Things to Do in St. Johns in September

September Weather in St. Johns

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Hurricane season tapers off - September has the lowest storm activity since May with 70% fewer tropical disturbances than August, making it ideal for harbor activities and coastal exploration
Tourist shoulder season means 40-50% lower accommodation prices compared to winter peak, with easier restaurant reservations and shorter lines at Signal Hill
Perfect hiking weather - morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) with low humidity make the East Coast Trail and Avalon Peninsula routes comfortable before afternoon warmth sets in
Whale watching prime time - humpback whales are still migrating through Trinity Bay and Witless Bay, with calmer seas and excellent visibility extending 15-20 km (9-12 miles) offshore

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - while total rainfall is moderate, showers can be sudden and heavy, lasting 30-45 minutes and potentially disrupting outdoor photography or hiking plans
Shorter daylight hours - sunrise at 7:00 AM and sunset by 7:30 PM means less time for outdoor activities compared to summer months
Some seasonal businesses begin closing - certain tour operators and waterfront restaurants reduce schedules or close for the season after Labour Day weekend

Best Activities in September

Signal Hill and Cabot Tower Exploration

September's crisp mornings and clear visibility make this the perfect month for Signal Hill hiking and photography. The 30°C (86°F) afternoon temperatures are comfortable for the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) climb, and you'll avoid summer's tour bus crowds. Morning fog often creates dramatic photography conditions, lifting by 10 AM to reveal panoramic harbor views extending 25 km (15.5 miles) on clear days.

Booking Tip: Free access to trails, but guided historical tours typically cost ฿800-1,200 ($30-45 CAD). Book morning tours to avoid afternoon heat and potential showers. Look for Parks Canada certified interpreters (see current options in booking section below).

Trinity Bay Whale Watching Tours

September offers exceptional whale watching as humpbacks complete their feeding season before southern migration. Sea conditions are calmer than summer with 2-3 m (6-10 ft) swells versus summer's 4-5 m (13-16 ft) waves. Water visibility reaches 20+ m (65+ ft), and whales are often closer to shore, within 5-8 km (3-5 miles) of harbors.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost ฿2,000-3,500 ($75-130 CAD) for 3-4 hour excursions. Book 7-10 days ahead with operators offering weather guarantees. Morning departures (9 AM) have calmer conditions before afternoon winds (see current tour options in booking section below).

Avalon Peninsula Coastal Hiking

September's moderate temperatures and stable weather patterns create ideal conditions for multi-day coastal sections. The East Coast Trail's Spout Path and Motion Path sections offer 15-25 km (9-15 mile) routes with comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F) morning starts. Blueberry and cloudberry season peaks in early September.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but guided multi-day packages typically cost ฿1,500-2,500 ($55-95 CAD) per day. Book accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead as coastal B&Bs fill quickly in shoulder season. Look for certified Wilderness First Aid guides (see current guided options in booking section below).

Historic Downtown and Water Street Walking Tours

September's comfortable walking weather and reduced cruise ship traffic make downtown exploration pleasant and uncrowded. Afternoon temperatures of 28-30°C (82-86°F) are perfect for the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) historic core routes. Local harvest season means specialty food shops feature seasonal preserves and traditional Newfoundland fare.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free using city heritage apps. Professional guided tours typically cost ฿600-1,000 ($25-40 CAD) for 90-minute walks. Book food-focused tours including local tastings 5-7 days ahead (see current cultural tours in booking section below).

Cape Spear Lighthouse and Sunrise Photography

September offers North America's easternmost sunrise viewing with comfortable pre-dawn temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F). The 17 km (10.5 mile) drive from downtown takes 25 minutes, arriving for 6:45 AM sunrises. Atlantic visibility often exceeds 30 km (18 miles) in September's stable weather patterns.

Booking Tip: Site access is free, but photography workshops typically cost ฿800-1,500 ($30-55 CAD). Early morning temperatures require light layering. Self-drive is recommended as tour buses don't operate pre-sunrise schedules (see current photography tours in booking section below).

Quidi Vidi Village and Local Brewery Experiences

September's harvest season coincides with local brewing traditions and artisan craft fairs. The 2 km (1.2 mile) coastal walk from downtown follows fishing village heritage sites with comfortable afternoon temperatures. Local fishermen return with fall cod runs, offering authentic cultural experiences away from summer tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Village access is free, brewery tours typically cost ฿400-800 ($15-30 CAD) including tastings. Artisan markets operate weekends in September. Book brewery experiences 3-5 days ahead as groups are smaller in shoulder season (see current cultural experiences in booking section below).

September Events & Festivals

Early September

Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival

Annual celebration of traditional Newfoundland music, storytelling, and cultural heritage featuring local and Maritime artists. Multiple venues across downtown with outdoor stages when weather permits.

Mid September

Harvest Home Festival

Traditional autumn celebration featuring local produce, preserves, and Newfoundland culinary traditions. Local artisans showcase traditional crafts and fishing heritage demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - trails can be muddy after September's 89mm (3.5 inches) rainfall, especially coastal paths with 30-45 minute sudden showers

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) rise to 30°C (86°F) by afternoon, requiring easy adjustment for 6°C temperature swings

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 intensifies near coastal waters and reflective surfaces, especially during 10 AM-3 PM peak hours

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers are frequent but brief, lasting 20-40 minutes with little warning

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in 70% humidity is crucial during hiking, carry 1-1.5 L (34-50 oz) for day hikes

Polarized sunglasses - essential for whale watching and coastal photography, reducing Atlantic glare and improving visibility to 20+ km (12+ miles)

Quick-dry hiking pants - avoid cotton in humid conditions, synthetic blends dry within 30-45 minutes after rain exposure

Merino wool base layer - September mornings can feel cool at 24°C (75°F) with Atlantic winds, warming up by noon

Waterproof camera protection - sudden showers and coastal spray can damage electronics, especially during boat tours

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Signal Hill's 1.5 km (0.9 mile) trails and downtown's steep streets require good traction on wet surfaces

Insider Knowledge

September is 'Jiggs dinner season' when locals prepare traditional Sunday meals with fresh root vegetables from fall harvest - ask restaurant servers about weekly specials featuring this Newfoundland staple

Morning fog often clears by 9-10 AM creating dramatic photography opportunities at Signal Hill and Cape Spear - arrive early for misty shots that transform into clear harbor views

Local fishing boats return with fall cod runs in early September - visit Quidi Vidi or Petty Harbour between 3-5 PM to see daily catches and interact with working fishermen

September blueberry and cloudberry picking is still excellent on Avalon Peninsula trails - locals know the best patches along East Coast Trail sections, especially near Motion Path trailheads

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all summer tour schedules continue through September - many whale watching and coastal tour operators reduce frequency or close after Labour Day weekend, book current schedules online

Underestimating how quickly weather changes from sunny to rainy - carry rain gear even on clear morning starts as afternoon showers develop within 15-20 minutes

Booking accommodations at summer rates - September is shoulder season with 40-50% lower prices, but this also means some waterfront properties close or reduce services