Antietam National Battlefield in September
September at Antietam National Battlefield averages a daytime high near 78°F and an overnight low around 54°F, with about 4.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.2× the park's average month, which makes September a busy month here.
- Average low
- 54°F
- Average high
- 78°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 4.4 in
- Daylight
- 12.2 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 23,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2×) and the January low (0.2×).
September is our recommended month at Antietam: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 66°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 39% of annual visitors, choosing September instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 12.2 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 9.2-hour midwinter low and the 14.8-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2024 drew 197,340 recreation visits, up 28.5% from 153,560 in 2023.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 60.5%, so September may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 85°F / 61°F | 1.3× Busy | 61 Good |
| September | 78°F / 54°F | 1.2× Busy | 62 Good |
| October | 67°F / 42°F | 1.3× Busy | 46 Fair |
All twelve months at Antietam, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Antietam in September
The National Park Service tags 4 Antietam activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Take a short hike on the Tidball Trail · 20-60 minutes
- Take a Short Walk on the Antietam Remembered Trail · 10-45 minutes
- The Union Advance Trail at Antietam · 30-90 minutes
- Visit Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center · 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 78°F and an overnight low around 54°F at Antietam National Battlefield, with about 4.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is busy at Antietam National Battlefield (about 1.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 62/100. September is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. September sits at about 1.2× the park's average, or 10% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 23,000 recreation visits at Antietam National Battlefield, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Antietam in September
Booking a September trip to Antietam National Battlefield? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Antietam
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.