Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Shenandoah in September
Shenandoah cools off: highs slip to 74°F (23°C), from 81°F in August, with lows of 52°F (11°C) and about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain.
At 85/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 74°F (23°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (104 mm)
- Humidity
- 70%
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 85/100 · Great
What September feels like
Days are warm, averaging 74°F (23°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 12°C (22°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.1 in (104 mm).
Plan around September
September is one of Shenandoah's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: October highs fall to 61°F.
- Comfort holds steady from August (85 → 85/100).
- September sits inside the May – Oct window our Blue Ridge Parkway Slow Drive recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 74°F
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Shenandoah in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Old Rag Mountain
Rock-scramble summit hike, the park's most famous and toughest day hike.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring or fall.
Pollock Dining Room at Skyland
Park lodge dining room with valley views and blackberry ice cream pie.
Why now September scores 85/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Hawksbill Summit
Highest point in the park, with a stone observation platform.
Why now Highs near 74°F and 4.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Stony Man Trail
Easy 1.6-mile loop to cliffs with wide views over the Shenandoah Valley.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Blue Mountain Brewery
Farm brewery with hop fields and mountain views near Afton.
Nearby in September
- Richmond in September~85 mi · highs 82°F, 4.6 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Washington, DC in September~98 mi · highs 80°F, 4.2 in rain · 4°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Williamsburg in September~129 mi · highs 81°F, 4.8 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Baltimore in September~131 mi · highs 80°F, 4.4 in rain · 4°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~485 m to Shenandoah's ~787 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.
Shenandoah in September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Shenandoah?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 85/100. Expect highs of 74°F (23°C) and 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain. September is inside the May – Oct window our Blue Ridge Parkway Slow Drive recommends.
How hot is Shenandoah in September?
Average highs are 74°F (23°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Shenandoah in September?
Some: about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 41.4 in (1051 mm).
What should I pack for Shenandoah in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 74°F), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Shenandoah
Routes in season in September
- Blue Ridge Parkway Slow Drive May – Oct
Planning Shenandoah 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.