Things to Do in Montpelier in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Montpelier
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Early fall foliage starts appearing in mid-to-late September - the surrounding Green Mountains begin their color transition with yellows and early reds appearing on sugar maples, giving you preview access before the October peak crowds arrive
- Harvest season is in full swing across Vermont - farmers markets are absolutely loaded with peak-season produce, apple orchards open for picking, and local restaurants feature the best seasonal menus of the year at lower prices than summer
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Labor Day weekend - accommodation costs typically drop 20-30 percent compared to July-August rates, and you can actually get reservations at popular restaurants without booking weeks ahead
- Comfortable hiking weather with that 11-22°C (52-72°F) range - cool enough that you won't overheat on uphill climbs but warm enough that you don't need heavy layers, plus the reduced humidity compared to summer makes outdoor activities genuinely pleasant
Considerations
- Weather variability can be genuinely frustrating - that 11-degree (20-degree Fahrenheit) temperature swing between morning and afternoon means you're constantly layering and unlayering, and the 10 rainy days scattered unpredictably throughout the month make planning specific outdoor activities tricky
- College students return in early September - University of Vermont and nearby colleges bring 15,000+ students back to a city of 8,000 residents, which means downtown parking becomes notably more difficult and popular coffee shops get crowded on weekday mornings
- Some seasonal businesses start reducing hours or closing mid-month - a handful of summer-focused attractions and restaurants shift to weekend-only schedules or close entirely after mid-September, so you need to verify hours before making plans
Best Activities in September
Green Mountain hiking trails
September hits the sweet spot for Vermont hiking - the humidity drops significantly from summer levels, trail conditions are typically dry after August rains, and early fall colors start appearing on ridge lines by mid-month. The 11-22°C (52-72°F) temperature range means you can tackle moderate elevation gains without overheating. Trails within 16-32 km (10-20 miles) of Montpelier like Camel's Hump and Mount Hunger are less crowded after Labor Day but still fully maintained.
Apple orchard visits and cider tastings
September is peak apple harvest in Vermont - orchards are actively picking varieties like Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Cortland throughout the month. The weather is ideal for wandering through orchards without summer heat or October frost concerns. Many orchards within 8-16 km (5-10 miles) of Montpelier offer pick-your-own options, fresh cider pressing demonstrations, and early-season cider donut availability before the October tourist rush.
Farmers market exploration and cooking classes
The Capital City Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning through September and is genuinely at its peak - late summer tomatoes overlap with early fall squash, corn is still available, and the variety is unmatched. The 70 percent humidity and warm afternoons mean morning market visits are perfectly timed. Several local cooking schools and chefs offer seasonal cooking workshops using market ingredients, taking advantage of harvest abundance.
Bike touring along rural roads
September offers ideal cycling conditions - the temperature range keeps you comfortable on longer rides, traffic decreases after summer tourism ends, and rural roads through farming valleys showcase active harvest work. The 10 rainy days are usually brief afternoon showers rather than all-day events. Routes heading east toward Plainfield or south through the Mad River Valley give you 24-48 km (15-30 mile) options with manageable hills and farm stand stops.
Historic downtown walking and architecture tours
Montpelier's compact downtown is genuinely walkable - the entire historic district covers about 1.6 km (1 mile) radius from the State House. September weather makes extended walking comfortable, and the Vermont History Museum and state government buildings maintain full operating hours through the month. The golden dome of the State House photographs beautifully against early fall foliage, and weekday visits let you watch actual legislative preparation happening.
Craft brewery and distillery visits
Vermont's craft beverage scene stays active through September with several breweries and distilleries within 8-16 km (5-10 miles) of downtown. The harvest season means special releases using local ingredients - fresh hop beers appear in early September, and apple-based spirits launch mid-month. Tasting room patios remain open through September when weather cooperates, and the reduced summer crowds mean you can actually talk with brewers and distillers.
September Events & Festivals
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
This annual celebration typically happens in late September at Shelburne Farms, about 56 km (35 miles) from Montpelier. Over 40 Vermont cheesemakers gather for tastings, workshops, and farm tours. It's genuinely one of the better ways to understand Vermont's artisan food culture in a single afternoon. Advance tickets required as it sells out.
Local apple harvest festivals
Several orchards and small towns within 32 km (20 miles) of Montpelier host weekend harvest celebrations throughout September - these are low-key community events with cider pressing demonstrations, live music, and fresh-baked goods. Nothing overly touristy, just actual harvest celebrations that locals attend. Dates vary by orchard and weather conditions.