Weather in San Rafael

Discover the weather awaiting you in the city of San Rafael right now. Below are the latest meteorological updates, charts, and forecasts to help you comfortably plan your journey.

San Rafael features a pleasant semi-arid climate with distinct seasons, typical of the Mendoza region. The weather here is predominantly dry and sunny, and total annual rainfall remains extremely low. Thanks to this, when planning your trip, you need not worry about prolonged rains — the sky above the city most often remains clear and cloudless.

Summer, which lasts from December to February in the Southern Hemisphere, is hot here: daytime temperatures often reach 30–31°C, creating excellent conditions for outdoor activities. Winter (from June to August), by contrast, is cool but mild enough for comfortable daytime walks, when the air warms up to 14°C. However, travellers should consider significant temperature fluctuations: even in warm seasons, nights bring noticeable freshness, and in winter, the thermometer can drop nearly to freezing at night.

The climate in San Rafael is distinguished by pronounced seasonality, which is typical for this region of Argentina. The hottest period falls during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months — from December to February. During this time, especially in January, the air warms up during the day to an average of 31.0°C, creating truly sweltering conditions. However, thanks to the dry climate, the heat is more bearable than in the tropics, and summer evenings bring long-awaited freshness when the temperature drops to a comfortable 17°C.

Winter, arriving here in June, is characterised by cool but fairly mild weather during daylight hours. The coldest month is July: during the day, the thermometer hovers around the 14.0°C mark, which is quite suitable for outdoor activities, but at night the air cools sharply, reaching average minimums of 1.1°C. Nighttime frosts are quite probable, so warm clothing will certainly be required for a winter trip.

An important feature of the local climate is the significant amplitude of daily temperatures. The difference between the daytime maximum and nighttime minimum often exceeds 13–14 degrees throughout the year. Even if the sun shines brightly during the day and one can wear light clothing, the temperature falls rapidly after sunset. Tourists are recommended to dress in layers to easily adapt to such changes throughout the day.

San Rafael is distinguished by an arid and sunny climate, making it an attractive destination for travellers who prefer clear weather. Precipitation falls here in very small volumes throughout the year, so prolonged rains in this region of Argentina are a great rarity. Even in months with the highest amount of rainfall, levels remain minimal, often not exceeding 2 mm.

Despite the general dryness of the climate, there is a certain seasonality in the distribution of wet days. The summer period (from December to February) is characterised by the highest frequency of precipitation: for example, up to 10 days with rainfall may be observed in January. However, considering the extremely small total volume of moisture, these are most often short-lived and light rains, which are quickly replaced by sunshine and bring pleasant freshness on hot days.

Winter months, especially June and July, are the driest of the year. According to statistics, precipitation levels tend towards zero during this time, and the number of days with any moisture is minimal (about 3 days per month). This makes winter an excellent time for open-air excursions, as the probability of getting wet is practically absent.

In the transitional seasons — spring and autumn — the weather remains stable and comfortable. In April and September, the number of rainy days is small, usually about 4 days per month. Thus, when planning a trip to San Rafael, one need not worry about serious bad weather: an umbrella is rarely required here, and light drizzle is unlikely to hinder your plans.

When setting off for San Rafael, it is important to consider the features of the local semi-desert climate with its significant temperature fluctuations. Summer here is hot, with daytime readings often above 30°C, so the basis of your wardrobe should consist of light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, shorts, and t-shirts. Be sure to take high-quality sunglasses and headwear to protect yourself from the active sun. However, even in the warmest months (December-January), evenings can be fresh, so a light cardigan or windbreaker in your suitcase will certainly not go amiss.

If your journey falls during the winter period (from June to August), be prepared for the cold: at night and in the early morning, the temperature can drop almost to freezing. At this time of year, you will need a warm jacket, a sweater, and possibly a scarf. The best strategy for San Rafael is the principle of layering. Since winter days are often sunny and warm up to a comfortable 14–15°C, the ability to remove the top layer of clothing will make walks much more pleasant.

Regardless of the season, pay special attention to footwear: it should be extremely comfortable and durable, as you will surely want to explore the local natural attractions and wineries. Precipitation in the region falls infrequently and in small quantities, but in summer the number of rainy days increases, so a compact umbrella or raincoat may come in handy. And, of course, do not forget sunscreen — in this sunny corner of Argentina, it is relevant all year round.