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!

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 NP Mighty 5 AUDIO TOUR
(GuideAlong)

“It’s just like having a tour guide along for the ride. You’ll hear stories, local tips & navigation play automatically, all based on your location. Best of all it doesn’t need cell signal, the tour works offline with GPS.”

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!

September Weather in Utah

You can’t beat the weather in Utah in September! 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.

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:

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 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!

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. Zion National Park in the fall is the top place to visit for colorful foliage in southern Utah, but don’t miss Capitol Reef, Escalante, and Panguitch as well.

Things to Do in Utah in September

If you’re planning a trip in September, here’s a fun list of things to do and places to visit in Utah.

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:

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:

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 trails that offer a variety of different terrains all around the state at National parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas.

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!

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 year-round photography spots in Utah:

milky-way-fins-Arches-national-park-utah-photo-jeepers

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:

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.

horseback-riding-bryce-canyon-national-park-utah-jennifer-wolff

MORE September Activities to Do in Utah

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in September

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.

A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Northern and Southern Utah in September

Utah NP Mighty 5 AUDIO TOUR
(GuideAlong)