Home › When to Visit › September
San Jose - Things to Do in San Jose in September

Things to Do in San Jose in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in San Jose

30°C (86°F) High Temp
20°C (68°F) Low Temp
95 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

  • Post-summer shoulder season means 30-40% lower hotel rates compared to June-August peak. You'll find excellent deals on downtown properties that were fully booked two months earlier, especially booking 4-6 weeks ahead.
  • Perfect weather window for outdoor activities - mornings are crisp at 20°C (68°F) before warming to comfortable 30°C (86°F) afternoons. The humidity sits at a manageable 70%, unlike the oppressive 85%+ you'd get in summer months.
  • Tech conference season kicks into gear with major industry events at the Convention Center. If you're in tech, September is when the real networking happens - smaller, more focused gatherings than the massive summer conferences.
  • Local produce hits peak season at farmers markets. September brings the best stone fruits, heirloom tomatoes, and early apples. The Saturday Downtown Market (8am-1pm) is actually worth waking up for, with vendors offering samples and prices 20-30% below grocery stores.

Considerations

  • College students return in late September, which means downtown restaurants get noticeably busier after 6pm and weekend brunch spots have 45-60 minute waits without reservations. The energy is great, but plan accordingly.
  • Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable - not the reliable afternoon showers you get in tropical climates. Rain might hit at 11am or 4pm or not at all, making outdoor planning a bit of a gamble. Bring that rain jacket everywhere.
  • Some family-oriented attractions run reduced hours as kids head back to school. Certain museums shift from 7-day to 5-day schedules, and weekend programming at parks gets scaled back from summer levels.

Investigate Other Months

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →

Best Activities in September

Santa Cruz Mountains Hiking Routes

September offers the sweet spot for mountain trails - summer's heat has broken but the heavy winter rains haven't started. Temperatures at 600 m (1,970 ft) elevation hover around 22-25°C (72-77°F), perfect for moderate exertion. The golden California hills create stunning photo opportunities, and trails that were dusty and exposed in July now have pleasant morning shade. Castle Rock and Big Basin areas are particularly beautiful, with visibility extending 40-50 km (25-31 miles) on clear days.

Booking Tip: Most trails are free and self-guided, but if you want guided nature walks, book 5-7 days ahead through park district programs, typically running $25-45 per person. Weekday mornings see 60% fewer hikers than weekend mornings. Check current trail conditions and tour options in the booking section below, as some areas may still be recovering from past fire damage.

Silicon Valley Tech Campus Tours

September is actually ideal for tech campus exploration - companies are back from summer mode, new product cycles are ramping up, and the energy is palpable. The weather cooperates for the outdoor portions of campus tours, and you'll see actual employees rather than skeleton summer crews. The Computer History Museum runs special September programming, and many campuses have outdoor installations best viewed in moderate temperatures rather than July's heat.

Booking Tip: Public campus tours need 10-14 days advance booking and typically cost $35-65 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Some require background checks submitted 3 weeks ahead. Private campus areas remain off-limits, but visitor centers and select outdoor spaces are accessible. See current technology tour options in the booking section below.

Bay Area Cycling Routes

The 70% humidity and 30°C (86°F) highs make September significantly more comfortable for cycling than summer months. The Guadalupe River Trail and Los Gatos Creek Trail offer 25-40 km (15.5-25 mile) routes with minimal elevation change, perfect for moderate fitness levels. Early morning rides at 7-9am catch temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) before the day heats up. Road conditions are excellent after summer maintenance, and bike lane traffic is lighter than peak tourist season.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals run $30-60 per day for quality hybrid or road bikes. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend rentals, though weekday availability is usually same-day. Guided group rides through cycling clubs typically cost $15-25 and provide local knowledge about the best routes and coffee stops. Check the booking section below for current cycling tour options and bike rental locations.

Wine Country Day Trips to Nearby Regions

September marks crush season in California wine country - the actual grape harvest. Visiting wineries 60-90 km (37-56 miles) away in Santa Cruz Mountains or Livermore Valley during harvest offers behind-the-scenes access you won't get other months. Temperatures in wine country sit at perfect 25-28°C (77-82°F), and many wineries run special harvest events and barrel tastings. The landscape transitions from summer gold to early autumn tones, creating beautiful vineyard views.

Booking Tip: Winery tours with transportation typically cost $95-150 per person for full-day experiences including 3-4 wineries. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for September weekends, as harvest season is popular with locals. Designated driver services run $60-80 if you're driving yourself. Many wineries require reservations even for standard tastings during crush season. See current wine tour options in the booking section below.

Japanese Friendship Garden and Cultural Experiences

The Kelley Park gardens hit a beautiful transition phase in September as summer blooms give way to early fall plantings. The 70% humidity actually benefits the garden's aesthetic, and the 30°C (86°F) afternoons are manageable in the shaded pathways. September also sees several cultural programming events as organizations gear up for fall schedules. The koi are particularly active in these temperatures, and the tea house offers respite during those unpredictable rain showers.

Booking Tip: Garden admission is free, but guided cultural experiences and tea ceremonies typically cost $20-40 per person and should be booked 7-10 days ahead. Weekend programming is more extensive than weekdays. Private tea ceremonies for small groups run $150-250 and need 2-3 weeks notice. Check the booking section below for current cultural tour offerings in the San Jose area.

