Argentina in January: Weather, Wine Tasting and More!

Summer in Argentina reaches its height in January, making this the ideal time to explore Patagonia and other parts of the country. However, as it is such a vast country, temperatures vary depending on where you go.

The central and northern parts of the country, including Buenos Aires, have a temperate climate. Thus, temperatures in these regions during January can be hot, reaching up to 29°C during the day. The north-eastern tip of the country, including Posadas and Correintes, has a tropical climate, with humidity levels soaring in summer, and there is always a risk of rain at this time of year. You will find much cooler temperatures in the south, such as in Patagonia, where it averages around 13°C during the day. Hence, January is also a great time to travel to Patagonia.

Since January is the peak month when it comes to Argentina, it can get pretty crowded, especially at famous spots like Patagonia. Even so, do not let the crowds deter you, as there are more reasons to be in Argentina during January than not.

• National parks: Famous nature spots in the country like Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and Tierra del Fuego are located in the south, where the weather is mild and sunny. Rainfall during this month is at its lowest in these areas, and you do not have to worry about treacherous conditions.
• Enjoy the summer festivals and events in Buenos Aires: January in Buenos Aires is the height of summer, with warm temperatures perfect for outdoor events and festivals. One of the highlights is the Buenos Aires Tango Festival, which often runs during this time, offering free outdoor tango performances and dance classes in parks like Plaza Dorrego. Additionally, the city’s cultural scene thrives in January with summer music festivals, such as the Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival, where you can enjoy world-class performances in various venues. Whether you’re exploring the city’s open-air markets, enjoying an alfresco dinner, or dancing under the stars, Buenos Aires in January offers an exciting and festive atmosphere.
• Gualeguaychu Carnival: The city of Gualeguaychu hosts its renowned, two-month-long carnival in January and February, with dancers in colorful costumes parading through its streets each Saturday.
• Wildlife watching in the Ibera Wetlands: January is the perfect time to visit the Ibera Wetlands in northeastern Argentina, one of the largest freshwater marshes in the world, for exceptional wildlife watching. The warm summer temperatures make this the ideal season to spot capybaras, caimans, howler monkeys, and hundreds of bird species, including the rare Jabiru stork. The best way to explore is by taking a guided boat tour through the park’s intricate waterways, where you can also encounter the elusive maned wolf or giant river otters. The lush vegetation and active wildlife make January an unforgettable time to visit this thriving ecosystem, which is at its most vibrant during the summer.
• Beach time: January is peak beach season in Argentina, with warm temperatures perfect for a seaside getaway. The city of Mar del Plata, Argentina’s most popular beach destination, is buzzing with visitors during this month, offering a mix of sandy beaches and lively nightlife. If you prefer a quieter escape, head to Pinamar or Cariló, where you can enjoy less crowded beaches and charming coastal villages. Activities like surfing, jet-skiing, and beach volleyball are popular during January, as the hot weather makes it the ideal time to enjoy water sports and relax on the beach.
• Vineyard visits in Mendoza’s summer sun: January is the peak of summer in Mendoza, Argentina’s renowned wine region, making it an ideal time for vineyard tours. The warm weather ensures the grapes are ripening, and you can take a tour of the vineyards to witness the growing process firsthand. Visit renowned wineries, where you can enjoy outdoor wine tastings with panoramic views of the Andes Mountains in the background. The wineries also host gourmet lunches and dinners in their beautiful gardens, perfect for enjoying local Malbec wines and regional specialties. It’s the perfect time to explore Mendoza’s famous wine estates, as the summer weather makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

 Argentina is not short of things to do and places to discover. Below you will find some destinations and activities that you can enjoy during your trip to Argentina in January.

• Los Glaciares National Park: You can explore Los Glaciares National Park in comfort in January as the weather is warm and you do not need to layer up much. If you plan to see glaciers during your stay in the nature reserve, make sure that you include the giant ice wall that is Perito Moreno in your itinerary.
• Bariloche: Bariloche is the most scenic spot of the Argentine Lake District in summer when lush green trees, colorful wildflowers, and bright blue lakes create a spectacular landscape. Warm weather also makes boat rides and kayaking possible. The Route of Seven Lakes is one of the best sailing trips you can undertake during your stay here.
• El Chalten: The small mountain village of El Chalten is full of life in January as avid hikers flock here to make the most of long daylight hours. The area has some of the best hiking trails in the country, each offering incredible views of the mountains. Plus, with temperatures staying below 16°C, January has the ideal weather for day treks.
• Buenos Aires: It might come as a surprise to many, but January is a great time to explore Buenos Aires as many locals head to beach resorts for vacations. This means that streets are not as crowded and you can have a more relaxing time taking leisurely lunches in alfresco restaurants and wandering around the city’s air-conditioned museums.

January is undoubtedly one of the best months to visit Argentina, regardless of whether you want a beach vacation, hiking trip, or a city break. However, as January in Argentina is also a high season, be sure to book in advance as accommodation, flights, and tours can fill up quickly. If you need help planning your custom trip to Argentina, feel free to reach out to our local travel experts.

Other related articles:
Argentina in February
Argentina in December