Prince William Forest Park in September
September at Prince William Forest Park averages a daytime high near 80°F and an overnight low around 62°F, with about 3.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.2× the park's average month, which makes September a busy month here.
- Average low
- 62°F
- Average high
- 80°F
Range across the year: 28°F to 88°F
- Precipitation
- 3.4 in
- Daylight
- 12.2 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 34,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 5th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.3×) and the January low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score September rates 51/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is April: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 71°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 7.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 32% 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 339,015 recreation visits, down 4.6% from 355,196 in 2024.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 86°F / 69°F | 1.2× Busy | 44 Poor |
| September | 80°F / 62°F | 1.2× Busy | 51 Fair |
| October | 69°F / 50°F | 1.3× Busy | 39 Poor |
All twelve months at Prince William Forest, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Prince William Forest in September
The National Park Service tags 7 Prince William Forest activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Prince William Forest Park · 10-120 minutes
- Bike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Prince William Forest Park · 1-3 hours
- Biking in Prince William
- Chopawamsic Backcountry · 1-14 days · reservation required
- Hike to the Taylor Farm Site · 30-120 minutes
- Orienteering In Prince William
- Prince William Forest Park Junior Ranger · 20-60 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 80°F and an overnight low around 62°F at Prince William Forest Park, with about 3.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is busy at Prince William Forest Park (about 1.2× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 51/100. Our recommended month is April.
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 34,000 recreation visits at Prince William Forest Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Prince William Forest in September
Booking a September trip to Prince William Forest Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Prince William Forest
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Visiting Prince William Forest in September?
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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.