What's the Weather like in Vancouver in September?
Temperature
Summer is starting to wind down in Vancouver by September, with average daily temperatures dropping to 15°C. Days are significantly cooler than August, with average daytime temperatures of 18°C and nights cooling off to 11°C. On rare occasions the daytime temps have hit 24°C in September.
Rainfall
Rain is starting to signal its return to Vancouver in September, with rainfall totals of 70mm for the month. On average it rains for ten days during September. The chances of precipitation climb significantly throughout September, at 18% in the beginning of the month and at 29% by September 30th.
Sunshine Hours
The length of days in Vancouver significantly shorten in September, ending the month at 12 hours 11 minutes between sunrise and sunset. The shorter days, combined with increasing cloud cover, mean that Vancouver sees eight hours of sunshine every day in September. The chances of a cloudy sky increase from 38% to 51%.
Humidity
September sees a sharp rise in relative humidity for Vancouver, from 68% to 75%. Dropping temperatures will make the air feel comfortable, even dry at times.
Wind
Wind speeds slowly pick up in September, with average wind speeds in Vancouver of 3.2 mph in the beginning of the month and 3.9 mph by the end of the month. Winds are more or less out of every direction, with easterly winds starting to settle in by the end of the month.
Sea Temperature
The warmer summer ocean temperatures still linger in September, with averages of 13°C. Shallower areas near beaches may be slightly warmer if the sun has been out for long periods.
Dress Code
It's time to start thinking about bundling up in September, especially towards the end of the month. When a rainy cold snap hits Vancouver you'll want to stay dry and warm, so it's a good idea to bring a light raincoat. You'll want long pants and a sweater or coat for nighttime. The Vancouver 14-day forecast will give you a better picture of expected weather. As for actual dress codes, Vancouver is a casual city that only dresses up for formal events.
Vancouver Hotels in September
L'Hermitage Hotel
The luxury L'Hermitage Hotel is right in the middle of downtown and conveniently located to everything you'll want to see in the city. This four-star hotel features contemporary rooms and elegant furnishings, some of which can be upgraded to have fireplaces and balconies. For extended stays you can book a one or two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen & laundry. Guests all have access to a heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and fitness center. L'Hermitage's location puts you near the SkyTrain station, Robson Street shopping, and many entertainment venues. An elegant dining area serves a buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, and a la carte snacks throughout the day.
Blue Horizon Hotel
The high-rise Blue Horizon Hotel has some of the best views of the Vancouver skyline. This eco-friendly three-star hotel in downtown Vancouver has a chic mid-century feel to it, with all rooms having their own balcony. Suites are available as studios or a one-bedroom plan with separate living area. Corner rooms are surrounded by windows, bringing in a light, airy feel. The Blue Horizon is located near Coal Harbour and excellent waterfront dining. Bicycles are also available for rent to help you explore the city even further. Guests have access to a lap pool, jacuzzi, and fitness centre. Blue Horizon features one casual & trendy restaurant with a cocktail bar opening onto a patio with expansive views.
The Burrard Hotel
The modern Burrard Hotel between Davie Village and Yaletown is one of Vancouver's more unique, trendy hotel establishments. The 72-room Burrard maintains its roots as a 1950's-era motel but has been completely renovated with modern amenities and furnishings. Hotel rooms are situated around a central courtyard area with tropical plants, a fountain, and comfortable seating, great for socializing. Vancouver is a pet-friendly city and your pooch will be treated to their own bed, treats, and towels. Burrard has one excellent coffee shop and a small restaurant serving fresh comfort foods. Loaner bicycles are available upon request.
Sandman Suites Vancouver
The modern Sandman Suites in Davie Village is your home for extended stays in Vancouver. Studios and one-bedroom suites are available, all featuring kitchens, flatscreen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Spacious bathrooms offer modern fixtures and fine soaps & lotions. Some rooms area also equipped with whirpool tubs, balconies, and in-room laundry. Sandman Suites Vancouver also features a heated pool, fitness centre, and day spa with a selection of treatments. The hotel's great location puts you near Sunset Beach Park, Yaletown, and affords views of English Bay.
