Buffalo in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Buffalo

24°C (75°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect fall foliage season - Letchworth State Park and Delaware Park showcase spectacular red, orange, and gold colors peaking mid-to-late September with temperatures ideal for hiking at 18-21°C (64-70°F)
Football season excitement - Bills Mafia energy is at its peak with tailgating starting 4+ hours before games, creating an unmatched atmosphere you won't find during off-season visits
Harvest festival season - Apple orchards within 32 km (20 miles) offer pick-your-own experiences, corn mazes, and fresh cider, while Elmwood Village hosts weekend farmers markets with local produce
Comfortable outdoor weather - Morning temperatures of 13°C (55°F) warm to pleasant 24°C (75°F) afternoons, perfect for Canalside concerts, brewery patios, and waterfront walks without summer's humidity

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall - September brings 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers that can disrupt outdoor plans, especially weekend festivals and sporting events
Shorter daylight hours - Days shrink from 13 to 11.5 hours of daylight, meaning outdoor activities must be planned earlier and some attractions reduce evening hours
Variable temperatures - 11°C (20°F) daily temperature swings require layered clothing, and early September can still hit 27°C (80°F) while late September drops to 10°C (50°F) mornings

Best Activities in September

Niagara Falls Rainbow Tours

September's lower water levels and frequent afternoon mist create optimal rainbow viewing conditions between 1-4 PM. Cooler temperatures make the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) Maid of the Mist approach comfortable, and autumn colors frame the falls perfectly. Crowds drop 40% compared to summer peak.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend visits. Tours typically cost $25-45 USD per person. Look for operators offering both American and Canadian side access. September weather creates ideal photography conditions with dramatic skies.

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

Harvest season means active grape picking, fresh tastings, and cooler weather perfect for outdoor vineyard tours. September is crush season - you'll see winemaking in action. The 1.5-hour drive from Buffalo is scenic with fall colors starting in the hills.

Booking Tip: Book harvest tours 14-21 days ahead as this is peak season for wineries. Full-day tours typically cost $85-150 USD including transportation and tastings. Choose tours with 4-6 winery stops to maximize the harvest experience.

Buffalo Architecture Walking Tours

Ideal weather for exploring this destination and downtown's Art Deco buildings. September's crisp mornings and warm afternoons are perfect for the 3-4 km (2 mile) Elmwood Village architectural walk. Trees beginning to turn provide beautiful contrast to historic buildings.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well in September weather, but guided tours typically cost $15-25 USD. Book Darwin D. Martin House tours 1-2 weeks ahead. Early morning or late afternoon tours offer best lighting for photography.

Lake Erie Sunset Cruises

September sunsets occur around 7:30 PM with dramatically clearer skies than summer. Lake temperatures are still warm from summer at 21°C (70°F), and fall weather creates spectacular cloud formations. Less crowded than summer cruises with better visibility.

Booking Tip: Weekend sunset cruises book up 5-7 days ahead. Typically cost $35-55 USD per person for 2-hour cruises. Bring layers as temperatures drop 8-10°C (15-18°F) after sunset on the water. Check current options in booking section below.

Letchworth State Park Fall Colors

Peak foliage viewing 45 minutes south of Buffalo. September brings early color changes in the 27 km (17 mile) gorge, with maples turning first. Cooler weather makes the rim trail hikes comfortable, and waterfalls are visible without summer's thick foliage blocking views.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for park entry ($10 USD vehicle fee), but book nearby accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead during peak color (mid-to-late September). Guided nature walks typically cost $10-15 USD per person.

Buffalo Food and Brewery Tours

September's comfortable weather makes brewery district walking tours enjoyable. Harvest season means fresh ingredients at farm-to-table restaurants, and football season creates lively atmosphere in sports bars. Outdoor patios are still usable with perfect temperatures.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $55-75 USD for 3-4 hour experiences including 4-6 stops. Book weekend tours 1-2 weeks ahead as football season increases demand. Brewery tours work well as indoor backup during September's occasional rain showers.

September Events & Festivals

Various Sundays throughout September

Buffalo Bills Home Games

September typically features 2-3 home games with legendary tailgating culture starting 4+ hours before kickoff. Experience authentic Buffalo hospitality with folding tables, wings, and Labatt Blue in Orchard Park parking lots.

Late September weekend

Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts

Annual street festival featuring 170+ artists, live music, and local food vendors along a 1.6 km (1 mile) stretch of Elmwood Avenue. Perfect September weather for outdoor browsing and people-watching in Buffalo's most eclectic neighborhood.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - Pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and a warm jacket for 11°C (20°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof jacket - Lightweight rain protection for sudden afternoon showers that last 15-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Wet leaves on sidewalks become slippery, especially around Niagara Falls mist zones

Light scarf or neck warmer - Early morning and evening temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F), especially near the waterfront

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 still requires protection during midday outdoor activities

Small daypack - Perfect for carrying layers as you shed/add clothing throughout the day

Closed-toe shoes for brewery tours - Many Buffalo breweries are in converted industrial spaces with concrete floors

Light gloves for early morning - Especially useful for sunrise Niagara Falls visits or early football tailgating

Portable phone charger - Shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlights and navigation

Cash for farmers markets - Many vendors at Elmwood Gaborone and apple orchards prefer cash transactions

Insider Knowledge

Local secret: Visit Niagara Falls on weekday mornings in September for 70% fewer crowds and better photography conditions - most tour buses arrive after 10 AM

Buffalo Bills tailgating culture welcomes visitors - bring folding chairs and approach friendly groups, but never sit on anyone's tailgating table (it's sacred)

September is apple cider season - roadside stands within 32 km (20 miles) of Buffalo sell fresh pressed cider for $3-5 USD per gallon, far better than store-bought

Park for free at Canalside events - Use the Washington Street ramp and walk 400 m (0.25 miles) instead of paying $15-20 USD for event parking

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for evening activities - September nights drop quickly to 13°C (55°F), especially near Lake Erie where wind chill makes it feel colder

Not checking Bills game schedules - Downtown traffic and restaurant waits increase dramatically on game days, affecting all Sunday plans

Expecting summer farmers market hours - Many outdoor markets reduce hours or close by late September, check current schedules before planning morning visits