When is the Best Time to Visit Bariloche?

Wondering when is the best time to visit Bariloche? We’re highlighting the pros and cons of each season as well as the activities you can enjoy depending on the time of year.

Bariloche is a year-round destination and depending on the season you visit, there are a myriad of activities to enjoy.

I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Bariloche in spring, summer and autumn (winter is next!) and it’s always a completely different experience.

Personally, autumn is my favourite time of year in Bariloche. I love hiking through the fall foliage, enjoying the crisp autumn days, and tucking into some hearty Patagonian dishes at a local restaurant.

That being said, there are pros and cons to visiting in each season, meaning the best time to go to Bariloche depends entirely on the activities you’re looking to enjoy.

Best Time to Visit Bariloche, Argentina

Autumn in Bariloche

March, April and May

Pros of Autumn in Bariloche

Autumn in Bariloche is my favourite time of year! I love it when the forest turns into a spectacle of reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s the most picturesque time of the year and there are so many ways to soak in the scenery.

You can drive the Road of the Seven Lakes, go on a lakeside horse trek, or tackle some of the surrounding mountain peaks in Nahuel Huapi National Park.

One of my favourite autumn experiences in Bariloche is the hike to Laguna Verde via Refugio Neumeyer. The contrast between the red foliage and the green lagoon is pretty spectacular! This isn’t a super popular trek, so I only discovered it thanks to joining a guided hiking tour.

Another pro of visiting Bariloche in autumn is that the weather is milder. Temperatures can range between 5–15°C (41–59°F), which I think is perfect for spending an active day outdoors.

This is also a good time of year to sample hearty Patagonian dishes like deer stew, lamb barbecue and lentil casserole.

Another pro of autumn in Bariloche is that it’s a quieter time of year. Kids have gone back to school, adults have gone back to work, and you get more affordable rates with fewer tourists.

Cons of Autumn in Bariloche

One of the cons of autumn in Bariloche is that once the peak summer season winds down, there are fewer tours and activities. It’s not like the whole city shuts down because this is very much a year-round destination. However, tours are a bit more limited and run on a more restricted schedule since there is less demand.

🍂 Trekking in the Andes Mountains – This private full-day hiking trip from Bariloche can be tailored to your interests and fitness level. It includes lunch and all necessary equipment.

Winter in Bariloche

June, July and August

Pros of Winter in Bariloche

If you’re looking for a dreamy winter wonderland with snow-covered mountains, winter is the time to visit Bariloche!

Winter is the peak season for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and a whole myriad of winter sports. The place to be is Cerro Catedral; this is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere with 32 lifts and 120 kilometres of slopes!

You may be surprised to hear you can enjoy winter treks in Bariloche. Some alpine refuges and trails close during the winter months, so if you’re not too experienced in this region, it’s best to trek with a local guide. They’ll be able to navigate the terrain, keep a close eye on the weather, and provide you with snowshoes for sections of the trek where these are needed.

If all of this is sounding a little too active, fret not! Winter in Bariloche can be a very relaxing experience if you choose to pamper yourself. If this sounds like you, I’d recommend booking a couple of nights at a luxury hotel with a spa and an indoor pool. Alternatively, you can opt for a cozy cabin with a wood-burning fireplace. Stay cozy indoors as you watch the snow come down!

Winter is also the perfect time of year to indulge in Bariloche’s artisanal chocolate scene. There’s something about the cooler weather that just makes you crave chocolate! The good news is that most chocolaterías have on-site cafes where you can indulge in hot chocolate, pastries and assorted chocolate boxes.

If you need another reason to visit Bariloche in winter, consider attending Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve. The National Snow Festival features live music, wood-chopping competitions and ski races.

Cons of Winter in Bariloche

So, winter in Bariloche sounds pretty dreamy. What are the cons?

The cold weather may deter some visitors. Temperatures range from -2–8°C (28–46°F), but if you wear thermal underwear and dress in warm layers, you’ll be fine. I’m a firm believe that there is no bad weather, only inadequate clothing. Spoken like a true Canadian!

