Weather
September is the start of autumn in Austria, and the weather can range from summery to chilly, depending on the altitude. The average September high is around 69°F (21°C). Meanwhile, fall is generally quite dry, so you shouldn't expect anything much more than a rain shower.
The leaves on the trees start turning golden and red this month at higher altitudes (although they don't turn until later in the season at lower elevations). Daylight also shortens throughout September, but there are still enough hours of sunshine to get out and about and enjoy the sights.
Crowds & Costs
September is shoulder season for travel to Austria. Pleasant weather makes this an appealing time to explore both the countryside and the cities, but many locals, Europeans, and North American visitors have gone back to work and school after their summer break. Prices will be lower than in the summer. Although there are still quite a few festivals to enjoy, the multi-week festivals of July and August have passed, taking pressure off accommodation options in the cities.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
September is a great time to visit Vienna and enjoy its cultural and artistic highlights. With so much art and architecture to admire, it can be hard to know where to begin, but taking a walking tour is a good way of learning more about the periods and movements that have shaped the city. And while the neo-classical, Baroque, and Art Nouveau art is all amazing, don't skip the Hundertwasser Haus, Kunst Haus Wien, and even the Hundertwasser-designed Spittelau Incinerator. The Viennese artist emigrated to New Zealand later in life, but his Austrian hometown contains the greatest concentration of his art and architecture.
If you love a good glass of wine, don't miss Austria's wine regions this month. Wine is produced in different parts of the country, but the southeastern Styria region is particularly famous for its vineyards as it has a warmer climate. Many vineyards put on special events in September where you can sample local wines paired with regional food. Styria is also known for its spas and castles, so there's much to enjoy here.
What to Do
With the hottest days of summer gone by September, this is a great month to go mountain biking. Admire the beauty of the trees changing color in the mountains on trails in the Kahlenberg Hills near Vienna or the Zillertal Valley in Tyrol. Come winter, the Zillertal Valley is a snowy playground, but get there before the snow falls, and you can enjoy biking and hiking.
September is also an excellent time to go paragliding, as thermal and wind conditions are generally good in this month. Whether you're a complete beginner (and thus would need to fly tandem) or an experienced paraglider who can go solo, there are many places to paraglide in Austria. Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and the Zillertal Valley are just a few of the best sites.
Events in September
Vienna Wine Hiking Days, Vienna. Sample wine and hike from vineyard to vineyard in late September.
Salzburg Kulturtage, Salzburg. In late September, see concerts and street theater performances at affordable prices.
Wiener Wiesn-Fest, Vienna. Eat and drink at Oktoberfest-like celebrations, usually starting in late September.
Almabtrieb, Alpine region. Cows that have spent the summer on the mountain come to the valley in a procession starting mid-September.
More Helpful Information
Austria in August
Austria in October
Best Time of Year to Visit Austria
How Many Days to Spend in Austria