Last updated: February 24, 2025
In September, Traverse City experiences a dynamic climate, with maximum temperatures reaching a sultry 34°C (93°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F) that invites outdoor activities. The month ushers in some refreshing coolness, as minimum temperatures can dip to 2°C (36°F), creating a delightful contrast. Although the landscape basks in warmth, precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 12 days, contributing to the region's lush scenery. Additionally, the humidity level hovers around a comfortable 79%, adding to the overall richness of the early autumn atmosphere.
In Traverse City, September marks a significant transition as summer slowly bows to autumn. With temperatures ranging from a cool minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), this month showcases the last glimpses of summer warmth. The average temperature settles at a comfortable 17°C (63°F), inviting locals and tourists alike to enjoy the stunning fall foliage and outdoor activities. Notably, the noticeable drop from August’s lingering heat highlights the shift towards cooler days, promising crisp air and vibrant landscapes, making September a captivating time to explore this beautiful region.
In September, Traverse City experiences a moderate precipitation level of 80 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 12 days. This marks a slight decrease from the more substantial rainfall in the summer months, particularly August, which saw 89 mm (3.5 in). As the transition to fall begins, this gradual reduction in rainfall hints at the approaching seasonal shift, preparing the landscape for October's more substantial average of 135 mm (5.3 in). The trend indicates that September serves as a bridge between the lush summer months and the wetter, often stormier conditions of autumn, with rainfall patterns showcasing a shift from frequent summer showers to the increasingly persistent precipitation typical of the fall.
As September unfolds in Traverse City, the humidity settles at a comfortable 79%, slightly higher than the summer months but still a relief from the intense moisture of mid-winter. This month marks a subtle transition, reflecting a gradual rise from the warmer July and August averages of 75% and 76%, respectively. The humidity levels in September create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the crisp autumn air, while hinting at the approaching increase towards the 83% average humidity in October. The pattern observed throughout the year showcases a remarkable, cyclical rhythm, with humidity peaking in the colder months and dipping during summer, demonstrating Mother Nature's delicate balance in this charming northern locale.
As September rolls into Traverse City, residents and visitors can expect a high UV Index level of 7, marking a slight decline from the intense summer months. The burn time extends to 25 minutes, offering a bit more leeway for outdoor activities compared to the peak summer values, where indices reached 9 and 10. This month signals a transition from the very high exposure levels of August, making it essential to remain sun-aware, especially during midday hours. With our beautifully crisp autumn days on the horizon, enjoying the outdoors is still enticing, but don’t forget your sunscreen! For more details, check out the Traverse City UV Index.
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As summer transitions into fall, September in Traverse City continues to bask in the warmth of the sun, boasting 279 hours of glorious sunshine. This delightful month stands as a testament to the area’s abundant summer glow, with only a modest decline from the peak of 362 hours in July. The days grow shorter, yet September's sunshine remains generous, significantly outshining the winter months, showcasing over twice the sunlight of January's mere 83 hours. This gentle decline in sunlight hints at nature's shift towards autumn, inviting locals and visitors alike to soak in the vibrant colors and comfortable temperatures before the colder months take hold.
As summer transitions into fall, September in Traverse City experiences a delightful upswing in sunny weather, boasting a considerable 52% chance of sunshine. This trend reflects a peak that aligns closely with the sunny conditions of July and August, suggesting that the warmth of late summer extends into early autumn. Compared to the cooler months preceding it, where the likelihood of sun dramatically dips, September emerges as a golden opportunity for outdoor activities and enjoying the picturesque scenery of this charming locale. With the sun shining bright, visitors can relish in the vibrant fall colors that begin to emerge, making it an ideal time to explore the beauty of Traverse City.
As summer transitions to autumn in Traverse City, September brings a gentle shift in daylight duration, with the sun gracing the skies for 12 hours each day. This decrease from August's 13 hours marks the beginning of a gradual descent into shorter days, a trend that will continue through the fall months. From the long, sun-drenched days of June and July, where daylight peaks at 15 hours, to the early twilight of October with only 10 hours, the rhythm of daylight in Traverse City beautifully showcases the seasonal ebb and flow. Embracing these changes, September offers a balance—a time for enjoying lingering light while hinting at the cozy evenings ahead.
As September arrives in Traverse City, the wind begins to pick up slightly, with an average speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph). This gentle breeze is a welcome change from the summer months, which saw lower average speeds around 2.9 to 3.1 m/s. The transition into fall brings a refreshing energy, hinting at the cooler days ahead. Interestingly, the wind seems to strengthen as the year progresses, with noticeable increases in October and November, reaching peaks of 4.4 m/s (10 mph) and 4.8 m/s (11 mph), respectively. This pattern suggests that while September offers a mild respite, the winds will soon become more robust, further enriching the vibrant tapestry of Traverse City's seasonal changes.
The weather in Traverse City changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of September's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Traverse City and find detailed weather information for every month.
September and January exhibit stark contrasts in weather patterns. September typically welcomes milder temperatures that range from a chilly minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging around 17°C (63°F). In contrast, January brings the chill of winter, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -24°C (-10°F) and an average of -4°C (24°F), only reaching a maximum of 10°C (50°F). While September experiences about 80 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over 12 days, January sees slightly less precipitation at 58 mm (2.3 in) across 13 days, coupled with a higher humidity level of 91%. For a closer look at January conditions, check Traverse City weather in January.
