Cafayate has over 300 days of sunshine per year, and the climate is warm and dry year-round. The best times to visit are March to May (harvest season) and September to November (spring). March and April are harvest months — bodegas are at their most active, grapes are being picked, and the Vendimia (harvest festival) fills the town in late February or March. It is the best time to understand the wine culture from the inside.
June to August is winter — cool nights (dropping to 5–8°C) and warm days, and very few tourists. Cafayate is entirely pleasant in winter, and accommodation is cheap and available. The quebrada is arguably most dramatic in winter light.
January and February are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching 35°C. The roads are good year-round since rain is rare.