Sherbrooke in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Sherbrooke

19°C (66°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - maple trees reach peak color between Sept 15-30, creating impressive backdrops for photography without summer crowds
Comfortable hiking weather with cool mornings 6-8°C (43-46°F) and warm afternoons 18-19°C (64-66°F) - perfect for multi-hour outdoor activities
University of Sherbrooke students return, bringing busy energy to downtown cafés, bars, and cultural events that were quiet during summer
Local harvest festivals and farmers markets peak with Quebec apples, corn, and maple products at their seasonal best

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - temperature swings of 13°C (23°F) daily mean you'll need both shorts and sweaters
Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days out of 30, typically lasting 45-90 minutes and disrupting outdoor plans between 2-5pm
Tourist shoulder season means some seasonal attractions reduce hours or close weekdays after Labour Day weekend

Best Activities in September

Eastern Townships Fall Foliage Cycling

September is peak season for cycling the Eastern Townships' vineyard and maple forest routes. Cool morning temperatures 6-8°C (43-46°F) are perfect for multi-hour rides, while the 70% humidity feels refreshing rather than oppressive. Route des Vins offers 140 km (87 miles) of marked cycling paths with peak foliage mid-to-late September.

Booking Tip: Rent hybrid bikes locally for CAD $35-50/day. Book vineyard tours 7-10 days ahead as September is harvest season. Look for operators offering rain gear and route flexibility for weather changes.

Mont-Orford and Parc de la Gorge Hiking

September's temperature range is ideal for summit hiking - cool starts prevent overheating on climbs, while UV index of 8 requires sun protection at exposed peaks. Mont-Orford's 3.2 km (2 mile) summit trail offers panoramic fall colors without summer's oppressive heat and humidity.

Booking Tip: Trail access is free but parking fills by 9am on weekends. Guided nature walks typically cost CAD $25-40 per person. Check current trail conditions in booking section below as some paths close during heavy rain periods.

Magog Lake and River Activities

September's moderate temperatures make lake activities comfortable - water temperature around 18°C (64°F) is still suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding. Lower summer crowds mean better wildlife viewing, especially for migrating waterfowl preparing for winter.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals run CAD $40-60 for half-day. Book morning slots (8am-noon) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Look for operators offering covered storage and flexible return times for weather contingencies.

Sherbrooke Downtown Food and Brewery Walking Tours

University students' return creates peak energy in downtown food scene. September's comfortable walking weather (rarely exceeding 19°C/66°F) makes 2-3 hour food tours pleasant. Local craft brewery patios extend their seasons through September before winter closures.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost CAD $60-85 per person including 4-5 stops. Book weekend tours 5-7 days ahead as student groups book many weekday slots. See current tour options in booking section below.

Parc National du Mont-Mégantic Stargazing

September offers ideal stargazing conditions - clear nights average 18 days per month, temperatures stay comfortable for evening viewing 8-12°C (46-54°F), and reduced humidity improves atmospheric clarity. This UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve is at its seasonal peak for astronomical viewing.

Booking Tip: Observatory sessions cost CAD $20-35 per adult. Book night tours 10-14 days ahead for weekend slots. Bring warm layers as temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) after sunset. Check weather-dependent availability in booking options below.

Regional Maple Farm and Cider Mill Tours

September marks early maple syrup production season and peak apple harvest. Farm tours showcase traditional Quebec maple processing while cideries offer fresh pressing demonstrations. Cool weather makes farm walking tours comfortable for 2-3 hours outdoors.

Booking Tip: Farm tours range CAD $15-30 per person with tastings included. Weekend availability fills quickly during harvest season - book 7-10 days ahead. Many farms offer weather-covered facilities for rainy day alternatives.

September Events & Festivals

Early September

Sherbrooke International Film Festival

Annual documentary film festival showcasing Quebec and international filmmakers across multiple downtown venues. Features outdoor screenings weather permitting and indoor cultural discussions.

Mid September

Festival des Traditions du Monde

Multi-cultural festival in Parc Quintal featuring traditional music, dance, and food from immigrant communities in the Eastern Townships. Free outdoor events with covered areas for weather protection.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack t-shirts AND fleece jackets for 13°C (23°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails after September's 10 rainy days, especially in forested areas

Compact umbrella for 45-90 minute afternoon thunderstorms that hit without much warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 is strong at hiking elevations and lake reflections intensify exposure

Insulated water bottle - morning temperatures 6°C (43°F) make hot beverages essential for early activities

Quick-dry pants for outdoor activities - 70% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry after rain

Warm hat and light gloves for early morning activities and evening stargazing when temperatures drop to 6°C (43°F)

Packable down jacket - weighs 300g (10 oz) but essential for temperature drops after sunset

Waterproof daypack cover - frequent showers can soak through regular zippers during hiking

Long-sleeve UV protection shirts - September sun is deceptively strong during midday outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

University of Sherbrooke campus offers free parking on weekends and becomes a beautiful fall foliage walking area locals use as their 'secret' photo spot

Local farmers markets (Marché de la Gare) are best visited 8-9am on Saturdays - vendors offer bulk discounts on maple products and seasonal produce before tourist crowds arrive

Downtown restaurants extend patio season through September with propane heaters - locals book 5:30-6:30pm dinner slots to enjoy both warm temperatures and early evening ambiance before tourist rush

September 15-30 offers peak foliage viewing, but locals head to higher elevations (Mont-Orford summit) first - lower valley areas peak 7-10 days later when crowds discover the colors

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - September mornings at 6°C (43°F) require warm layers even though afternoons reach 19°C (66°F)

Planning all outdoor activities for afternoon - 2-5pm thunderstorms disrupt plans 33% of days, locals schedule hiking and cycling for 8am-1pm window

Assuming summer hours continue - many seasonal attractions reduce to weekend-only operation after Labour Day, always verify current schedules before traveling