Why September is a Fantastic Time to Visit Patagonia

Argentina is full of spellbinding destinations, and September marks the official transition from winter to spring, making it an ideal time to visit. It is the start of the shoulder season, and if you can handle cooler weather (between the 30s and 60s Fahrenheit), you will beat the flood of tourists and crowds. It is the best time for spring skiing at Patagonian mountain resorts as well as whale watching at places like Puerto Madryn.

With visitor numbers down, national parks are quieter, and with your own guide, you are presented with a luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Along with the fully serviced ski resorts, you can ski one of the many volcanoes or ice caps. September is also a great time to see the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.

One of the must-visit places for first-time visitors of the country includes Puerto Madryn. Here, travelers who seek an unforgettable experience with pure wildlife all around will be fulfilled. Situated in Chubut on Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn is an Argentinian city on the coast of northern Patagonia and features a cold desert climate.

Whilst the whale watching season starts in May and runs through December, September gathers the largest number, and it is this month in particular that Meme Castro from @muyviajera recommends going, “Madryn has a super attractive fauna calendar depending on the season, but it is very nice to go in September, where you can see a good number of specimens on the coasts and also penguins!”

Along with whale sightings, you can also see the elephant seal, the largest seal in the world; orcas; and swim with sea lions. The massive elephant seals are definitely not to be missed, as they grow as large as 8,800 pounds and as long as 13 feet!

But no matter what time of year you visit, travelers should note the weather in Patagonia is famously changeable, and you can experience the beauty of four seasons in a single day, so come prepared.