If you are planning a trip to Victoria in September 2021, then you’ve probably got questions like:
This article may contain an affiliate link. This means that if you follow a link in this post and make a purchase, I may make a commission, at no extra cost to you. I am not sponsored by any of the products I link to, they are just the items I personally use and would recommend. Your support helps make this site possible – thank you!
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. UPDATE: Cruise season is on hold due to COVID-19 and will resume in 2022.
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.
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.
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.
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
Seafood & Herbs
The quintessential Canadian bucket list item – salmon fishing – is a perfect expedition in Victoria in September. Other highlight activities include Butchart Gardens, a tour of Craigdarroch Castle or Hatley Castle (or both) and a visit to China Town.
Every effort has been made to keep this list up-to-date but once again, events are being cancelled at the last minute due to rising COVID numbers. Please verify with the venue whether the event is still on.
Fringe Theatre Festival, various downtown locations | |
Saanich Fair, Saanich Fair Grounds, North Saanich | |
All Ways Home Festival, Starlight Stadium (formerly Westhills), Langford | |
Great Canadian Beer Festival, Royal Athletic Park, Victoria | |
Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival, Craigflower Manor, View Royal (2021 edition only - will revert to long weekend in May at Topaz Park for 2022) | |
Labour Day, STAT Holiday | |
Music at Phillips Backyard, Phillips Brewery & Malting Co, Victoria | |
Ribfest, Bullen Park, Esquimalt | |
Brewery & The Beast Victoria 2021, Starlight Stadium, Langford | |
Victoria International Wine Festival, The Parkside Hotel & Spa, Victoria | |
Sooke Arts & Music Festival, 2197 Otter Point Rd, Sooke | |
Moon Festival Lantern Celebration, Gordon Head Recreation Centre and Lambrick Park | |
Dream Wedding Show, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, Saanich | |
BC Boat Show, Port Sidney Marina, Sidney | |
Luxton Fall Fair, Luxton Rodeo Grounds, Langford | |
Island Blues Bash, Ship Point, Victoria | |
Victoria Baby & Family Fair, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, Saanich | |
Colwood Seaside Festival, Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, Colwood | |
Classic Boat Festival, Inner Harbour, Victoria | |
Rifflandia, various downtown locations | |
One Wave Gathering, Centennial Square and various downtown locations |
I truly hope you enjoy your visit to Victoria in September 2021.
Jun 08, 22 09:28 PM
Find a listing of all BC Provincial Parks on Vancouver Island where you can go camping.
May 30, 22 06:48 PM
Your guide to camping on Vancouver Island.
May 30, 22 06:31 PM
Regional parks are managed locally and offer great camping experiences throughout the island. Find regional park camping options here.