Rochester in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Rochester

25°C (77°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect fall foliage season - maple trees peak color mid-to-late September, creating spectacular photo opportunities in Baku and Mount this destination without summer crowds
Ideal weather for outdoor festivals - comfortable 18-25°C (64-77°F) temperatures make walking festivals like Park Avenue Summer Art Festival extension events and outdoor concerts at Red Wing Park actually enjoyable
Apple harvest season in full swing - local orchards within 32 km (20 miles) offer peak picking experiences, cider tastings, and harvest festivals with significantly lower weekend crowds than October
University energy returns without tourist chaos - RIT and U of R students bring busy nightlife and food scene energy back online after summer lull, but September visitors avoid October Parents Weekend madness

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall pattern - September averages 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon thunderstorms that can disrupt outdoor plans for 1-2 hours without warning
Temperature swings require layered packing - morning temperatures around 13°C (55°F) can jump to 25°C (77°F) by afternoon, making outfit planning challenging for day-long activities
Peak wedding season creates accommodation competition - many boutique hotels and popular venues book solid on weekends, driving up Friday-Sunday rates by 40-60% compared to weekdays

Best Activities in September

Genesee River Gorge Hiking Tours

September offers perfect hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and early fall colors beginning to emerge. The 50+ waterfalls are at ideal flow levels after summer rain accumulation, and morning mist creates dramatic photography opportunities. Trails are less crowded than peak summer, and cooler weather means you can tackle longer routes like the 6.4 km (4-mile) Gorge Trail without overheating.

Booking Tip: Reserve guided geology tours 7-10 days ahead through certified park rangers. Self-guided options available daily. Costs typically range $25-45 for guided experiences. Morning tours (8-10am) offer best lighting and fewer crowds. Book through visitor center or see current tour options in booking section below.

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Experiences

September marks harvest season across 40+ wineries within 64 km (40 miles) of Rochester. Grape picking experiences, harvest festivals, and new vintage tastings are exclusive to this season. Weather is perfect for outdoor vineyard tours and lakeside tastings, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity than summer months.

Booking Tip: Book harvest experience packages 14-21 days ahead as they're limited to actual harvest dates. Day tours typically cost $85-150 including transport and 4-5 tastings. Weekend premium pricing applies. Designated driver services available through certified tour operators - see current options in booking section below.

Historic Neighborhood Walking Experiences

September's mild weather makes exploring East Avenue Historic District, Park Avenue, and South Wedge on foot genuinely pleasant. Architecture tours showcase gilded age mansions with early fall garden displays still in bloom. The Susan B. Anthony House and other historic sites offer extended outdoor programming only available during favorable weather months.

Booking Tip: Most walking tours operate seasonally May-October with peak schedule in September. Book specialty architecture or ghost tours 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend evening tours. Costs range $15-35 for guided experiences. Self-guided options available through visitor apps.

Local Farm and Orchard Experiences

Peak apple harvest creates unique September opportunities at orchards like those in Hilton and Webster areas. U-pick experiences, cider making workshops, and harvest festivals offer authentic local culture. September weather is ideal for hayrides and corn mazes without October's massive crowds and parking nightmares.

Booking Tip: Weekend orchard visits require advance booking for popular activities like cider pressing workshops. Costs typically $12-25 for basic picking, $35-60 for workshop experiences. Weekday visits offer better availability and pricing. Many farms offer package deals combining multiple activities.

Genesee Brewery and Distillery Experiences

September brings special Oktoberfest-style events and seasonal beer releases. The brewery's rooftop offers spectacular views during fall transition period with comfortable outdoor seating weather. High Falls district comes alive with coordinated events taking advantage of ideal outdoor conditions before winter shutdown.

Booking Tip: Reserve brewery tours and tasting experiences 3-5 days ahead, especially for weekend afternoon slots. Tours typically cost $15-25 including tastings. Special seasonal events require separate ticketing. Check current availability through brewery partners in booking section below.

Lake Ontario Waterfront Activities

September offers the last comfortable month for lakefront activities without summer's intense sun and crowds. Ontario Beach Park and Charlotte Pier provide excellent conditions for walking, lighthouse visits, and sunset photography. Water temperature is still warm enough for brave souls, and fishing season peaks for salmon runs.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises and fishing charters operate through September with best weather windows. Book chartered experiences 7-14 days ahead. Sunset tours typically cost $35-55, fishing charters $80-120 per person. Weather-dependent activities - check cancellation policies.

September Events & Festivals

Throughout September

Rochester International Jazz Festival Late Season Events

While the main festival is June, September features intimate jazz club series and outdoor concerts taking advantage of perfect weather. Local venues coordinate month-long programming celebrating the city's jazz heritage.

Mid to Late September

Corn Hill Arts Festival Extended Programming

The main festival occurs in July, but September features artist studio tours and outdoor art installations in the historic Corn Hill neighborhood. Perfect weather for walking tours of artist studios and gallery openings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - start with t-shirt, add sweater/hoodie, carry light jacket for 13-25°C (55-77°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof light jacket or packable rain poncho - September storms arrive quickly and last 1-2 hours without warning

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - rain makes sidewalks slippery and trail conditions muddy within hours

Light scarf or pashmina - morning riverside areas and gorge trails feel significantly cooler than downtown streets

Compact umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms are frequent but brief, making this more practical than heavy rain gear

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially with lake reflection during waterfront activities

Light wool or performance fabric socks - essential for comfortable all-day walking in variable weather conditions

Small daypack or cross-body bag - hands-free convenience for apple picking, hiking, and festival activities

Portable phone charger - September outdoor activities and photography drain batteries faster in cooler weather

Cash in small bills - many orchards, farm stands, and festival vendors don't accept cards for small purchases under $10

Insider Knowledge

September weekdays offer 40-50% lower hotel rates than weekends due to wedding season - book Sunday-Thursday stays for significant savings on accommodations and restaurant reservations

Local farmers markets (Thursday downtown, Saturday public market) feature peak seasonal produce in September - vendors often offer bulk deals on apples and pears perfect for travel snacks

University area restaurants (Park Avenue, South Wedge) reopen extended hours and new menu items in September after summer staff shortages - perfect time to explore student-friendly dining scene

September is ideal for booking October foliage tours and accommodations - many operators offer early-bird discounts for peak season bookings made during September visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming September weather is consistently warm - temperature drops of 10-12°C (18-22°F) between morning and evening catch many visitors unprepared for outdoor activities

Not checking weekend accommodation availability early - wedding season and university events create booking competition, especially for boutique properties and B&Bs within city limits

Planning only outdoor activities without rain backup plans - September averages 10 rainy days, and afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt hiking, orchard visits, and walking tours