Weather
September marks the official transition from winter to spring, and it's a beautiful time to visit most areas of Argentina. Buenos Aires, the starting point for most international visitors, sees highs in the mid-60s with only a few days of rain in September as the city's famous jacaranda trees start to bloom. Speaking of blossoms, you might catch the beginning of wildflowers in Northern Patagonia, especially near the Lakes District, towards the end of the month.
As for Southern Patagonia, spring doesn’t really arrive until November, since daily highs remain the 40s, though in September you'll see less moisture and longer daylight hours for more outdoor adventures. No matter where you travel, still bring plenty of warm clothing with you for chilly evenings (after the sun goes down) and unpredictable weather.
Crowds & Costs
This is the start of shoulder season as the country moves into spring. If you can handle the persistent cool weather in certain areas (like Patagonia), you'll beat the flood of international tourists (and pricey accommodation costs) of coming peak summer months. In any case, you'll want to make your reservations at least three months in advance to get the best deals.
Where to Go
There are many options for experiencing Argentina this time of year. You'll likely start your trip in Buenos Aires where you can enjoy its prime spring weather. In addition to great cultural sites like the Casa Rosada, Teatro Colon, and the Obelisco, there’s much to see and do with a number of diverse neighborhoods, each with their own distinct flavor and charm. Explore by foot and enjoy the spring blossoms along the way.
From Buenos Aires, this is a great time to head west towards Mendoza for wine tastings. Compared to the capital, this is a slow-paced city of about a million people, which sits in the heart of Argentina's world-famous wine region. This is ground zero for viticulture in the nation, and it's home to Argentina's flagship wine: Malbec. Further north in the country, consider the Calchaquí Valley for otherworldly landscapes including red canyons, rocky valleys, gorges, salt flats, and starry nights—a great place to come and unplug.
Brave types who don't mind the elongated winter season can make their way to Los Glaciares National Park before the summer crowds. With staggering peaks and glaciers, this UNESCO-listed park usually ranks high for travelers and you'll likely base yourself in El Calafate or El Chaltén depending on your activities of choice.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
If getting up close to marine life is appealing, you can head to Peninsula Valdes and spot the southern right whale species during winter months, often seen breaching and showing off their prowess. Penguins can also be found in three different colonies along the coast of Peninsula Valdes, the largest being in Punta Tombo Rookery—home to more than 500,000 Magellan penguins. Read more in this guide to Puerto Madryn, the gateway to the peninsula.
In Los Glaciares National Park, trails may still be snow covered, but September is a great time to see the majestic Perito Moreno. This expansive ice mass flows down from the Andes out over the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, ending abruptly in a great wall that curves around the lake.
Wait a bit and you'll witness "calving," the awe-inspiring sight of ice breaking off the facade and crashing into the tranquil waters below. You can trek on top of this glacier on a full-day excursion that involves walking over the ice while fully equipped with crampons and an ice ax.
Events in September
Vinos y Bodegas. Lovers of the grape shouldn’t miss this huge Buenos Aires event, which highlights vintages from bodegas (wineries) all over Argentina.
National Day of the Immigrant. Held each September in Obera, this festival features artistic shows, dance performances, and a crafts fair of international level with a varied exhibition of works made by Argentine and foreign artisans.
Traveling to Argentina in September? Check out these great itineraries.
Highlights of Argentina. This diverse 9-day tour combines top destinations in Argentina for a trip that won't disappoint. Start by experiencing the cosmopolitan bustle of Buenos Aires before you fly south to El Calafate for a number of spectacular glaciers, which you'll see by land and boat. Then, fly north to the Brazilian border (and warmer weather) to explore Iguazú Falls—the largest waterfall system in the world.
Wildlife & Nature in Patagonia. This 15-day tour in Argentine Patagonia hits the highlights between Puerto Madryn in the north to Ushuaia in the south for a range of outdoor activities and wildlife. On the itinerary are two national parks: Tierra del Fuego (rivers and ancient settlements) and Los Glaciares (glaciers and iconic hikes). There's also whale watching, snorkeling with sea lions, and a visit to South America's largest Magellanic Penguin colony.
More Helpful Information
Argentina in August
Argentina in October
Best Time to Visit Argentina
Argentina FAQ