Argentina

7 min
August 13, 2024

Best Time to Visit Argentina: February and November

Argentina is a country of extremes, and not just geographically. February brings the tail end of summer — Buenos Aires is steamy and festive, Patagonia's glaciers are calving under long daylight hours, and Mendoza's vineyards are heavy with grapes ready for harvest. November, on the other hand, marks spring's arrival: jacarandas blooming purple across Buenos Aires, Patagonia's wildflowers emerging, and the wine regions preparing for the busy season ahead.

If you're wondering when to visit Argentina, these two months offer the country at its most dynamic, with each region revealing something different depending on the season.

February: Late Summer Across the Country

February in Argentina means summer is in full swing, though what that looks like varies dramatically by region. In Buenos Aires, it's hot - often pushing into the high 30s Celsius - but the city compensates with rooftop bars, evening milongas (tango venues that start late and run later), and a palpable sense that everyone is on vacation mode. The Buenos Aires summer festivals are winding down, but the outdoor life continues: cafes spill onto sidewalks, and the neighborhoods of Palermo and San Telmo feel most alive after sunset.

Down in Patagonia, February is peak season for a reason. The weather is at its warmest and most stable, with temperatures around 15-20°C in places like El Calafate and El Chaltén. This is ideal for multi-day treks - the W Circuit in Torres del Paine, the Fitz Roy hikes - and for experiencing the glaciers at their most active. Perito Moreno Glacier calves more frequently in warmer months, sending massive chunks of ice into the lake with dramatic sound and spray.

In Mendoza and the wine regions, February marks harvest season. The vineyards are at their most beautiful, and many bodegas offer harvest experiences where you can participate (symbolically, at least) in the grape picking. The Andes provide a stunning backdrop, and the weather is warm enough for long lunches on winery terraces without the scorching heat of January.

November: Spring's Promise

November is when Argentina shakes off winter and transforms. In Buenos Aires, the jacaranda trees explode into purple blooms, lining entire avenues in color. The weather is perfect - warm but not oppressive, sitting comfortably in the low-20s Celsius - and the outdoor terraces reopen across the city. November also marks the beginning of the polo season in Buenos Aires, which offers a glimpse into Argentine high society and sport.

Patagonia in November is quieter and more unpredictable, but also more rewarding for travelers who don't mind a bit of adventure. Spring wildflowers - lupines, fire bush, orchids - carpet the steppe, and the wildlife is exceptionally active. Magellanic penguins return to their coastal colonies, guanacos give birth, and condors circle overhead. The winds are still present (this is Patagonia, after all), but they're typically less brutal than in summer.

In the wine regions, November marks the start of the season. The vines are leafing out, the landscapes are green, and the crowds haven't arrived yet. It's an excellent time for wine touring if you prefer a more intimate experience with winemakers and fewer tour buses clogging the roads between Mendoza and Luján de Cuyo.

Where We'd Stay:

1.Eolo Hotel, Patagonia

Eolo embodies the spirit of Patagonia, its indigenous roots, the personal experiences of the first European and criollo settlers and those of the adventurers from across the world who still head for this legendary land today. This magical lodge is located on an estate that stretches over 4,000 hectares near El Calafate, on the route to the Perito Moreno glacier. Here in the valley of La Anita, nothing can disturb the tranquility. Set off and explore unspoiled nature, relax in the indoor pool and savour delicious cuisine while taking in the incredible views of glaciers, the largest lake in Argentina and the Andes Mountains.

2.Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa

Set upon a spectacular outcrop within the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve, minutes from the city, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa captures the imagination. The Andes serve as sentinels over this sustainably designed resort, which uses locally sourced materials such as crafted leather and aromatic woods. Enjoy the pool area, which includes an indoor/outdoor infinity pool and two hot tubs. Guided treks around the property lead you to pristine meadows, a beaver dam, and Magellanic forests. Dine on Argentine barbecue, king crab, or Patagonian sea bass at La Cravia restaurant, which dishes up dazzling views over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.

