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. Check out this list of amazing places to go in Utah in fall and activities to do like exploring the National and State Parks, picking apples, or riding the pumpkin train!

We have lived in and traveled around Utah for over 20 years. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting various Utah locations, especially in the month of September.

visiting Utah in September

September is one of the best months to visit Utah when the weather is just about perfect to enjoy outdoor activities all over the state!

The number one tip we have for visiting Utah in September, is to have the right clothing and gear for the weather conditions for location you’ll visit. Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the fall! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

Utah packing lists for spring summer fall and winter
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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:

Remember 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!

Things to Do in Utah in September

If you’re planning a trip in September, you’ll enjoy a variety of Utah fall activities to explore this unique state when the temperatures are just right!

fall foliage in Utah
Fall colors along the Alpine Loop

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. 

sunrise-at-sunset-point-Bryce-Canyon-2
Sunrise at Bryce Canyon

Utah National Parks in September

All of the Utah National Parks are open every single day in September. Be sure to check the NPS website for the most updated information for the Visitor Center hours and services available at each park in September.

NOTE: Arches and Zion are two of the nine US National Parks requiring reservations.

Arches Timed Entry: You must have a timed entry reservation to enter the park from April 1 to October 31. You can enter Arches National Park before 7am and after 4pm without an advance reservation.

Zion Hiking Permits: There are three year-round permits required for hiking these trails:

  • Angels Landing hiking permit for the chains section – you can hike to Scouts Landing and back without a permit.
  • Left Fork North Creek Subway
  • Full 16-mile Narrows hike

Enjoy Fall Activities in Utah National Parks like hiking, biking, scenic drives, off-roading, landscape photography, and more!

We’ve written specific guides about visiting all five Utah National Park in September:

kodachrome-basin-state-park-in-utah
Kodachrome Basin State Park

Utah State Parks in September

In September you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, stargazing, and camping at a variety of Utah State Parks. Here are a few of our favorite parks to visit in September:

Quarry Exhibit Hall
Dinosaur National Monument Quarry

Utah National Monuments in September

There are stunning Utah National Monuments locations that would be perfect for visiting in September:

Zion National Park Visitor Center
Zion National Park in the fall

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.

alpine loop scenic drive in the fall
Alpine Loop Scenic Drive in the fall

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. The scenic drives in Utah showcase the beauty of the state’s diverse geography.

In September you can enjoy viewing fall foliage along many of these scenic drives!

The scenic drives in Utah National Parks offer some of the best views and landscapes in America. All five parks have a road to explore the various points of interest with things to see, do and photograph at each stop.

Capitol Reef at sunrise
Capitol Reef at sunrise

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.

The best times to photograph the Utah National Parks is during the sunrise and sunset hours. The sun on the red rocks is vibrant and a spectacular sight. 

Here’s a list of our favorite photography spots in Utah:

milky-way-fins-Arches-national-park-utah-photo-jeepers
Milky way over fins in Arches National Park

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:

Southern Utah Stargazing Locations:

Funnel Cakes booth at a state fair
State Fair funnel cakes

Utah State Fair in September

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 in September

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 in September

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.

Hot air balloons
Hot air balloons

Autumn Aloft in September

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 in September

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 in September

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

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Utah guides and maps

Places to Stay in Utah

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!

utah bucket list - grab the free packet

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