Things to Do in Strasbourg in September

September Weather in Strasbourg

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature range 11-21°C (51-70°F) ideal for walking Strasbourg's extensive old town - no summer heat exhaustion or winter gear needed
Autumn colors transform the Parc de l'Orangerie and Petite France canals into spectacular photography backdrops from mid-September onwards
European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) in mid-September opens normally restricted buildings like Prefecture and European Parliament chambers for free
September marks the start of winstub season - traditional Alsatian taverns begin serving hearty autumn dishes like baeckeoffe and choucroute while terraces remain comfortable

Considerations

Variable weather requires layered packing - mornings at 11°C (51°F) feel cold but afternoons at 21°C (70°F) can make you overdressed
Rain on 10 out of 30 days often arrives without warning, disrupting outdoor market visits and canal walks
Shorter daylight hours mean outdoor activities must be planned for 7am-7pm window, limiting evening photography of Gothic architecture

Best Activities in September

Strasbourg Cathedral climbing and astronomical clock viewing

September's clear, crisp air provides exceptional visibility from the 66m (217ft) cathedral platform. The 11-21°C (51-70°F) range makes the 330-step climb comfortable without summer heat. The astronomical clock performs its elaborate noon show with medieval figurines - arrive by 11:30am for best position. September light is perfect for photographing the intricate Gothic facade details.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for cathedral entry, but platform access closes at 7pm in September. Allow 2-3 hours total including clock show. Free entry to cathedral, platform tickets typically €8-12. Check current tour options in booking section below for guided architecture tours.

Petite France canal boat tours and walking exploration

September's moderate temperatures make canal walking pleasant all day, while early autumn foliage creates stunning reflections in the Ill River. Medieval tannery houses and covered bridges photograph beautifully in September's golden light. Light rain adds atmospheric mist to half-timbered buildings. Canal boat tours operate comfortably in September weather with optional glass covers.

Booking Tip: Walking is free and self-guided, but boat tours typically cost €12-18 for 45-minute trips. Book same-day unless weekends. Tours operate 10am-6pm in September. See current boat tour options in booking section below.

Alsace wine route cycling and tasting day trips

September is harvest season (vendange) in Alsace villages 20-30km (12-19 miles) from Strasbourg. Temperatures are perfect for cycling through vineyards without summer heat. Witness actual grape picking at Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, and Eguisheim. Many wineries offer harvest participation experiences. Cool mornings and warm afternoons create ideal tasting conditions.

Booking Tip: Guided cycling tours typically €45-75 including bike rental and 2-3 tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead during harvest season. Self-guided options available with train+bike combinations. See current wine tour options in booking section below.

European Parliament and European Quarter tours

September session resumption means the Parliament is fully active with MEPs returning from summer break. Tours show actual legislative chambers in use. The 21°C (70°F) afternoon temperatures make the 2km (1.2 mile) walk between institutions comfortable. September's European Heritage Days often include special access to normally restricted EU buildings.

Booking Tip: Free tours require advance booking 2-4 weeks ahead through official EP website. Tours available Tuesday-Thursday when Parliament in session. Duration 1 hour, group size limited to 20. See current availability and specialized EU tours in booking section below.

Traditional winstub food tours and market visits

September marks the transition to hearty Alsatian cuisine season. Morning market visits at Place du Marché-aux-Poissons showcase seasonal produce - late summer vegetables and early autumn specialties. Winstub restaurants begin serving warming dishes perfect for 11°C (51°F) mornings. September wine harvest celebrations include special seasonal menus.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically €35-55 including 4-6 tastings over 3-4 hours. Markets operate Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings. Book tours 3-5 days ahead. Independent winstub dining costs €20-35 per meal. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Vosges Mountains day hiking and castle ruins exploration

September offers perfect hiking weather in the Vosges Mountains 45km (28 miles) west of Strasbourg. Temperatures drop to comfortable levels for climbing to castle ruins like Haut-Koenigsbourg and Fleckenstein. Early autumn colors begin appearing on deciduous trees. Clear September air provides excellent visibility from mountain peaks reaching 1,400m (4,593ft).

Booking Tip: Day trips typically €40-65 including transportation from Strasbourg. Self-guided hiking requires proper footwear for rocky terrain. Castle entry fees €8-12 additional. Tours operate subject to weather - September rain can make trails slippery. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September (typically third weekend)

Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days)

Free access to normally restricted buildings including Prefecture, EU institutions, historic private mansions, and government offices. Over 100 participating sites across Strasbourg open their doors with guided tours and special exhibitions.

Late September

Fête de la Musique d'Automne

Autumn music festival featuring classical concerts in Gothic churches, jazz performances in Petite France courtyards, and folk music celebrating Alsatian culture. Many outdoor performances take advantage of September's pleasant evening temperatures.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool layers - essential for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings between 11°C (51°F) mornings and 21°C (70°F) afternoons

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - sudden showers on 10 rainy days last 15-45 minutes and often come without warning

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones in Petite France become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with stone building reflections creates strong exposure during midday cathedral visits

Compact umbrella - more convenient than rain jacket for short market visits and outdoor dining

Light scarf or neck warmer - essential for early morning canal walks and evening outdoor dining

Crossbody bag with zipper - cobblestone walking requires hands-free carrying, and pickpockets target tourist areas

Portable phone charger - September's shorter days mean more reliance on phone flashlights and navigation after 7pm

Warm sleepwear - accommodations may not heat rooms until October, and 11°C (51°F) nights feel chilly indoors

Insider Knowledge

Local students return in September, making university quarter cafés lively again but also crowding popular lunch spots between 11:30am-1:30pm - eat earlier or later

September harvest season means many Alsace wineries offer free tastings to promote new releases, but only to visitors who purchase bottles - budget €25-40 for decent wines

Strasbourg's Christmas market vendors begin preparation in September - warehouse sales in Quartier Gare offer Christmas decorations at 60% off retail prices

European Parliament sessions resuming means increased security checks and occasional street closures in European Quarter - allow extra 15-20 minutes for area visits