September may be one of the best-kept secrets in Montana. The summer tourist season begins to thin, the days are crisp and comfortable, and the landscape starts its spectacular transition into fall. From soaring mountain peaks to wide-open plains, September is the perfect time to explore the top things to do and see in Montana at a more relaxed pace—and make memories that will last long after the leaves have fallen.
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Experience Glacier National Park
Start your September adventure in Glacier National Park, where cooler temperatures and changing foliage create an unforgettable backdrop for hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife watching. The park notes that trees begin turning color by mid-September, while wildlife becomes more active as animals prepare for winter. September is also an excellent time to experience the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is typically open well into October, weather permitting. In 2026, vehicle reservations are not required.
Explore Yellowstone in the Fall
September brings a different personality to Yellowstone National Park. Cooler nights, fall colors and active wildlife make it a wonderful month for exploring the park. Watch for elk during the fall rut, look for bears in roadside meadows and keep your eyes open for migrating raptors. Hiking, fishing, ranger programs and wildlife watching are all recommended September activities.
Take a Scenic Fall Drive in Montana
Few things capture Montana’s spirit like a road trip. Head out with your camera and follow one of the state’s scenic highways and byways. The Beartooth Highway, connecting Red Lodge with Cooke City, is particularly spectacular in early fall, with dramatic mountain scenery and brilliant autumn color. In 2026, it is projected to remain open through October 12, weather permitting. For more scenic road trips in Montana to experience those glorious fall colors, click here!
Go Wildlife Watching on a Tour in Montana
September is prime time for seeing Montana’s wildlife, and thanks to several outfitters, there are some good options for seeing our ‘local residents.” One that we recommend is Wild Serenity Wildlife Tour in Montana, which will take you on a tour of a lifetime. If the timing is right, you may see elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and other native species.
FYI: In Yellowstone, the elk rut provides one of the season’s most memorable wildlife experiences. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and follow park regulations.
Make time to slow down in Montana’s charming communities. Explore historic downtowns, browse local shops, visit galleries, enjoy a farm-to-table meal or stop at a farmers’ market. September’s cooler weather makes strolling through towns such as Whitefish, Bozeman, Livingston, Red Lodge, Missoula – and our hometown, Bigfork – especially enjoyable.
Embrace the Fall Festivals in Montana
There’s no lack of festivities in Montana throughout the seasons, and the fall season is no exception. We found a list of some of the top fall festivals in Montana on Festivalsandfairs.com. See their list below. For a year-round list of where to go and what to do in Montana, and where to find those classic Montana events, bookmark VisitMontana.com.
September
- Boulder Music and Arts Festival — Boulder, September 5, 2026
- Lakeside End of Summer Farmers Market — Lakeside, September 5, 2026
- Missoula Vintage Market — Missoula, September 5, 2026
- Great Falls Autumn Cottage Market — Great Falls, September 11–12, 2026
- Laurel Fall Festival — Laurel, September 12, 2026
- Smith Farms 2nd Saturday Farmers Market — Colstrip, September 12, 2026
- Helena Fall Vintage Market — Helena, September 26, 2026
MONTANA. LIVE IT. LOVE IT.
From mountain trails and wildlife encounters to scenic drives and small-town discoveries, September is the perfect month to experience Montana. Make it a September to remember!
