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Cape Cod in September

September on Cape Cod is that "sweet spot" time of year we locals would love to keep to ourselves.  

I know that might sound a bit selfish. But once you've spent time on the Cape in September, you'll understand why we feel that way!

September Weather 

September weather on Cape Cod surprises some first-time visitors — in a good way. 

The first few weeks of the month feel like an extension of summer. Daytime temps are generally in the mid-70s, with nights in the 60s.

An early September "shorts and flip-flops" day on Cape Cod.

Toward the end of September, we're starting to feel a touch of fall in the air. Expect days in the mid- to upper 60s, dropping into the 50s at night.

As the days get shorter, the leaves begin to change color, too.

Beaches & Swimming

If you’re hoping to enjoy the last hurrah of summer at the beach, September is the time.

It's rare to find crowds on the beach after Labor Day, even on the weekends. And mid-week, you'll likely find yourself sharing a huge stretch of sand with just a handful of others.

By mid-September, your pooch can join you on the beach in most Cape Cod towns, too.

What about swimming in September?

Nantucket Sound waters stay comfortable well into the month. Cape Cod Bay waters do, too.

The Atlantic Ocean ... that depends on your cold tolerance.

I took these readings on a late-September morning. (Yes, I was the crazy lady standing thigh-deep in the water with a pool thermometer!)

Note: Parking fees at town-managed beaches usually stop the day after Labor Day, though exact cutoff dates vary by town.

Cape Cod National Seashore beaches still require a fee or pass later into September. 

• Cape Cod National Seashore fees and passes →

Things to Do in September

Other than hot-weather attractions like outdoor water parks and splash pads, pretty much everything else you might want to see or do on Cape Cod is still up and running in September. 

Whale watching, harbor cruises, seal-spotting tours, fishing charters, and kayaking are all great ways to get out on the water.

September is also a perfect time of year to play a round of golf or mini-golf, ride the bike trails, check out some museums and historic sites, or hit up a farmers market.

Poking around local shops, boutiques, and galleries is a fun way to spend a few hours. On weekends, craft fairs and seasonal festivals are big draws, too.

Love Local Fest brings Cape Cod makers, artists and small businesses to Hyannis Harbor each September.

Here's more of what's happening on the Cape this month:

• September Events Calendar →

Lodging in September

There are still plenty of lodging options all around the Cape in September, from luxury resorts to campgrounds and everything in between.

Mid-week stays usually offer the best savings, and minimum-night stay requirements are sometimes relaxed. Vacancies are easier to find, too.

September is also a good time to tap into special package deals. Look for things like discounted multi-night stays, resort credits, reduced-price extra nights, or packages built around dining, golf, spa treatments or other Cape experiences.

Prefer to rent a vacation home, cottage or condo?

At this time of year, rental owners are often more flexible about accepting stays of less than a full week. And rental rates tend to drop as the month goes on.

Dining in September

Dining options don’t disappear after Labor Day, either.

Most restaurants are still open, although they might go to shorter "shoulder season" hours or close for an extra day during the week.

If there's a restaurant you really want to try while you're here, it's a good idea to call in advance to confirm their open days and hours and make a reservation if they accept them.  

Have your heart set on lobster rolls, fried clams, or an after-dinner ice cream? Many seafood shacks and ice cream shops stay open through September, too.

September Traffic

Labor Day is the last big traffic holiday of the year on Cape Cod. Don't worry, though. It's not 4th of July-level traffic craziness. Just the occasional slowdown at the Bourne and Sagamore bridges and some extra company on our local roads.

After Labor Day, traffic lightens up considerably. We still see some slow going at the bridges on weekends, especially when the forecast is for beautiful weather and day-trippers join the weekend visitor crowd. Weekday commuter hours can slow things down at the bridges, too.

But overall, September is a great time to drive around and explore the Cape from one end to the other.

Put it all together, and it’s easy to see why September is such a special time to visit Cape Cod!

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