Share in your social networks:

Which animals can I see in Peninsula Valdes, month by month

Which Animals Can I See in Peninsula Valdés Month by Month?

If you’re planning a trip to Peninsula Valdés, it’s essential to know what wildlife you can see depending on the time of year. Some travelers come for the whales, others for the penguins, and many want to see it all.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan the best time to visit based on the animals active in the area. Whether you’re after orcas, sea lions, dolphins, or birds—you’ll know exactly when to go.

January

Season: Summer
Temperature: Up to 28°C
What you’ll see:
- Penguins (in full season)
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
No whales in January, but penguin colonies are at their best.

February

Season: Summer
Temperature: Around 27°C
What you’ll see:
- Penguins (excellent time)
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
Again, no whales, but great for land and marine wildlife.

March

Season: End of summer / early autumn
Temperature: Around 24°C
What you’ll see:
- Penguins
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
- Possible orca sightings near Punta Norte (not guaranteed)

April

Season: Autumn
Temperature: Around 20°C
What you’ll see:
- Fewer penguins
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
- Occasional orcas near Punta Norte

May

Season: Late autumn
Temperature: Around 16°C
What you’ll see:
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
No penguins and no whales. May is the least favorable month for wildlife.

June

Season: Start of winter
Temperature: Between 3°C and 13°C
What you’ll see:
- Whales arrive! Best seen from El Doradillo Beach
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
No penguins yet, but whales make it a great time to visit.

July

Season: Winter & local holiday season
Temperature: Between 3°C and 13°C
What you’ll see:
- Whales with calves
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
Still no penguins, but whale watching is excellent.

August

Season: End of winter
Temperature: Between 3°C and 14°C
What you’ll see:
- Whales and calves still visible
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
One of the best months for whale watching from the beach.

September

Season: Start of spring
Temperature: Around 17°C
What you’ll see:
- Whales move from Doradillo to Peninsula
- Penguins return to Punta Tombo & San Lorenzo
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
Excellent month to see both penguins and whales.

October

Season: Spring
Temperature: Around 20°C
What you’ll see:
- Whales at Peninsula Valdés
- Penguin colonies continue growing
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
- Occasional orcas (difficult to spot)
Great month for a full marine life experience.

November

Season: Late spring
Temperature: Around 24°C
What you’ll see:
- Whales still around, but season ends soon
- Penguins in full activity
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
- Possible orcas at Punta Norte
One of the best months to enjoy varied wildlife.

December

Season: Early summer
Temperature: Around 26°C
What you’ll see:
- Penguins at their peak
- Whales in final days of the season
- Sea lions & elephant seals
- Commerson’s dolphins
- Birds
Perfect time for penguin lovers, and a chance to see the last whales.

Summary:

Best time for whales: June to early December
Best time for penguins: September to March
Best time for orcas: March–April and October–November (hard to predict)
Great year-round sightings: Sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins, and birds

Tours to visit Peninsula Valdes and see the amazing whales!

We have many tours to visit Puerto Madryn and Peninsula Valdes area, combined with other amazing destinations in Argentina. One of my favorites is the 101 – Visiting Argentina Tour, an amazing 12 night tour. Check more information by clicking in the image below