Monterey Bay and Coastal Excursions

The 45-minute drive to Monterey Bay rewards you with September's best coastal conditions - morning fog burns off by 10-11am, revealing clear skies and calm seas. Water temperatures around 15°C (59°F) mean wetsuit activities, but whale watching peaks as humpbacks and blues migrate through. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is less crowded than summer, and coastal trails at Point Lobos or along 17-Mile Drive offer comfortable hiking in 22-25°C (72-77°F) temperatures with ocean breezes.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours cost $50-85 per person for 3-4 hour trips and should be booked 5-10 days ahead for weekend departures. Aquarium tickets are $50-60 and can be purchased same-day, though online advance purchase saves 10-15%. Combined tour packages including multiple attractions typically run $120-180. Morning departures offer calmer seas and better wildlife viewing. See current Monterey Bay tour options in the booking section below.

September Events & Festivals

Early September

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest (Early September)

Though technically called Summer Fest, this major jazz festival typically runs the first weekend of September downtown. Multiple stages, 100+ artists, and a genuine community vibe that's more locals than tourists. Free stages mix with ticketed premium venues. The September weather is actually better for outdoor concerts than the August heat would be.

Mid September

Mexican Independence Day Celebrations (Mid September)

San Jose's significant Mexican-American community creates authentic celebrations around September 16th. Downtown sees street festivals, mariachi performances, and food vendors that far exceed typical tourist-oriented events. The celebrations spread across several days and neighborhoods, with the largest gathering typically at Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

Late September

Santa Clara County Fair (Late September)

The county fair runs late September at the fairgrounds, offering that classic Americana experience with a California twist. Expect wine competitions alongside livestock shows, local food vendors, carnival rides, and evening concerts. It's more authentic local culture than tourist attraction, which makes it interesting if you want to see how San Jose residents actually spend their weekends.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket that packs small - those 10 rainy days are unpredictable, and sudden showers can hit during lunch or while you're exploring. Unlike tropical climates, rain might last 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Layering pieces for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings - mornings at 20°C (68°F) feel genuinely cool, especially if you're doing early coffee runs or farmers market visits, but by 2pm you'll hit 30°C (86°F).
SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply supplies - that UV index of 8 is serious, and the moderate temperatures trick people into underestimating sun exposure. The lack of tropical humidity makes the sun feel less intense than it actually is.
Comfortable walking shoes with actual support - San Jose is more spread out than typical tourist cities, and you'll easily walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily if you're exploring properly. The downtown area has good sidewalks but some neighborhoods have uneven pavement.
Breathable cotton or linen clothing - the 70% humidity is manageable but polyester will make you miserable. Locals wear tech fabrics or natural fibers, not the heavy cotton tourist gear.
Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated matters at this UV level, and San Jose has excellent tap water. Many attractions and parks have refill stations, saving you $3-4 per bottle.
Light sweater or long sleeves for over-air-conditioned spaces - restaurants, museums, and tech company visitor centers crank the AC, creating jarring 8-10°C (14-18°F) temperature differences from outdoors.
Sunglasses with UV protection - that clear September sky means intense direct sunlight, especially if you're doing any driving or outdoor activities between 11am-3pm.
Small daypack for carrying layers - you'll be adding and removing clothing throughout the day as temperatures shift and as you move between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cash in small bills - while San Jose is largely cashless, farmers markets and some food trucks still prefer cash, and having $20-40 in small bills prevents awkward situations.

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in the Japantown or Willow Glen neighborhoods rather than downtown - you'll pay 25-35% less for equivalent quality, and both areas have excellent restaurants within walking distance. Downtown is fine for business travelers but offers little evening atmosphere.
The VTA light rail is actually useful in September unlike summer when it's unreliable - service improves when students return, and the new extensions toward Santa Clara make it viable for reaching several attractions. Day passes cost $7 versus $15-25 for rideshares per trip.
September farmers markets offer the year's best value - vendors are clearing summer inventory while introducing fall produce, creating overlap that means variety and competitive pricing. The Wednesday evening market at Santana Row has the best people-watching.
Locals avoid Highway 101 from 7-9am and 4-6:30pm religiously - even on weekends, traffic patterns persist due to tech workers keeping irregular schedules. Plan attractions for mid-morning through mid-afternoon, or embrace the traffic and catch up on podcasts.
The unpredictable rain actually works in your favor for indoor attractions - when showers hit, museums and galleries empty out as fair-weather visitors flee. The Tech Interactive and San Jose Museum of Art are noticeably quieter during and right after rain.
September is when locals start reclaiming their city after summer tourists thin out - restaurant reservations get easier to snag, and weekend activities feel less crowded. That said, the college return creates new crowds in different areas, so downtown and near campus get busier while family areas quiet down.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming San Jose has a downtown nightlife scene like San Francisco - it doesn't, and you'll be disappointed if that's your expectation. The city empties out after 9pm on weeknights. Plan evening activities in Santana Row, Willow Glen, or Campbell instead.
Not renting a car because it's the Bay Area - unlike San Francisco, San Jose really benefits from having a vehicle. Public transit exists but is time-consuming, and the best attractions are spread across 30-40 km (18-25 miles). Rental rates in September drop 20-30% from summer peaks.
Overpacking for rain - those 10 rainy days sound like a lot, but we're talking brief showers, not tropical downpours. Tourists show up with heavy rain gear they never use. A packable jacket handles 90% of situations.
Booking wine country tours that depart from San Francisco - you'll spend 3 hours in a van for access to wineries that are 45-60 minutes from San Jose. Book tours that depart locally and you'll have more time actually tasting wine.
Expecting a walkable tourist district - San Jose is a sprawling tech city, not a compact tourist town. The downtown area is maybe 1.5 km (1 mile) across, and major attractions are scattered. Plan your days by geographic area rather than trying to bounce around the entire city.

Explore Activities in San Jose

Continue Planning Your Trip

August

Travel guide for August

October

Travel guide for October

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for San Jose

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.