Things To Do in Utah in September
If you’re looking for something fun to do this fall, here are some great things to do in Utah during September. The temperatures are mild to enjoy outdoor activities all over the state, making it one of the best times to visit Utah!
In this Utah Vacation Guide, you’ll find fun places to visit things to do in September like hiking, boating, scenic drives, picking apples, or riding in a hot air balloon!
With its mild temperatures and stunning landscapes, September is one of the best months to visit Utah to enjoy the outdoors! We have lived in Utah for over 20 years and get to explore the state often. September is one of our favorite months for outdoor activities. Here’s a list of our favorite things to do in Utah this time of year!
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in September! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
What to Expect in Utah in September
One thing many people don’t know is the state of Utah is usually divided into two regions: northern and southern. It’s important to note where the various Utah vacation spots are located around the state. A drive from Salt Lake City in the north to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.
You’ll find most of Utah’s biggest cities (like Salt Lake City and Park City) in the North. These cities provide vibrant main streets and downtown centers with night life, festivals, historic buildings and performing arts.
In Northern Utah you’ll find mountains, forests, lakes and reservoirs where you can hike, boat, stargaze or camp. September is a wonderful time to enjoy the mountains with the cool, fresh air!
As you leave the north and head toward the south, you pass by small towns with limited services. You’ll find all 5 Utah National Parks in Southern Utah. Because the weather is moderate in September, it’s a busy time of year at the National Parks!
Utah September Weather
You seriously can’t beat the Utah weather in September!! Yes, an unexpected storm can roll through and bring rain and cold air. It usually doesn’t snow in September, but it’s always a possibility. If it does, it’s usually a light dusting high on the mountain tops!
In the north, the average temperatures in September are: highs 79 / lows 58 degrees F. Temperatures are still pretty hot southern Utah. The average temperatures in September: highs 98 / lows 63 degrees F.
What To Wear In Utah In September
We recommend layers for the cool mornings and evenings. It’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection in September. If you’ll be doing any outdoor activities, we recommend the following:
- LAYERS: A fleece jacket is all you’ll need for layers this time of year.
- WATER: Drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you – hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in your backpack.
- FOOD: Pack and eat salty snacks
- SUN PROTECTION: Wear a sunhat and use sunscreen. If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll want to use lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion!
Is September a Good Time to Visit Utah?
We think September is one of the best times to visit Utah because the weather is amazing all over the state! You can enjoy all the outdoor summer time activities in September without the heat you find in July and August!
And the fall foliage you’ll see in Utah in September is the cherry on top for your vacation this time of year!
Things to Do in Utah in September
If you’re planning to visit Utah in September, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite things to do:
September Hiking in Utah
In September you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and maybe view colorful autumn leaves depending on the location of the hike or activity.
There are plenty of Utah fall hikes that offer a variety of different terrains all around the state.
If you want to do any fall hiking in Utah National Parks, we recommend you hit the trails early or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds!
- Arches National Park Fall Hikes
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes
- Capitol Reef National Park Fall Hikes
- Zion National Park Fall Hikes
September Activities and Tours in Utah
Enjoy the beautiful views and outdoor Utah fall activities at the National Parks like biking, off-roading, canyoneering, and even picking fresh fruit in the Capitol Reef orchards!
- Arches National Park Fall Activities
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Activities
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Activities
- Capitol Reef National Park Fall Activities
- Zion National Park Fall Activities
You’ll find Utah National Parks tours that provide a fun and unique way to explore the park and surrounding area:
- Guided hike tours
- Horseback riding tours
- ATV and Jeep tours
- Photography tours
- Stargazing tours
September Scenic Drives in Utah
Utah is a beautiful state known for its scenic and picturesque drives. The state has more than 400,000 miles of roads to explore. In September you can enjoy viewing fall foliage along many of these Utah Scenic Drives!
Alpine Loop Scenic Drive – The drive is 20 miles along Highway 92 from the mouth of American Fork Canyon to the connection with Highway 189 in Provo Canyon. In the fall, Alpine Loop Scenic Drive is a terrific place to see fall foliage, but the road will get crowded. We recommend early morning to avoid the crowds!
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway – The drive is 56 miles from Kamas to the Wyoming state line. For a day trip, we recommend you drive as far as Mirror Lake then return back to Kamas. Mirror Lake scenic drive is a terrific place to see fall foliage! Be sure to stop at Provo River Falls and Mirror Lake to take photos.
Scenic Byway 12 – The drive is along a winding, country road 124 miles long from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. Plan an average speed of 40 miles per hour as you estimate your drive time. The Boulder Mountain section of the drive sits above 9,000 feet. The yellow aspen in the fall are so pretty along this route!
We really enjoy the Utah National Parks GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the-scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location as you drive through each park!
September Photography in Utah
The landscape of Utah ranges from arid deserts with sandstone cliffs to forested mountain valleys, deep canyons, and red rock monoliths. It’s truly a photographer’s dream!
In September we enjoy the cool mornings and evenings at sunrise and sunset when the light is the best for taking landscape photos. Be sure to have your fleece jacket with you, and you may even need a winter hat or winter gloves depending on the weather.
Here’s a list of our favorite photography spots in Utah for taking pictures in September:
- Arches National Park Photo Spots
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Canyonlands Photo Spots
- Capitol Reef Photo Spots
- Zion National Park Photo Spots
- Moab Photo Spots
- Kanab Photo Spots
September Stargazing in Utah
Did you know that Utah as the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks in the world!? We definitely recommend you take time to view the night skies during your vacation.
If you want to see or photograph the milky way, it’s visible from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm in September during the new moon phase.
Northern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Dinosaur National Monument
- East Canyon State Park
- Jordanelle State Park
- North Fork Park
Southern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
September Utah State Fair and Rodeo
The Utah State Fair is an annual event held in Salt Lake City, Utah for 10 days in September. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious fair food, carnival rides, and more.
The Utah’s Own Rodeo is held the first weekend of the Utah State Fair. It’s been one of the top rodeos in the state for over 35 years. Watch the rodeo in the amazing 10,000 seat, state of the art, “Days of ’47” outdoor arena!
September Events at Gardner Village WitchFest
From mid-September through Halloween, historic Gardner Village is decked out in witch-y celebration. The Gardner Village WitchFest includes everything from races (5K, 10K and half marathon), an escape room and scavenger hunts, to the decades-long tradition of Witches Night Out. Gardner Village is located in West Jordan, Utah.
September Autumn Aloft in Park City
September has to be the most perfect month to visit Park City! With highs around 70 and lows around 40 degrees F, you can’t beat the weather! The fall foliage will be all around you as you enjoy some of the fun activities at Park City!
Each September, for one weekend, the skies above Park City fill with hot air balloons. The Autumn Aloft launch happens Saturday and Sunday at 8am, and is free for spectators.
September Events at Rowley’s Red Barn
Located in Santaquin, Rowley’s Red Barn has fall activities to enjoy like picking apples, hay maze, pumpkin patch, apple cannon, a corn pit, and more! Be sure to grab the best fresh cider in Utah while you’re there!
Places to Stay in Utah
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
Utah Bucket List
To help make your trip planning easier, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Utah Bucket List: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free download by clicking the graphic below!
