Things to Do in Syracuse in September

September Weather in Syracuse

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Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - maple and oak trees create stunning orange and red canopies throughout the city, especially at Onondaga Park and along Onondaga Lake
Syracuse University football season brings electric energy downtown with game day crowds, tailgating, and significantly more restaurant options staying open later
Prime apple picking and harvest festival season in surrounding Finger Lakes region within 32 km (20 miles) - orchards offer pick-your-own for $12-18 per bag
Comfortable outdoor weather perfect for walking tours and outdoor dining - temperatures ideal for exploring without summer humidity or winter snow

Considerations

Accommodation prices spike 40-60% during Syracuse University home football weekends - hotel rooms that typically cost $89-120 jump to $150-200
Weekend restaurant reservations become nearly impossible during home games without 2-3 weeks advance booking, especially in Armory Square
Rain can be unpredictable and last longer than summer showers - 40% chance of all-day drizzle rather than brief afternoon storms

Best Activities in September

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

September is harvest season in the Finger Lakes, making it the absolute best month for wine tours. Temperatures of 18-24°C (64-75°F) are perfect for vineyard walks, and you'll witness actual grape harvesting. Many wineries offer harvest participation experiences unique to this season.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 2-3 weeks ahead as harvest season fills up quickly. Full-day tours typically cost $85-120 including transportation and 4-5 tastings. Look for tours that include harvest activities, not just tastings. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Onondaga Lake Park Cycling and Walking

The 7.2 km (4.5 mile) loop trail around Onondaga Lake is spectacular in September with peak fall colors and comfortable cycling weather. Morning temperatures around 13°C (55°F) warm to perfect afternoon cycling conditions. Less crowded than summer but before winter trail closures.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available at the park for $25-35 per day. No advance booking needed for the trail itself, but guided historical tours of the lake cost $15-25 and should be booked 3-5 days ahead. Peak foliage usually occurs September 20-October 5.

Destiny USA and Regional Shopping

September weather makes the transition between outdoor exploring and indoor shopping comfortable. The mall's outdoor sections and rooftop areas are pleasant in September temperatures, and back-to-school sales overlap with early fall merchandise. University students return, creating a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

Booking Tip: No booking required for general shopping. Special experiences like escape rooms or indoor skydiving cost $25-45 and can be booked same-day except during SU home game weekends. Student discounts widely available with university ID.

Historic Downtown Syracuse Walking Tours

September's moderate temperatures and lower humidity make extended outdoor walking comfortable. Fall light creates excellent photography conditions for historic architecture. The city's trees provide beautiful canopy coverage during guided walks through historic districts.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free via mobile apps. Professional guided tours cost $18-28 per person and should be booked 5-7 days ahead, especially during university football weekends. Tours typically last 90-120 minutes and cover 2.4 km (1.5 miles).

Apple Picking and Harvest Festivals

September is peak apple picking season at orchards within 24-32 km (15-20 miles) of Syracuse. Temperatures are perfect for outdoor family activities, and many orchards host weekend festivals with live music, cider tastings, and farm-to-table dining. Peak season for honeycrisp and gala varieties.

Booking Tip: Most orchards operate on first-come basis for apple picking ($12-18 per bag), but festival weekends fill parking lots by 11am. Orchard tours and cider-making workshops cost $8-15 and benefit from advance booking. Check individual orchard websites for harvest schedules.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

September weather brings animals outdoors more frequently than hot summer months, and fall feeding schedules often include special enrichment activities. Comfortable walking weather for the zoo's 1.6 km (1 mile) of paths, and fewer summer camp groups mean better viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: General admission is $12-16 for adults. Special behind-the-scenes tours cost $25-35 and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Zoo train rides operate weather permitting and are included in admission. Peak visiting hours are 10am-2pm for most active animals.

September Events & Festivals

Various weekends throughout September - typically 2-3 home games

Syracuse University Football Home Games

The Carrier Dome hosts 3-4 home games in September, transforming downtown Syracuse into a festival atmosphere. Pre-game tailgating begins 4 hours before kickoff with food trucks, live music, and fan activities throughout the university hill area.

Typically ends Labor Day weekend (first weekend of September)

New York State Fair

While technically ending in early September, the fair's final weekend often extends into the first week of September. Features local agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and regional food specialties. Located 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Syracuse.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 13°C (55°F) rise to 24°C (75°F) by afternoon, requiring adaptable outfits

Waterproof walking shoes - September brings 76 mm (3.0 inches) of rain across 10 days, often creating puddles on downtown sidewalks

Light rain jacket or packable umbrella - rain showers can last 2-4 hours rather than brief summer storms

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for uneven historic downtown cobblestone areas and park trails

Sweater or fleece for evening outdoor dining - temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) after sunset

Sunglasses and SPF 30 sunscreen - UV index of 5 still requires protection during midday outdoor activities

Small backpack for apple picking and day trips to Finger Lakes wineries

Camera with good low-light capability for indoor venues and overcast fall photography

Portable phone charger for using navigation apps during walking tours and winery visits

Insider Knowledge

Syracuse University students return in late August, so September restaurants and bars are significantly busier than summer - make reservations 1-2 weeks ahead, not just the day of

Parking downtown becomes scarce during SU home football games - use the Centro bus system ($1 fare) or park at Destiny USA and take the free shuttle to downtown

Many local restaurants offer 'Orange pricing' (student discounts) that visitors can access by simply asking - savings of 10-15% on meals near campus

The Regional Market operates Saturday mornings year-round but September brings peak local produce selection - arrive before 10am for best vendor selection and parking