Washington DC in September is renowned for its pleasant weather and a variety of cultural and historical events. Let’s delve into what you need to know if visiting Washington DC in September.
Washington DC In September: Weather & Sunlight
In September, Washington DC weather is great. If you are visiting during this time, you will experience the transition from the hot summer months to the cooler, more comfortable autumn season. Early September around Labor Day can still be quite warm and humid. The most pleasant time for sightseeing is towards the end of the month.
Temperature Range
The average temperature in September in Washington D.C. typically ranges from lows of around 62°F (17°C) to highs of about 80°F (27°C). The beginning of the month can still feel quite summery, with higher temperatures, while the end of the month brings cooler, cloudy skies and more autumnal weather.
September Rainfall In DC
September can be less rainy compared to the heavy rains of the spring months, but it’s still wise to carry an umbrella. Washington DC in September experiences an average of 7-8 days of rainfall, indicating a slightly drier period than April.
Hours Of Sunlight
The average daylight duration begins to decrease, ranging from approximately 12.5 hours at the start of the month to about 11.5 hours by the end, signaling the approach of autumn.
Sunrise And Sunset
The sunrise and sunset times adjust as the month progresses. For instance, on September 15, sunrise is expected to be around 6:45 AM, and sunset around 7:15 PM. These times can vary slightly depending on the specific location within the city.
Overall Climate
September in Washington D.C. is characterized by a comfortable climate, with the heat of summer giving way to the mild and pleasant temperatures of early fall. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing, with less humidity and cooler evenings.
Washington DC In September: Events
There are many great events in Washington DC in the month of September. Here are some of our favorite events, most of which are family-friendly activities.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
The 32nd Rosslyn Jazz Fest will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 1pm to 7pm at Gateway Park in Northern Virginia. This free outdoor music festival is organized by Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts. It will feature live jazz performances, food trucks, yard games, and community activities.
Although registration is not required, it is encouraged to ensure the best experience for everyone due to capacity limits at Gateway Park. Registration for the festival opens on August 1. Stay updated by following @RosslynVA on social media.
Adams Morgan Day
As DC’s longest-running neighbourhood festival, the Adams Morgan Day Festival showcases the multicultural vibe of the Adams Morgan area with live music, international food, and arts and crafts vendors.
The day is entirely planned by volunteers and welcomes visitors and residents to meet the neighbourhood’s artists and businesses. Various vendors will take to the streets and local businesses will be offering food and drink specials.
- Date: Sunday, September 8 2024
- Cost: Prices vary by vendor, check website for details
- Location: Adams Morgan Neighbourhood
- Age Range: All ages welcome
H Street Festival
This event takes over several blocks of H Street NE, offering live entertainment, art displays, food trucks from local restaurants, and activities for kids. It’s a celebration of the community’s diversity and creativity.
What started 12 years ago as a 500 participant block party now attracts 150,000 people each year. Filled with fun activities and musical performances, the annual festival is one of the best free events in the city and stretches through 11 blocks with 14 staging areas with various themes and programs for people of all ages.
- Date: Saturday, September 21 2024 12pm – 7pm
- Cost: RSVP for free tickets
- Location: H Street NE, between 3rd Street and Florida Avenue
- Age Range: All ages welcome
- Website: https://www.hstreetfestival.org/
DC State Fair
Unlike traditional state fairs, the DC State Fair highlights urban agriculture, creative arts, and food contests (like best pie or best homebrew). Taking place in early September, it’s a great place to celebrate the District’s unique community spirit.
The 15th annual DC State Fair offers free admission and will include over 50 exhibitions including food vendors, live performances, children’s activities, sporting events, arts and over 30 contests.
- Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
- Cost: Free
- Location:Franklin Park
National Hispanic Heritage Month Events
From mid-September to mid-October, various events across the city celebrate Hispanic heritage. These include cultural exhibitions, music performances, and food tastings.
Celebrating its 34th years, The AFI Latin American Film Festival offers one of the largest running showcases of Latin American cinema, taking place in AFI Silver Theatre from September 21 to October 11. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $200 for the festival pass that grants you access to every screening in the festival lineup.
Fiesta DC, the nation’s largest Latino festival, will take place on September 28-29, 2024, at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. The event celebrates Latino culture with authentic food, handcrafted art, and fun live performances.
This free festival will feature the Miss Fiesta DC pageant and don’t miss their vibrant annual parade. For more details and updates, visit their official website.
DC Bike Ride
The annual DC Bike Ride is the city’s only car-free and social bike ride event, which is designed for riders ages 3 and up. Registration passes include access to 20 miles of safe and car-free streets, live music and interactive exhibit, and iconic views of historic sites. Registration passes range from $189 for the VIP pass to free for a ride along pass.
