Things to Do in Sacramento in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Sacramento
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect weather window between summer heat and winter rain - September brings consistently sunny days with zero rainfall, ideal for outdoor exploration without the 38°C+ (100°F+) temperatures of July and August
- Farm-to-fork season peaks as Sacramento's surrounding farms harvest late summer crops - you'll find heirloom tomatoes, stone fruits, and early squash at their absolute best at the Certified Farmers Markets, which run Wednesday through Sunday
- Smaller crowds than summer months mean shorter waits at the California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento attractions, while hotels typically drop rates 15-20% compared to peak summer pricing
- River activities hit their sweet spot - the American River maintains good flow from Sierra snowmelt while temperatures make kayaking and rafting genuinely pleasant rather than a survival exercise against heat
Considerations
- Temperature swings of 21°C (38°F) between day and night require layering strategy - that 35°C (95°F) afternoon becomes a 14°C (57°F) evening surprisingly fast once the sun drops
- Wildfire smoke from Sierra Nevada fires can drift into the valley, particularly mid-to-late September, creating hazy conditions and poor air quality days that might require indoor backup plans
- Early September still carries lingering heat from summer - the first two weeks can see days pushing 38°C (100°F), which makes midday sightseeing genuinely uncomfortable without strategic planning
Best Activities in September
American River Parkway Cycling and Kayaking
September offers ideal conditions for the 51 km (32 mile) American River Bike Trail - mornings start cool at 16°C (61°F), perfect for cycling before temperatures climb. The river maintains solid flow for kayaking without the spring rapids intensity. Rent equipment from operators near Discovery Park or Sunrise Boulevard access points. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail section through Fair Oaks offers the most scenic stretches with minimal road crossings.
Farm Trail Tours and U-Pick Orchards
The Farm-to-Fork Capital designation isn't marketing fluff in September - it's actually harvest season for the agricultural region surrounding Sacramento. Apple Hill in Placerville (72 km/45 miles east) opens for the season late September, while closer operations in Elk Grove and Lodi offer tomato, pear, and early apple picking. The weather is perfect for driving tours through agricultural roads without summer's oppressive heat.
Old Sacramento Walking and History Tours
The historic waterfront district becomes genuinely pleasant to explore in September evenings when temperatures drop to 18-21°C (64-70°F). The wooden boardwalks and preserved 1850s buildings tell the Gold Rush story without the summer crowds that pack the narrow streets July through early August. The California State Railroad Museum operates extended hours on weekends, and the underground tour season runs through September before winter closures.
Midtown Arts District Gallery Walks and Music Venues
September brings the Second Saturday art walk back into comfortable evening temperatures - galleries between 16th and 28th Streets open late with new exhibitions, street performers fill the sidewalks, and the outdoor dining scene thrives. The heat that made July and August evenings sticky is gone, replaced by perfect 21°C (70°F) nights for walking between venues. Live music venues like Harlow's and Golden Bear operate outdoor spaces that actually feel pleasant.
Delta Waterways Exploration
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta offers 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of waterways that become particularly appealing in September when water temperatures stay warm (21-24°C/70-75°F) but air temperatures drop from summer peaks. Houseboat rentals, fishing charters, and scenic cruises through towns like Locke and Walnut Grove show a completely different side of the region. September typically offers calmer water conditions than spring.
Folsom Lake Recreation Area
Located 40 km (25 miles) northeast of downtown, Folsom Lake in September offers a completely different experience than summer when the reservoir drops to concerning levels. Early September typically maintains decent water levels before fall drawdown begins. The surrounding trails for hiking and mountain biking become accessible without the 40°C+ (104°F+) temperatures that make summer visits genuinely dangerous. Morning starts at 16°C (61°F) make the 16 km (10 mile) loop around Granite Bay particularly pleasant.
September Events & Festivals
California State Fair Extended Run
While the State Fair's main run ends in late July, September occasionally sees special weekend events at Cal Expo utilizing the permanent facilities. Worth checking the official calendar as the schedule varies year to year, but when events run, you'll find agricultural exhibitions, wine competitions, and concerts without the summer crowds and heat.
Tower Bridge Dinner Series
September marks the final month of the annual Tower Bridge Dinner event where the iconic yellow bridge closes to traffic for a massive farm-to-fork dinner featuring local restaurants and farms. Typically happens mid-September with 800-1,000 seats on the bridge deck. Tickets sell out weeks in advance and run 150-200 USD per person, but it's genuinely unique to Sacramento.
Sacramento Beer Week
Ten days of brewery events, tap takeovers, and special releases across the region's 50+ craft breweries. September dates vary but typically fall in the second half of the month. Most individual events cost 5-15 USD, with special dinners running 40-75 USD. The weather makes brewery hopping between Midtown, Oak Park, and West Sacramento actually pleasant.