Things to Do in Lausanne in September

September Weather in Lausanne

22°C (72°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with temperatures 12-22°C (54-72°F) - ideal for the 300km (186 miles) of marked trails around Lake Geneva without summer's oppressive heat
Wine harvest season brings exclusive vineyard experiences in Lavaux UNESCO terraces - tastings include fresh pressings not available other months, with 30% fewer crowds than summer
Festival de la Cité afterglow continues with outdoor performances extending into early September, plus Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) offer free access to normally closed buildings
Lake Geneva water temperature peaks at 20°C (68°F) from summer warmth - perfect for swimming while avoiding July-August tourist masses who drive accommodation prices up 40%

Considerations

Unpredictable weather shifts require layered clothing - morning fog can lift to 22°C (72°F) sunshine or settle into 12°C (54°F) drizzle within hours
University of Lausanne and École Polytechnique students return, creating accommodation scarcity in budget options and crowding popular student areas like Flon district
Some Alpine cable cars begin maintenance closures by mid-September, potentially limiting access to higher elevation viewpoints above 1,500m (4,921 ft)

Best Activities in September

Lavaux Vineyard Hiking and Wine Tasting

September is harvest month in Lavaux UNESCO terraces - the only time you'll taste fresh grape must alongside finished wines. Temperatures of 12-22°C (54-72°F) make the steep 11km (6.8 mile) Lavaux Express trail comfortable, with golden autumn light perfect for photography. Crowds drop 30% from summer peaks while weather remains ideal.

Booking Tip: Book tastings 2-3 weeks ahead during harvest season. Guided tours typically cost CHF 45-75, self-guided with tasting stops CHF 25-40. Look for 'dégustation de moût' (must tasting) options. See current vineyard tour options in booking section below.

Lake Geneva Paddle Sports and Swimming

Lake water temperature peaks at 20°C (68°F) in September while air stays comfortable at 22°C (72°F) max - perfect conditions without summer's intense UV (index drops to 4). Morning lake mist creates dramatic photography opportunities, and you'll avoid July-August crowds at popular beaches like Bellerive and Vidy.

Booking Tip: Paddleboard and kayak rentals typically CHF 25-35 per half day. Book morning slots (8-11am) for glass-like water conditions. Equipment rental shops offer better rates than hotels. Check current water sports options in booking section below.

Lausanne Underground and Cathedral Tours

September's Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days, usually second weekend) opens normally restricted areas including the Cathedral's tower climb and underground archaeological sites. Mild weather makes walking the 156 steps to Cathedral tower comfortable, with crisp air providing exceptional Alpine views stretching 50km (31 miles) to Mont Blanc.

Booking Tip: Heritage Days are free but require advance registration for popular sites. Regular cathedral tours CHF 8-12, underground sites CHF 15-20. Book cathedral tower climbs early as they limit to 15 people per group. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Jura Mountains Day Hiking

September offers the best Jura hiking conditions - no summer heat exhaustion risk at 1,600m+ (5,249+ ft) elevations, but before October snow. The Sentier des Toblerones (Toblerone Trail) and Mont Tendre summit at 1,679m (5,509 ft) provide 360° views across Lake Geneva to the Alps. Trail conditions are dry after summer, making rocky sections safer.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is most popular. Train to Le Pont or Le Brassus typically CHF 20-30 return. Guided mountain hikes cost CHF 60-90 including transport. Pack layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature drops at elevation. Check current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Gruyères and Chocolate Route Excursions

September's mild 15-20°C (59-68°F) temperatures make the scenic 90km (56 mile) drive to Gruyères comfortable with windows down. This is prime cheese-making season after summer alpine pasturing, so Gruyères cheese tastings feature the freshest wheels. Maison Cailler chocolate demonstrations are less crowded than summer months.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically CHF 80-120 including transport, tastings, and admissions. Book combined cheese-chocolate tours for better value. Golden Pass train route offers scenic alternative to driving. See current Swiss Alps day tour options in booking section below.

Olympic Museum and Ouchy Lakefront Activities

September's comfortable temperatures make the Olympic Museum's outdoor exhibits and sculpture garden enjoyable without summer's heat. The 2.5km (1.6 mile) lakefront promenade from Ouchy to Lutry is perfect for cycling or walking, with lake breezes keeping temperatures pleasant. Fewer tour groups mean shorter museum lines.

Booking Tip: Museum entry CHF 18 adults, CHF 10 students. Bike rentals along lakefront CHF 20-30 per day. Combine museum visit with lakefront dining - restaurant terraces stay open through September. See current Lausanne sightseeing options in booking section below.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Journées Européennes du Patrimoine

Switzerland's Heritage Days offer free access to normally restricted buildings including private mansions, government offices, and historical sites. In Lausanne, this includes cathedral tower climbs, city hall tours, and underground archaeological sites. Over 100 locations participate locally.

Throughout September

Lavaux Wine Harvest Festivals

Multiple village festivals celebrate grape harvest with public tastings, traditional music, and vineyard tours. Epesses, Cully, and Rivaz host weekend celebrations featuring local winegrowers offering tastings of both finished wines and fresh grape must unique to harvest season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with breathable fabric - September brings 8 rainy days with sudden weather changes, but 65% humidity means you'll overheat in plastic rain gear

Layering system: base layer, light fleece, and shell jacket for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings between morning fog and afternoon sun

Comfortable waterproof hiking shoes - Lausanne's steep cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and vineyard trails can be muddy after rain

Sun hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still causes burns during long outdoor activities, especially with reflection off Lake Geneva

Light scarf or neck warmer for 12°C (54°F) early mornings and evening lake breezes

Compact umbrella that fits in day pack - afternoon showers are brief but can be heavy

Insulating layer for mountain excursions - temperatures drop 6°C per 1,000m (3.5°F per 1,000 ft) of elevation gain

Moisture-wicking socks and extra pair - feet stay damp longer in September's humid conditions

Light gloves for early morning activities and mountain hikes above 1,200m (3,937 ft)

Insider Knowledge

University students return in September, making the Flon district lively again but crowding budget restaurants. Eat lunch before noon or after 2pm to avoid student rush in popular spots.

Lake Geneva steamboat schedules reduce to winter timetables after mid-September - check CGN website for current departures rather than relying on summer tourist information

Many locals take their final swimming sessions in September when lake temperature peaks but crowds disappear - Bellerive Beach and Bains des Pâquis offer changing facilities and lake access

September is renovation season for hotels and restaurants - call ahead to confirm openings, especially for smaller establishments that may close for maintenance between summer and ski seasons

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - September mornings start at 12°C (54°F) and evening lake temperatures drop quickly after sunset, catching visitors in shorts and t-shirts unprepared

Assuming all summer attractions operate on same schedules - many reduce hours or close weekdays after Labor Day, including some mountain railways and seasonal restaurants

Booking accommodation at last minute - returning university students create unexpected demand for budget and mid-range hotels, especially on weekends when parents visit