Another downside of winter in Bariloche is that ski resorts can become crowded, especially in July during the school holidays. This can drive up the cost of accommodations, so it’s best to book well in advance.

☃️ Private Winter Trek in Bariloche – This winter hike takes you through a snow-covered landscape and once the snow gets deep enough, it’s time to put on some snowshoes!

Spring in Bariloche

September, October and November

Pros of Spring in Bariloche

There are many reasons to visit Bariloche in spring. For starters, the scenery is gorgeous! The surrounding forests and valleys come alive with vibrant greens and you also have wildflowers in bloom.

Plus, temperatures are pleasant averaging 10–20°C (50–68°F), making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

Springtime is shoulder season, so you can enjoy the natural beauty and popular attractions without the heavy tourist influx. This is a good time of year to visit Isla Victoria, which will be in bloom with retamas – the flowering yellow bushes you see in the photos.

Another pro is that accommodation and tour costs are generally lower compared to peak seasons.

Cons of Spring in Bariloche

The cons of visiting Bariloche in springtime are that the weather can be a little bit erratic with sudden rain or even occasional late snow.

This can also be a windy time of year, especially in the months of October and November. You’ll want to look at the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.

Museums, coffee shops and breweries are fun activities for inclement weather days, and you can save your hiking for milder days.

🌿 Navigation to the Arrayanes Forest and Victoria Island – This boat trip will take you to the largest island on Lake Nahuel Huapi and you’ll also visit a historic 300-year-old forest.

Summer in Bariloche

December, January and February

Pros of Summer in Bariloche

In many ways, summer is the ideal time to visit Bariloche. You have great weather and the days are long, which means you can make the most of your time outdoors.

Daytime temperatures range from 20–30°C (68–86°F), which is great for exploring nature and even going for a dip in the chilly waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, if you dare. FYI, this is Patagonia so the waters are frigid year-round, but summer is your best bet for a swim!

There are also loads of outdoor activities to enjoy like hiking, kayaking, horse trekking, mountain biking, zip-lining and fly fishing.

If you want to avoid the summer crowds, I would recommend activities that take you out of the city like a kayaking tour of Lago Moreno, a biking tour to Colonia Suiza via the back roads, or a horse trek through the Andes foothills. These experiences will bring you close to nature so you can soak in the essence of Patagonia.

Bariloche is well known for its craft beer, so summer is a fun time of year to visit the different breweries and hang out on their patios. Lots of places serve beer flights so you can sample a few different brews. Raspberry beer is really popular in Patagonia and super refreshing on a hot summer’s day!

Cons of Summer in Bariloche

Now let’s talk about the cons.

The main downfall of visiting Bariloche in summer is the crowds! This is one of the more accessible destinations in Patagonia (given the short flight time and flight frequency) and that makes it a popular spot.

Our main struggle during our summer visit to Bariloche was traffic. We were staying at a cabin on the city outskirts and the lakeside road that leads to Circuito Chico and Llao Llao was often backed up. Whether you rent a car, use public transport or take taxis, getting places will take longer than usual.

Because summer in Bariloche is the peak tourist season, that also leads to busy trails, crowded attractions and higher accommodation costs. You may want to consider swapping the main attractions for lesser-known sites.

☀️ Kayaking on Lake Moreno – This half-day kayaking excursion allows you to soak in the scenery, and it includes lakeside snacks.

And we’ve now covered the pros and cons of each season! As you can see, the best time to visit Bariloche greatly depends on the activities you want to do and whether you mind crowds.

But like I said at the beginning, Bariloche is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed itinerary or a few days of lakeside relaxation, you can find that here. So book that flight and come on down!

Read more

• Bariloche Travel Guide: What to See and Do
• How to Spend 2 Amazing Days in Bariloche
• Bariloche on Foot: 5 Walking Tours to See the City
• How to Get to Bariloche
• A Travel Itinerary for Northern Patagonia
• Tren Patagonico: Bariloche to Viedma by Train
• Where to Glamp in Patagonia