Month guide · Mendoza · Argentina
Mendoza in December
What December is really like in Mendoza: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Luján de Cuyo wineries, Mendoza · Photo: Silviaanac, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 5 rainy days and roughly 14.3 hours of daylight. Hot summer days and long evenings outdoors; some places close around Christmas and New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 5
- Daylight
- About 14.3 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Plan a trip to Mendoza
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Weather in December
December is the 2nd-warmest month in Mendoza: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 5 of its 31 days. Compared with November (29°C (84°F)), December is warmer; by January highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:22
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 20:40
- Daylight
- About 14.3 hours
Winter (June–August). Cold nights, sunny days and snow on the Andes; quieter wineries and lower prices, though the mountain pass can close after snowfalls.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is March at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in March). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
December has no major recurring festival in Mendoza, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Experience · Maipú
Olive-oil tasting in Maipú
Maipú is also Mendoza's olive country, and several producers along the bike route explain pressing and serve tastings of extra-virgin oils, tapenades and preserves.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Kids
- Shopping
Park · Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva
Parque General San Martín
Rent a bike near the main gates and ride the loop around the lake and up towards Cerro de la Gloria.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Nature
- Active
Viewpoint · Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva
Cerro de la Gloria
A hill at the western end of Parque General San Martín crowned by the bronze Monument to the Army of the Andes, commemorating General San Martín's 1817 crossing of the Andes to free Chile and Peru.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Photo spot
Experience · Maipú
Maipú wineries by bike
Start in the morning before the afternoon heat, eat lunch at a winery restaurant, and avoid riding on main roads after several tastings.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Food
- Active
- Outdoors
- Couples
What to pack
For highs near 31°C (88°F), lows near 17°C (63°F) and 5 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Mendoza?
A shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, March–May and October–November are better overall. Compare every month.
Mendoza in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Mendoza in December?
At about 20:40 local time in mid-December, with sunrise at about 06:22: roughly 14.3 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Mendoza in December?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Mendoza in December?
Expect rain on about 5 days of the month.