Things to Do in Orlando in September

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September is the wettest month of the year in Orlando. That single fact should shape every decision you make about this trip. The city averages 338mm (13.3 inches) of rain across roughly 23 days, and the humidity sits at a relentless 85%. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in like clockwork, typically between 2pm and 5pm, dropping heavy rain for 30 to 90 minutes before the sky clears again. The temperature hovers around 30°C (86°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, which sounds manageable until you factor in the moisture. It tends to feel closer to 38°C (100°F) when you're standing in a theme park queue at 1pm.

That said, September has two genuine draws that keep a certain type of visitor coming back. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is in full swing by early September, and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando typically opens its first weekend around mid-September. These are real, calendar-defining events. Worth noting, too, that September falls firmly in low season. Kids are back in school across the country. Wait times at Walt Disney World and Universal can drop by half compared to June or July. Hotel rates follow.

So here is the honest trade. You get dramatically lower prices, shorter lines, and two of Orlando's best annual events. You pay for it with oppressive heat, daily downpours, and the looming reality that September sits at the statistical peak of Atlantic hurricane season. If you can tolerate the weather and build flexibility into your plans, September is a surprisingly smart month to visit. If you need reliable sunshine and comfortable outdoor conditions, wait until late October or November.

Why visit in September

Theme park crowds drop sharply once schools reopen, with wait times at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando often 30-50% shorter than summer peaks
Hotel rates across International Drive and the Disney Springs area tend to fall 30-45% below the December-March high season
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs daily from late August through late November, with over 25 global marketplaces serving small plates and wine pairings
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal typically opens mid-September, with select-night tickets often cheaper in September than October
Annual pass blockout dates for Disney's lower-tier passes usually lift by mid-September, so you'll see fewer locals crowding the parks on weekdays

Worth knowing

September is Orlando's rainiest month at 338mm, with afternoon thunderstorms on roughly 23 of 30 days that can strand you under awnings or inside gift shops
Atlantic hurricane season peaks in September. While a direct hit on Orlando is statistically uncommon, tropical storms can still disrupt flights and close parks for 1-2 days
The 85% humidity makes any outdoor activity between 11am and 4pm physically draining, especially for children and older visitors
Several smaller attractions and independent restaurants along I-Drive and in Kissimmee run reduced hours or close for annual maintenance during the low season

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 30° / 23°C 338mm rain · 23 rainy days · 85% humidity rains perceptibly ~3.4h/day · 77% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics in light colors. A compact rain jacket or poncho is non-negotiable. Waterproof sandals or shoes that dry quickly, plus one pair of closed-toe shoes for evening events. A small packable umbrella for the walk between your car and the restaurant.

September still carries summer's full heat, with average highs near 30°C (86°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F). The humidity rarely drops below 80%, and afternoon thunderstorms arrive on 23 of 30 days. Mornings often start deceptively clear and warm, with clouds building by noon and rain falling hard between 2pm and 5pm. Evenings tend to cool slightly but remain sticky. Lightning is frequent and genuine. Orlando sits in the lightning capital of the United States, and September is part of the peak window for electrical storms.

Seasonal caution

September is the statistical peak of Atlantic hurricane season. Orlando sits roughly 80km (50 miles) inland, which reduces storm surge risk, but tropical-storm-force winds, heavy flooding, and multi-day park closures remain real possibilities. Monitor the National Hurricane Center forecasts starting 2 weeks before your trip and buy travel insurance with hurricane coverage.
The heat index regularly reaches 38-41°C (100-106°F) during midday hours. The National Weather Service issues heat advisories for Central Florida several times each September. Drink water constantly, take indoor breaks every 60-90 minutes, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially in children.
Lightning storms in Central Florida are among the most intense in the country. Theme parks temporarily close outdoor rides and water attractions during nearby lightning. A single afternoon storm cell can shut down 60% of a park's ride capacity for 30-60 minutes.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Orlando
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	20	10	52
Feb	24	13	60
Mar	27	15	73
Apr	28	17	91
May	31	21	128
Jun	32	23	240
Jul	32	24	225
Aug	32	24	263
Sep	30	23	338
Oct	28	19	108
Nov	25	16	83
Dec	23	13	59

Headline events

Citywide

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Late August through late November (running daily throughout September)

Over 25 global marketplace kiosks serve small plates, wines, and craft cocktails across EPCOT's World Showcase lagoon. Live concerts on the Eat to the Beat series run nightly. September weekdays are the least crowded period of the entire festival run, which extends through late November.

