Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in September
We’ve put together a guide for visiting Utah in September that includes weather, vacation spots, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay.
September is one of the best times to visit Utah when the weather is just about perfect to enjoy outdoor activities all over the state!
Check out this list of amazing places to to go in Utah in the fall and activities to do like exploring the National and State Parks, picking apples, or riding the pumpkin train!
We highly recommend a trip to Utah in September – keep reading and you’ll see why!
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!
Northern and Southern Utah in September
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. These parks feature red rocks, arches, hoodoos, river-carved canyons, and more! Because the weather is moderate in September, it’s a busy time of year at the National Parks!
There’s an equally stunning list of Utah State Parks and National Monuments around the state where you can enjoy hiking, biking, off-roading, canyoneering, river rafting, and more!
Utah Weather in September
We always recommend you look at the weather and temperatures to expect for the time you want to plan your vacation to Utah. You never know when an unexpected storm will 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!
You can’t beat the Utah weather in September! In the north, the average temperatures 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.
It’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in September so we’ve written detailed guides for each National Park in Utah:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
It’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection in September. If you’ll be doing any outdoor activities, we recommend the following:
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 portable travel 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!
Fall Foliage in Utah in September
The fall foliage in Utah is spectacular. The last two weeks of September are typically the peak of fall foliage in northern Utah’s canyons and hiking trails.
While you may consider southern Utah to have less fall foliage than in the north, there are plenty of beautiful fall colors on display the last two weeks of September, and into early October.
Things to Do in Utah in September
If you’re planning a trip in September, here’s a fun list of places to go in Utah in fall!
Plus you’ll enjoy a variety of Utah fall activities to explore this unique state when the temperatures are just right!
Utah National Parks in September
All of the Utah National Parks are open every single day in September.
Some of the National Parks in Utah now have permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check about reservations required in September when determining the best time to visit Utah National Parks.
We’ve written specific guides about visiting Utah National Park in September:
- Arches National Park in September
- Bryce Canyon in September
- Canyonlands National Park in September
- Capitol Reef National Park in September
- Zion National Park in September
Utah State Parks in September
Check out this list of Utah State Parks where you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, and stargazing in September. Here are a few of our favorite State Parks in Utah to visit this time of year:
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
Utah National Monuments in September
There are stunning Utah National Monuments locations that would be perfect for visiting in September:
- Bears Ears National Monument
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Golden Spike National Historical Park
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument
- Monument Valley (not technically a Utah National Monument, but definitely a place to add to your bucket list)
Hiking in September in Utah
Hiking in Utah is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. In September you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and maybe view colorful autumn leaves depending on where you hike.
There are plenty of Utah fall hikes that offer a variety of different terrains all around the state at National parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas.
- 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
- Moab Fall Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
- Hikes Near Salt Lake City
- Utah Slot Canyon Hikes
Utah Scenic Drives in September
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 scenic drives!
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12
- Alpine Loop Scenic Drive
- Nebo Loop Scenic Drive
- Logan Canyon Scenic Drive
Utah Photography in September
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 the colorful leaves take center stage for Utah photography, especially in the mountains.
Here’s a list of our favorite photography spots in Utah:
- Arches National Park Photo Spots
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
- Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Zion National Park Photo Spots
- Guide to Moab Photography
- Guide to Kanab Photography
Utah Stargazing in September
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.
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
Utah State Fair
Fall and State Fairs go hand in hand! The Utah State Fair is an annual event held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The fairgrounds light up in September for 10 days with live entertainment, delicious fair food, carnival rides, and more.
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.
Wheeler Farm Pumpkin Days
Celebrate pumpkins and fall leaves at Wheeler Farm in late September and October. The Wheeler Farm Pumpkin Days admission ticket includes a maze and corn pit and one ride. Pumpkins also available. Wheeler Farm is located in Murray, Utah.
Autumn Aloft
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.
Rowley’s Red Barn
For fresh apple cider in Utah in the fall, Rowley’s Red Barn is the place to go. Pick your own apple harvest is available Fridays and Saturdays in September. Rowley’s also has fall activities, such as a hay maze, pumpkin patch, and play area, just a wagon ride away. Rowley’s Red Barn is in Santaquin, Utah.
Cornbelly’s at Thanksgiving Point
Cornbelly’s is the quintessential fall activities festival. They offer everything from a corn maze, apple blasters, and cow train, to tons of fall food options. Thanksgiving Point is located in Lehi, Utah.
September Activities to Do in Utah
- ATV tours in Utah
- Biking tours in Utah
- Camping in Utah
- Horseback riding tours in Utah
- River rafting tours in Utah
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!
