Visiting Seattle in September

With its beautiful nature, striking architecture, and delicious cuisine, visiting Seattle in September is one of the best times to be. Famous for its Space Needle, Seattle has so much to offer for everyone. Explore the city and sample some of the finest wineries that you can ever find. If you’re shy of crowds, then September is perfect with fewer crowds as it is a low tourism season.

Is September a Good Time to Visit Seattle?

September is a perfect time for you to visit Seattle if you’re looking to travel on a budget and want to avoid crowds. Also, you can sample delicious cuisine and taste some of the finest wines more intimately. Parks will also be more enjoyable to visit because of fewer crowds and you can take great pictures. For experiencing the local culture at its best and finding the hidden gems it’s better to take public transit.

And before I forget, the fall foliage is something you do not want to miss. The satisfaction of leaf crunching is truly unmatched. The landscape is beautiful, with different colors of foliage, including red, yellow, and orange—turning the place into a beautiful rustic paradise. When you’re in Seattle, you can also visit the magnificent, historic city of Port Townsend which is two hours drive away. The city is rich in culture and known for its maritime industry, Victorian architecture, and whatnot.

Things To Do in Seattle in September

There are plenty of things to do in Seattle—from experiencing the best fall foliage at Gas Works Park and Kerry Park to enjoying Fremont Oktoberfest which begins in September, you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities.

Bumbershoot

An annual music and arts fest that is North America’s largest event and a great place to be in September. It takes place on Labor Day weekend and you can enjoy and relax in this place. There are outdoor and indoor areas for you to enjoy. At Bumbershoot, you can enjoy lots of comedy shows, performance arts, wrestling, ballet dancing, roller skating, fashion exhibits, and more. It’s a great place for everyone, including locals and people from all over the country, to showcase their skills and talents. A place with full-spectrum arts experience with diverse crowds and so much more.

New Rising Sun hosts and manages Bumbershoot, which is a team of concert promoters and visual arts producers. It hosts Bumbershoot on behalf of the non-profit organization Third Stone. It houses the annual festival and its workforce development for young people. At the 2024 lineup, you will get to see the Animation District, Century 21 District, Fashion District, Geodesic Domes, Free Range Artists, and more.

Seattle Harbor

Being by the water is very relaxing and enjoyed by many. Seattle Harbor or Elliot Bay is one of the best attractions with the classic The Great Wheel offering beautiful views of the water and the city. There are many places for you to sit and relax or you can take a stroll around the area. It’s a perfect place to visit in September because the weather is also very mild. Also, don’t miss the experience of the Argosy Harbor Cruise at Seattle Harbor.

Seattle Harbor also plays a vital role in the city’s economy and culture. It serves as a major shipping and transportation gateway that connects Seattle to other global trade routes and facilitates commerce. It is also home to the Pike Place Market, where you can find farmers' markets and sample delicious cuisine from various vendors. You can do lots of activities here including kayaking, boating, and waterfront walks.

Woodland Park Zoo

If animal sightings are something you like to do, then Woodland Park Zoo is a perfect place for you. Seattle, with its beautiful nature, comes with many different animals for you to see. The park is mostly famous for its gardens and all the conservation efforts that it has made over the years. When visiting this park, it's best to arrive early in the morning because there are fewer crowds, and most animals are active around this time. You will love to visit Lupe, the Park’s beloved hippo and brown bear Juniper.

You can find an indoor tropical forest that is perfect. And a pool where penguins dive and play. There’s so much to explore at this zoo, so planning on seeing the exhibits that you’re most interested in is the best way to explore. Also, there are restaurants and cafes in the zoo, so you can relax and enjoy.

Local Sightings Film Festival

Hosted by Seattle’s North-west Film Forum, this annual film festival is great to experience in September. You can enjoy this festival both online and in person. The festival showcases the best talents from the Pacific Northwest. You can see the works of new and established filmmakers. The program features a mix of short films and feature films, so you can enjoy whatever you like to watch. This film festival boosts the regional film industry and also promotes a wide variety of media. It helps individuals and the community to connect and engage with different ideas.

Local Cuisine of Seattle

Seattle’s culinary scene is a mix of fresh ingredients and diverse cultural influences. Pike Place Market is a great place to visit for sampling the city’s delicious cuisine. It also has many vendors selling fresh produce, clam chowders, artisan cheeses, and whatnot. Elliott's Oyster House is another great place to enjoy your food, wine, and tons of other options to choose from. For lunch, you can enjoy their spicy fried shrimp, mushroom strudel, seafood pasta, seared prawns, and delicious grilled scallops. For desserts, try their heavenly mango cheesecake, crème brûlée, and strawberry shortcake. Then there is Von’s 1000 Spirits and Le Caviste which also offers delicious foods.

Seattle September Weather

Seattle is usually known for its rain and humid weather, but September is the month with the least rain in the area. It’s a great time to visit Seattle because the weather is great and you can enjoy the last of summer and lots of activities in this scenic place. The typical weather around this time of the year is 10-21 degrees Celsius. So, it is wise to bring a jacket and some warm clothing with you. For daytime, you can pack some light clothing made with breathable cotton.

Conclusion

To put it all together, Seattle in September is the perfect time to visit because of fall foliage and fewer crowds. Every time you visit this place, you’ll get a unique experience like no other. So, pack your bags now and visit this magnificent city.