The climate of Mendoza
Lying in the mid-latitude desert or BWk zone as per the Köppen climate classification,
Mendoza is recognized for its overall arid conditions. Constant throughout the entire year, the aridity is a result of its geographical position, nestled downwind of the Andes mountain range. Weather variations in Mendoza are minor, the main difference being between the warm summers and cool winters.
Temperatures in the highs peak at around 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
January, while
July presents the lowest value, with averages around 11.2°C (52.2°F). At the other end of the temperature spectrum, lows display a similar pattern - January is noted as the warmest month with lows of 18.5°C (65.3°F), and in contrast, July marks the coldest month, dropping to 3.2°C (37.8°F). In terms of humidity, the highest levels appear during the cooler months, peaking at 60% in the months of
April and
May. This contrasts with the months of
December and January which see the lowest humidity levels, at around 39% and 42% respectively.
Rainfall in Mendoza is sparse throughout the year. The wettest month in this region is January, with rainfall measures at 69mm (2.72") averagely. Meanwhile,
June to
September experience negligible rainfall, with a touch over 5mm (0.2") to 6mm (0.24"). The city occasionally experiences snow during the winter with peaks in July, displaying 17mm (0.67") of snowfall.
The best time to visit Mendoza
With comfortable temperatures varying from 12.5°C (54.5°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F), clear skies and scarce rain, the best time to visit
Mendoza is typically during the summer months of
December to
March. During this period, tourists can expect maximum sunshine hours that span from 9.5 hours to 9.7 hours per day and a UV index hovering around 6. Additionally, wind speed is also moderate, with an average speed ranging between 11.2km/h (7mph) and 12.8km/h (8mph).
The worst time to visit Mendoza
Winter months, from
June to
August, may prove less appealing to visitors. Temperatures are colder, falling to a low of 3.2°C (37.8°F) in
July whilst snowfall is maximal with 17mm (0.67") in July. Though the number of sunshine hours only drops slightly to 9.4 hours per day, the considerable decrease in temperature and possibility of snowfall may deter tourists accustomed to milder climates.
Spring weather in Mendoza
Spring commences in
Mendoza around
September, with the city warming gradually from 14.6°C (58.3°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F). Fall in temperature during nights is remarkable with lows slipping from 7.5°C (45.5°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F). Rainfall records a steady rise through the season from 6mm (0.24") to 23mm (0.91"). The UV index begins to climb, starting from 4 in September to 5 by
November.
Summer weather in Mendoza
Expectedly, temperatures in
Mendoza rise throughout the summer months, hitting a peak of 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
January, then cooling down to 24.3°C (75.7°F) by
March. Night temperatures remain agreeably warm, with lows fluctuating between 18.5°C (65.3°F) and 14.8°C (58.6°F). Precipitation sees minimal changes through this period, from 54mm (2.13") in
December to 29mm (1.14") by March.
Autumn weather in Mendoza
During autumn, the temperatures in
Mendoza take a downward turn. Starting from 20.1°C (68.2°F) in
April to 15.8°C (60.4°F) by
June, the city experiences a notable chill. Nights are cooler still, descending from 11.1°C (52°F) to 4.7°C (40.5°F). Rainfall decreases correspondingly from 14mm (0.55") in April to nearly 6mm (0.24") by June.
Winter weather in Mendoza
In winter,
Mendoza undergoes its coldest period. High temperatures average around 12.5°C (54.5°F) in
June and dip further to 11.2°C (52.2°F) in
July. The lowest temperatures sink further, from 4.7°C (40.5°F) in June to 3.2°C (37.8°F) in July. The cold is accompanied by an occasional snowfall with July marking the year's peak of 17mm (0.67"). Mendoza also experiences its shortest daylight hours during winter, with just a little over 10 hours in June and July. However, the city maintains almost 9.4 to 9.6 hours of sunshine during these shortest days.
Weather in January
Mendoza,
Argentina, kicks off the year with warm summer conditions in
January. The city experiences its highest temperatures, with average highs soaring up to 28.3°C (82.9°F) and lows settling to around 18.5°C (65.3°F). The balmy climate is coupled with low humid conditions, making the city a great destination for those seeking to escape the winter chill.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Mendoza,
February continues to ride the wave of warm summer weather, though it sees a slight decrease compared to the scorching temperatures of
January. It is a time of pleasantly warm afternoons and cool evenings, resulting in an inviting climate for both locals and tourists alike.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of
March,
Mendoza experiences the fading of summer into autumn. While the temperature remains warm, the city witnesses a unique phenomenon of considerable drop in rainfall in comparison to previous months. A noteworthy feature of this month is a further decline in temperature, with highs of around 24.3°C (75.7°F) and lows dipping down to 14.8°C (58.6°F) on average.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the full onset of autumn in
Mendoza. Temperatures continue to cool down, providing a comfortable climate void of extreme weather conditions. In this month, there is a significant reduction in both temperature and rainfall when compared with
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Mendoza in
May showcases a remarkable change. It's a time when the city truly begins to feel the chill with temperatures witnessing a major dip. When compared to the
April weather, May introduces a context of cooler and drier conditions upon the city.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the advent of winter in
Mendoza, with the temperatures continuing their downward trend. It is a period marked by cooler, shorter days and longer, cold nights. The city witnesses the coldest months of the year with average temperature highs of 12.5°C (54.5°F) and lows hitting an average of 4.7°C (40.5°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the coldest month in the city of
Mendoza, which experiences the peak of winter during this part of the year. While temperatures reach a high of 11.2°C (52.2°F), they can plummet to lows of around 3.2°C (37.8°F). July sees a mix of weather experiences, ranging from pleasant sunny days to slightly snowy conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August arrives,
Mendoza begins to transition from winter to spring. Though it continues to be cold, a slight increase in temperature is observed in comparison to
July. The captivating brilliance of the afternoon sun coupled with the beginning of warmer days is a definitive sign of the forthcoming spring.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the onset of spring in the city of
Mendoza. It serves as an inviting period for visitors and locals alike with its spring-like weather. Post the cold months of winter, the city witnesses a steady increase in temperature during September.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, spring is in full bloom in
Mendoza. This period presents a significant rise in temperatures, marking a shift from the cool temperatures of
September. October symbolizes longer, warmer days and marks an increase in average daily sunshine hours, providing ample opportunities for outdoor fun.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November is a time when
Mendoza starts transitioning from pleasant spring to the warmth of summer. The weather observes a substantial rise in temperature along with longer and sunnier days. The increased sunshine and gradually warming temperatures provide the perfect setting for spending time outdoors.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December arrives in
Mendoza with a noticeable spike in temperature. The month ushers in the hot summer climate, characterized by humid conditions coupled with warm days and nights. The city experiences some of the highest temperatures of the year with highs reaching 27.3°C (81.1°F) and lows at around 17.1°C (62.8°F).
Weather in December »