We investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of satellite‐derived sea surface temperature, salinity and chlorophyll‐a concentration along the eastern South American coast. Two decade‐long time series (2002–2019; except for the salinity) allowed us to investigate changes from seasonal to interannual time scales on an array that stretches from the south (42°S) to the north (10°N) of the continent and from isobaths ranging from −50 to −1000 m away from the coast. The novelty of our approach is to assess comparatively the magnitude, variability, and spectrum of these variables following the same isobaths and using the same methodology. This allowed us to examine the influence of large scale ocean circulation patterns entangled with the local forcing systems such as river discharge and coastal currents, and to quantify to what extent these patterns are spatially and temporally consistent. The seasonal cycle of the temperature explains more variance than that of salinity and chlorophyll on average. Comparatively, salinity has a weak seasonal signal, except near major rivers. Significant long‐term trends were observed in specific regions in the salinity time series. Our study revealed distinct interannual changes at 2‐ and 4‐year period in the whole array with the largest spectral peaks near the La Plata and the Amazon Rivers. Within this period band, thermal signals propagate northward along the whole array. Statistical correlations between satellite‐derived variables and several climate indices suggest remote forcing.