Fort Washington Park in September
September at Fort Washington Park averages a daytime high near 80°F and an overnight low around 61°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
- 61°F
- Average high
- 80°F
Range across the year: 27°F to 88°F
- Precipitation
- 4.4 in
- Daylight
- 12.2 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 43,000 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 (1.5×) and the January low (0.4×).
On our Best Time to Visit score September rates 54/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 70°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 6.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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 9.3-hour midwinter low and the 14.7-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 502,171 recreation visits, up 2.3% from 491,013 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 39.7%, 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 | 87°F / 67°F | 1.3× Busy | 42 Poor |
| September | 80°F / 61°F | 1.2× Busy | 54 Fair |
| October | 68°F / 48°F | 0.8× Quiet | 61 Good |
All twelve months at Fort Washington, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Fort Washington in September
The National Park Service tags 5 Fort Washington activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Bicycle Smallwood State Park to Oxon Cove Park · 1-2 days
- Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park · 15-90 minutes
- Birding at Fort Washington Park
- Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps · 5-10 minutes
- Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East · 30-90 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 80°F and an overnight low around 61°F at Fort Washington Park, with about 4.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is busy at Fort Washington Park (about 1.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 54/100. Our recommended month is October.
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 43,000 recreation visits at Fort Washington Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Fort Washington in September
Booking a September trip to Fort Washington Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Fort Washington
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.