Things to Do in St. John's in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in St. John's
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to peak summer months, with last-minute deals common on booking platforms through the first two weeks of September
- September marks the start of iceberg season along the coast - you'll catch the tail end of whale watching (humpbacks typically visible until mid-month) and the beginning of prime iceberg viewing as Arctic ice drifts south
- Festival season peaks with the Royal St. John's Regatta (typically first Wednesday in August but weather-dependent, sometimes pushed to early September) and multiple cultural events including theatre openings and music festivals without the July-August tourist crush
- The 14°C to 28°C (57°F to 82°F) temperature range is actually ideal for hiking - cool enough that you won't overheat on the East Coast Trail but warm enough that higher elevation sections remain accessible before October snow
Considerations
- That 10 rainy days statistic is misleading - St. John's weather in September is genuinely unpredictable with fog rolling in without warning, potentially grounding helicopter tours to the interior and obscuring coastal views you came to photograph
- September sits in an awkward transition period where some summer tour operators wind down operations after Labour Day (first Monday in September) while winter activities haven't started, meaning reduced tour frequency and some attractions operating on limited schedules
- The 28°C (82°F) highs combined with 70% humidity create surprisingly sticky conditions downtown where heritage buildings trap heat, while the 14°C (57°F) lows near the coast require layering most tourists don't expect this far into summer
Best Activities in September
East Coast Trail Hiking Sections
September offers the best hiking conditions of the year on this 336 km (209 mile) coastal trail system. The cooler temperatures mean you can tackle challenging sections like Spout Path or Motion Path without overheating, while the ground has dried from summer rains but hasn't yet turned muddy from fall storms. Foliage starts changing color in late September, adding visual interest to coastal views. The variable weather actually works in your favor - morning fog burns off by 10-11am most days, creating dramatic lighting for photography.
Cape Spear Lighthouse Tours and Whale Watching
September is transition month at North America's easternmost point - humpback whales are still feeding offshore (best viewing early September, drops off mid-month) while icebergs start appearing from the north. The lighthouse itself is less crowded than July-August, and that variable weather creates constantly changing atmospheric conditions perfect for photography. The 70% humidity means clearer air than summer haze for spotting whales from shore.
George Street Pub Crawls and Live Music Circuit
September brings locals back from summer cottages and university students return, reinvigorating the live music scene on this two-block stretch that claims the most bars per square foot in North America. The weather actually drives people indoors to the pubs earlier than summer months, creating a livelier atmosphere from 8pm onward. Traditional Newfoundland music sessions happen most nights without the tourist-heavy crowds of July-August.
Signal Hill and Battery Neighborhood Exploration
The variable September weather is actually perfect for Signal Hill - you can watch weather systems roll in from the Atlantic in real-time, creating dramatic cloud formations over the Narrows. The 28°C (82°F) highs make the steep climb manageable (167 m / 548 ft elevation gain), while reduced summer crowds mean you can explore the WWII fortifications and Cabot Tower without queuing. Early morning fog often creates an otherworldly atmosphere in the Battery neighborhood's colorful row houses below.
Quidi Vidi Village Brewery Tours and Coastal Walk
This 500-year-old fishing village 3 km (1.9 miles) from downtown becomes particularly atmospheric in September when morning fog hangs over the harbor and the tourist crowds thin out. The local brewery offers tours and tastings in a renovated fish plant, while the village's working fishing stages and colorful boats provide authentic glimpses of Newfoundland maritime culture. The walk around Quidi Vidi Lake (5 km / 3.1 miles loop) is manageable in September's cooler temperatures.
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Boat Tours
September is actually underrated for these puffin and whale watching tours 35 km (22 miles) south of St. John's. While puffins depart for sea in late August, you'll still see massive seabird colonies (murres, kittiwakes, gannets) and humpback whales feeding before migration. The cooler September temperatures make the 1.5-2 hour boat rides more comfortable than summer heat, and reduced demand means smaller tour groups and more personalized attention from guides.
September Events & Festivals
St. John's International Women's Film Festival
This week-long festival showcases films by and about women from around the world, with screenings at downtown venues and filmmaker Q&A sessions. It's grown into one of Eastern Canada's significant film events and offers a genuine cultural experience beyond typical tourist activities. Evening screenings provide perfect indoor options when September weather turns unpredictable.
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival
If it falls in early September (dates vary year to year, sometimes late August), this is your chance to experience authentic Newfoundland traditional music, storytelling, and dance in an outdoor setting at Bannerman Park. Local musicians mix with touring acts, and the atmosphere is decidedly local rather than tourist-focused. Bring layers - September evenings cool down quickly.