#EPCOTFoodAndWine

Citywide

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando

Select nights from early-to-mid September through early November

Universal's flagship Halloween event transforms the park with 10 haunted houses, 5 scare zones, and roaming actors after dark on select nights. September opening weekends tend to draw smaller crowds than the October dates, with notably shorter house wait times.

#HHN

Best things to do in September

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival grazing

food and drink

The World Showcase lagoon path stretches 1.9km around 11 country pavilions, each hosting at least one festival marketplace kiosk. September weekdays might see 15-minute waits at the busiest kiosks, compared to 30-40 minutes by late October. The Eat to the Beat concert series runs nightly at the America Gardens Theatre.

September weekday crowds at EPCOT are among the lowest of the festival's 3-month run, so you can graze more kiosks per hour.

Booking tipNo reservation needed for the marketplace kiosks. For the festival's special ticketed dining experiences, book through the My Disney Experience app as far in advance as possible.

Halloween Horror Nights opening weekends

entertainment

Universal Orlando's scare event runs on select nights, typically Fridays and Saturdays in September before expanding to more nights in October. The 10 haunted houses are built inside soundstages and outdoor queue paths, each themed to a different horror property. Fog, strobe lights, and the smell of fog-machine fluid fill the air.

September opening weekends typically have shorter haunted house waits than October, and tickets tend to cost less before peak Halloween demand.

Booking tipBuy tickets online in advance. Express passes, which let you skip the regular queue once per house, sell separately.

Morning theme park touring before the storms

sightseeing

Orlando's September weather pattern is remarkably predictable. Mornings are hot but dry, with clouds building after noon. The window from park opening (typically 8am or 9am for Walt Disney World, 9am for Universal) through about 1pm is your best outdoor window. Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland and Adventureland are nearly walkable at 9am on a September Tuesday.

Low September crowds mean the morning window before afternoon storms lets you cover more ground than any summer month.

Booking tipCheck the My Disney Experience or Universal Orlando apps for park-specific opening hours, which can shift week to week in September.

Indoor attraction deep dives

sightseeing

September's afternoon storms make this the month to spend 3 hours inside attractions you might rush through in nicer weather. The queue for Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom is an experience in itself, with bioluminescent cave details. EPCOT's Spaceship Earth takes 15 minutes. The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom has over 1,000 individual props.

The 2pm-5pm daily rain window creates natural indoor time, and low September crowds mean shorter waits for the indoor rides you'd normally skip.

Kayaking or paddleboarding at Wekiwa Springs

outdoors

Wekiwa Springs State Park sits about 30 minutes north of downtown Orlando. The spring-fed water holds a constant 22°C (72°F) year-round, and the Wekiva River paddle trail runs about 13km through subtropical forest. Expect to see turtles, herons, and possibly an alligator sunning on the bank.

September heat makes the cool spring water feel particularly refreshing. Weekday mornings are quiet, with the park seeing lower visitation than summer months.

Booking tipArrive before 10am on weekends, as the parking lot at Wekiwa Springs can fill by late morning even in September.

Evening dining along Restaurant Row

food and drink

Sand Lake Road, known locally as Restaurant Row, runs about 3km through a corridor of over 50 restaurants between International Drive and the Florida Turnpike. September's lower tourist counts mean you can often walk into places that require 2-week reservations in March. The mix skews international, with Vietnamese, Colombian, Brazilian, Indian, and Thai options within a few blocks.

Low-season September means easier reservations and shorter waits at restaurants that are packed December through April.

Day trip to Blue Spring State Park

outdoors

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, about 45 minutes north of Orlando, is Florida's largest spring on the St. Johns River. The spring run stays at 22°C (72°F) and is open for swimming in September. The boardwalk along the spring run is about 400 meters, and the water is clear enough to see fish and turtles from above.

