Things to Do in Windsor in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Windsor
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Early autumn weather hits that sweet spot where afternoons reach 24°C (75°F) but mornings start crisp at 15°C (59°F), making it actually comfortable to walk the Long Walk or explore Windsor Great Park without overheating. You'll see locals out running and cycling before work, which tells you everything about how pleasant the temperatures are.
- School term starts in early September, which means Windsor Castle and the town center clear out dramatically after the first week. You're looking at 40-50% fewer visitors compared to August, particularly midweek. Queue times at the castle drop from 45-60 minutes in summer to around 15-20 minutes by mid-September.
- September catches the tail end of the Thames rowing season and the start of the Royal Windsor Horse Show preparations. You'll see the river full of activity in the mornings - college rowing teams training, swans with their cygnets still around, and the riverside walks at their most atmospheric with early autumn mist.
- Hotel rates drop by roughly 25-35% after the first week of September compared to July-August peak pricing. A decent room near the castle that costs £180-220 in August typically runs £120-160 in September, and you'll actually have your pick of properties rather than scrambling for whatever's left.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days are genuinely unpredictable - not the reliable afternoon showers you get in tropical climates, but scattered throughout the day. You might get three dry days followed by two where it drizzles on and off. It's the kind of weather that makes locals carry umbrellas everywhere, and you'll want to do the same.
- Daylight shrinks noticeably as the month progresses. Early September gives you light until around 8pm, but by month's end, sunset's closer to 6:45pm. If you're planning to photograph the castle or walk along the Thames, you'll need to adjust your schedule as the month goes on - that golden hour light happens earlier and earlier.
- Some of Windsor's outdoor attractions start reducing their hours or closing sections for maintenance. Legoland Windsor typically closes weekdays after the first week of September, opening only on weekends. The Windsor Great Park gardens stay open, but some of the seasonal displays wind down as they prepare for autumn plantings.
Best Activities in September
Windsor Castle State Rooms Tours
September is genuinely one of the best months to experience the castle properly. The State Rooms are fully open, the Semi-State Rooms often open mid-month depending on the Royal schedule, and you're not fighting through crowds six people deep trying to see anything. The variable weather actually works in your favor here - on drizzly mornings, you'll appreciate being indoors exploring the Grand Reception Room and St George's Hall. The 70% humidity means the castle's interior feels pleasantly cool rather than stuffy. Weekday mornings between 10am-11:30am are quietest.
Thames Path Walking Routes
The riverside walk from Windsor to Eton and beyond is at its most beautiful in September. The morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) make for perfect walking conditions, and you'll see that early autumn mist lifting off the water that photographers love. The swans are still around with their cygnets, and the rowing crews create this lovely backdrop of activity. The path gets muddy after rain, so timing matters - give it a day after wet weather to dry out. The stretch from Windsor Bridge to Boveney Lock, roughly 5 km (3.1 miles), takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Royal Windsor Horse Show Grounds and Riding Experiences
September is when the Royal Windsor Horse Show grounds start preparing for the season, and several stables around Windsor offer riding experiences that take advantage of the cooler weather. The 24°C (75°F) afternoon temperatures are far more comfortable for both horses and riders than the summer heat. Windsor Great Park has 8 km (5 miles) of bridleways, and the autumn colors start appearing by late September. Even if you're not riding, watching the training sessions at the show grounds gives you insight into this huge part of Windsor's identity.
Eton College and Town Walking Tours
Just across the bridge from Windsor, Eton becomes more accessible in September when the college is back in session but tourist numbers drop. You can't tour the school buildings during term time, but guided walks through Eton's historic streets and explanation of the college's 580-year history are actually more interesting when you see the students in their tailcoats heading to classes. The cooler morning temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) walk from Windsor Castle across the bridge and through Eton High Street very pleasant. The bookshops and antique stores are worth browsing on rainy afternoons.
Windsor Great Park Cycling Routes
The park's 20 km (12.4 miles) of cycling paths are perfect in September when temperatures stay moderate and the summer crowds thin out. The Virginia Water lake circuit, about 7 km (4.3 miles), shows early autumn colors by late September, and the Savill Garden area has seasonal plantings that peak in early autumn. Morning rides around 9-10am give you the best light and coolest temperatures. The park is mostly flat, making it suitable for casual cyclists, though you'll want to avoid the day after heavy rain when paths get muddy.
Thames River Boat Tours
September's variable weather actually makes river tours more atmospheric rather than less appealing. The morning mist on the water, the autumn light, and fewer tourists on the boats mean you'll actually enjoy the commentary and views. Tours typically run from Windsor to Boveney Lock or to Runnymede, lasting 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route. The 70% humidity feels less oppressive on the water with the breeze. Later afternoon tours around 3-4pm often have the best light for photography as the sun gets lower in the sky.
September Events & Festivals
Windsor Festival Late Summer Concerts
The Windsor Festival typically extends into early September with classical music concerts held in St George's Chapel and other historic venues around Windsor. These are intimate performances in genuinely special settings, and September dates tend to be easier to get tickets for compared to the peak festival period in June. The acoustics in these old buildings are remarkable, and you're experiencing music in spaces where royalty has worshipped for centuries.
Thames Traditional Boat Rally
Usually held in mid-September, this gathering brings historic boats and traditional Thames craft to Windsor's riverside. You'll see steam launches, vintage rowing boats, and traditional working vessels that once transported goods along the river. It's not a massive event, but if you're interested in maritime history or just want to see something beyond the standard tourist activities, it's worth catching. The boats are moored along the riverside and owners are typically happy to talk about the restoration work.