Latin America · Best Mar–May and Sep–Nov
Buenos Aires and Mendoza packing list for families
This trip pairs a big, humid capital with sunny, dry wine country at the foot of the Andes. Packing for both means easy layers and a few extras for vineyard days.
Photo by celso costa on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Buenos Aires & Mendoza
- Dinner in Argentina starts late, often 9 p.m. or later. I let kids have a bigger afternoon snack, or book the earliest table and enjoy having the restaurant mostly to ourselves.
- Buenos Aires is humid and Mendoza is dry and sunny, so pack for two climates. A light sweater works in both, since evenings cool off, especially near the Andes.
- Many Mendoza wineries welcome families, with gardens, horses, and long lunches. A day trip up into the Andes is a great break for kids between tastings, so bring warm layers for higher elevations.
Best timeMar–May and Sep–Nov
PlugsType I, bring an adapter
MoneyArgentine peso
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Buenos Aires & Mendoza
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on9
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Crossbody bagKeeps phones and cards close in busy areas.
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or fleeceKristina's pickEvenings cool off in both cities.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Trail shoesFor walks on Andes day trips.
Beach & pool2
Mineral sunscreen
SwimsuitsVineyard and estancia pools are a treat in warm months.
Little ones5
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things13
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech5
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType I, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Buenos Aires & Mendoza weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 86°F 30°C | Hot summer: humid in Buenos Aires, hot and dry in Mendoza | Many Buenos Aires locals leave for summer holidays, so the city feels quieter |
| February | 84°F 29°C | Hot summer: humid in Buenos Aires, hot and dry in Mendoza | Mendoza's grape harvest festival, Vendimia, with main events in early March |
| March | 80°F 27°C | Autumn: warm to mild days, harvest season in wine country | Mendoza's grape harvest festival, Vendimia, with main events in early March |
| April | 73°F 23°C | Autumn: warm to mild days, harvest season in wine country | Vineyards turn gold and red in autumn |
| May | 66°F 19°C | Autumn: warm to mild days, harvest season in wine country | Vineyards turn gold and red in autumn |
| June | 60°F 16°C | Winter: cool and damp in Buenos Aires, cold nights and snowy peaks around Mendoza | |
| July | 59°F 15°C | Winter: cool and damp in Buenos Aires, cold nights and snowy peaks around Mendoza | Snow in the Andes, with ski areas a few hours from Mendoza |
| August | 63°F 17°C | Winter: cool and damp in Buenos Aires, cold nights and snowy peaks around Mendoza | Snow in the Andes, with ski areas a few hours from Mendoza |
| September | 66°F 19°C | Spring: mild days, blooming trees, and comfortable sightseeing weather | Snow in the Andes, with ski areas a few hours from Mendoza |
| October | 72°F 22°C | Spring: mild days, blooming trees, and comfortable sightseeing weather | |
| November | 78°F 26°C | Spring: mild days, blooming trees, and comfortable sightseeing weather | Jacaranda trees bloom purple across Buenos Aires |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Hot summer: humid in Buenos Aires, hot and dry in Mendoza |
Questions families ask
Buenos Aires & Mendoza with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires & Mendoza with kids?
The best time is Mar–May and Sep–Nov. Autumn: warm to mild days, harvest season in wine country
What's the weather like in Buenos Aires & Mendoza?
Typical daytime highs range from about 59°F (15°C) in July to about 86°F (30°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Buenos Aires & Mendoza?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Buenos Aires & Mendoza?
Type I, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Buenos Aires & Mendoza with kids?
Dinner in Argentina starts late, often 9 p.m. or later. I let kids have a bigger afternoon snack, or book the earliest table and enjoy having the restaurant mostly to ourselves.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.