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Best national parks to visit in September
All 63 US national parks ranked by September camping weather, using NOAA 1991–2020 averages at each park. Top picks: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Lassen Volcanic, Grand Teton, Great Basin.
#1Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Colorado
100 avg 72° / 44°F · 2.1 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#2Great Sand Dunes
Colorado
100 avg 72° / 44°F · 1.3 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#3Lassen Volcanic
California
100 avg 72° / 41°F · 0.7 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#4Grand Teton
Wyoming
100 avg 71° / 34°F · 1.6 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#5Great Basin
Nevada
100 avg 73° / 48°F · 1.1 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#6Channel Islands
California
100 avg 74° / 60°F · 0.1 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#7Bryce Canyon
Utah
100 avg 70° / 42°F · 1.8 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#8Sequoia & Kings Canyon
California
100 avg 70° / 39°F · 0.7 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#9Rocky Mountain
Colorado
100 avg 70° / 39°F · 1.6 in
Entry: Timed entry (May 22–Oct 12, 2026) · $35 per vehicle
#10Theodore Roosevelt
North Dakota
100 avg 74° / 43°F · 1.4 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#11Yellowstone
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
100 avg 69° / 39°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#12Grand Canyon
Arizona
100 avg 76° / 44°F · 1.5 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#13Glacier
Montana
100 avg 68° / 41°F · 2.0 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#14Mesa Verde
Colorado
100 avg 76° / 50°F · 1.8 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#15Wind Cave
South Dakota
100 avg 76° / 46°F · 1.5 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
2026 fee-free day in September: 17 September. All free days
Questions
What are the best national parks to visit in September?
Based on NOAA average weather, the mildest parks in September are Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Lassen Volcanic, Grand Teton, Great Basin.
Which national parks should I avoid in September?
For camping weather, Biscayne, Everglades, Death Valley score lowest, because of cold, heat or rain.
Are there free national park days in September?
In 2026, yes: 17 September (US citizens and residents).
The score (0–100) rates weather only: best with average highs of 62–82°F, nights above freezing and under 3 inches of precipitation. It doesn't account for road closures, crowds or snow on high trails; check each park guide. All park guides
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