Perks when you book through us:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
  • Complimentary lunch or dinner for two people/room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100 USD)
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

3.Casa de Uco

The finest malbec grapes are grown in the Uco Valley, home to the 790-acre Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort. This estate is the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation: Days are filled with biking, trekking, horseback riding through vineyards, and treatments in the Uco Spa. Live and breathe Argentina’s wine culture with sommelier-guided tastings and personal-chef barbecues in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Soak in views from any of 16 rooms and suites or 3 new private villas nestled within the vineyards. The essence of Casa de Uco is inspired by the geography – ideal for unforgettable experiences.

Perks when you book through us:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
  • Complimentary lunch or dinner for two guests per room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100USD)
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

4.The Vines Resort And Spa

Deeply rooted in the joy of making, drinking, and sharing wine, The Vines Resort & Spa immerses guests in Argentine culture, rustic natural beauty, and warmhearted hospitality. Feast on inspired regional cuisine created by famed chef Francis Mallmann and his signature open-flame restaurant, Siete Fuegos. Soak up the sweeping views of the Andes Mountains from your well-appointed villa. Relax poolside in your private cabana, or learn the art of harvesting, blending, and bottling alongside expert winemakers. Get to know The Vines’ knowledgeable gauchos, your go-to tour guides, concierges, and sommeliers during your stay.

Perks when you book through us:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
  • Complimentary 3 course dinner for two at Siete Fuegos Restaurant by chef Francis Mallmann (includes non alcoholic beverages), one per stay
  • Complimentary Tour & Tasting at The Vines to GO, once per stay
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

5.Los Cauquenes Resort

For the full ‘end of the world’ experience, head to Los Cauquenes Resort. Perched on the Beagle Channel with the snowcapped Andes as a backdrop, you’re never far from your next adventure, be it glacier hiking, observing penguin colonies, or lessons in Fuegian gastronomy. After a day of exploration, treat yourself to an aromatherapy massage in the spa, one of Reinamora restaurant’s to-die-for desserts, or a quiet evening in your comfortable room or suite.

Perks when you book through us:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (room service is additional charge)
  • Complimentary lunch or dinner for two guests per bedroom, once during stay (excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities; minimum $100 value and 3 courses)
  • Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

6.Llao Llao Resort

The view from Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa seems heaven-sent; vistas take in sparkling lakes and the stunning mountaintops beyond. The resort blends seamlessly into its natural environment and is ideal for adventure, offering just about any outdoor activity imaginable. Golf lovers head to the lakeside golf course within Nahuel Huapi National Park, while ski enthusiasts find the northern summer skiing to be sublime. Return to the hotel for lavish, individually customized spa treatments. Culinary options include Patagonian lamb and other regional delicacies.

Perks when you book through us:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
  • A complimentary round of golf for up to two people, per room, including greens fees and cart rental, once during stay (must have minimum value of $100 USD equivalent)
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

7.House of Jasmines

There is an ethereal, movie-set ethos around House of Jasmines Relais & Châteaux, perhaps because this elegant 100-year-old estancia, set in the foothills of the Andes, is the former home of actor Robert Duvall. Surrounded by fragrant jasmine, wild orchids, and roses, the grand main house as well as its 14 rooms & suites are furnished in shabby-chic decor, cowhide rugs, and exquisite antiques. The restaurant serves delicious homemade Argentinean dishes and the Bar manager makes exquisite Malbec Cocktail’ or serve local Torrontes white wine. You’ll also find a pool, a gym, a spa, and nearly 250 acres of parks and gardens to explore.

Perks when you book through us:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom (included in rates
  • A complimentary 50 minute massage for up to two guests per room, once during stay
  • Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
Cultural Immersion
Expedition & Off-Grid
Family-Friendly
Friends & Groups
Romantic / Couples
Solo Explorers
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Winter (Dec–Feb)