Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in September

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Overview

September is a great time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The weather is usually pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 52—79°F (11—26°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a scenic drive through the park, go fishing in the park's rivers and lakes, hike the Lakes Trail, and more!

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 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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Best events and things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in September

Top experiences in September
Take a scenic drive through the park
September is a great time to take a scenic drive through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The park's winding roads offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and canyons, and the fall colors begin to emerge, adding to the beauty of the landscape. Whether you're driving through the Giant Forest or along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, the park's scenic drives are a must-do in September.
Go fishing in the park's rivers and lakes
September is an excellent time to go fishing in the rivers and lakes of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The cooler temperatures make for more comfortable fishing conditions, and the park's pristine waters are home to a variety of fish species, including trout and bass. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, the park offers plenty of opportunities for a relaxing day of fishing.
Hike the Lakes Trail
September is an ideal time to hike the Lakes Trail, a popular route that takes you past stunning alpine lakes and through lush meadows. The cooler temperatures and thinner crowds make for a more enjoyable and peaceful experience. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a great way to immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty.
Explore Crystal Cave
September is the perfect time to explore Crystal Cave, a marble cavern located in Sequoia National Park. The cave offers guided tours that take you through its intricate passageways and showcase its stunning rock formations and underground streams. The cooler temperatures in September make for a more comfortable and enjoyable cave exploration experience.
Go backpacking in the wilderness
September is an excellent time to go backpacking in the wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The summer crowds have thinned out, and the weather is still pleasant for multi-day hikes. The park offers a variety of backcountry trails that take you through diverse landscapes, from towering sequoia groves to alpine lakes and meadows.
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Holidays in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in September
September
  • Labor Day (September 2)
  • California Admission Day (September 9)
  • Patriot Day (September 11)
  • Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (September 17)

Weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in September

Temperatures on an average day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in September

The average temperature in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 79°F (26°C) to a low of 52°F (11°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm.

For comparison, the hottest month in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, July, has days with highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 58°F (14°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in September based on historical data.

Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park? See our Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in September
79°F
highs
52°F
lows

General weather summary

Pleasantly warm
Feels like
6%
Chance of rain
0.014 in
Amount
8.3 mph
Wind speed
36%
Humidity
12.4 hrs
Daylight length
6:35 AM
Sunrise
7:02 PM
Sunset
84%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 79°F (26°C) and a low of 52°F (11°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park for September.
General Sherman Tree
1. General Sherman Tree
4.8
(9001)
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark
Just under 275-ft tall, this landmark in Sequoia National Park is among the world’s largest trees.
Giant Forest
2. Giant Forest
4.9
(60)
Woods
Nature & Parks
Vast, scenic forest known for its towering sequoia & redwood groves, campgrounds & hiking trails.
Moro Rock Trail
3. Moro Rock Trail
4.9
(2773)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Isolated, dome-shaped granite formation with a rock-cut stairway to the panoramic summit.
Kings Canyon National Park
4. Kings Canyon National Park
4.8
(6099)
National park
Nature & Parks
National park offers a varied landscape for hiking & other outdoor diversions among huge trees.
General Grant Tree
5. General Grant Tree
4.9
(4362)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
A short trail in Kings Canyon National Park leads to this huge, well-known sequoia in Grants Grove.
Generals Hwy
6. Generals Hwy
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Narrow route dotted with 1930s stone bridges & winding through picturesque giant sequoia forests.
Crystal Cave (Sequoia National Park)
7. Crystal Cave (Sequoia National Park)
4.4
(187)
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
Tours of this remote natural formation are offered mid-May through November, with tickets required.
Giant Forest Museum
8. Giant Forest Museum
4.7
(1898)
Museum
Visitor center
Museum for the history & ecology of the giant sequoia forest, with exhibits & interpretive trails.
General Grant Grove
9. General Grant Grove
4.8
(77)
Woods
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic signature grove known for its towering sequoia trees, campgrounds & hiking trails.
Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Byway
10. Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Byway
5.0
(3)
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
The Congress Trail
11. The Congress Trail
4.8
(99)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
This short, paved, looped hiking trail passes groves of gigantic sequoias in Sequoia National Park.
Crescent Meadow Rd
12. Crescent Meadow Rd
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Ringed by towering sequoias, this tranquil meadow offers scenic views & nearby hiking trails.
Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log
13. Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log
4.7
(1137)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Car tunnel carved in 1938 out of the trunk of a sequoia that fell over the road in 1937.
Hume Lake
14. Hume Lake
4.8
(339)
Lake
Nature & Parks
87-acre reservoir with a Christian camp facility, open to the public for hiking, swimming & fishing.
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
15. Kings Canyon Visitor Center
4.7
(2015)
Visitor center
Cabinlike information center with a cafe & guidance from rangers on the surrounding forested canyon.
Pear Lake
16. Pear Lake
4.8
(24)
Lake
Nature & Parks

Popular road trips from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

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All road trips from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park?

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