Appalachian National Scenic Trail in September
September at Appalachian National Scenic Trail averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 55°F, with about 4.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1× the park's average month, which makes September an average month here.
- Average low
- 55°F
- Average high
- 76°F
Range across the year: 22°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 4.6 in
- Daylight
- 12.3 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 511,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2025 to 2025.
That makes September the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.4×) and the February low (0.6×).
September is our recommended month at Appalachian: 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 5.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% 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 12.3 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 9.1-hour midwinter low and the 14.9-hour summer high.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 82°F / 63°F | 1.3× Busy | 45 Fair |
| September | 76°F / 55°F | 1.0× Average | 62 Good |
| October | 64°F / 44°F | 1.3× Busy | 34 Poor |
All twelve months at Appalachian, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Appalachian in September
The National Park Service tags 3 Appalachian activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 55°F at Appalachian National Scenic Trail, with about 4.6 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is average at Appalachian National Scenic Trail (about 1.0× 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 February. September sits at about 1.0× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 511,000 recreation visits at Appalachian National Scenic Trail, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2025–2025.
Where to stay near Appalachian in September
Booking a September trip to Appalachian National Scenic Trail? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Appalachian
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 (2025–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.