Things to Do in Austria in September

September Weather in Austria

19°C (66°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

70 mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Harvest season transforms wine regions - tastings at 600+ wineries feature fresh Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, with Heuriger (wine taverns) serving new wine with chestnuts and seasonal dishes
Perfect hiking weather in Alps - temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) at 1,000m (3,280ft) elevation mean comfortable day hikes without summer's oppressive heat or winter gear requirements
Cultural season begins - Vienna State Opera reopens after summer break, Salzburg's concert halls resume full schedules, and museum crowds drop 40% from August peaks
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 25-35% from summer rates, and many restaurants offer special autumn menus featuring game, pumpkin, and mushroom dishes

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall - 8 rainy days monthly with sudden afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours can disrupt outdoor plans, especially hiking above 1,500m (4,921ft)
Daylight shortens rapidly - from 13.5 hours early September to 11.5 hours by month's end, limiting evening outdoor activities and sightseeing time
Alpine cable cars begin seasonal closures - many high-altitude lifts shut down for maintenance after mid-September, restricting access to peaks like Dachstein and Kitzsteinhorn

Best Activities in September

Wachau Valley Wine Harvest Tours

September is peak harvest season in Austria's premier wine region. Temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) create perfect conditions for cycling between terraced vineyards along the Danube. Vintners welcome visitors to participate in grape picking, and traditional Heuriger serve Sturm (partially fermented wine) only available during harvest weeks. Morning mists clear by 10am, revealing spectacular valley views.

Booking Tip: Book vineyard tours 2-3 weeks ahead as harvest dates vary by weather. Expect to pay €45-85 for full-day cycling wine tours including tastings. Look for operators offering rain contingency plans. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Salzkammergut Lake District Hiking

September offers ideal hiking conditions before winter closures. Temperatures rarely exceed 18°C (64°F) at lake level, perfect for multi-hour treks around Hallstatt, Wolfgangsee, and Gosausee. Morning fog creates dramatic photography opportunities, lifting by 11am to reveal crystal-clear alpine lakes. Autumn foliage begins on higher elevations above 800m (2,625ft).

Booking Tip: Book guided mountain hikes 7-10 days ahead. Day tours cost €35-65 per person. Verify weather conditions 24 hours prior - trails above 1,200m (3,937ft) may close suddenly due to early snow. Independent hikers should check bergfex.com for current trail conditions.

Vienna Cultural District Walking Tours

September marks the reopening of Vienna's cultural season after summer renovations. Comfortable walking temperatures of 16-20°C (61-68°F) make exploring the Ringstrasse and Museum Quarter pleasant for hours. The Vienna State Opera, Burgtheater, and Musikverein resume full programming. Fewer tourists mean shorter museum lines and better photography opportunities at Schönbrunn Palace.

Booking Tip: Book combination walking and cultural tours 5-7 days ahead. Expect €25-45 for 3-hour walking tours, €15-25 extra for museum entries. Evening tours are popular as opera season begins - book performance tickets 2-4 weeks ahead through official venues.

Salzburg Sound of Music and Historic Tours

Mild September weather enhances outdoor filming locations around Salzburg. Temperatures of 14-19°C (57-66°F) make cycling through Mirabell Gardens and walking to Nonnberg Abbey comfortable. The city's concert season restarts, offering authentic classical music experiences beyond tourist productions. Autumn light creates better photography conditions at Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Booking Tip: Combination tours covering film locations and classical music venues cost €30-55. Book concert tickets separately 10-14 days ahead - authentic performances at Salzburg Mozarteum are superior to tourist shows. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Innsbruck Alpine Adventures

September offers last chance for high-altitude experiences before winter closures. The Nordkette Cable Car operates full schedules with temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) at 2,256m (7,402ft) summit. Clear weather provides spectacular views across the Inn Valley. Lower elevations around 600m (1,969ft) feature comfortable hiking in Stubai Valley with emerging autumn colors.

Booking Tip: Book cable car and hiking combinations 3-5 days ahead, costing €35-75 depending on elevation and activities included. Weather changes rapidly above 1,500m (4,921ft) - morning departures recommended. Verify lift operations as some close mid-month for maintenance.

Danube River Valley Cycling Routes

September provides ideal cycling conditions along Austria's premier bike route from Passau to Vienna. Temperatures of 12-18°C (54-64°F) with light winds make 50-80km (31-50 mile) daily distances comfortable. River paths remain dry except during brief afternoon showers. Ferry connections operate full schedules, and riverside gastronomy features seasonal game and harvest specialties.

Booking Tip: Self-guided cycling packages including bike rental, accommodation, and luggage transport cost €65-95 daily. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for September departures. E-bikes available for €10-15 daily surcharge. Weather protection and ferry backup plans essential for multi-day tours.

September Events & Festivals

Early September

Wiener Festwochen Autumn Opening

Vienna's cultural institutions reopen after summer break with special premiere performances and exhibitions. The State Opera, Burgtheater, and major concert halls launch their autumn seasons with gala performances and reduced-price preview shows.

Mid September

Genuss Festival Salzburg

Regional food and wine festival showcasing Austrian harvest specialties including new wine, seasonal game, and traditional autumn dishes. Local producers offer tastings and cooking demonstrations in Salzburg's historic squares.

Early October (preparation events in late September)

Lange Nacht der Museen

Annual museum night when 700+ museums across Austria open until 1am for one ticket price of €15. Particularly popular in Vienna and Salzburg with special exhibitions and evening programming unavailable other times.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 9°C (48°F) require light fleece, while afternoons reach 19°C (66°F) needing only cotton shirts

Waterproof jacket with hood - September averages 8 rainy days with sudden 1-2 hour downpours, especially in alpine regions above 800m (2,625ft)

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestones in historic centers become slippery when wet, and hiking trails may have morning frost

Light scarf or neck warmer - evening temperatures drop quickly after sunset, particularly noticeable during outdoor concerts and wine garden visits

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden afternoon showers during sightseeing, fits easily in daypack for hiking and cycling tours

Sunscreen SPF 30+ - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially at alpine elevations where reflection increases exposure

Long pants for hiking - trails above 1,000m (3,280ft) can have morning temperatures of 5-8°C (41-46°F) with possible frost

Light gloves for early morning - necessary for sunrise photography sessions and early cable car departures to alpine peaks

Wool socks - essential for hiking boots and general comfort as temperatures drop, particularly during multi-hour outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early August - September is peak conference season in Vienna and Salzburg, driving up weekday hotel rates by 40-60% compared to summer leisure pricing

Wine harvest participation requires advance booking - most Wachau and Burgenland wineries limit visitor numbers during actual harvest weeks, typically September 15-30 depending on weather

Alpine weather changes within hours - mountain webcams and bergfex.com provide real-time conditions essential for hiking above 1,200m (3,937ft) where early snow is possible

Cultural season tickets go on sale in July - Vienna State Opera and Salzburg venues offer subscription discounts for September-December performances, saving 25-35% over individual tickets

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - tourists pack only for warm weather and get caught in sudden temperature drops from 19°C to 9°C (66°F to 48°F) within hours

Assuming all alpine attractions remain open - many cable cars and mountain huts begin closing mid-September for maintenance, stranding visitors with incomplete itineraries

Booking wine tours without checking harvest dates - actual grape picking varies by 2-3 weeks yearly, and many vineyards limit access during peak harvest activity