Greensboro in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Greensboro

79°C (176°F) High Temp

61°C (142°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor festival weather - September brings mild temperatures 21-26°C (70-79°F) ideal for the Greensboro Science Center's outdoor exhibits and Revolution Mill weekend markets without summer's oppressive heat
Peak autumn foliage preparation - Early September offers pre-fall hiking at Bog Garden and Bicentennial Garden with comfortable temperatures before October's tourist crowds arrive for leaf-peeping season
College town energy returns - UNCG and A&T students return, revitalizing downtown nightlife, food trucks, and cultural events while accommodation prices haven't hit October parents' weekend peaks yet
Baseball season finale - Grasshoppers home games end in early September with playoff atmosphere, cheaper ticket prices than summer games, and perfect weather for First National Bank Field's outdoor experience

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - September's 10 rainy days come without warning, potentially disrupting outdoor plans at Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe or Greensboro Arboretum walking tours
Tourist season transition confusion - Some seasonal attractions like certain food trucks and outdoor concert venues operate irregular schedules as they transition from summer to fall programming
Higher accommodation costs building - Hotel prices start climbing toward October's peak as business conferences and university events increase, making last-minute bookings 25-30% more expensive than August

Best Activities in September

Greensboro Science Center Complex Tours

September's comfortable humidity makes the outdoor animal habitats and SkyWild ropes course enjoyable without summer's sweltering heat. The indoor aquarium provides perfect backup during those 10 rainy days, and weekday visits avoid returning student crowds.

Booking Tip: Purchase combo tickets online 3-5 days ahead for 15% savings. Peak times are weekends after Labor Day when families adjust to school schedules. Expect 4-5 hours for full complex experience, pricing typically $25-35 for adults.

Downtown Greensboro Food Walking Tours

September marks the return of food trucks to downtown locations as weather becomes ideal for outdoor dining. Local barbecue joints offer outdoor seating without summer heat, and craft brewery patios reopen for comfortable evening experiences.

Booking Tip: Self-guided food tours work best Thursday-Saturday evenings when all vendors operate. Budget $40-60 per person for diverse sampling. Download local food truck apps to track locations - they change daily in September.

Guilford Courthouse Battlefield Historical Tours

Comfortable September temperatures make the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) battlefield trail accessible without summer's heat exhaustion risk. Early fall lighting provides excellent photography conditions for the monument areas, and humidity levels won't fog camera lenses.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours available daily, but guided weekend tours ($10-15 per person) offer insider historical context. Allow 2-3 hours for complete experience. Park opens 8:30am - best visited before 2pm to avoid afternoon rain possibility.

Greensboro Arboretum and Bicentennial Garden Walks

September offers transition season beauty with late summer blooms still busy while early fall colors begin appearing. The 7.2 km (4.5 miles) of trails remain comfortable for walking without summer's oppressive humidity affecting endurance.

Booking Tip: Free admission makes this ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Best visited early morning (7-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) for photography and bird watching. Parking fills quickly on weekends - arrive before 9am.

High Point Furniture Market District Exploration

September represents the calm between High Point Market's spring and fall shows, allowing visitors to explore showrooms and the 56 m (185 ft) High Point City Lake Park without crushing crowds. Many showrooms offer abbreviated tours during off-market periods.

Booking Tip: Most showrooms require appointments during non-market times - call 5-7 days ahead. Some offer free tours Tuesday-Thursday. Budget half-day for meaningful exploration. Located 32 km (20 miles) southwest of Greensboro via I-85.

Piedmont Triad Wine Trail Excursions

September grape harvest season offers unique behind-the-scenes vineyard experiences. Comfortable temperatures make outdoor tastings enjoyable, and many vineyards within 48 km (30 miles) of Greensboro offer harvest participation activities unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Weekend winery tours typically cost $75-120 per person including transportation and 4-5 tastings. Book 10-14 days ahead as September harvest events fill quickly. Designated driver services available through local operators.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

North Carolina Folk Festival

Greensboro's premier cultural event typically occurs second weekend of September, featuring multiple outdoor stages downtown. Free admission with over 300 artists representing traditional music, dance, crafts, and storytelling from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Late September

Gate City Beer Festival

Annual craft beer celebration usually held at Greensboro Coliseum Complex grounds, featuring 40+ North Carolina breweries. Combines beer sampling with food trucks and live music in ideal September weather conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable umbrella - September's 10 rainy days arrive without warning and typically last 30-45 minutes with moderate intensity

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday outdoor activities, natural fibers regulate temperature better

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 2 hours during outdoor activities like arboretum walks or baseball games

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Wet leaves begin falling in late September, creating slippery conditions on trails and downtown sidewalks

Light layers for temperature variation - Morning temperatures around 16°C (61°F) require light jackets, but afternoon highs reach 26°C (79°F)

Small daypack or crossbody bag - Essential for carrying rain protection and water during outdoor activities, many attractions require bag checks

Portable phone charger - Using GPS for food truck locations and weather apps drains batteries quickly, outdoor activities limit charging opportunities

Cash in small bills - Food trucks and some local vendors don't accept cards, farmers markets typically require cash for best deals

Insect repellent - Early September mosquitoes remain active in garden areas and near water features, especially during humid conditions

Camera or smartphone with good low-light capability - September's variable weather creates dramatic lighting conditions perfect for photography

Insider Knowledge

Download the GreensboroGO mobile app before arrival - locals use it to track real-time bus schedules and locate seasonal food truck positions that change daily in September

Visit Revolution Mill Studios on First Friday evenings - local artists open studios monthly, offering authentic cultural experiences tourists rarely discover, with free wine tastings from 6-9pm

Shop at Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Saturday mornings before 10am - vendors offer end-of-summer produce at discounted prices, and parking becomes impossible after 10:30am when weekend crowds arrive

Use UNCG and NC A&T campus parking on weekends - free parking within walking distance of downtown attractions, saving $5-8 daily compared to downtown meters, but avoid during football game days

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming outdoor attractions stay open during rain - many close pavilions and outdoor exhibits during September's frequent brief showers, always check weather and call ahead

Not booking weekend accommodations early enough - September's combination of returning students, business conferences, and comfortable weather fills hotels quickly, especially Friday-Saturday nights

Overpacking for hot weather - many tourists expect North Carolina's summer heat to continue through September, then feel overdressed in comfortable 21-26°C (70-79°F) temperatures