Last updated: January 18, 2025
Mendoza, Argentina, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by distinct Koppen-Geiger classifications, including BWk, Csb, BSk, and Cfb. The region experiences a remarkable temperature range, with winter months plunging to a frigid minimum of -16°C (4°F) in June, while summer can see soaring highs of up to 44°C (111°F) in January. The annual average temperature rests comfortably at 16°C (61°F), highlighting Mendoza's temperate climate interspersed with extreme seasonal fluctuations that contribute to its unique environmental landscape and agricultural vibrancy.
In Mendoza, Argentina, temperature patterns reveal a striking seasonal contrast, transitioning from the scorching heat of summer to the frigid winter months. January and February are the warmest months, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and 23°C (73°F), respectively, while maximums frequently reach above 40°C (104°F). As autumn progresses into March and April, temperatures begin to drop, leading to averages of 20°C (69°F) and 16°C (62°F), accompanied by cooler minimums. The winter months, particularly June and July, showcase the region's most extreme cold, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -16°C (4°F) and -14°C (7°F), while average temperatures hover around 7°C (45°F). However, as spring approaches in September through November, a gradual warming trend occurs, bringing averages back up to 21°C (70°F) in November, marking a significant shift as the cycle prepares to restart with the return of the summer heat.
In the region of Mendoza, Argentina, temperatures can vary significantly across different areas and months. In both Maipu and Mendoza, the temperature plunges to a minimum of -3°C (28°F) in June, soaring to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in December, as detailed in their respective links: monthly temperatures in Maipu and monthly temperatures in Mendoza. Meanwhile, Lujan de Cuyo experiences even colder winters with a minimum of -10°C (14°F) in July, although its summer maximum reaches a milder 32°C (90°F) in December, which can be further explored in the link: monthly temperatures in Lujan de Cuyo.
Mendoza, Argentina, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern characterized by a concentration of rainfall during the summer months and a noticeable decline into winter. January and February are the wettest months, averaging 49 mm (1.9 in) and 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, respectively, with precipitation occurring over seven to eight days. As the seasons transition into autumn, rainfall remains relatively steady in March and April, with 46 mm (1.8 in) and 45 mm (1.8 in), but begins to taper off towards the end of May, where average precipitation drops to 37 mm (1.5 in) over five days.
As winter sets in, Mendoza sees a significant reduction in precipitation, with June, July, and August recording only 21 mm (0.8 in), 17 mm (0.7 in), and 15 mm (0.6 in) respectively and often spanning just two or three rainy days. Although some increase is observed in September and October with 19 mm (0.8 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in), the overall trend showcases Mendoza's semi-arid climate, where the majority of rainfall is concentrated in the warmer months, leading to dry winters that are critical for the region's agricultural practices.
Mendoza, Argentina, is renowned for its abundant sunshine, demonstrating a seasonal pattern that showcases a remarkable increase in sunshine hours from the cooler winter months to the warmer summer ones. Beginning in June, when the region sees around 260 hours of sunshine, the trend gradually rises as the year progresses toward summer. July and August experience a slight uptick, with averages of 276 and 311 hours, respectively, but it is in the spring months of October and November that sunshine truly peaks. October records 358 hours, culminating in November with an impressive 374 hours of bright daylight, providing perfect conditions for the region's famous vineyards.
As the summer solstice approaches in December, Mendoza reaches its zenith with 398 hours of sunshine, the highest of the year. Following this peak, the sunlight hours begin to taper off, signaling the onset of autumn and returning to winter conditions by the following May, where sunshine dips to 269 hours. This overall trend highlights Mendoza's favorable climate for outdoor activities and agriculture, making it a prime location for sun-seekers and wine enthusiasts alike, who can take advantage of the seemingly endless days of sunshine that grace the region.
The UV Index in Mendoza, Argentina, presents a striking pattern of intensity across the seasons, reflecting the region's high solar exposure, particularly during the summer months. With extreme levels recorded in January (17) and February (15), residents and visitors are advised to take precautions as the burn time is limited to just 10 minutes. March maintains an extreme index of 13, emphasizing the ongoing need for sun protection as temperatures begin to warm. As autumn sets in during April, the UV Index drops to 9—which still qualifies as very high—and the burn time increases to 15 minutes, allowing for slightly longer outdoor activity without immediate risk.
As winter approaches, the UV Index experiences a further decline: May shows a high index of 6 with a burn time of 25 minutes, while June decreases to 5, categorized as moderate. However, as spring rolls back around, the UV levels escalate dramatically; August sees an increase to 8 (very high), and September returns to extreme levels at 12. The UV Index peaks again in the final months of the year, with December reaching 16, demanding heightened awareness for sun safety due to the short burn times throughout the year. This seasonal variance underscores the importance of adapting sun safety measures accordingly, especially during the high and extreme UV periods that dominate Mendoza’s summer months.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Mendoza, Argentina, reflects a dynamic pattern influenced by the changing seasons, with the longest days occurring during the summer months. In January, the region enjoys a generous 14 hours of daylight, gradually tapering to 13 hours in February. As autumn arrives in March, daylight decreases to 12 hours, and by April, it further shortens to 11 hours, transitioning into the cooler months as the year progresses. This trend continues into May and June, where the shortest days of the year are recorded at 10 and 9 hours, respectively.
