Things to Do in Estonia in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Estonia
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect autumn colors - Estonian forests transform into brilliant yellows, reds, and oranges, peaking mid-September with 14-16 hours of golden light daily
- Mushroom foraging season at its peak - locals fill forests hunting for chanterelles, porcini, and boletes, with guided foraging tours available throughout September
- Comfortable hiking weather with 15-18°C (59-64°F) daytime temperatures and minimal bugs - ideal for exploring Lahemaa National Park's 6 nature trails
- Harvest festivals and farm-to-table dining - September brings fresh sea buckthorn, apples, and root vegetables to Estonian cuisine, with weekend harvest markets in every major town
Considerations
- Daylight decreases rapidly from 14.5 hours to 12 hours by month's end - outdoor activities must be planned for shorter windows
- Weather becomes increasingly unpredictable with 10 rainy days averaging 5mm (0.2 inches) each - always carry waterproof layers
- Tourist season winds down after mid-September, meaning some coastal restaurants and island ferry services reduce schedules or close until next summer
Best Activities in September
Lahemaa National Park Forest Hiking
September offers Estonia's most spectacular hiking conditions with autumn foliage at peak colors and comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures. The park's 6 marked trails range from 3-15 km (1.9-9.3 miles) and showcase Estonia's diverse ecosystems without summer's mosquito swarms. Morning fog creates mystical bog landscapes perfect for photography.
Tallinn Old Town Cultural Walking Tours
September's mild weather makes exploring Tallinn's UNESCO medieval streets comfortable without summer crowds. Temperatures hover around 16°C (61°F) - perfect for 2-3 hour walking tours through cobblestone streets. The lower sun angle creates dramatic shadows against medieval architecture, ideal for photography.
Estonian Island Hopping Adventures
September offers the last chance to explore Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands before winter ferry schedule reductions. Daytime temperatures of 17°C (63°F) are perfect for cycling the islands' flat terrain, visiting medieval Kuressaare Castle, and experiencing authentic Estonian island culture with fewer tourists.
Traditional Estonian Sauna Experiences
September's crisp evenings make authentic sauna sessions followed by cool outdoor plunges incredibly refreshing. Traditional smoke saunas heat to 80-90°C (176-194°F) while outside temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F) - creating the perfect contrast locals crave as summer ends.
Wild Mushroom Foraging Tours
September is Estonia's prime mushroom season with over 200 edible species flourishing after summer rains. Guided foraging walks teach identification of chanterelles, porcini, and honey mushrooms while exploring pristine forests. Tours often end with cooking sessions using the day's harvest.
Baltic Sea Coastal Photography Tours
September's golden hour light lasting 2-3 hours creates perfect conditions for photographing Estonia's rugged coastline. The dramatic Ontika cliffs rise 56 m (184 ft) above the Baltic, while Jägala waterfall flows at full strength after summer rains, dropping 8 m (26 ft) in powerful cascades.
September Events & Festivals
Tallinn Autumn Jazz Festival
Annual jazz festival featuring both Estonian and international artists across intimate venues in Tallinn's Old Town. The cooler September evenings create perfect atmosphere for club performances and outdoor concerts in medieval courtyards.
Estonian Harvest Festivals
Traditional countryside celebrations marking the end of harvest season, featuring local food markets, folk music, and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Each region hosts weekend festivals throughout September with authentic Estonian cuisine and craft beer.