September is one of the best months to visit Vancouver. Summer weather often lasts well into the month, crowds thin out after Labour Day, and the arts season starts with the Fringe Festival and the Vancouver International Film Festival.
September in Vancouver at a glance
- Average high / low: 19°C / 11°C
- Precipitation: about 52 mm, on about 9 days
- Daylight: about 12.5 hours a day
- Sunshine: about 213 hours over the month
- What it feels like: warm early autumn, often the best-kept secret of the year
Weather in Vancouver in September
Highs average about 19°C and lows about 11°C. Early September often feels like summer, and rain becomes more frequent toward the end of the month. Daylight drops to about 12 hours by the equinox.
Averages are for Vancouver International Airport, 1991 to 2020, from Environment and Climate Change Canada (sunshine 1981 to 2010). The North Shore and the mountains are cooler and wetter than the city.
What to pack for Vancouver in September
- Summer clothes plus warmer layers for evenings
- A light rain jacket for late in the month
- Walking and hiking shoes
Events and festivals in September
- The PNE Fair ends on Labour Day, the first Monday of September
- The Vancouver Fringe Festival, with hundreds of independent theatre shows on Granville Island
- The Terry Fox Run, usually on a Sunday in mid-September
- The Vancouver International Film Festival, usually from late September into October
- BC Culture Days, free arts and culture events from late September
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30
- The final weeks of Bard on the Beach
Dates change every year. See the September events calendar for this year’s dates, or check things to do in Vancouver today and this weekend.
Things to do in Vancouver in September
- Explore Granville Island during the Fringe Festival
- Hike Stawamus Chief, Golden Ears or Lynn Canyon in cooler, quieter conditions
- Cycle the Seawall and watch the sunset at English Bay
- Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park with smaller crowds after summer
- Walk through the gardens at VanDusen and Queen Elizabeth Park as they turn
- Take a day trip to Fort Langley and the Fraser Valley farms
Tips for visiting Vancouver in September
- Prices drop after Labour Day while the weather usually stays good.
- Labour Day and September 30 are statutory holidays.
- Book VIFF screenings early; popular films sell out.
Plan your trip
Build a day out with our free trip planner, follow one of our Vancouver itineraries or browse all upcoming events in Vancouver. For time outdoors, see our beaches guide and Vancouver parks guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is September a good time to visit Vancouver?
Yes. It often has summer weather with fewer crowds and lower prices than July and August.
What is the weather like in Vancouver in September?
Highs around 19°C and lows around 11°C, with more rain late in the month.
When is the Vancouver International Film Festival?
Usually from late September into early October. See our September events calendar for dates.
Vancouver month by month
Previous: Vancouver in August · Best time to visit Vancouver (all months) · Next: Vancouver in October
More local guides
- Vancouver in October: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in August: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in November: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in July: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in December: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in June: Weather, Events and Things to Do