Beaches in Vancouver in September
Sunset Beach Park
As the name says, Sunset Beach Park is a wonderful area to catch the sunset before winter clouds settle in over Vancouver. Sunset Beach Park offers a large sandy beach area for soaking in some sun, and behind that there are large grassy areas great for picnics. Sunset Beach Park is also a part of the seawall and its clean walking paths. The dog-friendly park also includes an off-leash area for your pooch to run around in. Washrooms and concessions are also available. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
Bars and Restaurants
Comox Valley Ribfest
No visit to Vancouver in September is complete without making it out to the Comox Valley Ribfest, held in Comox Valley in eastern Vancouver Island. This three-day event typically takes place in mid-September and is a fun way to celebrate the beginning of autumn. Canada's best rib cooks come together to compete for honors like Best BBQ Sauce, People's Choice, and of course, Best Ribs. The Ribfest is more than just ribs; there's also a car show, musical entertainment, a kid's play area, and a number of retail vendors.
Blue Water Café
Blue Water Café in Yaletown is more than just a seafood restaurant; it's a celebration of the ocean and sustainable fishing practices. This restaurant has consistently won "Best Seafood Restaurant" awards for Vancouver and you'll have to see why for yourself. The Blue Water Café is housed in a repurposed warehouse. The elegant dining room is upscale yet casual, mixing both Asian and Canadian elements. The raw bar serves various plates of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls. Appetizers include mixed salads, tuna carpaccio, and shrimp cocktail. Now onto the main course you'll be able to choose from dishes like Sablefish in a miso sake glaze, ling cod with chorizo sausage and eggplant, and yellowfin tuna with mixed greens and baby kale. Blue Water Café is open daily from 5PM until 11PM and reservations are recommended.
Red Umbrella Café
English Bay has a number of great dining establishments. On the more affordable, casual end is the Red Umbrella Café. This cozy little diner serves breakfast all day, including the classics with eggs & bacon, and more diverse breakfasts with eggs, artichoke hearts, hash browns, and tomato slices. Their lunch menu features a number of great sandwiches and burgers. Red Umbrella Café is also well-known as a great bakery with homemade pastries and cakes. The café is open daily from 7:30AM until 4PM.
Bao Bei
This affordable Chinese restaurant in Chinatown is the perfect place to go to just sit down for a casual dinner of amazing, authentic Chinese food. Bao Bei focuses on an intimate dining experience, encouraging diners to order for the table and share. The simple, modest décor is inviting yet not distracting. The modern dishes served at Bao Bei have their roots in Taiwan, Shanghai, and the Sichuan Provence with ethically-raised local meats. Bao Bei is open every day from 5:30PM until midnight, with the exception of closing at 11PM on Sundays. The dining room is small and reservations are not accepted.
Things to do in Vancouver in September
Butchart Gardens
The 55-acre Butchart Gardens is one of the most well-known botanical gardens in British Columbia. It's a magical oasis near Victoria and Vancouver, an escape into tropical plants, colorful flowers, and aromatic roses. There are over 900 species of plants here, all cared for by 50 full-time gardeners. The gardens have an amazing history behind them, some of which can be hidden if you're not already aware of it. A renowned Japanese architect designed the Japanese Garden in the early 20th century and the Sunken Garden was once a limestone quarry though you'd never guess it at first glance. Various bird species and greenhouses are also spread throughout the park. Visitor hours are from 9AM until 9PM, though the park closes at 5PM after September 15th.
Stanley Park
Don't miss out on the Best Park in the World, according to a 2014 TripAdvisor report. Stanley Park is a large, 1,000-acre peninsula surrounded by Victoria Harbour and English Bay. It's one of the most popular outdoor activities in Vancouver, with bike riding, birding, hiking, jogging paths, kayak & paddleboard rentals, and beaches. Learn about the First Nations that inhabited the area before the British settled during the gold rush. The Vancouver Aquarium is also a part of Stanley Park. The infamous 28-kilometer Vancouver Seawall surrounds the entire park.
Boating at False Creek
Catch the last reasonable temperatures of the year by renting a watercraft at False Creek. This inlet separates downtown from the rest of Vancouver and is the site of many water events, including the dragonboat festival. There are 10 marinas at False Creek, some of which offer various boat rentals. You can go boating on your own or sign up for something fun like a kayak tour. Aftwerwards you'll find a number of great restaurants and cafes in nearby Yaletown. False Creek is also next to Olympic Village and offers a walking route through the historic, enormously transformed area.
Explore Comox Valley
The east side of Vancouver Island is known as Comox Valley and is a fun getaway from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver. Comox Valley is home to a wonderful farmers' market held year-round on Saturdays. In mid-September Comox Valley hosts the entertaining Comox Valley Ribfest, a tasty three-day event you won't want to miss if you're a BBQ fan. There's plenty of hiking, beaches, shopping, and peaceful parks. Comox Valley also has you covered for a day of wine tasting.
