Bariloche Travel Guide: Geography & Climate

As expected, it can get very chilly in this Patagonia city that is situated right next to cold water Lake Nahuel Huapi. With a continental cold climate dominating the area, packing warmly is a must as even during the summer season - which features warm and sunny days - can be generally nippy and sometimes rainy at night. Autumn days are comparable to the crisp, foliage-rich fall months of New York, but unlike the capital city, Bariloche sees a lot of rain during this season. Frosty days and dream-like snowfalls characterize the winter season in this Argentine city known for its wonderful variety of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and trekking. Like the fall season, spring in this charming city is a mix of sunshine and rain, as the weather is transitioning to another extreme season. Finally, summer in Bariloche is warm with lots of sunshine, with beaches at this Patagonia tourist hub being invaded by sunbathers and fishermen.

Bariloche Winter: Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are flipped around from the north. Therefore, a winter in Bariloche occurs from June through to August. Temperatures range from 14ºF (-10ºC ) to 46ºF(7.7ºC)

Bariloche Summer: Bariloche summers are very pleasant but can also get very chilly past night fall with average temperatures falling between 48ºF (8.8 ºC) to 84ºF (28 ºC).

Bariloche Spring and Fall: Fall in this city surrounded by natural wonders is cool but comfortable with temperatures ranging from 39ºF (3.8ºC) to 55ºF (12.7ºC), while the spring season is just as nice, though slightly warmer with temperatures starting at 45ºF (7.2 ºC) and peaking around 68ºF.

Bariloche rainfall: The rainy season is mainly concentrated in during the autumn and winter months, with the Patagonian city seeing an average rainfall of about 500 mm.
Depending during what season you arrive, it is always recommended that travelers packs warm clothes, with summer nights still reaching brisk temperatures that make it feel more like a fall evening. Warm jackets or coats, scarves and gloves should be wardrobe staples for a trip to this region of Argentina. However, if visitors are going to brave the much cooler but snow-covered winter months, polar windbreakers and thermally insulated coats, shirts and trousers should be worn, especially if participating in winter sports. Winter days are still very sunny; therefore it is also recommended that travelers bring UV-protected sun glasses and sunblock to protect themselves from harmful rays. Bathing suits, t-shirts and shorts are perfect for warm summer days, while the transitioning fall and spring seasons see bouts of rain that would be more enjoyable if wearing rain slickers.

A peculiar situation in Bariloche is that due to the city’s low latitude, daylight hours during the summer time begin around 6 a.m. and can extend until almost 10 p.m., allowing residents and tourists plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities. During the winter months, daylight hours return to the more common range: from 9 a.m until 7 p.m.

Bariloche Demographics and Statistics

Elevation       893 m (2,930 ft)
Population     130,000