El Calafate in September
In September, El Calafate averages 7°C (44°F) during the day and 1°C (33°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (44 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
September in El Calafate is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How September compares to the rest of the year in El Calafate
September is in the middle of the year for warmth in El Calafate (9th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (10°C). September runs 3°C warmer than August (4°C) and warms a further 3°C into October (10°C).
September sunrise & sunset in El Calafate
Times shown for El Calafate local time (America/Argentina/Rio_Gallegos), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in El Calafate — September
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in El Calafate's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — El Calafate in September
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on September's tier (Shoulder) and El Calafate's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — September in El Calafate
El Calafate is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — September in El Calafate
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
El Calafate in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 43 mm | 10 | — |
| February | 17°C / 62°F | 10°C / 49°F | 49 mm | 9 | — |
| March | 14°C / 56°F | 8°C / 46°F | 60 mm | 12 | — |
| April | 10°C / 51°F | 5°C / 41°F | 64 mm | 10 | — |
| May | 7°C / 44°F | 2°C / 36°F | 50 mm | 10 | — |
| June | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 31°F | 46 mm | 9 | — |
| July | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 29°F | 47 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 60 mm | 12 | — |
| September | 7°C / 44°F | 1°C / 33°F | 44 mm | 8 | — |
| October | 10°C / 49°F | 3°C / 38°F | 44 mm | 8 | — |
| November | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 42°F | 47 mm | 10 | — |
| December | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 47°F | 51 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar September weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for El Calafate in September →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is El Calafate in September?
In September, El Calafate averages a high of 7°C (44°F) and a low of 1°C (33°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in El Calafate in September?
September sees occasional rain in El Calafate, with about 8 rainy days on average.
Is September a good time to visit El Calafate?
September is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for El Calafate in September?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full September packing list for El Calafate for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.