Things to Do in United States in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in United States
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Labor Day weekend (Aug 30-Sep 2, 2026) kicks off the shoulder season in most regions - you'll find hotel rates dropping 20-35% compared to summer peaks, especially in family-heavy destinations like Orlando and San Diego. Book accommodations by mid-July for the best Labor Day deals.
- Fall foliage season begins in northern states by mid-September - New England, upstate New York, and the Upper Midwest start showing early color without the October crowds. You'll actually get parking at popular viewpoints, and leaf-peeper traffic stays manageable until late September.
- National parks in the Southwest become genuinely pleasant after the brutal summer heat - temperatures in places like Zion, Grand Canyon, and Death Valley drop from dangerous highs into the 24-32°C (75-90°F) range. Desert hiking trails that were closed or inadvisable in July and August reopen for comfortable day hikes.
- September typically sees fewer hurricanes making U.S. landfall compared to August or October, though the season remains active through November. The Atlantic hurricane season peaks around September 10, but historically, major impacts to travel plans are less common than late August. That said, keep travel insurance handy for Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard trips.
Considerations
- Hurricane season remains a real consideration for coastal destinations from Texas through the Carolinas and up to New England - September 2026 falls right in the statistical peak period. If you're booking beach destinations along the Gulf or Atlantic, expect potential last-minute cancellations and have backup plans. Travel insurance with hurricane coverage is actually worth it this month.
- Summer attractions start reducing hours or closing entirely after Labor Day - many seasonal beach towns, amusement parks, and tourist-dependent businesses shift to weekend-only operations by mid-September. Call ahead to verify hours, especially in New England coastal towns and lake resort areas.
- Weather becomes genuinely unpredictable across most of the country - you might get summer heat waves in the Midwest, early snow in the Rockies, or unseasonable cold snaps in the Northeast all in the same week. Packing becomes more complicated than summer's straightforward approach, and you'll need layers for temperature swings of 11-17°C (20-30°F) between morning and afternoon in many regions.
Best Activities in September
New England Fall Foliage Driving Tours
Early September catches the beginning of leaf season in northern New England without the October crowds and traffic jams. Vermont's Route 100, New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway, and Maine's Acadia region start showing color by mid-month, especially at higher elevations above 610 m (2,000 ft). Temperatures hover around 15-21°C (60-70°F) during the day, perfect for scenic drives with frequent stops. The real advantage is lodging availability - you can still find rooms in popular towns like Stowe and North Conway without the three-month advance booking October requires.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton Wildlife Viewing
September brings elk rutting season and excellent wildlife activity without July and August crowds. Temperatures range from 1-21°C (35-70°F) depending on elevation, so you'll need layers, but the weather generally stays dry. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley see peak elk activity in early mornings, and you'll actually find parking at popular pullouts before 8am. Bison herds become more active as they prepare for winter, and bear sightings increase as they fatten up before hibernation. The park shifts to quieter operations after Labor Day, with most facilities still open but far fewer tour buses clogging the roads.
Southwest National Parks Hiking
Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon become actually hikeable again after summer's dangerous heat. Temperatures drop to 24-32°C (75-90°F) in September compared to July's 38-43°C (100-110°F), making trails like Angels Landing and Bright Angel feasible for average fitness levels. You'll still need to start hikes by 7am to avoid afternoon heat, but you won't risk heat exhaustion like summer months. Crowds thin considerably after Labor Day, though weekends still see decent traffic. The real win is lodging prices dropping 25-40% compared to peak season, especially in gateway towns like Springdale and Moab.
Pacific Northwest Wine Country Tours
September is crush season in Oregon's Willamette Valley and Washington's Columbia Valley - you'll see actual harvest activity, not just tasting rooms. Temperatures stay comfortable at 18-26°C (65-80°F) with low humidity, perfect for cycling between wineries or walking vineyard tours. Many wineries offer harvest experiences where you can participate in grape picking or crushing, typically not available other months. The wine itself tastes better this time of year as tasting room staff are energized by harvest activity rather than going through summer's repetitive motions.
Alaska Northern Lights Viewing
Late September marks the return of aurora viewing season in Fairbanks and northern Alaska as nights finally get dark enough after summer's midnight sun. You'll get 8-10 hours of darkness by late month, with peak aurora activity typically occurring between 10pm-2am. Temperatures drop to -1 to 10°C (30-50°F), cold enough to need serious layers but not the brutal -29°C (-20°F) of winter months. September offers a sweet spot - dark enough for auroras but before extreme cold and before winter tour prices kick in. Success rates for seeing auroras run about 60-70% over a 3-night stay in Fairbanks.
San Diego Beach Activities and Coastal Hiking
September is genuinely San Diego's best weather month - summer's marine layer burns off earlier in the day, ocean temperatures peak at 19-20°C (66-68°F) from summer heating, and you'll get consistent sunshine without June gloom or winter rain. La Jolla Cove offers excellent snorkeling with leopard sharks still present in shallow waters through mid-September. Coastal trails like Torrey Pines stay comfortable for hiking with temperatures around 24-27°C (75-80°F) and lower humidity than summer. Hotel rates drop 20-30% after Labor Day while weather actually improves.
September Events & Festivals
Labor Day Weekend
The unofficial end of summer across the entire country, Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2026) creates a three-day weekend that sees massive domestic travel. Beach destinations from Cape Cod to Southern California experience one last surge of summer crowds, while cities host festivals, parades, and outdoor concerts. Expect holiday pricing and crowds Friday through Monday, then a dramatic shift to shoulder season rates and availability starting Tuesday, September 8. Many seasonal businesses close for the season immediately after Labor Day weekend.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The world's largest hot air balloon event takes over Albuquerque for nine days in early October, but preparation activities and some early launches begin in late September. If you're in New Mexico in the last week of September, you might catch practice flights and inflation tests. The actual fiesta runs October 3-11, 2026, featuring mass ascensions of 500+ balloons at sunrise. Book Albuquerque hotels 6-8 months ahead for fiesta dates - the event genuinely sells out the entire city.