September and February showcase dramatically different weather conditions. In September, temperatures range from a mild 2°C (36°F) at night to a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 17°C (63°F). This month sees about 80 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over 12 days, coupled with a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, February offers a much colder experience, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -21°C (-5°F) and a maximum of 11°C (52°F), averaging -5°C (23°F). Precipitation in February is slightly lower at 60 mm (2.4 in), also spread across 12 days, but the humidity is higher at 91%. For more details on what to expect, check out Traverse City weather in February.
In comparing the weather of September and March, notable differences emerge. September boasts a warmer average temperature of 17°C (63°F) with highs reaching up to 34°C (93°F), while March averages a much chillier -1°C (31°F), even experiencing lows of -16°C (4°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in September at 80 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 12 days, compared to March's 60 mm (2.4 in) across 11 days. Humidity is also prevalent in both months, with September sitting at 79% and March slightly higher at 87%. For more specific insights into March weather, you can visit Traverse City weather in March.
September and April present striking contrasts in weather patterns. In September, temperatures range from a mild 2°C (36°F) at night to a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 17°C (63°F). Although it sees less rainfall with 80 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, humidity levels are high at 79%. In contrast, April experiences cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows dropping to -12°C (10°F), daytime highs reaching up to 26°C (79°F), and an average of 5°C (41°F). This month receives slightly more precipitation, totaling 98 mm (3.9 in) across 13 days, with humidity peaking at 87%. For a closer look at April's weather dynamics, check out Traverse City weather in April.
September and May present distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition of seasons. In September, temperatures range from a mild 2°C (36°F) at night to a warm average of 17°C (63°F) during the day, with peaks reaching 34°C (93°F). The month sees an average precipitation of 80 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days and a humidity level of 79%. On the other hand, May experiences cooler nights with temperatures dipping to around -1°C (30°F) and a daytime average of 12°C (53°F). While the maximum temperature can reach 32°C (89°F), May is wetter with 116 mm (4.5 in) of rainfall over the same number of days and slightly higher humidity at 82%. For a detailed look at May's weather, check out Traverse City weather in May.
In September, temperatures in Traverse City vary significantly, ranging from a chilly minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average temperature around 17°C (63°F). The month experiences about 80 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over 12 days, maintaining a consistent humidity level of 79%. In contrast, June has slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and a maximum of 31°C (89°F). Although it has higher total precipitation at 107 mm (4.2 in) over 11 days, the humidity remains the same at 79%. For more details on June weather patterns, you can visit Traverse City weather in June.
September weather in Traverse City tends to showcase a greater range of temperatures compared to July, with minimum temperatures dipping to 2°C (36°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F). The average temperature in September is about 17°C (63°F), while in July, it is warmer at an average of 21°C (71°F). Despite July's higher average temperatures, it experiences slightly less precipitation (106 mm or 4.2 inches) over fewer days (9 days) than September, which sees 80 mm (3.1 inches) of rain spread over 12 days. Additionally, September has a higher humidity level at 79% compared to July's 75%. For a more detailed look at July weather in Traverse City, visit Traverse City weather in July.
In comparing the weather of September and August, we see a noticeable shift in temperatures and precipitation patterns. September features a wider temperature range, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), resulting in an average of 17°C (63°F). In contrast, August boasts a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (48°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). Additionally, while September experiences slightly less precipitation at 80 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, August records 89 mm (3.5 in) across 11 days. Humidity is slightly higher in September at 79%, compared to 76% in August. For more details on August weather, you can refer to Traverse City weather in August.
September and October present a notable shift in weather conditions. In September, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month sees moderate precipitation, totaling 80 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, with humidity at 79%. In sharp contrast, October brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of just 10°C (51°F), peaking at 25°C (78°F). Additionally, October experiences increased precipitation, reaching 135 mm (5.3 in) over 18 days, alongside slightly higher humidity at 83%. For more details on October's weather patterns, visit Traverse City weather in October.
September and November present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In September, temperatures range from a mild 2°C (36°F) at night to a warm average of 17°C (63°F), with maximum highs reaching up to 34°C (93°F). This month sees about 80 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over roughly 12 days, with humidity levels around 79%. In contrast, November brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (12°F) and an average hovering around 3°C (38°F), peaking at a milder 23°C (74°F). Though precipitation remains similar at 79 mm (3.1 in), it falls over about 15 days, and humidity rises slightly to 86%. For more detailed information, you can visit Traverse City weather in November.
September and December present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In September, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F) and relatively lower humidity at 79%. The month sees about 80 mm (3.1 inches) of precipitation over 12 days, making it a warm and occasionally rainy time. In contrast, December brings a chill, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -15°C (5°F) and averaging -1°C (31°F), peaking at 15°C (58°F). December experiences slightly less precipitation at 76 mm (3.0 inches) but over a longer duration of 15 days, coupled with higher humidity at 87%. For a closer look at how the weather unfolds in December, check out Traverse City weather in December.
As summer transitions into fall, September in Traverse City presents a captivating blend of warm days and cooler nights, setting it apart from the scorching highs of July and August. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable level, with occasional spikes, while the air carries a notable humidity that can make the warmer days feel more intense. Rainfall is not uncommon, with precipitation occurring on about a third of the days, ensuring that nature remains lush and vibrant as it prepares for the autumnal shift. This unique combination of warmth and moisture creates a picturesque landscape, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the beauty of the area. For a deeper dive into Traverse City’s weather patterns, visit Traverse City Climate.