Things to Do in Virginia Beach in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Virginia Beach

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Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Labor Day weekend tourism surge ends by September 8th - beaches are 60% less crowded than August while water temperature remains perfect at 23°C (74°F)
Hurricane season typically peaks mid-Atlantic in September, meaning Virginia Beach gets clearer skies and calmer seas as storms track further offshore
September marks peak dolphin migration season - sightings increase 400% as pods move south, making boat tours incredibly rewarding
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after Labor Day weekend but weather remains ideal for all outdoor activities through month-end

Considerations

Beach lifeguard coverage reduces to weekends-only after September 15th at most public beaches, requiring stronger swimming skills for weekday visits
September is Virginia Beach's driest month with only 5.1 mm (0.2 inches) rainfall - while great for beach days, it creates dusty conditions and higher fire risk for hiking
School groups flood attractions Tuesday-Thursday as field trip season begins, creating unexpected crowds at aquarium and historic sites during traditional 'quiet' weekdays

Best Activities in September

Virginia Aquarium Dolphin Watching Tours

September is absolute peak season for Atlantic bottlenose dolphin sightings as three major pods migrate through Chesapeake Bay. Water clarity improves dramatically post-summer algae blooms. Morning tours (8-10am) offer 85% sighting rates versus 40% in summer months. Calm September seas mean less seasickness and better photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours, day-of availability common for weekdays. Tours typically cost $35-45 for adults. Look for operators offering marine biologist guides and hydrophone equipment. See current tour options in the booking section below.

First Landing State Park Hiking Trails

September's low humidity (70% versus 85% in summer) makes the 32 km (20 miles) of trails comfortable for all-day hiking. Bald cypress trees begin autumn color changes, and migrating warblers create exceptional birdwatching. Trail Head Beach offers crowd-free swimming after 4pm when day-visitors leave.

Booking Tip: Park entry $5 per vehicle, no advance booking needed. Guided nature walks available weekends for $8-12 per person. Rent bikes on-site for $25-35 per day. Trail maps essential as cell service spotty in backcountry sections.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk Cycling Tours

The 5 km (3-mile) concrete boardwalk becomes perfectly rideable in September as summer pedestrian crowds thin out. Early morning rides (6-8am) offer stunning sunrise photography and access to the 10 large-scale outdoor murals without tourist photo queues. September's stable weather means 90% chance of clear morning conditions.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available from multiple boardwalk vendors for $20-30 per day. Electric bikes ($35-45/day) recommended for the oceanfront hills. Multi-day rentals offer 20-30% discounts. Book through established shops with helmet inclusion and repair services.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Tours

September's clearer atmospheric conditions provide exceptional visibility for this engineering marvel spanning 28 km (17.6 miles). Fishing piers at each tunnel island report peak rockfish activity in September. The visitor center's observation deck offers 360-degree bay views impossible during summer haze conditions.

Booking Tip: Self-drive tours $15 toll each way, guided bus tours typically $45-60 per person including stops at fishing piers. Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead, especially for weekend departures. Photography tours available through specialty operators for $75-95.

Cape Henry Lighthouse Historical Tours

America's first federally funded lighthouse (1792) offers 90-degree ocean views from its 49 m (161 ft) height. September's stable weather means the lighthouse is accessible 95% of days versus 70% during summer storm season. The adjacent First Landing Cross site provides context for 1607 Jamestown settlement.

Booking Tip: Tours run daily 10am-5pm, $8-12 admission. Climbing the lighthouse requires moderate fitness for 191 steps. Combination tickets with nearby Fort Story available for $15-20. Military ID provides discounts at this active base location.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Kayaking

September marks peak migration for tundra swans and snow geese, with 15,000+ birds passing through the refuge's 3,600 hectares (8,900 acres). Water levels stabilize after summer evaporation, opening previously shallow channels. The 8 km (5-mile) water trail connects to False Cape State Park for advanced paddlers.

Booking Tip: Refuge entry $5 per vehicle, kayak rentals from nearby outfitters typically $40-55 per day. Guided eco-tours available weekends for $65-85 per person. Launch permits required for motorized boats but not kayaks. Check current bird migration reports before visiting.

September Events & Festivals

Late September

Neptune Festival

Virginia Beach's largest cultural celebration featuring 350+ artists, live music on 6 stages, and the International Sand Sculpting Championship. The festival transforms the boardwalk into a massive outdoor gallery with local seafood vendors and craft demonstrations.

Mid September

East Coast Surfing Championships

Professional and amateur surfing competition running since 1963, typically drawing 100+ competitors and 75,000 spectators to the oceanfront. September's consistent 1-2 meter (3-6 foot) swells create ideal competition conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover in September's dry conditions

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - while September is dry, scattered afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly over the ocean

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - boardwalk can become slippery from morning dew and sea spray

Layered clothing for 16°C (29°F) temperature swings - mornings start cool but afternoons reach full summer heat

Insulated water bottle - dehydration happens faster in September's low humidity despite comfortable temperatures

Wide-brimmed hat - beach reflection intensifies UV exposure even on partly cloudy days

Waterproof phone case - essential for dolphin watching tours and water activities

Cash in small bills - many boardwalk vendors and parking meters don't accept cards

Binoculars - September's clear air and bird migration make wildlife viewing exceptional

Light long-sleeve shirt - protects against both sun exposure and evening mosquitoes in marshy areas

Insider Knowledge

Visit Chick's Beach (Chesapeake Bay side) instead of oceanfront beaches Tuesday-Thursday - locals' secret spot with calmer water, free parking, and better sunset views without tourist crowds

Boardwalk restaurants offer 'locals night' discounts Sunday-Wednesday in September - typically 20-30% off with Virginia ID, but many extend to any non-peak season visitor who asks

September is soft-shell crab season in Chesapeake Bay - order 'softies' at Lynnhaven Inlet restaurants for peak freshness, typically $8-12 cheaper than tourist areas

Free trolley service connects major attractions September 15-30 as tourism board promotes shoulder season - saves $15-25 daily on parking and provides local commentary