Quebec City in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Quebec City

19°C (66°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

112 mm (4.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect autumn foliage season - maple trees in surrounding areas reach peak color mid-September, creating spectacular photo opportunities along the Plains of Abraham and this destination (83 m / 272 ft high)
Ideal walking weather with comfortable 15-19°C (59-66°F) afternoon temperatures, perfect for exploring Old Quebec's cobblestone streets without summer's humidity or winter's ice
Harvest season brings fresh local produce to farmers markets - corn, apples, and squash from Île d'Orléans farms are at peak quality and lowest prices
Tourist crowds drop significantly after Labor Day while most attractions maintain full operating hours, meaning shorter lines at Château Frontenac tours and easier restaurant reservations

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - morning temperatures can be 8°C (46°F) while afternoons reach 19°C (66°F), and rain can appear suddenly
Some outdoor festivals and terrasse season wind down after early September, reducing nightlife options compared to summer months
Shorter daylight hours by late September (sunrise 6:45 AM, sunset 7:00 PM) limit evening outdoor activities compared to summer's long twilight hours

Best Activities in September

Plains of Abraham Battlefield Walking Tours

September's cool, crisp air makes this 2-3 hour historical walk ideal. The 108-hectare (267-acre) park showcases early fall colors while comfortable temperatures prevent overheating on the uphill sections. Morning tours at 9 AM benefit from clearer skies before afternoon clouds roll in.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through the Plains of Abraham Museum. Tours run daily and cost CAD $25-35. Morning slots fill first due to better weather conditions. Look for bilingual guides if your French needs support.

Montmorency Falls and Canyon Sainte-Anne Day Trips

September's lower water levels make the 83 m (272 ft) this destination less crowded while still impressive. Cool temperatures make the suspension bridge crossing comfortable, and early fall colors frame both locations perfectly. Via Ferrata routes at Canyon Sainte-Anne operate in ideal 15°C (59°F) conditions.

Booking Tip: Combine both locations in one day trip. Transportation costs CAD $45-65. Book midweek for smaller groups. Weather rarely cancels September tours, unlike winter months.

Old Quebec Food Walking Tours

September brings harvest ingredients to local menus - perfect timing for food tours featuring seasonal specialties like sugar pie made with fresh cream and tourtière with local vegetables. Cool walking weather means comfortable 3-hour tours through narrow Petit Champlain streets.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5-8 PM) work well in September's moderate temperatures. Cost typically CAD $75-95 including 5-7 tastings. Book 10 days ahead for weekend tours. Look for tours including indoor market stops for rainy day backup.

Île d'Orléans Cycling and Farm Tours

September is peak harvest season on this agricultural island 20 km (12 miles) from Quebec City. Apple orchards, vineyards, and vegetable farms offer tours and tastings. Cycling the 67 km (42 mile) island loop is comfortable in cool weather without summer's heat stress.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost CAD $65-85 including tastings. Full bike rentals run CAD $35-45/day. Book midweek to avoid weekend crowds at popular orchards. Many tours include ferry transport across the St. Lawrence River.

St. Lawrence River Whale Watching Cruises

September offers the last reliable whale watching season before winter, with minke and beluga whales still active near Tadoussac, 200 km (124 miles) northeast. Cooler temperatures make 4-6 hour boat trips comfortable, and calmer September waters reduce seasickness risk.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours from Quebec City cost CAD $145-185 including transportation. Book 14 days ahead as September tours often sell out. Choose tours with indoor heated areas for early morning departures when temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F).

Château Frontenac and Citadel Historic Tours

September's comfortable indoor temperatures and reduced crowds make this the ideal time for exploring Quebec's most famous landmarks. The Citadel's outdoor sections are pleasant in cool weather, and Château Frontenac's architecture photography benefits from September's softer lighting.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets cost CAD $28-42. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon rain possibilities. Citadel changing of the guard happens at 10 AM daily when weather permits. Tours run in both official languages.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec

Quebec City's premier film festival showcases international and Canadian cinema across multiple venues in Old Quebec. Indoor venues provide perfect rainy day activities, and the festival atmosphere energizes the city's cultural scene.

Early September

Grands Feux Loto-Québec

If scheduling extends into early September, these spectacular fireworks competitions over the St. Lawrence River cap off summer. Musical fireworks displays from different countries create memorable evening entertainment.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and a warm sweater for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll encounter 10 rainy days averaging 11 mm (0.4 inches) each

Compact umbrella and light rain jacket - September showers are brief but frequent, often lasting 30-45 minutes in late afternoon

Sun protection despite cool weather - UV index reaches 5, and stone buildings reflect additional light in Old Quebec's narrow streets

Warm hat and light gloves for early morning activities - temperatures can drop to 8°C (46°F) during dawn photography sessions or early tours

Comfortable day pack for walking tours - most Quebec City exploration is on foot, and you'll want layers accessible as weather changes

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and navigation usage, plus cold weather drains batteries faster

Cash in small bills - many food tour stops and farmers market vendors prefer cash, and ATMs in tourist areas charge higher fees

Insider Knowledge

Locals call September 'harvest season' and shop at Marché du Vieux-Port on Saturday mornings for best selection of Île d'Orléans produce at 30-40% lower prices than tourist restaurants

Book restaurant reservations for 5:30 PM rather than 7:30 PM - early September sunset means later dinner reservations feel rushed, and you'll miss golden hour photography

Wednesday through Friday offer the best hotel rates in September as business travelers avoid Quebec City midweek, saving 25-35% compared to weekend pricing

Take advantage of 'shoulder season' pricing on car rentals for day trips - September rates drop 40% from August levels, making Charlevoix and Eastern Townships affordable day trip destinations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities then overheating by afternoon - the 11°C (20°F) temperature swing catches many visitors unprepared

Planning outdoor activities after 3 PM without rain backup - 60% of September rain falls between 3-7 PM when afternoon clouds build up

Booking summer-schedule tours that may be reduced or cancelled - always confirm operating schedules as many attractions switch to fall hours after Labour Day