Moncton in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Moncton

20°C (68°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Fall foliage begins in late September - maple and oak trees around Centennial Park and Université de Moncton campus show early color changes, peaking around September 25-30
Tidal bore season runs smoothly with comfortable viewing temperatures - the bore arrives twice daily at Bore View Park with September's moderate weather making 45-minute waits pleasant
Harvest season brings fresh local produce to Moncton Market (Saturdays 7am-2pm) - corn, apples, and pumpkins from Tantramar region farms at 30-40% lower prices than summer tourist season
University students return creating busy nightlife on Collishaw and Main Street without summer tourist crowds - local pubs and cafes extend hours starting September 15th

Considerations

September rainfall averages 94mm (3.7 inches) over 10 days with unpredictable timing - outdoor plans need flexible backup options as rain can last 2-6 hours
Daylight decreases from 13 hours early September to 11.5 hours by month's end - sunset moves from 7:30pm to 6:45pm, limiting evening outdoor activities
Tourist services begin reducing hours after Labour Day weekend - some Fundy National Park facilities close weekdays, and tour operators switch to weekend-only schedules

Best Activities in September

Fundy National Park Hiking Trails

September offers ideal hiking conditions with cooler temperatures (15-20°C/59-68°F) and fewer bugs than summer. Dickson Falls trail (1.5km/0.9mi) and Caribou Plain trail (3.2km/2mi) showcase early fall colors. Rain creates dramatic waterfalls but makes trails muddy - waterproof boots essential. Park entrance fees drop to off-season rates after Labour Day.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for day hiking. Park passes cost $8-10 CAD daily or $25-30 seasonal. Visit Tuesday-Thursday for smallest crowds. Allow extra time on rainy days as trails become slippery. Check Parks Canada website for seasonal facility closures.

Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore Experiences

September's moderate temperatures make bore watching comfortable during twice-daily events. Bore arrives at Bore View Park approximately 1 hour before high tide - check tide tables as times shift daily. September tides reach 4-6m (13-20ft) height differences. Rafting operators offer bore rafting on Petitcodiac River with wetsuits provided for cooler water temperatures.

Booking Tip: Bore rafting tours typically cost $75-95 CAD per person. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed river operators. Viewing from Bore View Park is free. Download tide chart apps or check local newspapers for daily bore times. Tours run weather permitting.

Magnetic Hill Area Attractions

September's clear, dry days (60% of month) provide optimal conditions for the Magnetic Hill illusion. Cooler temperatures make walking around the site comfortable. Nearby Magic Mountain Water Park closes after Labour Day, but Magnetic Hill Zoo operates until October with reduced admission prices and active animals in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Magnetic Hill attraction costs $5-8 CAD per vehicle. Zoo admission drops to $12-15 CAD in September (summer rates $18-20). Purchase combo tickets for 15% savings. Visit midweek for parking convenience. Allow 2-3 hours total for both attractions.

Moncton Market and Downtown Walking Tours

Saturday farmers market (7am-2pm) features peak harvest season with local vendors selling preserves, baked goods, and crafts. September weather allows comfortable 2-3 hour downtown walks visiting Historic Moncton sites, Free Meeting House (1821), and Thomas Williams Heritage House. Rain provides good excuse to explore indoor Champlain Place mall.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free using city-provided maps from tourism office on Main Street. Guided heritage tours typically cost $15-20 CAD per person, available weekends only in September. Market vendors prefer cash. Allow $20-30 CAD for local food sampling.

Shediac Lobster and Coastal Drives

September marks end of peak lobster season with lower prices at local restaurants - lobster rolls cost $18-25 CAD versus $28-35 in summer. 20-minute drive (22km/14mi) from Moncton to Shediac offers coastal scenery with fewer tourists. Parlee Beach remains accessible though swimming requires wetsuit in 16°C (61°F) water temperature.

Booking Tip: No tours required - rent car for $45-60 CAD daily or take Maritime Bus ($8-12 CAD each way). Restaurant reservations unnecessary in September. Giant Lobster statue photo opportunities without crowds. Beaches have free parking after Labour Day.

Université de Moncton Campus Cultural Events

University's September calendar includes Francophonie Festival activities and student orientation concerts. Campus offers bilingual cultural programming and art exhibitions at Galerie Sans Nom. September student energy revitalizes downtown arts scene with theatre productions at Capitol Theatre resuming fall programming.

Booking Tip: Many campus events free or $5-15 CAD admission. Check university website and Capitol Theatre schedule. Student productions typically cost $8-12 CAD tickets. Downtown restaurants offer student discounts with university ID. Book theatre shows 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend performances.

September Events & Festivals

Early September

Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza

Large car show typically held first weekend of September at Magnetic Hill featuring classic cars, hot rods, and motorcycles. Includes vendor marketplace, food trucks, and automotive competitions. One of Atlantic Canada's largest automotive events with 400+ vehicles displayed.

Mid September

Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival

Multi-day music festival usually held mid-September featuring maritime and international jazz, blues, and folk artists. Venues include Capitol Theatre, downtown restaurants, and outdoor stages. Mix of free outdoor concerts and ticketed indoor performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - September trails are muddy from 94mm (3.7 inches) average rainfall, especially in Fundy National Park

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 9°C (48°F) mornings to 20°C (68°F) afternoons requiring easy add/remove options

Compact umbrella or rain jacket - 10 rainy days per month with unpredictable timing make portable rain gear essential

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 during clear September days can cause burns, especially near water and during tidal bore viewing

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - downtown Moncton has hills and September leaves make sidewalks slippery

Light fleece or wool sweater - evenings drop to single digits Celsius, especially during outdoor evening activities

Waterproof phone case - rain and coastal spray can damage electronics during outdoor activities and bore watching

Cash in small bills - farmers market vendors and some local attractions prefer cash, ATMs charge $3-5 CAD fees

Insect repellent - mosquitoes remain active in wooded areas through September, particularly after rainfall

Reusable water bottle - Maritime humidity at 70% requires extra hydration, and reduces plastic waste

Insider Knowledge

Tidal bore times shift 50 minutes later each day - locals use CBC Radio morning show (91.9 FM) for daily bore announcements rather than online charts

University students return September 2nd week creating parking shortage downtown - use residential streets north of Weldon Street for free parking during weekday visits

Moncton Market vendors start selling preserves and pickled goods in September for winter storage - locals stock up on dulse (seaweed snack) and fiddlehead preserves before vendors close for season

September is maple syrup season at rural farms within 45 minutes of city - many farms offer free tastings and sell at 20-30% below tourist season prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming summer ferry schedules continue - Prince Edward Island ferry reduces September frequency and Maritime Bus cuts weekend routes after Labour Day

Packing only light summer clothes - September mornings require warm layers even when afternoons reach 20°C (68°F)

Not checking attraction hours - many tourist sites switch to reduced weekday hours after Labour Day weekend, with some closing Monday-Tuesday entirely