Maryland in September: A Transitional Month of Changing Seasons

As summer winds down and fall begins to take hold, the state of Maryland experiences a transitional period in the month of September. The temperatures start to moderate, the landscape begins to shift colors, and activities move indoors after the long summer months. Here’s an in-depth look at what September is like across Maryland.

Weather and Temperature Trends

According to climate normals data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, average daily high temperatures in September range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit across most of Maryland. The cooler areas tend to be the higher elevations in Western Maryland like Oakland (74°F) and Frostburg (72°F), while the warmest spots are on the Eastern Shore such as Snow Hill (82°F).

The overnight lows exhibit a wider variance, bottoming out around 50-52°F in the western mountains, but remaining relatively mild near the Chesapeake Bay in the 60s°F. Locations like Annapolis (65°F) and Patuxent River (63°F) don’t see much of a drop in nighttime temperatures compared to summer.

Precipitation levels tend to be moderate in September as Maryland transitions from the more humid summer months. Coastal areas may still experience the effects of the occasional tropical system spinning off the Atlantic. Inland, the chances increase for cool, dry air masses from Canada to interact with warmer, moister air producing periods of showery weather.

Fall Foliage Begins

One of the marvelous transformations of nature in September is the very first signs of fall color starting to appear across Maryland’s forests and tree canopies. The changing temperatures and sunlight patterns trigger plants to stop producing chlorophyll, allowing other pigments like carotenoids (yellows) and anthocyanins (reds) to become visible.

The show starts in western counties like Garrett and Allegany in mid-to-late September as hickories, dogwoods, red maples and Virginia creepers lead the way. Much later in October and November, the autumn hues progress down the spine of the Appalachians and into the Piedmont before finally appearing along the coastal plain.

Agriculture and Harvests

Maryland’s agricultural calendar reaches an important transition in September as summer crops are harvested and fields are prepared for fall plantings and next year’s production cycle.

On the Eastern Shore, September is a key month for harvesting corn, soybeans, cucumbers and other vegetables. Watermelon season also winds down. Tomato harvests may continue in September depending on the weather.

In Central Maryland and other prime farming areas, September brings the apple harvest along with squash, pumpkins, Brussels sprouts and other cool weather crops coming to market. Farmers markets remain in full swing stocking local fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more.

Fishing and Outdoor Activities

As ocean temperatures remain warm in September, the fishing action continues strong along Maryland’s Atlantic coastline. Anglers target striped bass, bluefish, sea trout and flounder inshore, while tuna, marlin, mahi and wahoo are potential catches offshore. The fall sportfishing season also kicks off in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and coastal bays.

For outdoor enthusiasts, September offers mild weather that is well-suited for hiking, cycling, camping, boating and freshwater fishing across the state’s parks, forests and waterways before winter cold settles in. Hunting seasons start to open for deer, bear, turkey and other game.

Local Events and Festivals

September is filled with community events, fairs, festivals and gatherings across Maryland. Here is just a sampling of the types of activities happening:

– Maryland Renaissance Festival (Crownsville): A medieval amusement park with arts, entertainers, jousting and more runs weekends in September and October.

– Maryland Wine Festival (Westminster): A celebration of Maryland’s wine and food culture held in late September.

– Salisbury Festival (Salisbury): Music, carnival rides, food and more over a weekend in early September.

– Maryland Seafood Festival (Annapolis): Featuring seafood from the Bay along with entertainment on the second weekend of September.

– Maryland Alpaca & Fleece Festival (Howard County Fairgrounds): Meet alpacas, shop alpaca products and learn about these gentle animals in late September.

Fall Sports and Back-to-School

For students of all ages across Maryland, September marks the end of summer break and a return to classrooms and campus life at schools, colleges and universities.

Athletics are in full swing with soccer, field hockey, volleyball and football taking center stage in the fall sports seasons. Early season matchups and homecoming festivities are common across high school and college campuses throughout Maryland in September.

Popular September Destinations

Some of the top spots and attractions people flock to in Maryland during September include:

– Assateague Island (Berlin): This barrier island along the Atlantic coast offers beaches, wildlife watching, kayaking, canoeing, clamming and more in its national and state parks.

– Deep Creek Lake (Garrett County): Maryland’s largest freshwater lake is a haven for boating, fishing, hiking, camping and general outdoor recreation amid colorful fall scenery.

– Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (Western MD): Follow the historic towpath of this canal along the Potomac River for hiking, biking, boating and taking in the early autumn scenes.

– Baltimore Inner Harbor: With Orioles games, the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, restaurants and shopping, the Inner Harbor is hopping with activity in September.

– Maryland’s Scenic Byways: Take a leisurely drive while admiring the landscapes through routes like the Chesapeake Country, Antietam Campaign, Roots & Tides and many others.

September marks a true transitional phase across Maryland – the last gasps of summer mixed with early signs that fall has arrived. From changing temperatures and landscapes to the cycle of agriculture and recreation, there’s no shortage of activities to experience Maryland’s seasonal shift in September.