Here’s what happens on Block Island every September: the summer crowds leave, the water stays warm from three months of sun, the fishing hits its peak, and the prices drop. The restaurants that spent all July packed and harried suddenly have time to actually cook well. The trails are empty. The beaches are yours. The light in late afternoon turns that particular gold that photographers travel for.
September is when people who actually live on Block Island tell you to come. That’s the tell.
What Block Island Is Like in September
Labor Day weekend marks the shift. The week after Labor Day, the island visibly exhales. Hotels and inns that ran at 100% occupancy through August suddenly have availability — often at 20–30% lower rates than peak summer. The ferry lines shorten. The bike rental shops have inventory. You can actually get a table at a restaurant without a reservation.
What doesn’t change: the ocean temperature (still 65–68°F through September), the beauty of the landscape, and the quality of the experiences on offer. In some respects, the quality improves.
What changes in September:
- Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day
- Accommodation rates drop significantly
- Restaurants operate with more care and less chaos
- Ferry lines are shorter and schedules are easier
- Weather is generally excellent — warm days, cool nights
- The light is exceptional for photography
What stays the same or improves:
- Water temperature (swimming is still comfortable through mid-September)
- Beach quality
- Fishing (September is peak for striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore)
- Trail access
- Natural beauty
Weather in September on Block Island
Block Island in September is genuinely pleasant. The island’s position in the ocean moderates temperatures compared to the mainland — it stays warmer into fall and cooler into spring than Rhode Island proper.
Typical September conditions:
- Daytime highs: 65–75°F early September, dropping to 60–68°F by late month
- Night temps: 55–62°F
- Ocean temperature: 65–68°F (comfortable for swimming, especially early September)
- Sunshine: September is historically one of the sunniest months in New England
- Rain: Occasional, but shorter duration and less frequent than July or August
The main weather risk in September is tropical storm activity — hurricanes tracking up the coast can bring rain and wind. These events are rare but worth monitoring if you’re planning a trip. Block Island’s exposed position makes it feel ocean weather more acutely than mainland Rhode Island.
Things to Do on Block Island in September
Fishing
September is, by most measures, the best fishing month of the year on Block Island. The false albacore (albies) arrive in late August and build through September into October — these are among the most sought-after fish for fly anglers on the entire East Coast. Striped bass fishing picks up as water temperatures cool. Bluefish remain in numbers.
The combination of albie season, late-run stripers, and bluefish makes September extraordinary for anglers. See our Block Island fishing guide for full details on what’s running, where to go, and whether to hire a charter.
Hiking and Birding
September is migration season on Block Island, and Block Island during fall migration is one of the truly remarkable natural events in the Northeast. The island’s geographic isolation and habitat diversity make it a concentration point for migrating songbirds — warblers, thrushes, vireos, and raptors moving south along the Atlantic coast pile up on Block Island after crossing open water.
The Clay Head area, Rodman’s Hollow, and the central ponds produce the best birding. Walk the Greenway trails in the morning hours and you’ll encounter a spectacle that dedicated birders plan trips around.
Swimming and Beaches
Water temperature through early-to-mid September is typically 65–68°F — perfectly comfortable for most swimmers. Crescent Beach without the July crowds is a genuinely different experience. You can find your own stretch of sand, spread out, and not contend with the tight-packed scene of peak summer.
Lifeguard coverage at Fred Benson Town Beach typically ends on Labor Day. After that, swimming is at your own discretion. The calmer north-facing beaches are the right choice.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
September’s typically lighter winds and calm morning conditions make it excellent for kayaking and paddleboarding. The Great Salt Pond is at its most pleasant — warm enough to be in the water if you capsize, calm enough for relaxed paddling. Water sports rentals may have reduced hours late in the month — call ahead.
Cycling the Island
With fewer cars and cooler temperatures than midsummer, September is the ideal month to bike the full island. The ride to the North Lighthouse via Corn Neck Road, the loop around Mohegan Trail, the connector trails through the interior — all of it is more enjoyable when you’re not sweating through the July heat and dodging summer traffic.
Bike rental shops are typically open through September; confirm hours as you get later in the month.
The Mohegan Bluffs
The south shore in September has a particular drama — the angle of the sun is lower, the light is warmer, and without summer crowds the staircase and beach below feel genuinely remote. The Southeast Lighthouse tours may still be running in early September — check locally for current schedules.
Where to Stay in September
September’s reduced demand means accommodation availability is substantially better than summer. That said, early September weekends (especially the Labor Day weekend itself) still book up — plan ahead for those dates.
Options across all price ranges remain open through September. By late September, some seasonal rentals and inns close or reduce operations — confirm before booking.
The advantage of September: you have real negotiating room on rates, and you’re not fighting for the last room. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for weekends, and you’ll have solid choices.
Ferry Access in September
Both the high-speed and traditional ferries from Point Judith run through September. The Block Island Express from New London, CT typically continues through Labor Day weekend and reduces to limited sailings in September — check current schedules before planning.
The Point Judith ferry is your most reliable September option. See our complete Block Island ferry guide for all routes and schedules.
What to Pack for Block Island in September
- Light layers: Warm days, cool evenings. A light fleece or jacket is essential by late September.
- Rain layer: September is mostly clear but weather is variable. A packable rain jacket takes up no space.
- Sunscreen: UV is still strong through September.
- Waders or wetsuit: For fishing or extended water activities in the back half of September.
- Binoculars: Migration season — bring them.
- Sturdy shoes: For hiking and the Mohegan Bluffs staircase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Block Island crowded in September?
After Labor Day weekend, noticeably less crowded than summer. Weekends in early September still see visitors; by mid-to-late September the island is quiet. If avoiding crowds is a priority, go mid-week in the latter half of the month.
Is swimming still good in September on Block Island?
Yes, through early-to-mid September. Ocean temperatures of 65–68°F are comfortable for most swimmers. Lifeguard coverage ends Labor Day, so swim at your own discretion.
Are restaurants open in September on Block Island?
Most restaurants remain open through September, with some reducing hours or days as the month progresses. By late September, some seasonal establishments begin closing for winter. Go early in the month for the best selection.
Is September cheaper than summer on Block Island?
Yes, meaningfully so. Accommodation rates typically drop 20–40% after Labor Day. Ferry crossings are the same price, but the overall trip cost is significantly lower.
What’s the best thing about Block Island in September?
Honest answer: the fishing and the birding. Both peak in September. If you have any interest in either activity, September is not just good — it’s the best month of the year.
Does the ferry run to Block Island in September?
Yes. Point Judith ferry service continues through September with a schedule reduction from peak summer. See full schedule information.
