séptima are popular for watching the sun go down over the Andes. Check each winery’s current sunset schedule and reserve ahead. Not sure where to go? See our guide to the 7 best wineries to enjoy the Mendoza sunset.
3. A long winery lunch
Lunch in the vineyards is one of the best ways to spend the hottest hours. Ruca Malen, in Agrelo, was a pioneer of the sit-down, wine-paired tasting menu, and it is listed in the Michelin Guide; reserve well in advance. On our private Uco Valley wine tour, the day includes a wine-paired lunch facing the Andes. For more ideas, read our guide to the Michelin restaurants in Mendoza.
4. Biking in Chacras de Coria and Luján
The tree-lined roads of Chacras de Coria and Luján de Cuyo are made for a slow bike ride between wineries and cafés. In January, go early in the morning or in the late afternoon, and save the midday heat for a long lunch.
5. Rafting on the Mendoza River
To cool off, head to Potrerillos, about 70 km from Mendoza city, where companies such as Argentina Rafting run trips on the Mendoza River. In summer the rapids can reach class III to IV, so choose the route that matches your experience.
6. A trip south to San Rafael
If you have a few extra days, head south to San Rafael, roughly three hours by road. It is greener and quieter than the main wine areas, with the Atuel Canyon’s rock formations and the water activities at Los Reyunos Lake.
Tips for visiting Mendoza in January
- Plan around the heat: tastings and bike rides in the morning, a long lunch in the shade, activities again in the late afternoon.
- Protect yourself from the sun: hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. UV is extreme.
- Book ahead: January is peak season, so reserve tours, winery lunches and hotels early.
- Pack a light layer: evenings in the mountains can be cool, and short afternoon storms are possible.
January in Mendoza: what you need to know
Is January a good time to visit Mendoza?
Yes, if you like warm, sunny weather and long days. It is peak summer, so expect more visitors and higher prices, and the harvest has not started yet.
How hot is Mendoza in January?
Highs are typically around 31 to 33°C, and heat waves can push temperatures above 40°C. Nights are cooler, around 18 to 19°C.
Is January harvest season in Mendoza?
Not yet. The harvest starts around late February and runs through April, and the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia 2027 will be held in early March, with the main show on Saturday, March 6.
Are wineries open in January?
Yes. Summer is a busy season, and most wineries welcome visitors by reservation, so book ahead.
Plan your wine trip
Ready to taste Mendoza for yourself? Join one of our private tours with a local guide: the Uco Valley wine tour, the Luján de Cuyo wine tour, the Maipú wine tour or our 3-Day Mendoza Wine Escape. See all our private wine tours in Argentina.