Manatees haven't arrived yet (they come November through March), which means the swimming area at the spring head is open. September weekday visits are uncrowded.

Booking tipReserve a parking spot online through the Florida State Parks reservation system, especially for weekend visits.

Exploring Disney Springs without the crowds

shopping and dining

Disney Springs is a free-admission outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district on Walt Disney World property. September foot traffic drops noticeably from summer levels. The Boathouse restaurant sits on the waterfront, Morimoto Asia occupies a 2-story space, and the LEGO Store has a massive outdoor brick display along the waterfront.

September's low crowds make Disney Springs walkable in the evenings without the shoulder-to-shoulder density of holiday months.

What to eat in September

In season: fruit

Muscadine grapes
Florida's native grape variety peaks in September. You might find them at farmers markets in Winter Garden and Winter Park, with a thick skin and sweet, musky flavor unlike anything from California.

On menus now

Stone crab claws (pre-season)
The official Florida stone crab season opens October 15, but September is when restaurants along Restaurant Row start building their menus around early arrivals. Availability varies by the week.

In markets

Datil pepper hot sauce
Datil peppers from the St. Augustine growing region reach peak harvest in September. Several Orlando-area restaurants and the Winter Park Farmers' Market carry fresh datil sauces and salsas during this window.

Festival food

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival small plates
The festival rotates globally inspired small plates across its 25-plus kiosks. Lamb chops from the Australia booth, lobster tail from the Canada booth, and Brazilian cheese bread from the Brazil booth are September staples.

Regular events in September

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

A separately ticketed after-hours event at Magic Kingdom with trick-or-treat trails, the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, and the HalloWishes fireworks show. Select nights in September, typically 2-3 dates before the event expands in October.

Select nights in September

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven, about 45 minutes southwest of Orlando, runs its Brick or Treat Halloween event on weekends starting in September. Trick-or-treat stations, LEGO character meet-and-greets, and a fireworks show are included with park admission.

Weekends from mid-September through late October

Orlando Philharmonic season opener

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra typically opens its new season in mid-to-late September at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando, a 2,700-seat venue that opened in 2014.

Mid-to-late September

Wall Street Plaza block partiesFree

Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando, a cluster of about 8 bars along a pedestrian stretch of Wall Street between Orange Avenue and Court Avenue, hosts periodic block parties on weekend evenings. September events tend to draw a younger, local crowd rather than tourists.

Select weekend evenings

Best places this September

EPCOT World Showcase
theme park
The 1.9km loop around the World Showcase lagoon hosts 11 country pavilions plus the 25-plus Food & Wine Festival marketplace kiosks in September. The Mexico pavilion has indoor air-conditioned boat ride and tequila bar. September weekdays are some of the quietest days you'll find here all year.
Walt Disney World
Universal CityWalk
entertainment district
The free-admission entertainment and dining district between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The open-air walkway connects restaurants, shops, and a movie theater. September evenings after a rain shower cool down enough to make the walk comfortable, and the neon lights reflect on the wet pavement.
Universal Orlando Resort
Wekiwa Springs State Park
nature
A natural spring about 30 minutes north of downtown Orlando where the water holds at 22°C (72°F) year-round. The spring head is swimmable, and the Wekiva River offers a 13km paddle trail through cypress and palm forest. September weekday mornings are particularly quiet.
Apopka
Winter Park
neighborhood
A walkable town about 20 minutes north of downtown Orlando. Park Avenue runs 10 blocks with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Scenic Boat Tour on the Winter Park chain of lakes has run since 1938 and takes about an hour. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum holds the world's largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass.
Winter Park
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
theme park
Split across two Universal parks, with Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. The Hogwarts Express train connects them (requires a park-to-park ticket). September crowds are low enough that you can walk through Diagon Alley without the June shoulder-to-shoulder bottleneck.
Universal Orlando Resort
ICON Park
entertainment
An entertainment complex on International Drive anchored by the 122-meter (400-foot) Orlando Eye observation wheel. The complex includes Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. September is a quieter period for the I-Drive corridor, so wait times for the wheel are typically short.
International Drive
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
nature
A 177-hectare (440-acre) preserve on the southwest edge of Orlando, about 15 minutes from Walt Disney World. Four hiking trails total roughly 6km through Florida scrub and wetland habitat. September mornings before 10am are the best window before heat and storms build.
Southwest Orlando