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024 8am
Cost: $189 – free
Location: Start location TBA, finish location at 300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Website: https://register.dcbikeride.com/
Hill Family Biking – September
At this family biking event, families will start their ride at the Maury Elementary parking lot and embark on a one and a half to two hour journey. The event will also host the MPD bike team in order to connect officers with the community. Add this event to your list of free things to do outside this summer.
- Date: Saturday, September 28 2024 4pm – 5:30pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Maury Elementary School
WalkingTown DC
WalkingTown DC takes place every September and is the best time of the year to explore the city’s both well-known and hidden gems. The annual event showcases DC’s culture, history and art through a variety of walking tours that spans over 9 days and across the eight wards.
Hosted by licensed tour guides, historians, community leaders and business owners, this is a great way to take a long walk and learn more about the city’s rich heritage.
- Date: TBA
- Cost: Free
Art All Night
The Art All Night festival takes place over multiple DC neighbourhoods and is filled with art exhibits, painting, photography, sculpture, film, poetry, and dance performances, with indoor and and outdoor public and private spaces.
Experience art through one of the best DC events for artists and art-lovers. The free event takes place in all 8 wards from 7pm to 3am and features different activations on each night.
Date: September 27 and 28
Cost: Free
Location: Locations vary, check website for more detailed schedule
DC JazzFest
This festival season, DC Jazz Fest celebrates its 20th anniversary. The annual event will take place this year on August 31 to September 1 and grants access to a complete lineup of performers on multiple outdoor and indoor stages.
Various artists will take to the stage from August 30 to September 1 including Diana Reeves, Jacob Collier, D-Nice and Samara Joy. Tickets range from $25 for standard tickets to $150 and $275 for seated and VIP tickers, which grant access to The Wharf, Union Stage and Arena Stage throughout Labor Day weekend.
- Date: August 31 – September 1
- Cost: Ticket prices vary, check website for detailed information
- Location: The Wharf, Union Stage, Arena Stage
Salute The Sunset
Taking place at the National Harbor, the annual Salute The Sunset free concert series includes performances by the United States Military Bands and is one of the best things to do this September with the family. Bring a blanket and some food and enjoy an evening of performances.
Date: September 7, 2024 7pm – 8pm
Cost: Free
Location: 150 National Plaza National Harbor, Maryland
Play Date At NMNH
The National Museum of Natural History offers learning experiences for children up to 5 years old and their family members to practice science skills. Visitors will learn to observe, communicate and ask questions while observing various topics through hands-on experiences. Each experience is different and centres around a different theme during each “Play Date.”
- Date: Tuesdays from 10:30am – 12pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Location varies, check website for more details
Concerts At Capital One Arena
You can’t miss the various concerts at the Capital One Arena this September with an array of artist performances, sporting events and group performances. The September events taking place include Don Omar, Nicki Minaj, Cirque Du Soleil and NHL preseason games.
1st Annual Pet Wellness Summit
At this first-ever event, pet industry experts will share their experiences and knowledge with pet parents in the DMV area who want to learn more about natural and proactive ways to ensure pet health and overall well being. Keynote Speakers include Rodney Habib, who is co-author of NYT Best Seller The Forever Dog book as well as holistic veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker. Attendees will have access to additional guest speakers as well as a book signing event.
- Date: Sunday, September 15 2024 8am – 6pm
- Cost: $129-169, prices vary check website for more details
- Location: Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport, an IHG Hotel
The Kennedy Center Events
The Kennedy Center is a cultural institution that has a unique lineup of events that take place throughout September, including musical theatre performances, exhibits and dance performances. Experience a performance from the National Symphony Orchestra, join internationally acclaimed dance classes and catch a performance of Mamma Mia!
- Date: Performances and exhibits take place most days, check website for detailed schedule
- Cost: Prices vary, check website for details
- Location: The Kennedy Center
7th Annual Black Blockchain Summit
Featured in Time Magazine, The Black Blockchain Summit has in the past included more than 1,000 participants and 100 speakers. The 7th Summit will be hosted on Howard University’s campus this September and includes an interactive two-day conference event where entrepreneurs and innovators will discuss the various challenges facing Black communities.
- Date:September 20 and 21 8am – 7pm
- Cost: $0 – $725, prices vary check website for more details
- Location: Howard University
Cardboard Creations At National Children’s Museum
If you have a child that enjoys exploring their artistic side, head to the National Children’s Museum. In their “tinkerer’s studio” your child can make a variety of cardboard creations. This activity runs from mid to late September. You can check more of their upcoming events on their website.
Library Of Congress
The Library of Congress hosts ongoing special events through September including Live! at the Library in which the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all exhibitions will be open from 5pm to 8pm on Thursdays. Visitors will have special access to the library’s Main Reading Room, which is usually reserved for credentialed researchers, giving a glimpse into a one of Washington’s most spectacular spaces.
