Where in the U.S. is it nice in September? About This Page:

[Disneybine]

If we were to travel anywhere in the (continental) U.S. in September, where would we find the best weather?

We like sunshine, temperatures in the 80s or so, and low humidity...

Heat doesn't bother us as much as high humidity or rain would.

[HollyH]

Now I make no promises as our weather is far from predictable, but New England has pretty good weather in September. The other good news is that after Labor Day you can find pretty good deals at the many beach areas here and it will still be warm enough to enjoy them (Cape Cod comes to mind, but it is true of most New England beach resorts). One real bonus with a New England vacation is that you have a variety of different experiences (beach, mountains, city, etc) in a relatively small geographic area.

[lauriep]

I'm with Holly in recommending New England. You could drive along the coast up to Acadia National Park in Maine. Depending if it's early or late September, the leaves should be turning there and it's an amazing park. (Not to mention the Outlet shopping in Freeport along the way!)

[Huntermom]

Before the kids were in grade school, we would spend the week after Labor Day down on the Cape-it was gorgeous and wonderfully uncrowded.

I third new England in the fall. While i don't think you can ever guarantee weather. I think of fall as the most beautiful time in New England. I love the Maine Coast, but our mountains are great, too.

[Disneybine]

New England sounds interesting. Is there a chance of a hurricane though?

What are the temperatures like?

[DisneyDana]

Another vote for New England...particularly Newport RI. I wouldn't worry about a hurricane...they are few and far between and usually hit North Carolina and fall apart by the time they get up to New England.

[KathyL]

Another fan of New England in September, especially the earlier part right after Labor Day (a US holiday). The crowds are gone and typically most places do lower their rates. Cape Cod has some beautiful beaches and lots of fun things to do. I agree with what Disney Dana said about hurricanes. They don't typically come this far up the coast so I wouldn't factor that in as something that would make or break a trip to New England. Daytime temperatures are typically in the 70s to 80s (80s in the earlier part of September) with nights getting a bit cooler.

[Disneybine]

We're thinking about mid-September, 9/13 - 9/20 or so.

Would North/South Carolina still be (too) hot and humid then?

[Huntermom]

Towards the end of your visit, the foliage should be getting good in the north country. Nothing is as beautiful as the upper elevations during peak New England foliage season.

Our weather can be unpredictable in September. Still summery or it can get chilly. I think my DD looked up how many actual hurricanes hit New England and it was surprising small and they have never been a serious concern for me -I am a native New Englander, although I grew up in the southern part of the region.

If you haven't been to Boston, it is a great small city with much history and even more education. I think it has the largest student population of any major city.

You can easily drive up the coast to Maine, down to the Cape, south to RI or north to NH and Vermont. I don't think you can do them all in one week though.

We have lots of hiking available from easy jaunts up Monadnock to the presidential range and Mt. Washington (which you can also drive or take a train up but if you do, you will become a true tourist in the eyes of my children.) You can probably still swim in September, especially on the Cape or on the south coast. Canoeing, kayaking and whale watches are still in full force.

Earlier in the month, you can do a quick and pretty easy hike up Pack Monadnock (also can drive but will also be frowned upon by my children) and watch the hawks pass in huge numbers on their migration south. The apples are ripening in September and taste so good right off the tree.

While NE does get hot, I have never had an air conditioner. We suffered from maybe a week of discomfort, usually in August but by September the weather is good for being outdoors.

[lauriep]

The temps in northern New England in mid September average in the 70's during the day, quite a bit cooler at night. The cliche about the weather in New England ("If you don't like the weather, wait a minute.") is true, though, and you could get hotter or colder days in the mix. When you get a stretch of clear weather, it's glorious at that time of year.

[Carousel96]

New England is beautiful in the early fall -- in Sept you'd be after the Summer crowds and ahead of the Columbus Day weekend last-hurrah crowds.
I wouldn't worry about hurricanes -- it takes pretty warm water to support a major storm and they usually break up well south.
The biggest problem is narrowing down the to-do list. Acadia? Newport (love the mansions)? Boston? Coastal CT? the Cape? you could even hop into NYC, but New York is a trip in and of itself.

[Disneybine]

I'm definitely more interested in beach destinations like Cape Cod, rather than big cities like NYC. We're looking for a relaxing vacation and DH is a hug fan of the ocean.

[Huntermom]

Do you want to go to one destination and stay or are you willing to travel around? Both Massachusetts and Maine have beautiful coasts.

[Ashli]

Originally Posted by Disneybine

We're thinking about mid-September, 9/13 - 9/20 or so.

Would North/South Carolina still be (too) hot and humid then?

NC should be absolutely beautiful at that time.....northern SC might be ok....I know that here in coastal GA (just south of southern SC) it can still be quite warm then and humid.

****But, keep in mind that is the pinacle of hurricane season, so you have that chance anywhere up and down the Atlantic coast.

[bsblady01]

upstate new york you have the mountins for hiking and sightseeing also lake george new york is a nice place to go to in the fall.