Victoria in September
To be updated for 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I truly hope you enjoy your visit to Victoria in September.
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