Victoria in September

If you are planning a trip to Victoria in September, then you’ve probably got questions like:

what’s the weather going to be like
what to pack and what to wear while you are here
what’s happening in Victoria in September
what are some things to do?
and most importantly, what food is in season?

If you’re coming in September, you are in for a real treat with some of the best weather our region experiences; peak season is just behind - it is busy but not overly crowded, there is still plenty of things to do and there is an abundance of fresh seafood and produce available to tantalize your taste buds.

The first Monday in September is Labour Day and is a national statutory holiday that has its origins in the labour union movement. Most shops and activities will still be open however they may operate on reduced hours. Banks and Provincial and Federal offices will all be closed.

Corn cob cut out at the fair

With 45 scheduled arrivals in September, cruise ship season is still underway although starting to wind down. Victoria expects to welcome over 100,000 visitors throughout the month of September from the various cruise ships who will be in port between 4 and 16 hours each.

Trees starting to change colour in mid-September

Weather in September

The weather in September averages a very comfortable high of 20 C while cooling down nicely for sleeping to 10 C. With average precipitation of 41mm, it is possible it will rain occasionally while you are here but for the most part, we are still experiencing warm, dry weather.

As Autumn approaches, the foliage begins its dramatic colour changes before the leaves begin to fall.

Fall fun at the Saanich Fair

Dressing for the Weather

Although I tend to wear my sandals well into the fall, many people are opting for closed toe shoes by September. For walking around Victoria and seeing the sights, comfortable walking shoes are your best bet. Waterproof footwear is usually not necessary at this time of the year.

You will likely be most comfortable in a short-sleeved top and shorts/capris during the day however once the sun sets, the evenings will cool down quickly. A polar fleece jacket is common attire for the locals on a cool day or evening. I personally wear one by Columbia.

Cozy Columbia fleece

Waterproof Arc’teryx jacket

Waterproof hat

Although the chance of rain isn’t very high in Victoria in September, you may still want to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket just in case. Again, I choose Columbia although if I could find one to fit, I’d likely wear an Arc’teryx jacket. They are stylish, functional jackets designed and tested here in British Columbia.

Finally, you may want an umbrella or packable, waterproof hat.

Sunflowers in mid September

What's in Season

Several of our local restaurants reinvent their menus seasonally to take advantage of local seafood, meats, cheeses, breads, beers, wines and produce. September is a month of abundance with the following foods in season:

Fruits & Veggies

Artichoke
Beans
Beets
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage (green)
Cabbage (savoy and red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Mustard Greens
Mushrooms
Onions (green)
Onions (red/yellow)
Parsnips
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radishes
Rutabagas
Salad Greens
Spinach
Squash (winter)
Tomatoes
Turnips
Zucchini

Apples
Blueberries
Crab Apples
Cranberries
Figs
Grapes
Melons
Pears
Plums
Prunes
Strawberries

Seafood & Herbs

Clams
Cod: Pacific
Crab
Crab: Dungeness
Flounder/Sole: Pacific
Halibut: Pacific
Lingcod
Mussels
Oysters: Pacific
Prawns: Jumbo
Sablefish (Black Cod)
Salmon: Chinook/King/Spring
Salmon: Chum
Salmon: Coho (Northern)
Salmon: Pink
Sardines: Pacific
Scallops
Shrimp: Side Stripe
Shrimp: West Coast
Spring Dogfish
Tuna: Albacore

Bay Leaves
Basils
Chives
Chervil
Cilantro
Dill
Epazote
Fennel
Lemon Grass
Lemon Verbena
Marjoram
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Savory
Shiso
Sorrel
Tarragon
Thyme

Things to Do in Victoria in September

The quintessential Canadian bucket list item – salmon fishing – is a perfect expedition in September. Other highlight activities include Butchart Gardens, a tour of Craigdarroch Castle or Hatley Castle (or both) and a visit to China Town.

Salmon fishing charter

Festivals and Events include:

21-Aug-19 to 1-Sep-19 Fringe Theatre Festival, various downtown locations
30-Aug-19 to 1-Sep-19 - Classic Boat Festival, Inner Harbour
31-Aug-19 to 2-Sep-19 - Island Blues Bash, Ship Point
31-Aug-19 to 2-Sep-19 - Saanich Fair, Saanich Fair Grounds
2-Sep-19 Labour Day
6-Sep-19 to 8-Sep-19 - Ribfest, Bullen Park
6-Sep-19 to 7-Sep-19 - Great Canadian Beer Festival, Royal Athletic Park
7-Sep-19 to 30-Sep-19 - One Wave Gathering, Centennial Square and various downtown locations
12-Sep-19 to 15-Sep-19 - Rifflandia, various downtown locations (Cancelled for 2019)
14-Sep-19 - Moon Festival Lantern Celebration, Gordon Head Recreation Centre and Lambrick Park
15-Sep-19 - Colwood Seaside Festival, Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
19-Sep-19 to 21-Sep-19 - Victoria International Wine Festival, The Parkside Hotel & Spa
22-Sep-19 - Brewery & The Beast Victoria 2019, Royal Athletic Park
22-Sep-19 - Dream Wedding Show, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre
28-Sep-19 to 29-Sep-19 Victoria Baby & Family Fair, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre