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Victoria in September: Discover the Spectacular Things to See and Do During Your Visit

Updated for 2023

If you are planning a trip to Victoria in September 2023, 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 us - 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 - 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. Schools, banks, Provincial and Federal offices will all be closed.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconcilation, a day that honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. It is also Orange Shirt Day - an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day. You can purchase orange shirts directly from the Orange Shirt Society to ensure all the money raised goes to the intended recipients.

September 30 has been formally recognized since 2021 as a Federal statutory holiday and is now also a Provincial statutory holiday. As with Labour Day, many shops and activities may operate on reduced hours and all schools, banks, Provincial and Federal offices will be closed.

With 55 scheduled arrivals in September, cruise ship season is still well underway. Although cruise season is typically starting to wind down in September, in 2023 Victoria will see just one fewer ship than we saw in August. 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.

Fall trees beginning to change colour

Weather in September

One of the most enticing aspects of visiting Victoria in September is the delightful weather. As summer winds down, temperatures start to drop from the highs of July and August. In September, you can expect mild, comfortable daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Evenings are cooler, usually falling between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This mild climate creates an ideal environment for exploring the city without the discomfort of summer's heat or winter's chill.

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 (I practically live in my birkenstocks), 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 and I rely on my SAS shoes. They are made in the USA and have a wide variety of widths to fit even the most hard-to-fit. 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. Helly Hansen are budget-friendly and popular out here, but if you can afford it, I recommend 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 like this very fun and cleverly designed Hairbrella.

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

What's Blooming at Butchart Gardens

The world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a short drive from downtown Victoria, is a botanical wonderland. Visiting in September allows you to witness the gardens' transformation as the vibrant summer flowers give way to the rich colors of autumn. The Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Sunken Garden are particularly captivating during this time, with their foliage changing to brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow.

I highly recommend you tour Butchart Gardens on your trip to Victoria in September. Here's a list of the beautiful flowers you can expect to see in bloom.

African Arrowroot
Angel’s Trumpets
Angelonia
Bearded Tongue
Black-Eyed Susan
Castor Bean
Chilean Rhubarb
Chocolate Cosmos
Cigar Plant
Common Rose Mallow
Dahlia
Daylily
Delphinium
Floss Flower
Garden Mum
Garden Phlox
Geranium

Glory Bush
Goldenrod
Heliotrope
Hydrangea
Japanese Anemone
Labelia
Lords and Ladies
Marigold
Mealycup Sage
Michaelmas Daisy
Monkshood
Montbretia
New Guinea Impatiens
Obedient Plant
Ornamental Eggplant
Pepper

Purple Threadleaf
Scarlet Sage
Scotsman’s Purse
Shrub Verbena
Snapdragon
Spiderwort
St. John’s Wort
Stonecrop
Sweet Alyssum
Toad Lily
Tuberous Begonia
Turtlehead
Vervain
Waxleaf Begonia
Yarrow
Zinnia

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 (see above for what's blooming), a tour of Craigdarroch Castle or Hatley Castle (or both), a visit to China Town.

Salmon fishing charter in Sooke BC

Victoria's proximity to the Saanich Peninsula, a burgeoning wine region, makes it an ideal base for wine enthusiasts. In September, the vineyards are abuzz with activity as the grape harvest season begins. You can tour wineries such as Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Church & State Wines, and de Vine Vineyards, sampling exquisite wines and ciders while surrounded by lush vineyards.

Of course many people come to the region for our fantastic outdoor adventure activities. Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will find Gowlland Tod Provincial Park to be a hidden gem. Located just a short drive from Victoria, this park boasts a network of trails through ancient forests, leading to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Saanich Inlet and Gulf Islands. In September, the weather is perfect for a day of hiking without the summer heat.

Festivals and Events in Victoria in September

11-Apr-23 to 29-Oct-23 - Cruise Ship Season, Port of Victoria
14-May-23 to 04-Sep-23 - Harbour Ferry Ballet, Sundays at 10:45 am in the Inner Harbour and occasionally on Saturday as well
23-Aug-23 to 03-Sep-23 - Fringe Theatre Festival, various downtown locations
01-Sep-23 to 04-Sep-23 - Classic Boat Festival, docks at inner harbour, Victoria
02-Sep-23 to 04-Sep-23 - Saanich Fair, Saanich Fair Grounds, North Saanich
01-Sep-22 to 03-Sep-23 - Sooke Music & Arts Festival, John Phillips Memorial Park, Sooke
04-Sep-23 - Labour Day, Federal & Provincial STAT Holiday
07-Sep-23 to 17-Sep-23 - Rifflandia Music Festival, Royal Athletic Park and Electric Avenue venue, Victoria
08-Sep-23 to 09-Sep-23 - Great Canadian Beer Festival, Royal Athletic Park, Victoria
08-Sep-23 to 10-Sep-23 - Esquimalt Ribfest, Bullen Park, Esquimalt
09-Sep-23 to 10-Sep-23 - In Sight Festival, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS, Colwood
16-Sep-23 - Autumn Lantern Festival, Gordon Head Recreation Centre & Lambrick Park, Saanich
17-Sep-23 - One Wave South Pacific Feast 2023, Cook Street Village Community Centre
17-Sep-23 - Psychic & Spiritual Arts Fair, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
24-Sep-23 to 30-Sep-23 - Victoria International Wine Festival, various locations, Greater Victoria
24-Sep-23 - Brewery & The Beast Victoria 2023, Starlight Stadium, Langford
28-Sep-23 to 29-Sep-23 - Victoria Baby & Family Fair, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, Saanich
30-Sep-23 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Federal & Provincial STAT Holiday
30-Sep-23 - South Island Powwow, Royal Athletic Park, Victoria

Visiting Victoria, BC in September is a delightful experience filled with pleasant weather, reduced crowds and a plethora of activities to enjoy. Whether you're exploring the autumnal beauty of Butchart Gardens, embarking on thrilling whale-watching adventures or savoring local wines, September offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.

Remember to dress in layers, bring comfortable footwear and be prepared for the occasional rain shower to make the most of your unforgettable trip to this picturesque Canadian city.

I truly hope you enjoy your visit to Victoria in September 2023.