A Banff packing list for September! The Canadian Rockies are pretty well-known for their quick-changing and unpredictable weather; this even more true during September and shoulder season! Therefore, your packing needs to include a wide variety of items and layersss.
We visited Banff National Park (as well as Vancouver) in late September. This packing guide is for travelers visiting during shoulder season, and especially those planning to do some hiking!
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Weather in Banff in September
Again, Banff and the Candian Rockies have quick-changing and sometimes unpredictable weather, especially in September and the shoulder season months!
- The average high for Banff in September is 62 degrees F and the average low is 36 degrees F.
- Rain and/or snow is common, but so are warm, sunny afternoons
- We visited in late September and had a snow-globe experience one day and beautiful, sunny weather the next! Be prepared for anything when you are visiting Banff during shoulder season!
Outer Layers
The summation of a Banff packing list is: Layers are key. And ,your outer layer is going to be important! You are going to want WARM outer layers with at least one of them being waterproof.
Waterproof Jacket
- In the summer you can likely get by with a lightweight rain jacket with layers underneath. This is what I actually brought during shoulder season. However, I had to SQUEEZE it over my down jacket because I was not prepared for the cold precipitation. I do NOT recommend.
- As soon as I got free time at the airport I ordered a 3-in-1 rain jacket, which I have proceeded to take to Iceland and Ireland and it worked MUCH better. So, if you are visiting during shoulder season, I highly recommend investing in a warmer weatherproof jacket!
Down Jacket
Staying warm and comfortable is a must. Whatever your choice of brand, a down jacket really does wonders in keeping the warmth. My go-to is a North Face down jacket that I have now had for about 7 years.
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Base-Layers
A Banff packing list is not complete without breathable base layers for hiking plus additional base-layers for your non-hiking activities.
Bottoms
Fleece-lined leggings can be a great option for exploring downtown Banff or when sightseeing inside Banff National Park that doesn’t require hiking.
Breathable Base-layer: However, as awesome and warm as fleece-lined leggings are, make sure you have something a little more breathable and moisture-wicking if you plan to hike up in the mountains! There are great heat-gear base layers that are made for skiing, etc.
Tops
Thermal shirt or similar top base-layer: Thermal shirts are globally underrated in my humble opinion. They are relatively thin and can fit under a lot of tops. Or, another great option are heat-gear style baselayers that are similar to the bottoms used for skiing.
Pullover or Sweatshirt: Bring a pullover or other second layer to wear between a base-layer and a super warm jacket
- My Patagonia pullover worked like a charm, but any fleece-lined or mid-thickness pullover will work.
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Shoes and Socks
There is nothing worse than cold and/or wet feet. Be smart when packing your shoes!
Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots are a must if you plan to do any hiking. On our hike it was sunny with no snow on the ground at the trailhead. However, at the top, the trail was covered in snow and slush! Keep your feet warm and dry!
Additional Shoe of Your Choice
Most people don’t like wearing hiking boots for a week straight. So bring some other shoes (that are still warm) to explore downtown Banff in and to wear on the days when you aren’t hiking the Canadian Rockies.
Moisture-wicking socks
- Moisture-wicking socks are always a good idea if you plan to hike, especially when the temps go from freezing to 60 F in a few hours. Sweaty feet to freezing feet are a no-go 🙅🏼♀️
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Warm Accessories: Beanie, scarf, gloves
- Bring things to keep your digits and your head warm!
- As I mentioned, the lows can drop into the 40’sF, and if you plan to do any morning activities the temps will still be frigid. Add any wind to this and its CHILLY.
- I recommend a pair of waterproof gloves, and, if you like to take photos, my favorite gloves are the kind convertible mittens so I can have extra dexterity when using my camera!
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Banff Packing List in September Recap: Layers!
Banff is amazing! However, the weather can be less than amazing during shoulder season. Make sure your Banff packing list is full of every layer you can think of!
Click here for a packing guide for all international travel to add to your list of items for Banff!