However, daylight duration begins to rebound in July, returning to 10 hours before steadily increasing through the spring months. By September, daylight stretches back to 11 hours, and October sees it rise to 12 hours as the days gradually lengthen. November offers 13 hours of sunlight, culminating in December where daylight once again reaches 14 hours, mirroring the patterns observed in January. This cyclical change emphasizes Mendoza’s seasonal rhythm, making the region a favorable destination for outdoor activities and seasonal festivities throughout the year.
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. January and February are warm, with average temperatures around 20-18°C (68-64°F) and monthly precipitation peaking at 128-159 mm. The winter months of June and July see average temperatures drop to around 4°C (40°F), with minimal rainfall of 23 mm. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with October and December offering the most hours of sun, approximately 371 and 412 hours, respectively. For more detailed information, visit Lujan de Cuyo climate.
Maipu, Argentina experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with hot summers and cool winters. January and December are the warmest months, featuring average temperatures around 26-27°C (79-81°F) and maximums reaching up to 40°C (104°F). Conversely, winter months like June and July see much cooler temperatures, averaging around 8-9°C (46-48°F) and dipping as low as -3°C (28°F). Rainfall is relatively low, with the wettest months being February and March, while sunshine is abundant, peaking in November and December with up to 397 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Maipu climate.
Mendoza, Argentina experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January and December see peak temperatures, with highs reaching up to 40°C (104°F), while June and July are the coolest months, with temperatures dropping to -3°C (28°F). Precipitation is relatively low, with the wettest months being February and March, averaging around 34-44 mm (1.3-1.7 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in October and November, where sunlight hours exceed 370. For more detailed information, visit Mendoza climate.
San Martin, Argentina, experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. January sees average temperatures soaring to around 27°C (82°F) with peaks reaching 42°C (107°F), while July's averages drop to 8°C (47°F). Rainfall is generally low, with the wettest months being January and February, receiving approximately 36 mm (1.4 in) and 39 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation, respectively. Throughout the year, San Martin enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in December with 391 hours, making it an attractive destination for outdoor activities. For more detailed climate information, visit San Martin climate.
San Rafael, Argentina, experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. January and February are the hottest months, with average temperatures reaching 24-26°C (75-79°F) and maximums up to 41°C (106°F), while July can drop to an average of 8°C (46°F) with minimums around -5°C (24°F). Precipitation is relatively low, peaking in February and November, while sunshine hours are abundant, particularly from October to December. This pleasant climate supports a range of outdoor activities year-round, making it an attractive destination. For more information, visit San Rafael climate.
Santa Rosa, Argentina, boasts a warm climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January and December are the hottest months, experiencing maximum temperatures up to 42°C (107°F), while July is the coldest month with minimum temperatures dropping to -4°C (25°F). The city receives most of its precipitation during the summer months, particularly in January and February, averaging around 60 mm (2.4 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly from October to December, with up to 392 hours of sunlight in December. For more detailed information, visit Santa Rosa climate.
The climate in Tunuyan, Argentina, exhibits distinct seasonal variations, with hot summers and cold winters. January and February are the warmest months, featuring average temperatures around 20-22°C (68-73°F) and maximums reaching up to 35°C (96°F). The winter months, particularly June and July, register lower temperatures, averaging around 5°C (41°F) and minimums dropping to -7°C (20°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate, with the wettest months occurring in February and April, while sunshine is abundant, peaking in December with 412 hours. For more detailed information, visit Tunuyan climate.
Tupungato, Argentina experiences a diverse climate with marked seasonal variations. Summers (December to February) are warm, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 16°C (58°F to 61°F) and precipitation peaking in February at 160 mm (6.3 in). Winters (June to August) are cold, with average temperatures dropping to around 0°C (32°F) and occasional lows of -16°C (4°F). The region enjoys substantial sunshine, especially in December with 412 hours, making it an attractive destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Tupungato climate.
In conclusion, Mendoza, Argentina, presents a captivating climatic and environmental profile characterized by its diverse temperature ranges, notable sunshine hours, and fluctuating daylight duration throughout the year. The region's extreme UV Index during summer highlights a need for sun safety measures, while the pronounced differences in rainfall between the seasons underscore its semi-arid climate. As Mendoza transitions from the sweltering summers with long daylight hours to the cooler, shorter days of winter, it remains a vibrant locale for agriculture, outdoor activities, and wine production. Collectively, these climatic features contribute to Mendoza's unique charm, making it an appealing destination for both residents and travelers alike seeking rich experiences in nature and culture.