Are you visiting Patagonia and wondering if Bariloche is a good place to visit in summer? Well, I’ve done more than just visit Bariloche, I lived there! So I can tell you first hand the pros and cons of visiting the magical lakeside town in the summer season.
The small city of Bariloche is framed by towering mountains and sparkling lakes, featuring world class hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and so much more. It’s worth visiting in every season, but there’s no doubt that it’s at its most beautiful in summer.
That being said, there are upsides and downsides to visiting in the summer season. And in this guide I’ll give you my expert opinion, both as a full-time traveler and as somebody who called Bariloche home.
Short On Time? Here’s A Quick Summary
Pros: Beautiful weather, hiking & outdoor activities, the lakes are swim-able, lots of expats and backpackers, great for road trips.
Cons: Crowded, prices are higher, accomodation sells out fast, it can be very… very windy.
Is Bariloche Good In Summer?
Yes, Bariloche is absolutely beautiful in summer. I would even consider it to be the best time to visit. However, there are a few key things that could make or break whether it’s the best season for you. To make it simple, here’s my complete pros and cons list for visiting Bariloche in the summertime.
Pros of Visiting Bariloche In The Summer
1. The Weather Is Beautiful
While winters in Bariloche are freezing cold and snowy, Autumns are chilly, and Spring is just wildly unpredictable, Summer in Bariloche is usually paradise. I say usually because I don’t want to set an expectation, weather in Patagonia is so unruly that it’s hard to know. But summer (December- February) is going to be your best chance to have sunny weather.
Temperatures in summer range from 22 degrees Celsius in December, to 25 degrees Celsius in January and February. So while it’s still mild, it’s the perfect temperature to relax outside without overheating, and as hot as Bariloche gets.
Planning A Trip To Argentina?
Are you thinking about a trip to Argentina, but don’t have the time, skills, or knowledge to plan it? After years of travel and living as an expat in Argentina, I have expertise not only in the country itself, hidden gems, and safety, but also in travel hacking (to save you thousands). Inquire below to make your dream trip a reality!
2. It’s The Best Time For Bariloche’s Outdoor Adventure
Patagonia is heaven for outdoors enthusiasts, and Bariloche is the gateway to it all. In summer, famous hiking trails and Refugio’s (hiker huts in the mountains, they’re incredible!) finally open again, giving access to Patagonia’s unearthly wilderness.
If you’re a hiker, kayaker, rock climber, mountain biker, or even just someone who likes to swim and relax by water, summer may be the season for you.
3. The Lakes Are Warm Enough To Swim In
One of, if not the number one thing that draws people to Bariloche are its 7 lakes. The 7 lakes road, which leaves from the city, is one of the most famous road trips in the world. Not only are the lakes absolutely beautiful, but they’re also safe and lovely to swim in.
In my last visit to Bariloche I stayed for 2 months in October and November. Being right before summer, I thought the lakes might be warm enough for a peaceful swim, but I was so wrong! Swimming, even in November was like dipping into an ice bath.
So if you’re planning on swimming and relaxing by the lakes, January and February are going to be the best.
4. It’s The Best Time To Meet New People And Make Friends
Patagonia’s high seasons bring expats and backpackers from all over the globe, hostels fill up, cafes get busy, and people start heading outside. With that comes countless opportunities to meet new people and make friends. Which is especially important if you’re travelling solo.
In October 2023 I volunteered at a hostel in the town centre, and despite it being a popular hostel, we went a whole week without having any guests. However as soon as late November came around the hostel became lively and busy, with new people coming every day.
Shoulder seasons can be great for saving money as a backpacker/ expat, but when It comes at the expense of having nobody to meet it becomes a lot less worth it.
Solo Travel Tip: Are you a first time solo traveller scared about making friends? Well, It’s really not something to worry about! Read all about why (and how to make friends as a backpacker) in my guide here!
5. It’s Perfect For A Road Trip
As I mentioned before, summer is the best time to experience road trips like the 7 Lakes. It’s also the best time for other road trips like the famous Ruta 40 to El Calafate, or simply exploring Patagonia by car and van.
I did a week long road trip in November 2023 along the 7 Lakes, down to El Bolson and back to Bariloche. And guess what… it snowed almost the entire time (didn’t I say spring weather was unruly!). So I recommend sticking to summer, when the weather’s calmest and the roads are safest.
Cons of Visiting Bariloche In The Summer
1. It’s Crowded
Bariloche has two peak seasons, the winter and the summer. Summer is probably the busiest, with people vacationing from the North of Argentina as well as overseas travellers from all over the world.
This means the main streets of the city become incredibly crowded, with long lines outside famous chocolate shops, and seats at places like Patagonia Brewery hard to come by. It also means famous hikes like Refugio Frey are a good bit busier, and traffic can become a problem, both on trails and roads.
2. Prices Are Higher
Like with most destinations, prices rise in peak tourist seasons. In Bariloche, which is already somewhat catered to tourists, the rise pretty noticeable. Accomodation can almost double in cost, while local businesses hike their prices for the tourist rush.
It’s not as bad as it sounds though. If you’re planning a trip to Argentina you’ve probably heard about the country’s inflation. It’s a really difficult situation for Argentine citizens who live in the country, it makes international travel the country incredibly cheap. So even with rising tourist prices, it’s still going to be one of the cheapest holidays of your life.
Important Note: As an Argentine myself, It also feels important here to note that one of the best things you can do to support its citizens is to spend your money at local businesses instead of large companies. Things like buying lunch at a small local cafe or street food stall, or buying fruits and vegetables from the vegetable store instead of the supermarket make a big difference!
3. Accomodation Sells Out Fast
With more visitors comes more demand on places to stay. Holiday homes, hotels and hostels all sell out very fast, and it means you may have to book things ahead of time.
It also means that the Refugio’s (mountain huts for hikers and climbers) are more competitive and sell out fast. Some are no booking, meaning you’ll have to start walking very early to get a spot, while others only accept bookings 3 days before, so you might have to stay up until midnight to get in.
4. It Can Get Very, Very Windy
Bariloche is known for its crazy wind, and in spring and summer it’s hard to ignore. Especially in October-December the winds can reach speeds that rattle houses, down trees, and sometimes even throw you off your balance.
While Bariloche isn’t the worst in Patagonia (San Martin De Los Andes is much windier) it’s definitely important to be aware of before you go.
Conclusion: Should You Visit Bariloche In Summer?
If you’re okay with some crowds and booking accomodation in advance, summer is the perfect time to visit Bariloche. The weather is beautiful and it’s the time of the year for hiking, rock climbing, swimming and the city’s famous road trips.
If any of the cons listed are a problem for you, I recommend looking into shoulder months like November, March, and April. But keep in mind that these months have especially unpredictable weather.
A summer trip to Bariloche is one you’ll remember forever, so get exploring!