Your packing checklist

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0 of 8 packed

Compact rain poncho or packable rain jacketYou will use this daily. Afternoon storms hit 23 of 30 days. A poncho packs smaller than an umbrella and keeps your hands free on rides.Shop
Moisture-wicking shirts in light colorsCotton holds sweat in 85% humidity. Synthetic or merino blend fabrics dry faster and keep you cooler. Bring at least one per day, as you'll want to change after a morning in the parks.Shop
Waterproof sandals or quick-dry shoesPuddles form fast on theme park walkways after storms. Shoes that can get soaked and dry within an hour save you from spending the rest of the day in wet sneakers.Shop
Refillable water bottle with insulationStaying hydrated in 30°C heat at 85% humidity is not optional. Walt Disney World and Universal both have free water stations. An insulated bottle keeps water cold for hours.Shop
Portable phone chargerTheme park apps (My Disney Experience, Universal Orlando app) drain phone batteries fast. A full day of GPS, Lightning Lane, and photo uploads can kill a phone by 2pm.Shop
Broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen SPF 50+The UV index in Central Florida in September regularly hits 10-11, which is extreme. Ears, neck, and the tops of feet in sandals burn fast.Shop
One set of closed-toe evening shoesFor Restaurant Row dinners, Disney Springs, or Halloween Horror Nights. The rest of the day can be sandals, but you'll want proper shoes for evening events.Shop
Dry bag or large zip-lock bagsKeep your phone, wallet, and portable charger dry during sudden downpours. A dry bag also protects electronics on water rides like Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom.Shop

Insider tips

The afternoon storm pattern in September is so predictable that experienced Orlando visitors plan around it. Hit the parks from opening until about 1pm, retreat to your hotel pool or an indoor attraction during the 2pm-5pm rain window, then return for evening hours when the parks are cool and nearly empty.
If you're doing Halloween Horror Nights on a September opening weekend, enter the park at regular park close rather than buying the separate early-entry add-on. September opening weekends are rarely crowded enough to justify the extra cost. Walk the houses in geographic order from the back of the park forward, as most guests start near the front.
The free Disney Skyliner gondola system connects EPCOT's International Gateway (the back entrance near France and the United Kingdom pavilions) to Disney's Hollywood Studios and several resort hotels. In September, you can walk on without waiting, and the air-conditioned cabins are a welcome break from the heat.
September is one of the best months to try walk-up dining at Disney Springs and Restaurant Row. Restaurants that require reservations 2 weeks out during peak season often have same-day availability. The Boathouse at Disney Springs and Dragonfly Robata Grill on Restaurant Row are worth checking.
Check the Universal Orlando app for virtual line availability at Halloween Horror Nights. Some houses offer a virtual queue on slower September nights, which lets you wait in a less crowded area instead of standing in a physical line in the lingering evening humidity.
Wekiwa Springs parking fills early on September weekends despite the lower tourist counts, because locals flock to the springs to escape the heat. Arrive before 9am or go on a weekday.

Avoid these mistakes

Planning a full outdoor day with no indoor backup. September storms are not a possibility, they are a near-certainty. Visitors who build a rigid all-outdoor itinerary lose 2-3 hours standing under awnings or sitting in gift shops. Build in at least one indoor attraction or restaurant for the 2pm-5pm window.
Skipping travel insurance. September sits at the statistical peak of Atlantic hurricane season, and even a tropical storm passing 150km away can cancel flights and close parks for a day or two. Standard airline rebooking policies may not cover weather delays, and hotel cancellation policies at Disney and Universal resorts vary by rate type.
Wearing cotton to the parks. Cotton absorbs sweat and rain, and in 85% humidity it never fully dries. By midday you're chafing, and by evening you smell like a gym bag. Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics dry in 30 minutes and make the heat noticeably more bearable.
Underestimating the heat index. The air temperature reads 30°C (86°F), but the heat index with 85% humidity pushes the felt temperature to 38-41°C (100-106°F). Visitors who pace themselves for 30°C weather end up dehydrated and heat-sick by 2pm. Drink water every 20-30 minutes and take a 15-minute indoor break every hour.
Buying Halloween Horror Nights tickets at the gate on arrival night. Online advance purchase is almost always cheaper, and some September dates sell out despite being lower-demand than October. Check Universal's website 4-6 weeks before your trip for the best selection of dates and ticket tiers.

