Things to Do in Munich in September

September Weather in Munich

20°C (68°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

79 mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect Oktoberfest timing - September catches both the main festival (ends first weekend October) and better weather than late October with comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) temperatures ideal for outdoor beer gardens
Autumn foliage in English Garden and surrounding Alps begins mid-September, creating stunning photography opportunities while hiking trails remain accessible before winter closures
Lower accommodation prices than peak Oktoberfest weeks in late September/early October - booking mid-September saves 30-40% on hotel rates while still experiencing festival atmosphere
Comfortable walking weather for old town exploration - crisp 10°C (50°F) mornings warm to pleasant 20°C (68°F) afternoons, perfect for covering 5-8 km (3-5 miles) of daily sightseeing without summer heat exhaustion

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - pack for four seasons in one day as September brings everything from 8°C (46°F) morning fog to 22°C (72°F) afternoon sunshine, often with sudden rain showers
Late September accommodation prices spike 200-300% during final Oktoberfest weekends (typically last week September/first week October) making budget planning challenging
Shorter daylight hours - sunset moves from 7:30pm early September to 6:45pm by month's end, limiting evening outdoor activities and golden hour photography at tourist sites

Best Activities in September

Bavarian Alps Day Trips

September offers ideal conditions for Alpine excursions with clear visibility before October snow. Temperatures at 1,500m (4,921ft) elevation hover around 10-15°C (50-59°F) - perfect hiking weather. Cable cars remain fully operational and autumn colors begin appearing on lower slopes. Crowds thin compared to summer peak season.

Booking Tip: Book mountain tours 5-7 days ahead through certified operators. Full-day trips typically cost €45-75 including transport. Check weather forecasts - visibility can change rapidly in September. Look for tours that combine multiple peaks or include traditional Alpine huts.

Beer Garden Cultural Experiences

September delivers ideal beer garden weather - warm enough for outdoor seating (15-20°C/59-68°F) but cool enough to avoid summer's oppressive crowds. Traditional gardens serve seasonal Märzen beer fresh for Oktoberfest. Evening temperatures require light jackets but remain comfortable until 8pm sunset.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for traditional beer gardens, but guided beer culture tours cost €35-55 and provide historical context. Visit between 3-7pm for best atmosphere. Bring layers - temperature drops 8-10°C (14-18°F) from afternoon to evening.

Historic Walking Tours of Old Town

Cool September mornings (8-12°C/46-54°F) make extended walking comfortable, warming to pleasant 18-20°C (64-68°F) by afternoon. Reduced summer crowds mean better photo opportunities at Marienplatz and fewer queues at Frauenkirche. Golden autumn light enhances Gothic architecture photography between 4-6pm.

Booking Tip: Join walking tours early morning (9-10am start) to avoid afternoon crowds. Tours typically run €15-25 for 2-3 hours covering 3-4 km (2-2.5 miles). Book 24-48 hours ahead for English-language tours. Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.

Dachau Memorial Visits

September's moderate temperatures (10-20°C/50-68°F) allow for contemplative outdoor exploration without summer heat discomfort. Reduced tourist crowds create more respectful visiting atmosphere. The 2-3 hour visit involves significant outdoor walking across the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) memorial grounds.

Booking Tip: Book audio guide tours €20-30 including transport from central Munich. Allow full half-day (4-5 hours total). Morning departures recommended - site closes at 5pm. Free entry but guided context highly recommended for first-time visitors.

Viktualienmarkt Food Tours

September brings harvest season specialties - fresh Bavarian produce, seasonal sausages, and traditional preserves appear at the market. Comfortable temperatures (12-18°C/54-64°F) make outdoor sampling pleasant. Local vendors offer Oktoberfest-related specialties throughout September.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost €40-65 for 2-3 hours with 6-8 tastings. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. Visit Tuesday-Saturday for full vendor selection. Monday has limited stalls. Budget additional €15-20 for personal purchases beyond tour samples.

Day Trips to Salzburg

September offers perfect cross-border touring weather with clear Alpine views during the 1.5-hour train journey. Salzburg experiences similar comfortable temperatures (15-22°C/59-72°F) ideal for old town exploration. Austrian autumn begins showing colors in surrounding mountains while maintaining accessible hiking trails.

Booking Tip: Train day trips cost €25-35 for transport plus €20-30 for city tours. Book Austrian tours through certified operators (see current options in booking section below). Consider Bayern-Ticket for €25 covering group travel. Allow 10-12 hours total including travel time.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Oktoberfest

The world's largest beer festival typically runs from mid-September through the first weekend of October. September offers better weather than October with warmer afternoon temperatures perfect for outdoor tent atmosphere. Traditional Bavarian music, authentic cuisine, and cultural celebrations beyond just beer drinking.

Mid September

Long Night of Museums

Annual event where 90+ Munich museums stay open until 2am for one combined ticket (typically €15). Perfect for September's shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather. Includes special exhibitions, guided tours, and cultural performances not available during regular hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - lightweight base layer, warm mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell for 10-20°C (50-68°F) temperature swings throughout single days

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - September brings 79mm (3.1 inches) rainfall across 10 days, often on slippery cobblestones and wet leaves

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 20-45 minutes with little warning

Light wool sweater or fleece - evening temperatures drop to 8-10°C (46-50°F) in beer gardens and outdoor dining areas after sunset around 7pm

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - mountain day trips start with 5-8°C (41-46°F) temperatures at Alpine elevations

SPF 30+ sunscreen for mountain excursions - UV intensity increases significantly at altitude despite moderate UV index 4 at city level

Day pack for 5-8 km (3-5 miles) of daily walking - Munich's spread-out attractions require significant walking between sites

Power bank for shorter daylight hours - sunset by 6:45pm late September means more indoor time and higher device usage

Cash in small denominations - traditional beer gardens and markets prefer cash, especially for tips and small purchases under €10

Comfortable scarf for evening activities - useful for variable indoor/outdoor temperatures in restaurants and cultural venues

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before August 15th for September visits - prices increase 150-200% as Oktoberfest approaches, with best-value properties filling first

Ride U-Bahn/S-Bahn before 7am or after 9pm during late September - Oktoberfest crowds create significant delays during peak hours, particularly U3/U6 lines to festival grounds

Locals avoid Marienplatz 11am-1pm throughout September due to tourist concentrations - visit before 10am or after 3pm for better photos and shorter restaurant waits

Purchase Museum District day passes (€12) instead of individual tickets - September weather drives more indoor cultural activities, making multi-museum visits cost-effective

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - packing only for mild temperatures without rain gear or warm layers for 10°C (18°F) daily temperature swings

Booking accommodations too close to Oktoberfest dates without checking exact festival schedule - prices triple during final festival weekend with minimum 4-night stays required

Planning only outdoor activities - September's 10 rainy days require indoor backup plans like museums, churches, and covered markets for weather delays