Redwood in September: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 67/100 · #4 of 12 months
September is peak season — the 4th-busiest month of the year, at Redwood National Park: crowds run 76% of the June peak (71,819 average visits). Weather: highs average 67°F and lows 50°F, with 1.3″ of precipitation and 12.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Redwood in September
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: illumination is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Redwood in September: what the park service says
September is the last full month before Redwood Creek's seasonal closure: the park shuts dispersed camping along the creek from October 15 to April 1 for high water. Book the Tall Trees Trail ahead, since it needs a reservation in every season. As of late October 2026, the Mill Creek day-use area was open to the public on weekends only, with the gate locked each evening.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in September
Redwood averages 71,819 recreation visits in September — 76% of what June, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 67°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 50°F). It is typically dry (1.3″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 12.5 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station KLAMATH, CA US (4 mi from park coordinates, 28 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of September.
What to pack for Redwood in September
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Redwood are April and May.
Also at their best in September
Other parks whose computed September verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Wrangell–St. Elias in September — 25% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 84/100
- Guadalupe Mountains in September — 35% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in September — 29% of peak crowds, highs 81°F, score 80/100
- Isle Royale in September — 39% of peak crowds, highs 65°F, score 79/100
Common questions
Is Redwood crowded in September?
Yes — September runs 76% of Redwood's peak, averaging 71,819 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Redwood.
What is the weather like in Redwood in September?
Average highs of 67°F, lows of 50°F, 1.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, KLAMATH, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in September.
What should I pack for Redwood in September?
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in October instead? Redwood in October has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in September · Last verified 2026-09-24