Things to do in Durham in September

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Overview

September is a great time to visit Durham. The weather is usually very warm, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 63—85°F (17—30°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Durham during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Durham Farmers' Market, take a historic walking tour of downtown Durham, explore the Duke Lemur Center, and more!

Durham has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your September trip to Durham. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Durham in September. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout September, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Durham in September

Top experiences in September
Visit the Durham Farmers' Market
September is peak harvest season, and the Durham Farmers' Market is a great place to sample fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and delicious prepared foods. You can chat with friendly vendors, learn about sustainable agriculture, and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere.
Take a historic walking tour of downtown Durham
September is a great time to explore the city's rich history and architecture on foot. You can visit landmarks like the Durham History Hub, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, and the former tobacco warehouses that have been repurposed into trendy shops and restaurants.
Explore the Duke Lemur Center
September is a great time to visit this unique research facility, as the lemurs are often more active in the cooler weather. You can take a guided tour to learn about the center's conservation efforts and see these fascinating primates up close.
Go hiking at Eno River State Park
September is a great time to hit the trails at this scenic state park, as the weather is mild and the foliage is beginning to change. You can explore the park's diverse ecosystems, spot wildlife, and take in stunning views of the Eno River.
Take a guided tour of the Duke University campus
September is a beautiful time to explore the historic buildings, lush gardens, and iconic landmarks of Duke University. You can learn about the university's rich history and impressive architecture while enjoying the pleasant fall weather.
Attend the CenterFest Arts Festival
This annual event takes place in downtown Durham and features over 140 visual artists, live music, dance performances, and food vendors. It's a great way to experience the local art scene and support talented artists from the area.
Attend the Bull City Rumble motorcycle rally
This annual event takes place in September and attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country. You can check out vintage bikes, enjoy live music, and participate in group rides through the scenic Durham countryside.
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Holidays in Durham in September
September
  • Labor Day (September 2)
  • Patriot Day (September 11)
  • Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (September 17)

Weather in Durham in September

Temperatures on an average day in Durham in September

The average temperature in Durham in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 85°F (30°C) to a low of 63°F (17°C). Some would describe it as very warm, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Durham, July, has days with highs of 93°F (34°C) and lows of 70°F (21°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 49°F (9°C) and lows of 30°F (-1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Durham in September based on historical data.

Visiting Durham? See our Durham Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in September
85°F
highs
63°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm, humid but cool
Feels like
25%
Chance of rain
0.168 in
Amount
9.0 mph
Wind speed
70%
Humidity
12.4 hrs
Daylight length
6:57 AM
Sunrise
7:23 PM
Sunset
58%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 85°F (30°C) and a low of 63°F (17°C), it generally feels very warm, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Durham in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Durham has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Durham that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Durham for September.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
1. Sarah P. Duke Gardens
4.9
(7509)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
55-acre public gardens with 5 miles of walking paths, a koi pond & an amphitheater.
Durham Performing Arts Center
2. Durham Performing Arts Center
4.8
(6956)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Modern, multilevel theater showcasing recent Broadway shows & well-known music artists.
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
3. Durham Bulls Athletic Park
4.8
(4903)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Duke University Chapel
4. Duke University Chapel
4.9
(2116)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Interdenominational campus church featuring a sizable tower, neo-gothic design & 3 pipe organs.
Museum of Life and Science
5. Museum of Life and Science
4.7
(1584)
Science museum
Museums
Indoor & outdoor museum with interactive exhibits on space exploration & life on earth.
Duke University
6. Duke University
4.5
(564)
Private university
Sights & Landmarks
Private research school with gardens & dramatic buildings is known for medicine & basketball.
Duke Lemur Center
7. Duke Lemur Center
4.6
(118)
Research foundation
Nature & Parks
American Tobacco Campus
8. American Tobacco Campus
4.7
(6531)
Business park
Sights & Landmarks
Cameron Indoor Stadium
9. Cameron Indoor Stadium
4.8
(1377)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Revered arena with a hardwood court for Duke University basketball, wrestling & volleyball.
Eno River State Park
10. Eno River State Park
4.8
(2498)
State park
Nature & Parks
Vast acres of woodlands for hiking & camping, with canoeing & fishing areas on the Eno River.
Nasher Museum of Art
11. Nasher Museum of Art
4.6
(753)
Art museum
Museums
Permanent collection of 10,000+ artworks & traveling exhibits in a 65,000-sq.-ft. modern building.
Bennett Place
12. Bennett Place
4.7
(423)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Reconstructed farmhouse with Civil War significance, plus living-history events & nature trails.
One Medical: Brightleaf Square
13. One Medical: Brightleaf Square
4.4
(737)
Medical clinic
Shopping
Trendy restaurants & shops in a pair of historic brick tobacco warehouses with a leafy courtyard.
The Carolina Theatre
14. The Carolina Theatre
4.7
(2401)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Nonprofit film & performing arts venue with 1,016-seat auditorium, 2 movie theaters & a ballroom.
Duke Homestead
15. Duke Homestead
4.6
(327)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Former 19th-century farm & tobacco factory with guided tours, plus a museum & picnic area.
The Streets at Southpoint
16. The Streets at Southpoint
4.5
(10021)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Stylish mall with name-brand retailers, upscale department stores, restaurants & a movie theater.

Top searches in Durham

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