Date: Every Thursday from 5pm – 8pm
Cost: Free with tickets
Location: Library of Congress
Website: https://www.loc.gov/item/event-403841/live-at-the-library/2024-09-12/
Embassy Tours
While not a single event, September is a good time for various embassy events, including open houses and cultural tours, as part of cultural heritage months or independent initiatives.
First Saturdays At National Gallery Of Art
This September activity will take place on Saturday, September 7th. While it is not limited to the month of September and offered throughout the year, this is a great indoor activity for the hotter September days.
First Saturdays at the National Gallery of Art is a monthly program that offers a variety of immersive, family-friendly activities. The activities go from 10 AM to 4 PM in the East Building and the activites include art making, films, talks, tours, and special pop-up performances. You can find more details on the Gallery’s website.
Water Taxi To Old Town Alexandria
Taking a water taxi to Old Town Alexandria in September is a lot of fun. The weather is nice, making the ride on the Potomac River enjoyable and scenic. You’ll see great views of Washington, DC and its monuments. Once you arrive, there are plenty of things to do, like visiting the King Street Art Festival, exploring historic sites like the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and checking out the shops and restaurants. The water taxi is also convenient because you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking. Overall, it’s a fun and easy way to visit a cool, historic area.
Check Out A Baseball Game At Nationals Park
If you are a sports lover, be sure to check out a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington DC in September. The Washington Nationals typically have home games scheduled throughout the month as they finish up the regular season.
Nationals Park is a great place to enjoy a game with the whole family. It has a fun atmosphere, lots of food choices, and fantastic views of the field. To find specific game dates and times, you can visit the Washington Nationals’ official website or check other ticket-selling platforms closer to your visit.
Washington DC In September: Outdoor Dining
One of the top things to do in Washington DC in September is dining outdoors. Here are some restaurants with beautiful patio spaces and views to enjoy the lovely September weather.
Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate is one of the most popular restaurants on DC’s busy 14th street. September is the perfect time to snag a table outdoors and enjoy people watching as you devour some of their awesome French cuisine.
If you have a small party and are going during the week, you should be okay waiting for a table. If you have a large party or want to dine during prime dinner hours, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Barcelona 14th Street
A short walk from Le Dip is another popular spot called Barcelona Wine Bar. This is another popular place on 14th street and it has a large patio area. This restaurant also has a happy hour that you can check out.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee in Georgetown is one of the best coffee shops in this area. It has tons of outdoor seating with views of the C & O canal. After enjoying a cup of coffee outdoors, head indoors to one of Georgetown’s fantastic restaurants.
Moonraker At The Pendry Hotel
When the high temperatures start to cool off, you can enjoy a walk along the DC wharf. The Pendry Hotel here is absolutely beautiful and it’s a great place to stay especially for anyone looking for large suites.
The hotel has a rooftop restaurant that has beautiful views with ample outdoor seating. If you are coming at night, be sure to bring your long-sleeved shirts so you can stay warm as the weather can get cooler once the sun sets in late September. Don’t forget to try some of their yummy sushi while you are there.
Dupont Circle Hotel Bar
The Dupont Circle Hotel is one of the most well known hotels in Washington DC. It is conveniently located right next to the metro station and has several dining options. Just off the main hotel bar is a large patio where you can enjoy food, drinks and people watching. It is a very popular place when the weather is nice.
Washington DC In September: Summary
Washington, DC in September is a great time to visit. The weather is perfect as it transitions from summer to fall, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Early September can still be warm and humid, but it cools down as the month goes on.
There are lots of fun events and festivals in September. The Rosslyn Jazz Fest at Gateway Park offers live jazz music, food trucks, and games. The Adams Morgan Day Festival has live music, international food, and arts and crafts. The H Street Festival and DC State Fair are also great, with unique experiences that show off the community’s creativity.
Families will find plenty to do in September. The DC State Fair celebrates urban farming and local arts. Play Dates at the National Museum of Natural History offer hands-on science activities for young children. The Hill Family Biking event is a fun bike ride for families, and the annual DC Bike Ride lets you explore the city on car-free streets.
Art and music lovers will enjoy September in DC. The Art All Night festival features art exhibits and performances in various neighborhoods. The DC JazzFest celebrates its 20th anniversary with performances by famous artists. The Kennedy Center hosts musical theater, dance shows, and concerts throughout the month.
Outdoor dining is a highlight in September. Restaurants like Le Diplomate and Barcelona Wine Bar have lovely outdoor seating. The rooftop restaurant at The Pendry Hotel offers great views of the DC Wharf. Blue Bottle Coffee in Georgetown has outdoor seating with views of the C&O Canal.
Overall, September in Washington, DC is filled with activities and events. Whether you’re attending a festival, joining a family event, or dining outdoors, the pleasant weather and diverse activities make it a perfect time to visit the nation’s capital.