Practical tips for September

Book hotels along International Drive or in the Kissimmee corridor for the best September rates, as these areas discount most aggressively during low season. Download the My Disney Experience and Universal Orlando apps before you arrive, as they handle everything from ride wait times to mobile food ordering and virtual queues. Keep a rain plan for every day. If you're splitting your trip between Disney and Universal parks, put Universal on the days you plan to do Halloween Horror Nights so you're already inside the resort. Rental car pickup at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is on the south side of the terminal, and September lines at the rental counters tend to be short. For the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, eat a light breakfast and start grazing the marketplace kiosks when World Showcase opens at 11am, as the freshest food comes out in the first hour. Lightning closures at theme parks can last 30-60 minutes per storm cell. The parks reopen rides once the lightning clears the area, so waiting it out inside a nearby restaurant or shop is better than leaving.

FAQ

Does it really rain every day in Orlando in September?

It rains on roughly 23 of 30 days, but the pattern is predictable. Mornings are typically clear and hot, with clouds building after noon and rain falling between about 2pm and 5pm. The storms drop heavy rain for 30 to 90 minutes, then clear. Entire washout days are uncommon unless a tropical system is nearby. Most visitors find they can plan around the daily pattern once they expect it.

Are the theme parks open during hurricanes and tropical storms?

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando both close when a hurricane threatens the area, typically announcing closures 24-36 hours in advance. For tropical storms, it depends on conditions. Parks may open late or close early rather than shut down entirely. In the event of a full closure, both resorts have historically offered ticket date changes or rain checks, though policies vary by ticket type. Monitor the National Hurricane Center and the parks' official apps starting 2 weeks before your trip.

Is September a good month for Halloween Horror Nights?

September is likely the best month for Halloween Horror Nights if your priority is shorter waits and lower ticket prices. Opening weekends in September typically see lighter crowds than any October date, and house wait times can run 30-50% shorter. The full lineup of houses and scare zones is open from night one. The trade-off is fewer event nights per week, as Universal usually runs the event only on Fridays and Saturdays in September before expanding to additional nights in October.

How bad is the humidity in Orlando in September?

The average humidity is around 85%, which feels heavy. Your sunglasses fog when you step out of air conditioning. Your clothes stick to your skin within 10 minutes of walking outdoors. The combination of 30°C air temperature and 85% humidity creates a heat index around 38-41°C (100-106°F). You adapt somewhat after 2-3 days, but it never becomes comfortable for extended outdoor activity. Moisture-wicking clothing, constant water intake, and planned indoor breaks every 60-90 minutes make it manageable.

Can I still enjoy the pool at my hotel in September?

Absolutely. Hotel pools in Orlando are usable year-round, and September's 30°C daytime temperature makes the pool one of the best parts of the trip. Many visitors build their afternoon around pool time during the 2pm-5pm storm window, swimming between the rain bursts. The water temperature in outdoor pools typically sits around 28-30°C (82-86°F) in September. Lightning will close a pool temporarily, but staff reopen it once the storm cell passes.

How far in advance should I book hotels and tickets for September?

For hotels, booking 4-6 weeks ahead usually captures the best September rates, as properties discount to fill rooms during low season. Last-minute deals are also common. For Walt Disney World and Universal tickets, prices are generally fixed, but multi-day packages with bonus days or dining credits appear more frequently in September promotions. Halloween Horror Nights tickets should be purchased at least 3-4 weeks ahead for your preferred date, as some September nights do sell out despite being less popular than October.