Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Cherokee in September
Cherokee cools off: highs slip to 79°F (26°C), from 84°F in August, with lows of 57°F (14°C) and about 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain.
September opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 81/100 (4th of 12).
- Avg high
- 79°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 57°F (14°C)
- Rain
- 4.4 in (113 mm)
- Humidity
- 75%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What September feels like
Days are warm, averaging 79°F (26°C).
There's a big swing between day and night, about 12°C (22°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Humidity averages 75%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.4 in (113 mm).
Plan around September
September is one of Cherokee's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 68°F.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: April & May and September & October.
- Comfort improves from 72/100 in August to 81/100.
- September sits inside the May – Oct window our Blue Ridge Parkway Slow Drive recommends.
- September sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 79°F
- Quick-dry fabrics75% average humidity
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 57°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Cherokee in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Newfound Gap Overlook
State-line pass on the Appalachian Trail with sweeping ridge views.
Why now September scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Kuwohi
Highest point in the Smokies (formerly Clingmans Dome), with an observation tower.
Why now Highs near 79°F and 4.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Peter's Pancakes & Waffles
Cherokee breakfast spot by the river, a local standby.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Mingus Mill
1886 turbine gristmill still grinding cornmeal.
Mountain Layers Brewing Company
Downtown Bryson City brewery with 16 taps, an upstairs deck over Main Street and a food truck out back.
Waterrock Knob
Short summit trail from the Parkway with 360-degree views.
Nearby in September
- Townsend in September~28 mi · highs 83°F, 4.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Asheville in September~44 mi · highs 78°F, 4.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Knoxville in September~47 mi · highs 84°F, 3.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Blowing Rock in September~103 mi · highs 73°F, 4.4 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~866 m to Cherokee's ~663 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cherokee in September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Cherokee?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 81/100. Expect highs of 79°F (26°C) and 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain. September is inside the May – Oct window our Blue Ridge Parkway Slow Drive recommends.
How hot is Cherokee in September?
Average highs are 79°F (26°C) and average lows 57°F (14°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cherokee in September?
Some: about 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 54.8 in (1393 mm).
What should I pack for Cherokee in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 79°F), quick-dry fabrics (75% average humidity), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 57°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in September
- Blue Ridge Parkway Slow Drive May – Oct
- Smokies Weekend Apr – Oct
Planning Cherokee in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.