Salt Lake City in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Salt Lake City

26°C (79°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

38 mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - mornings start at 11°C (52°F) warming to 26°C (79°F), ideal for all-day canyon and mountain activities without summer's brutal heat
Peak autumn colors in Wasatch Mountains and nearby canyons - aspens turn golden mid-month, creating spectacular photography conditions
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% from summer peaks while weather remains excellent for outdoor activities
Comfortable outdoor dining and festival season - evening temperatures around 16°C (61°F) make rooftop dining and outdoor events perfect

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperature can drop 15°C (27°F) between day and night, requiring layered clothing strategy
Afternoon thunderstorms possible - while only 6 rainy days average, storms can be intense and arrive quickly in mountains
Some high-altitude trails may have early snow - elevations above 3,000 m (9,840 ft) can see first snow by late September

Best Activities in September

Big Cottonwood Canyon Hiking

September offers ideal hiking conditions with cool mornings and warm afternoons. The aspen trees turn brilliant gold mid-month, creating some of Utah's most spectacular scenery. Trail conditions are perfect - snow has melted from summer but winter storms haven't arrived. Popular trails like Lake Blanche and Donut Falls are accessible without crowds.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for most trails. Start early (7-8am) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Parking fills up by 9am on weekends. Typical guided hiking tours cost $80-120 per person and include transportation from downtown.

Antelope Island State Park Wildlife Tours

September is prime wildlife viewing season as temperatures cool and animals are more active. Bison herds are easily spotted, and bird migration is at its peak. The 45% humidity and comfortable temperatures make all-day outdoor exploration pleasant. This is when locals visit most frequently.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is $10 per vehicle. Guided tours typically run $45-65 per person and include transportation and wildlife expertise. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Park City Mountain Biking

Perfect mountain biking weather with cool starts and warm afternoons. September offers the year's best trail conditions - dry and firm after summer but before autumn mud. The aspens create impressive backdrop photography. Trails are less crowded than summer peak season.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost $40-65 per day. Guided tours range $75-110 per person including bike and helmet. Many local shops offer September packages. Book mountain bike tours through licensed operators listed in booking section below.

Temple Square and Historic Downtown Walking Tours

Ideal weather for extensive walking tours. September's comfortable temperatures make exploring Temple Square, Capitol Hill, and historic districts pleasant all day. The gardens are still in bloom but not crowded with summer tourists. Perfect conditions for photography.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided options available, but paid tours ($25-45 per person) provide insider historical context. Tours run 2-3 hours. No advance booking needed except for specialty food walking tours which cost $65-85 per person.

Great Salt Lake Sailing and Kayaking

September offers some of the year's best lake conditions. Water is still warm from summer but air temperatures have cooled to comfortable levels. Wind conditions are typically ideal for sailing, and the reduced evaporation means higher water levels than late summer.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost $35-50 per day. Guided sailing tours typically run $60-90 per person for half-day trips. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend activities. Check current water levels as they affect launch locations.

Sundance Resort and Provo Canyon Activities

September is peak season for Sundance area activities. The resort's scenic chairlift operates in perfect weather, offering impressive Wasatch Mountain views with fall colors. Alpine slide and zip-lining operate in ideal conditions - not too hot, minimal afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Scenic chairlift costs $18-22 per adult. Activity packages range $45-75 per person. Weekend reservations recommended 10-14 days ahead. Multiple activity combinations available through resort packages.

September Events & Festivals

Early to Mid September

Utah State Fair

Major annual fair featuring local agriculture, crafts, food vendors, and entertainment. Showcases Utah's agricultural heritage with livestock competitions, local food specialties, and traditional crafts. September's pleasant weather makes outdoor fair activities comfortable all day.

Late September

Harvest Moon Festival

Downtown celebration featuring local breweries, restaurants, and live music. Takes advantage of September's perfect evening temperatures for outdoor dining and entertainment. Features Utah's craft beer scene and seasonal foods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - start with t-shirt, add fleece or light jacket for 11°C (52°F) mornings, remove layers as temperature climbs to 26°C (79°F)

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for mountain trails and protection against possible afternoon thunderstorms

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 plus high altitude increases exposure, especially on reflective lake and snow surfaces

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon storms can develop quickly, especially in mountains

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures can dip to single digits celsius at higher elevations

Comfortable walking shoes - perfect weather encourages lots of walking tours and outdoor exploration

Portable water bottle - low humidity at 1,400 m (4,593 ft) elevation increases dehydration risk

Light fleece or wool sweater - essential for evening dining and outdoor events when temperature drops

Sunglasses - bright mountain sun and possible snow glare at higher elevations

Small daypack - ideal weather for all-day hiking and outdoor activities requiring gear transport

Insider Knowledge

Locals call September 'Second Summer' - it's actually better weather than peak summer for outdoor activities since extreme heat breaks but snow hasn't arrived

Grocery stores stock up on seasonal items in September - local honey harvest, apple cider, and Utah-grown produce are at peak availability and prices

The TRAX light rail system offers $5 day passes perfect for September weather when you want to explore different neighborhoods on foot

Many restaurants extend patio seasons through September - make reservations for outdoor seating which books up quickly in perfect weather

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - tourists pack only summer clothes then freeze during early morning activities or evening events

Ignoring altitude effects - the 1,400 m (4,593 ft) elevation affects visitors from sea level, requiring more water and sun protection than expected

Planning mountain activities too late in day - afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly, especially after 2pm in canyon areas