Hudson Valley Weekend Getaway from NYC in September: Is It a Good Time to Visit?

Yes. September is one of the best times for a Hudson Valley weekend getaway from NYC because warm days overlap with apple season, comfortable hiking weather and the first signs of fall. Brech Mountain House offers families and groups a private place to stay near the Shawangunks while exploring Minnewaska, Mohonk, New Paltz and the surrounding Hudson Valley.

September feels like two seasons at once in this part of New York. Summer is still here, but cooler evenings and the first changes in the landscape hint at what is coming next.

For New Yorkers ready for a few days outside the city, that makes September an especially good time to head north.

Is September a good time to visit the Hudson Valley?

September is a great time to visit the Hudson Valley because daytime temperatures remain mild while fall activities begin across the region.

Climate normals from the Mohonk Lake weather station show a September average high of about 72.5°F and an average low of about 55.6°F. The figures are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. (HistoricalClimate)

New York's fall foliage season typically begins in late September and continues into November. (I Love NY)

That gives September visitors a choice: come earlier for a more summer-like getaway or later for a stronger taste of autumn.

What is the Hudson Valley weather like in September?

Hudson Valley weather in September is generally comfortable during the day and noticeably cooler at night.

The average temperature range near the Shawangunks makes the month well suited to hiking, walking through town, visiting orchards and spending evenings outside. (HistoricalClimate)

Pack for both seasons:

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes

• Light daytime layers

• A sweater or jacket for evenings

• Rain protection

• Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle

Mountain weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before heading onto a trail.

Will you see fall foliage in September?

September can bring the first fall color to the Hudson Valley, but travelers should not expect peak foliage at the beginning of the month.

I LOVE NY reports that the statewide foliage season typically starts in late September. Peak timing varies by location and weather conditions. (I Love NY)

Early September	Late September
More summer-like	More autumn-like
Mostly green landscape	Increasing fall color
Warm afternoons	Cooler evenings
Apple season begins	Harvest season underway

If brilliant fall color is your only priority, later September or October is the safer choice.

If you want warm days with autumn beginning around the edges, early September has its own appeal.

What can you do during a September weekend in the Shawangunks?

A September weekend in the Shawangunks can include hiking, carriage roads, waterfalls, apple picking, wineries and time exploring nearby towns.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the region's standout outdoor destinations. The preserve covers more than 24,000 acres and includes 35 miles of carriage roads, 50 miles of footpaths and three crystalline sky lakes. New York State Parks places it within about an hour and a half of New York City. (New York State Parks)

Mohonk Preserve manages more than 8,000 acres with about 70 miles of historic carriage roads and trails. (Mohonk Preserve)

A September weekend might include:

• Hiking or walking at Minnewaska

• Exploring Mohonk Preserve

• Spending an afternoon in New Paltz

• Picking apples

• Visiting a Hudson Valley winery

• Walking or biking a local rail trail

• Leaving an entire afternoon unplanned

  
  

That last one matters.

You do not need to turn a weekend away into another schedule.

For more local ideas, see our Hudson Valley Guide.

Can you go apple picking and visit wineries in September?

Yes. September is the beginning of apple season and an active harvest month for Hudson Valley wineries.

Masker Orchards in Warwick opens for its 2026 apple-picking season on September 5 and has more than 200 acres of orchard. (Masker Orchards)

The Shawangunk Wine Trail's Harvest the Hudson runs from September 14-30, 2026. Six participating wineries offer special tasting experiences during the event. (Shawangunk Wine Trail)

Those seasonal experiences are easy to pair with a morning outdoors rather than requiring a separate trip.

Where should you stay for a September Hudson Valley getaway?

Brech Mountain House is a private Hudson Valley home base for families and groups who want the stay itself to be part of the getaway.

The four-bedroom home sleeps up to 12 guests on 65 wooded acres. The property includes a hot tub, XL game room, full kitchen, outdoor gathering areas and plenty of room to spend time together.

Spend the day exploring the Shawangunks.

Then come back early.

Make dinner. Sit outside. Get in the hot tub. Light the fire.

Some of the best parts of a weekend away happen after you stop going places.

Explore Brech Mountain House

Is a September Hudson Valley getaway from NYC worth it?

Yes. September is worth considering because it combines much of what people love about summer in the Hudson Valley with the beginning of the region's fall season.

The weather remains comfortable.

Apple season begins.

Harvest events return.

The trails are waiting.

And autumn is close enough to feel.

For families and friends ready to trade the city for a few days beneath the trees, Brech Mountain House gives you somewhere to experience the Hudson Valley without needing to fill every minute of the weekend.