Congaree · September
Congaree in September
September is a good time to visit Congaree — busier than August, quieter than October.
Expect moderate crowds (6/10) and about 12.4 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 56% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical September visits vs. the year
September draws about 7% of Congaree’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
September weather
- Avg high
- —
- Avg low
- —
- Precipitation
- 4.7"
- Sunrise
- 6:06 AM
- Sunset
- 6:29 PM
- Daylight
- 12.4h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HOPKINS 3.9 NNE, SC US
What's open
Congaree in September: access
Congaree National Park is generally open 24 hours a day year-round. For visitor and staff safety, park operations and/or weather conditions may occasionally result in short term, temporary closures. Please review the park webpage and social media platforms for more information. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open 9-5, daily. It is closed New Year's Day, President's Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Please check alerts prior to your visit.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Planning Ahead for Transportation
If being dropped off at the park, please ensure you will have a return ride. Taxis and rideshares do not often come out to Congaree, and the bus may be unavailable. Please plan ahead.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Backcountry Trail Conditions
GPS is necessary on backcountry trails: Oakridge, Boggy Gut (formerly River), and Kingsnake. These trails may be difficult to follow.
- Caution
Paddling Conditions
Trees down across Cedar Creek between Bannister's Bridge and South Cedar Creek may require significant portages depending on water levels & paddlers should plan accordingly. All paddlers should have necessary equipment, including the 10 Essentials.
- Caution
Post-flood Trail Conditions
Park trails may still have significant areas of standing water on them over the next several days as waters continue to recede post flood. Please be aware that trails such as Boggy Gut, Oak Ridge, and Kingsnake may be more difficult to follow after flooding events and depth of standing water may be difficult to gauge. Please check our current conditions page for more information.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Congaree crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in September
FAQ
Congaree in September
How busy is Congaree in September?
September rates 6/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Congaree National Park — about 56% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 17,814.
What is the weather like at Congaree in September?
In September, Congaree averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 4.7 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Congaree?
Entry to Congaree is free.
When is Congaree least crowded?
Congaree is quietest in January and August. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Congaree get in September?
In mid-September, Congaree gets about 12.4 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:06 AM and sunset around 6:29 PM.