Things to Do in United States in September

September Weather in United States

23°C (73°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - maples and oaks display brilliant reds and golds from New England through the Upper Midwest, creating spectacular photo opportunities without summer's oppressive heat
Comfortable hiking and outdoor activity weather - temperatures between 13-23°C (55-73°F) are ideal for national park exploration, with fewer bugs and clear, crisp air perfect for mountain and forest activities
Post-Labor Day pricing drops significantly - hotel rates fall 20-40% in popular destinations after September 7th, and domestic flights are cheapest until Thanksgiving season begins
Festival season across the country - harvest festivals, state fairs, and cultural events peak in September when weather is cooperative and outdoor venues are comfortable

Considerations

Hurricane season affects Southeast and Gulf Coast - September is statistically the peak month for Atlantic hurricanes, with potential flight cancellations and coastal evacuation orders disrupting travel plans
School year restart creates weekend crowds at family destinations - national parks, theme parks, and popular attractions see heavy weekend traffic as families take final trips before fall schedules intensify
Unpredictable early autumn weather patterns - temperature swings of 15-20°C (27-36°F) within days are common, making packing challenging and outdoor plans weather-dependent

Best Activities in September

New England Fall Foliage Tours

September marks the beginning of peak fall color season across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F) make hiking comfortable, while maples begin their transformation in higher elevations. The weather is stable enough for scenic drives and outdoor photography without summer's humidity or winter's harsh conditions.

Booking Tip: Book foliage tours and mountain lodge accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead as September-October is peak season. Self-drive options typically cost $80-120/day for car rentals, while guided tours range $150-250 per person. Look for operators offering weather guarantees and flexible rescheduling (see current options in booking section below).

National Park Hiking Adventures

September offers ideal conditions for hiking in parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for extended outdoor activity, while cooler nights provide relief. Wildlife is active preparing for winter, and the dry conditions make trails more accessible than during spring melt or summer thunderstorm season.

Booking Tip: Reserve park accommodations 5-6 months ahead for September as it's peak season. Day hiking permits are typically $25-35 per vehicle, while guided backcountry trips range $200-400 per person per day. Choose operators with National Park Service permits and weather contingency plans (current tour options available in booking section).

Pacific Northwest Wine Country Tours

September is harvest season in Oregon's Willamette Valley and Washington's Columbia Valley. The weather is perfect for vineyard visits - warm days around 22°C (72°F) and cool evenings. This timing allows visitors to witness actual grape harvesting and participate in crush activities while enjoying the region's most comfortable weather window.

Booking Tip: Book winery tours 2-3 weeks ahead during harvest season. Full-day wine tours typically range $180-280 per person including tastings and lunch. Look for tours that include both established wineries and smaller harvest experiences. Transportation is essential as tastings prohibit driving (see booking widget for current harvest tours).

Great Lakes Coastal Exploration

September offers the best weather for exploring Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes, Minnesota's North Shore, and Wisconsin's Door County. Lake temperatures are still warm enough for swimming from summer heating, while air temperatures are perfect for hiking coastal trails. Tourist crowds thin significantly after Labor Day weekend.

Booking Tip: Book lakefront accommodations 4-6 weeks ahead for September as it's the sweet spot for weather and reduced crowds. Scenic boat tours cost $45-75 per person, while lighthouse tours range $15-25. Many seasonal attractions close after September, so verify operating schedules (current lake tours in booking section below).

Southern State Fair and Cultural Festivals

September marks prime festival season across Texas, Louisiana, and the Carolinas. The oppressive summer heat breaks, making outdoor events comfortable. State fairs, harvest festivals, and music events take advantage of the cooler weather. This is when authentic regional culture is most accessible to visitors.

Booking Tip: Check specific state fair dates as they vary by location throughout September. Entry fees typically range $12-20 per person, with food and activities additional. Book nearby accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead as fairs create local demand spikes. Many festivals offer multi-day passes at 20-30% savings over single-day tickets (festival schedules in booking section).

Desert Southwest Photography Tours

September marks the end of Arizona and Utah's intense summer heat, with temperatures dropping to manageable levels for exploring places like Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Joshua Tree. The lower UV index of 5 and reduced heat shimmer create optimal photography conditions, while flash flood risk from summer monsoons diminishes significantly.

Booking Tip: Book slot canyon tours 4-8 weeks ahead as September weather makes these extremely popular. Photography tours range $120-300 per person depending on location and group size. Early morning tours (6-9 AM) offer the best lighting conditions. Choose operators with backup indoor locations for occasional September storms (current desert tours in booking section below).

September Events & Festivals

Late August through Early September

Burning Man Festival

Takes place in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, typically ending Labor Day weekend. This massive art and self-expression gathering draws 70,000+ participants to a temporary city in the desert. Tickets sell out months in advance, but the cultural impact extends to regional events and art installations throughout September.

Throughout September

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Preparation

While the main event is in October, September features training flights and early balloon activities as crews prepare for the world's largest hot air balloon gathering. Visitors can witness test flights and participate in inflation activities throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - pack both t-shirts and warm sweaters as temperatures can swing 20°C (36°F) in a single day, especially in mountainous regions

Waterproof hiking boots - September rainfall averages 76 mm (3.0 inches) with muddy trail conditions common in forested areas and national parks

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - afternoon showers are brief but frequent, and mountain weather changes rapidly with elevation

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 is moderate but extended outdoor time at higher elevations increases exposure risk significantly

Warm sleeping gear for camping - nighttime temperatures can drop to 4°C (39°F) in mountain regions and northern states

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - fall leaves create slippery conditions on trails and sidewalks when wet

Portable phone charger - fall weather can drain batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively for foliage drives and hiking

Cash for local vendors - many harvest festivals and farmers markets operate on cash-only basis, especially in rural areas

Reusable water bottle - lower humidity means you'll dehydrate without realizing it during outdoor activities

Insect repellent - while mosquitoes decrease, ticks remain active through September in wooded areas during peak hiking season

Insider Knowledge

Book flights for Tuesday-Thursday departures in September - weekend flights cost 30-50% more as families take final summer trips before school intensifies

Many national park lodges close between September 15-30 for the season - verify accommodation availability and book alternative lodging in gateway towns early

Hurricane tracking affects travel insurance rates - purchase coverage before storms form as most policies exclude pre-existing weather events

State fair dates vary significantly by region - Texas State Fair runs late September through October, while Minnesota ends Labor Day weekend, affecting local hotel availability

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature variations - packing only summer clothes then facing 10°C (50°F) mornings in mountain destinations like Colorado or Montana

Assuming hurricane season only affects Florida - September storms impact travel from Texas through North Carolina, with flight delays extending nationwide

Booking weekend accommodations near college towns during football season - university towns like Madison, Ann Arbor, and Austin see massive demand spikes and price increases during home games