Packing List
September Packing List for Virginia Beach — What to Wear & Bring
September is one of the best times to visit Virginia Beach, with 82°F highs and warming Atlantic waters. Pack summer clothing but include a light jacket for the cooler 65°F nights.
Averages 65–82°F, ~8 days of rain
With September highs of 82°F, you'll still want shorts and tees for exploring the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Virginia Beach's Atlantic Ocean reaches its warmest temperature in September at around 73–75°F, with air highs of 82°F making it the best swimming month — Sandbridge Beach is far less crowded than the main Boardwalk at this time.
Essential for the 65°F evenings when the ocean breeze starts to feel a bit more crisp in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach's September Neptune Festival draws crowds to the Oceanfront in 82°F highs — a casual button-down handles the mix of outdoor festival grounds and Atlantic Avenue restaurant dinners without looking underdressed.
The 82°F weather is still perfect for wearing sandals while strolling the 3-mile Boardwalk.
Virginia Beach's First Landing State Park's 19 miles of trails are most comfortable in September's 65–82°F range as humidity drops — walking sneakers with grip handle the sandy terrain far better than casual shoes.
Virginia Beach's Chesapeake Bay boat tours and Rudee Inlet marina visits are at their best in September's 82°F highs — boat shoes with non-slip soles handle dock surfaces and waterfront restaurant patios equally well.
Virginia Beach's September UV index stays at 8–9 on the open Boardwalk with 82°F highs and clear Atlantic skies — UV-400 sunglasses protect eyes during the still-intense late-summer sun on the oceanfront promenade.
A nice-to-have accessory for the 65°F evenings if you are dining outdoors on Atlantic Avenue.
Don't let the 82°F air fool you; the sun can still cause burns during a long day on the Virginia Beach sand.
Local tips for Virginia Beach in September
- 1.The Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend in late September is one of the city's biggest events; plan for crowds and fun.
- 2.September is a 'local's summer' in Virginia Beach, with fewer crowds but still beautiful 82°F weather.
- 3.Parking rates at the oceanfront often decrease after Labor Day, making it cheaper to visit the Boardwalk.