- Victoria
- September
Victoria in September
Discover the Spectacular Things to See and Do During Your Visit
Updated for 2021
If you are planning a trip to Victoria in September 2021, then you’ve probably got questions like:
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- 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. UPDATE: Cruise season is on hold due to COVID-19 and will resume in 2022.
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.
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 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.
All 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.
Festivals and Events include (NOTE: some events postponed until 2022):
- All Ways Home Festival, Starlight Stadium (formerly Westhills), Langford - 4 Sep 2021 to 5 Sep 2021
- BC Boat Show, Port Sidney Marina - 23 Sep 2021 to 26 Sep 2021
- Brewery & The Beast Victoria 2021, Starlight Stadium, Langford - 12 Sep 2021
- Classic Boat Festival, Inner Harbour - September 2022
- Colwood Seaside Festival, Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site - Sep 2022
- Dream Wedding Show, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre - 19 Sep 2021
- Fringe Theatre Festival, various downtown locations - 13 Aug 2021 to 24 Sep 2021
- Great Canadian Beer Festival, Royal Athletic Park - Sep 2022
- Island Blues Bash, Ship Point- September 2022
- Labour Day, STAT Holiday- 6 Sep 2021
- Luxton Fall Fair, Luxton Rodeo Grounds, Langford - 24 Sep 2021 to 26 Sep 2021
- Moon Festival Lantern Celebration, Gordon Head Recreation Centre and Lambrick Park - 18 Sep 2021
- Music at Phillips Backyard, Phillips Brewery & Malting Co - 10 Sep 2021 to 11 Sep 2021
- One Wave Gathering, Centennial Square and various downtown locations - Sep 2022
- Ribfest, Bullen Park - 10 Sep 2021 to 12 Sep 2021
- Rifflandia, various downtown locations - 2021 dates not confirmed
- Saanich Fair, Saanich Fair Grounds - 4 Sep 2021 to 6 Sep 2021
- Sooke Arts & Music Festival, 2197 Otter Point Rd, Sooke - 17 Sept 2021 to 19 Sept 2021
- Victoria Baby & Family Fair, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre - 25 Sep 2021 to 26 Sep 2021
- Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival, Craigflower Manor - 4 Sep 2021 to 5 Sep 2021 (2021 edition only - will revert to long weekend in May at Topaz Park for 2022)
- Victoria International Wine Festival, The Parkside Hotel & Spa - 12 Sep 2021 to 19 Sep 2021
I truly hope you enjoy your visit to Victoria in September 2021.
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