DanckTravel

Growing up near the Cape, my family and I would often do a trip in September here.

We loved coming in September, especially since the weather is still really nice and a lot of sites are still open. You can still visit the beach, go mini-golfing and enjoy ice cream. Additionally, there are fewer crowds, making it a perfect place to unwind.

If you are looking to skip the summer rush by avoiding Cape Cod in August and July, September may be the right time of year to go for you! 

Key Takeaways

• The weather in Cape Cod is still really great in September, making it a great time to visit.
• There are fewer crowds in September, making it a good time to check out the shops or the beach.
• Consider renting a bike and exploring the Cape Cod Rail Trail, visiting Truro Treasures, or the Sandwich Glass Museum as part of your trip.

Weather in Cape Cod, MA, in September

The weather is still really nice down the Cape, with the high ranging from 74 to 66 degrees. The low ranges from 61 to 53 degrees. The beginning of the month is still pretty warm and good for swimming, while the end of the month gets noticeably cooler.

What to Wear in Cape Cod in September

In September, you can still bring shorts and short sleeves. However, we also recommend packing long pants and a light jacket. Even if you go in the early part of the month, nights may begin to cool down, so you’ll appreciate the extra layers.

Sites to Visit in Cape Cod in September

There is still plenty to do in Cape Cod in September. Check out our recommended Cape Cod sites below:

1. Visit Main Street Hyannis

Since summertime is over, shops won’t be as crowded, making this a perfect time to visit the cute little shops in Hyannis. 

Plus: If you are looking for a good dinner place, we recommend Alberto’s, which has great Italian food and is located right downtown.

2. Visit Truro Treasures

Truro Treasures began in 1992 as a way to save the Highland Lighthouse. Since then, it has taken place every year and offers a wide range of activities, including a flea market, car show, artist market and a homestyle breakfast. It’s a full weekend of activities, beginning in late September.

3. Go to the Beach

You can still go swimming in Cape Cod, particularly at the beginning of the month. (Temperatures may be too cool as the year progresses into October.)

The ocean also still benefits from months of the summer, with the water in the Nantucket Sound measuring at about 75 degrees and Cape Cod Bay sitting at around 71 degrees. Additionally, since kids are back at school, the beaches will be less crowded and many beaches will be free to visit after Labor Day. For this reason, the beginning of September may be one of the best times to visit Cape Cod.

Mayflower Beach

Please note: Most beaches will also not have lifeguards at this time, so you will need to be extra careful. Also, be sure to research which beaches you are visiting, since some beaches (for example, Chatham) are known for having sharks.

4. Visit Sandy Neck Beach

Since temperatures begin to cool down, we’d recommend going for a walk along Sandy Neck (be sure to bring good shoes). You can drive along here (but you need the right permit) or walk alongside the path. The main trail also breaks out onto the beach in several places, making it a great place to enjoy the water and views.

The trails in Sandy Neck

5. Drink Some Marylou’s 

Marylou’s is an iconic and locally owned coffee shop in South Shore Massachusetts. Everything is pink inside and flavors are infused into the coffee (without adding any extra sugar) making this a fun place to visit. Marylou’s is located in Hyannis.

6. See a Glassblowing Demo at the Sandwich Glass Museum

For cooler days where you may not want to go to the beach, the Sandwich Glass Museum is a really cool place to visit. They have live demonstrations with glass blowers, showing you how they make some of their products. I went here as a kid and got to participate in one of their demonstrations (which was really cool!)

7. Check out Antique Stores

There are numerous antique stores in Cape Cod, where you can buy paintings, jewelery and even furniture.

8. Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail stretches for over 25 miles. This is a perfect way to explore the Cape, whether running or biking.

9. Walk along the Cape Cod Canal

The Cape Cod Canal separates the Cape from the rest of Massachusetts and is a beautiful place to go walking, running, or fishing. It is about 7-8 miles and there is a trail on both sides to enjoy.

10. Go Whale Watching

You can go see the whales in Cape Cod from June through September. We’d recommend catching a tour from P-Town.

11. Take a Tour of Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory

I loved potato chips growing up, and getting to tour the factory was a really fun for me as a kid. At  the end of the tour, we also got to sample potato chips (which was my favorite part!)

12. Visit the Trampoline Center in Harwich

This was another activity I loved as a kid. It’s perfect for a day with good weather, but it isn’t warm enough for swimming. Each person gets their own trampoline, which they can jump on.

13. Visit the Beach in Chatham

Chatham is beautiful and we love coming here, particularly during sunset. The beach is relatively close to downtown. We recommend visiting the shops and then doing a stroll here.

The beach in Chatham

Final Thoughts

Have you gone to Cape Cod in the shoulder season? What was your favorite place to visit? Leave it in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Cod in September

Is it Still Warm in Cape Cod in September?

The weather is still warm in Cape Cod in September, though temperatures will generally cool down toward the end of the month. For this reason, September is considered on of the best times of year to visit Cape Cod.

Can you Still Go Swimming in September?

You can still go swimming in September (though there may not be any lifeguards). The weather at the beginning of the month is still warm enough.

Are there Whales in Cape Cod in September?

There are whales in Cape Cod between June and September.