Which month is the best to visit Patagonia? You probably already Googled it. Most articles will say summer or early autumn, but you have only the opportunity to travel in September. So, how is September in Patagonia, and what are the interesting things happening that month?
This article will help you answer these questions.
September weather in Torres del Paine
We are providing you with the historical average temperature for September in Torres del Paine National Park. This will help you plan your trip with confidence, knowing what to expect from the weather.
Average daylight hours are 11 hours, with sunrise starting at 8 am and sunset at 19.40. In September, the days are getting longer and longer in minutes. Weatherwise, it's considered a cold and breezy month, with a 37% chance of rain and temperatures around 40°F / 5°C at its highest and 29°F / -3°C at its lowest.
It is important to note that Torres del Paine has many microclimates. In some areas, it rains more than others; some areas are windier than others, etc. Hiking up in the mountains and valleys is obviously colder. In September, there might be days with a lot of snow when hiking to the Base of the Towers.
You can see how the weather was in September 2024. The highest temperature reached 51.8°F / 11°C, and the lowest temperature was 37.4°F / 3°C during the day.
September is a chilly month with cold temperatures. But no worries, we have the perfect packing list. So you know exactly what to pack for your Patagonia adventure.
What to do inside the National Park Torres del Paine
The park is open all year round, but during the low season, some activities run less frequently, like the boat rides. During the high season, the ferry to the Grey Glacier sails daily, but in September, it operates on specific days of the week. The same applies to the boat, which transports people to the Paine Grande Refugio to do the French Valley hike.
Our Wildlife Safari program offers different daily options. Our experienced guides also recommend which activities are the best according to weather conditions and availability.
All the viewpoints, shorter hikes, and the Base of the Towers hike can be done normally. For safety reasons, during the low season, hikes must be done with a certified guide. See some of these pictures taken in 2023 from the Base of the Towers hike! This is why September is the time to bring your best hiking boots and maybe crampons. (We can help you find where to rent if you don't have any.
September still marks the transition from winter to spring, and the beauty of the snow-covered mountains is still present. You might even have snow on the ground, making a beautiful contrast for wildlife photos!
What is happening in Torres del Paine in September
In September, many events are happening in Magallanes and around the National Park, the most significant being running events. The Patagonian International Marathon, which takes place on September 6, attracts hundreds of people worldwide. The classic race distances are 42 km (marathon), 21 km (half-marathon), and 10 km. Registration is still open if you would like to participate.
At EcoCamp, we have designed the perfect Marathon program and handle all the logistics. We bring you to the starting point and pick you up after the event, so you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner in EcoCamp. You can choose between different activities from our Wildlife Safari program in the following days.
On September 27, another running event takes place, the Ultra Paine, which is a trail running event. You can choose between 5, 14, 21, 35, and 50 km, running through breathtaking landscapes. We have designed a similar program for this trail running event. We take care of all logistics and give you the opportunity to enjoy the park.
The celebration of Chile’s national holiday
Chile's Independence Day, known as "Fiestas Patrias" or "Dieciocho" (Eighteenth), is celebrated on September 18. It marks the anniversary of Chile's independence from Spanish rule and is, by many, considered more important than any other event in Chile, even bigger than Christmas. This event is celebrated for almost a week despite being just one date.
This is why September is an exciting month to visit Chile. You will get to experience, see, and taste Chilean culture. And you'll witness how Chileans celebrate their independence with parties, traditional dances, great food, and happiness! In EcoCamp, we also celebrate this event. And who knows, maybe you will learn to dance our traditional dance, “cueca.”
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Puma watching in September
You might already know that Torres del Paine National Park is the best place to look for pumas in the world. Pumas do not migrate, so this is an all-year-round activity.
For photographers, taking wildlife is better in the off-season months when the days are shorter and the light is less harsh than in the summer months. For puma trackers, the search is also often easier in the off-season for the same reasons mentioned, but also because the puma is more active when cold, making it easier to spot them. When summer is warm and windy, the pumas tend to be less active and hide in the shadows or caves.
EcoCamp is located in an area where the most significant concentration of pumas is found and where it is the easiest to spot them. If you are interested in puma spotting, we have a puma watching program where our expert guides take you on an exciting search inside and around the park to find the elusive puma.
The low season has fewer people and more magic
September is still the low season in Patagonia, especially in the region of Magallanes. Some places, like hotels and restaurants, are still not opening because most visitors arrive from October onward. This means fewer people inside the national park. It is usually more crowded during the summer months, especially on the highlight trails like the Base of the Towers, French Valley, and the Grey Glacier.
Exploring the park with fewer people feels like a more intimate experience; it's more silent and magical. On the trails, you will only see a few people, giving you more privacy at the viewpoints.
EcoCamp in September
As mentioned, September can still be quite chilling. In EcoCamp, you can expect temperatures below zero in the early morning. Therefore, it is essential to bring warm clothes, good hiking shoes, and, for chilly nights, a good pair of pajamas. All our domes have heaters, so you can feel warm during the night. In our Superior Domes, we have both a heater and a charming wooden stove.
Would you be interested in experiencing EcoCamp and Patagonia in September? Send us an e-mail, and we will help plan your next adventure: reservations@cascada.travel
