Columbus in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Columbus

25°C (78°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

48 mm (1.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect football weather - Ohio State Buckeyes home games create electric atmosphere throughout city, with tailgating starting 4-5 hours before kickoff
Peak fall colors begin mid-to-late September along Scioto Mile and German Village, with maple trees showing early reds and yellows
Harvest season brings Columbus Food & Wine Festival plus peak farmers market season with Ohio corn, apples, and pumpkins
Comfortable walking temperatures 14-25°C (57-78°F) ideal for exploring neighborhoods like Short North Arts District without summer heat or winter bundling

Considerations

Football weekends drive hotel prices up 40-60% and book solid months ahead - non-game weekends offer better value
Variable weather requires layering strategy - morning 14°C (57°F) can jump to afternoon 25°C (78°F) within hours
Rain showers on 10 days mean outdoor festivals and farmers markets can be disrupted or muddy

Best Activities in September

Ohio State Campus and Football Tours

September is peak college football season with Ohio Stadium hosting 100,000+ fans. Even non-game days offer campus tours showcasing the Oval's changing leaves and athletic facilities. Game day atmosphere is unmatched in Columbus - arrive early for tailgating culture that starts at dawn.

Booking Tip: Book campus tours 2-3 weeks ahead. Game tickets require significantly more planning - check current availability in booking section below. Stadium tours available non-game days for $10-15 per person.

German Village and Brewery District Walking Tours

September's mild temperatures make this perfect for exploring 19th-century brick architecture and cobblestone streets. The village's mature trees begin early fall color changes, and outdoor beer gardens extend hours before October chill sets in. Brewery tours peak with Oktoberfest celebrations.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free with downloadable maps. Guided brewery tours typically $35-50 per person and fill quickly on weekends. Book 7-10 days ahead through local tour companies.

Scioto Mile Riverfront and Downtown Food Tours

The 280-hectare (175-acre) riverfront park system showcases early fall colors while maintaining comfortable walking temperatures. September food tours highlight Ohio harvest ingredients and Columbus's emerging culinary scene. Evening river walks offer perfect weather for outdoor dining.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically run $65-85 per person for 3-hour experiences. Book 5-7 days ahead as September is popular for outdoor dining tours. Check current food tour options in booking section below.

Short North Arts District Gallery Walks

First Saturday Gallery Hop occurs monthly with September offering ideal weather for outdoor art installations and street performances. The district's Victorian-era buildings house 50+ galleries, vintage shops, and restaurants. September's comfortable evenings extend outdoor browsing time.

Booking Tip: Gallery Hop is free first Saturday of each month 4-10pm. Private art tours available $40-60 per person. Self-guided walks work well with downloadable arts district maps from Experience Columbus.

Columbus Food and Farmers Market Tours

September marks peak harvest for Ohio produce - corn, apples, winter squash, and pumpkins dominate markets. North Market Downtown and weekend farmers markets offer seasonal tastings. Comfortable 14-25°C (57-78°F) temperatures perfect for outdoor market browsing.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to explore. Guided food tours $45-65 per person focusing on local vendors and seasonal specialties. Weekend farmers markets busiest 8-11am. Book food tours 3-5 days ahead.

Hocking Hills Day Trips

Located 96 km (60 miles) southeast, September offers perfect hiking weather before peak fall foliage crowds arrive in October. Rock formations, waterfalls, and gorges showcase early autumn colors. Day trip ideal for outdoor enthusiasts wanting nature escape from city.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically $85-120 per person including transportation. Self-drive takes 90 minutes each way. Book guided tours 7-14 days ahead as September popularity grows. Check current Hocking Hills tour options below.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Columbus Food & Wine Festival

Annual celebration of central Ohio's culinary scene featuring local restaurants, Ohio wineries, and harvest-themed dishes. Multiple venues downtown with outdoor components taking advantage of September's mild weather.

Throughout September

Ohio State Fair Aftermath - Autumn Harvest Festivals

Multiple neighborhood harvest festivals throughout September celebrating Ohio's agricultural heritage with corn mazes, apple cider, and pumpkin displays at local farms within 48 km (30 miles) of Columbus.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering pieces - start with 14°C (57°F) mornings, reach 25°C (78°F) afternoons, requiring t-shirt, light sweater, and removal strategy

Lightweight waterproof jacket - September rain occurs 10 days monthly, usually brief afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - wet leaves on sidewalks can be slippery, especially in German Village's brick areas

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 remains strong despite shorter days and occasional clouds

Light scarf or wrap - evening temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially for outdoor dining or riverfront walks

Umbrella or packable rain poncho - sudden showers during outdoor activities like farmers markets or campus tours

Long pants for evening - comfortable during day but necessary after 7pm when temperatures drop 8-10°C (15-20°F)

Light fleece or hoodie - perfect mid-layer for variable weather and air-conditioned indoor spaces like museums

Breathable cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics - 70% humidity can make synthetic materials uncomfortable during walking tours

Insider Knowledge

Football Saturdays transform Columbus - if you're not attending games, avoid campus area and enjoy emptier downtown attractions while 100,000+ fans are at stadium

Book accommodations by July for September football weekends - non-game weekends often 30-40% cheaper and easier to secure

Local restaurants offer Ohio harvest menus in September featuring pawpaws (Ohio's native fruit), fresh corn, and early apple varieties not available other months

COTA bus system runs special routes on game days but regular downtown trolley service is your best bet for attraction hopping between German Village, Short North, and downtown

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating football weekend impact - hotel prices surge, restaurants require reservations, and traffic patterns change dramatically around Ohio Stadium

Not checking rain timing - September showers are usually predictable afternoon patterns, plan indoor activities 2-5pm on cloudy days

Overdressing for daytime - 25°C (78°F) afternoons can feel warm with 70% humidity, but evening temperature drops catch visitors unprepared