Congaree National Park in September
September at Congaree National Park averages a daytime high near 86°F and an overnight low around 64°F, with about 3.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.8× the park's average month, which makes September a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 64°F
- Average high
- 86°F
Range across the year: 35°F to 91°F
- Precipitation
- 3.4 in
- Daylight
- 12.2 hours
Roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 12,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1985 to 2025.
That makes September the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (1.5×) and the January low (0.6×).
September is our recommended month at Congaree: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 75°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 15.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 22% 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 9.8-hour midwinter low and the 14.2-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 287,833 recreation visits, up 18.9% from 242,049 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 72.3%, so a September visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 90°F / 70°F | 0.8× Quiet | 59 Fair |
| September | 86°F / 64°F | 0.8× Quiet | 73 Good |
| October | 77°F / 53°F | 1.0× Average | 67 Good |
All twelve months at Congaree, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 86°F and an overnight low around 64°F at Congaree National Park, with about 3.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 15.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is quiet at Congaree National Park (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 73/100. September is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. September sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 6% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 12,000 recreation visits at Congaree National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1985–2025.
Where to stay near Congaree in September
Booking a September trip to Congaree National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Congaree
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1985–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.