Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Red Rock Canyon in September
Red Rock Canyon cools off: highs slip to 89°F (32°C), from 96°F in August, with lows of 63°F (17°C) and about 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain.
It scores 82/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 89°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 63°F (17°C)
- Rain
- 0.4 in (11 mm)
- Humidity
- 26%
- Cloud cover
- 24%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What September feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 89°F (32°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 14°C (25°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 26% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: about 0.4 in (11 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 24%.
Plan around September
September is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (March – May and October & November).
- Comfort improves from 65/100 in August to 82/100.
- Our Las Vegas New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — September falls outside it.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes89°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 63°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Red Rock Canyon in September
Afternoons run hot (89°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Historic ranch under the Wilson Cliffs, with a cabin, blacksmith shop and short trails; Nevada State Parks runs First Day Hikes here.
Why now September scores 82/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Calico Basin
Area just outside the Scenic Drive with the Red Spring boardwalk and sandstone walls; no timed entry needed.
Why now Highs near 89°F and 0.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
BLM visitor center at the start of the Scenic Drive, with desert exhibits and an outdoor tortoise habitat.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Peppermill
Round-the-clock Strip diner since 1972, with oversized breakfasts and a neon lounge built around a fire pit.
Why now A break from 89°F afternoons.
Nearby in September
- Las Vegas in September~16 mi · highs 97°F, 0.4 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in September~155 mi · highs 79°F, 1.0 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Joshua Tree in September~159 mi · highs 94°F, 0.2 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in September~171 mi · highs 101°F, 0.2 in rain · 7°C (12°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Red Rock Canyon in September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Red Rock Canyon?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 82/100 against a best of 99 in March – May and October & November. Expect highs of 89°F (32°C) and 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain.
How hot is Red Rock Canyon in September?
Average highs are 89°F (32°C) and average lows 63°F (17°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Red Rock Canyon in September?
Not much: about 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 6.5 in (165 mm).
What should I pack for Red Rock Canyon in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (89°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 63°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Red Rock Canyon
Planning Red Rock Canyon in September?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.