Things to do in Portsmouth in September

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Overview

September is a good time to visit Portsmouth. The weather is usually mildly cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 54—66°F (12—19°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Portsmouth during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided walking tour of Old Portsmouth, explore the Portsmouth City Museum, take a stroll along South Parade Pier, and more!

Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth in September

Top experiences in September
Take a guided walking tour of Old Portsmouth
September is a great time to explore the charming streets and historic buildings of Old Portsmouth. Guided walking tours offer insight into the area's rich history, from its medieval origins to its role as a thriving port town. Visitors can admire the architecture of the old town, visit landmarks such as Portsmouth Cathedral and the Square Tower, and learn about the fascinating stories and legends that have shaped the area over the centuries. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply enjoy exploring new places, a guided walking tour of Old Portsmouth is a unique and immersive experience.
Explore the Portsmouth City Museum
September is a great time to delve into the city's rich history and culture at the Portsmouth City Museum. The museum features a diverse collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that showcase the city's heritage, from its maritime roots to its role in shaping the cultural landscape of Hampshire. Visitors can learn about famous residents, such as Charles Dickens, and explore interactive displays that bring the city's past to life. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the local area, a visit to the Portsmouth City Museum offers a unique and educational experience.
Take a stroll along South Parade Pier
In September, the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy a leisurely walk along South Parade Pier. This iconic landmark offers stunning views of the coastline and the opportunity to soak up the sea breeze. Visitors can also explore the pier's amusement arcade, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, or simply relax and take in the sights and sounds of the seaside. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun day out with family and friends, a stroll along South Parade Pier is a unique experience in Portsmouth.
Visit the Southsea Castle
Built in 1544, this historic castle offers stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. In September, visitors can explore the castle's grounds and learn about its role in defending the city against naval attacks. The castle also hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the month, providing a deeper understanding of its rich history. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying panoramic views of the coastline, a visit to Southsea Castle is a must-do experience in Portsmouth.
Take a sunset cruise along the Solent
In September, the weather in Portsmouth is still warm enough to enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Solent, the strait that separates the Isle of Wight from the mainland of England. A sunset cruise offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the opportunity to see the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening or a peaceful way to unwind, a sunset cruise is a unique and memorable experience in Portsmouth.
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Holidays in Portsmouth in September
September

There are no holidays in Portsmouth in September

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Portsmouth in September

Temperatures on an average day in Portsmouth in September

The average temperature in Portsmouth in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 66°F (19°C) to a low of 54°F (12°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Portsmouth, July, has days with highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows of 38°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Portsmouth in September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
66°F
highs
54°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool and breezy
Feels like
19%
Chance of rain
0.068 in
Amount
16.5 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
12.7 hrs
Daylight length
6:37 AM
Sunrise
7:19 PM
Sunset
49%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 66°F (19°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C), it generally feels mildly cool and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Portsmouth in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Portsmouth has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth for September.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
1. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
4.7
(14783)
Maritime museum
Museums
Historic area with iconic attractions like Nelson's HMS Victory, HMS Warrior & the Mary Rose Museum.
Spinnaker Tower
2. Spinnaker Tower
4.6
(7588)
Sights & Landmarks
Conference center
Landmark tower with an on-site cafe and a glass-floored platform overlooking Portsmouth harbour.
Mary Rose Museum
3. Mary Rose Museum
4.8
(5719)
Museum
Event venue
Museum for 16th-century Tudor warship, & King Henry VIII's favourite, built in 1510 & sunk in 1545.
HMS Victory
4. HMS Victory
4.8
(7133)
Maritime museum
Museums
Museum within the world's oldest commissioned warship which gained fame at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Gunwharf Quays
5. Gunwharf Quays
4.4
(31548)
Outlet mall
Shopping
Modern mall with stores including designer fashion retailers, plus bars, cafes and restaurants.
HMS Warrior
6. HMS Warrior
4.8
(1659)
Maritime museum
Museums
Britain's first iron-hulled, armoured warship and pride of the fleet with an on-site visitor centre.
Gunwharf Terminal
7. Gunwharf Terminal
4.0
(263)
Ferry terminal
Transportation
Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson
8. Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson
4.7
(3549)
National museum
Museums
Restored Victorian fortress housing a big gun collection and displays tracing artillery development.
Brittany Ferries
9. Brittany Ferries
4.2
(2507)
Ferry service
Transportation
The D-Day Story
10. The D-Day Story
4.6
(2112)
Museum
History Museums
D-Day story told through archive films, landing craft, weapons and the 83-metre Overlord Embroidery.
Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
11. Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
3.8
(2495)
Aquarium
Zoos & Aquariums
Local fish, sharks and rays, tropical species in an ocean display, plus underwater viewing tunnel.
Southsea Castle
12. Southsea Castle
4.5
(2087)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Naval and archaeological exhibits plus interactive schools' tours in Henry VIII's moated castle.
Old Portsmouth
13. Old Portsmouth
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Old Portsmouth is a district of the city of Portsmouth. It is the area covered by the original medieval town of Portsmouth as planned by Jean de Gisors. It is situated in the south west corner of Portsea Island. The roads still largely follow their original layout. Wikipedia.
Clarence Pier
14. Clarence Pier
4.2
(4144)
Amusement park
Sights & Landmarks
Seasonal rides & an upside-down house, plus year-round arcades & an indoor playground.
National Museum of the Royal Navy
15. National Museum of the Royal Navy
4.6
(904)
Museum
National museum
Royal Naval and maritime history and artefacts, helicopter simulator and a focus on Horatio Nelson.
Staunton Farm
16. Staunton Farm
4.6
(2466)
Children's farm
Nature & Parks
Expanse of parkland and gardens with petting farm, barn play area, Victorian glasshouse and lake.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Portsmouth?

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

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