Things to do in Nanjing in September

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Overview

September is a great time to visit Nanjing. The weather is usually pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 66—83°F (19—28°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Nanjing during this time. Some of our top recommendations: hike to the peak of Purple Mountain to enjoy the cooler weather and panoramic views, explore the Plum Blossom Hill in the Zhongshan Scenic Area, attend the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations at Confucius Temple, and more!

Nanjing 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 Nanjing. 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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing in September

Top experiences in September
Hike to the peak of Purple Mountain to enjoy the cooler weather and panoramic views
September brings cooler temperatures to Nanjing, making it the perfect time to embark on a hike to the peak of Purple Mountain. The mountain is home to a network of scenic trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the city and its surrounding landscapes. As you ascend the mountain, you'll be surrounded by lush forests, tranquil streams, and ancient temples, creating a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere. Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Nanjing, making the challenging hike well worth the effort.
Explore the Plum Blossom Hill in the Zhongshan Scenic Area
September marks the beginning of the plum blossom season in Nanjing, and the Plum Blossom Hill in the Zhongshan Scenic Area is a must-visit destination during this time. The hill is adorned with thousands of plum trees, creating a breathtaking sea of white and pink blossoms. Visitors can take leisurely strolls along the winding paths, breathe in the sweet fragrance of the flowers, and capture stunning photos of the picturesque landscape. The Plum Blossom Hill is a serene and enchanting spot to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature.
Attend the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations at Confucius Temple
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in September. The Confucius Temple in Nanjing hosts vibrant and lively celebrations, including dragon and lion dances, traditional music and dance performances, and a stunning display of lanterns. Visitors can also indulge in mooncakes, a traditional Chinese pastry enjoyed during the festival, and take part in various cultural activities.
Take a boat tour on Xuanwu Lake to admire the autumn foliage
In September, the lush greenery surrounding Xuanwu Lake begins to transform into a kaleidoscope of vibrant autumn colors. One of the best ways to experience this natural spectacle is by taking a boat tour on the lake. As you glide across the tranquil waters, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the changing foliage, with the reflections of the trees creating a mesmerizing mirror image on the surface of the lake. The peaceful ambiance and the stunning autumn scenery make for a truly unforgettable experience.
Sample the seasonal delicacies at the Nanjing Food Festival
September marks the beginning of the harvest season in Nanjing, and the city's culinary scene comes alive with an array of seasonal delicacies. The Nanjing Food Festival showcases a diverse selection of local dishes, street food, and traditional snacks, highlighting the flavors and ingredients of the season. From savory dumplings and crispy fried treats to sweet desserts and refreshing beverages, the festival offers a tantalizing culinary experience for food enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in
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Holidays in Nanjing in September
September
  • Teachers' Day (September 10)
  • Mid-Autumn Festival (September 1517)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Nanjing in September

Temperatures on an average day in Nanjing in September

The average temperature in Nanjing in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 83°F (28°C) to a low of 66°F (19°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Nanjing, August, has days with highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows of 29°F (-2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Nanjing in September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
83°F
highs
66°F
lows

General weather summary

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
30%
Chance of rain
0.172 in
Amount
11.7 mph
Wind speed
73%
Humidity
12.4 hrs
Daylight length
5:47 AM
Sunrise
6:11 PM
Sunset
52%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 83°F (28°C) and a low of 66°F (19°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. 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 Nanjing in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Nanjing has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Nanjing 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 Nanjing for September.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
1. Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
4.5
(269)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
A steep staircase leads to this ornately designed mausoleum for one of the founders of modern China.
Tianxia Wenshu
2. Tianxia Wenshu
4.6
(21)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders
3. Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders
4.5
(72)
War memorial
Sights & Landmarks
Grim memorial museum with exhibits documenting the horrors of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre.
Presidential Palace
4. Presidential Palace
4.3
(283)
Historical place museum
Museums
The president's office is housed in this historic, Baroque building restored after World War II.
Xuanwu Lake
5. Xuanwu Lake
4.5
(88)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
6. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
4.4
(313)
Tomb
Sights & Landmarks
Massive mausoleum built in 1405 for Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang & featuring many pathways & statues.
Nanjing Ming Dynasty City Wall History Museum
7. Nanjing Ming Dynasty City Wall History Museum
4.5
(4)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Xuanwuhu Park
8. Xuanwuhu Park
4.7
(131)
Park
Nature & Parks
Zijin Mountain
9. Zijin Mountain
4.6
(16)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Nanjing Museum
10. Nanjing Museum
4.4
(153)
Art museum
Museums
Sprawling free-entry museum with China heritage & history exhibits, an art gallery & teahouse.
Jiming Temple
11. Jiming Temple
4.3
(110)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Serene Buddhist temple with tranquil grounds & a well-known vegetarian restaurant.
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
12. Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
4.2
(100)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
This 5,171-foot, double-decked road-rail truss bridge with a pedestrian path was opened in 1968.
Qinhuai He
13. Qinhuai He
4.5
(13)
River
Sights & Landmarks
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
14. Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
4.5
(269)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
A steep staircase leads to this ornately designed mausoleum for one of the founders of modern China.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
15. Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
4.5
(269)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
A steep staircase leads to this ornately designed mausoleum for one of the founders of modern China.
Gate of China, Nanjing
16. Gate of China, Nanjing
4.5
(284)
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Built in the 1300s, this famed, massive stone gate features complex architecture & intricate design.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Nanjing?

Get inspired for your trip to Nanjing with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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