September in Ellijay, Georgia, is a quiet turning point. Summer’s river and tubing crowds start to thin out while apple season is just getting underway.
It’s a month that rewards visitors who want the mountains without the fall festival traffic, with warm days that provide a great backdrop for outdoor activities and cooler nights that usher in the next season.
Browse Ellijay cabin rentals to book your September stay in the North Georgia mountains. It’s an easy month to find a comfortable home base, whether you want a porch for morning coffee or a fire pit for cooler evenings.
Here’s what to expect from the weather, the events, and the best ways to spend your September days in Ellijay.
What’s the Weather Like in Ellijay in September?
Early September in Ellijay still runs warm, with highs in the low 80s°F and enough humidity to make mornings feel sticky. By the end of the month, afternoons settle into the mid-70s°F, and mornings carry a real chill for the first time since spring.
Daily highs rarely climb above 90°F or dip below 66°F, so the range stays fairly comfortable throughout. Average lows drop from the mid-60s°F early in the month to the mid-50s°F by late September, so evenings are noticeably cooler than they were in August.
Rain is possible throughout the month, but it rarely lingers all day, so it’s worth packing a light rain jacket just in case. Layers are a good call because a warm afternoon can still give way to a genuinely cool evening once the sun goes down.
Because it is a transition season, we recommend packing for both warm and cooler weather, including:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers
- Transitional hiking gear
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket and umbrella
Is September a Good Time to Visit Ellijay?
Photo Credit: RodClementPhotography
September is a good window if you want warm days without summer’s tubing crowds or October’s apple festival traffic. Downtown Ellijay and the orchards feel noticeably calmer than they will by the time autumn is in full swing.
Fall foliage hasn’t arrived yet this month. Color in Gilmer County typically peaks in late October and into November, so September is more about mild weather and easy access than dramatic mountain views.
It’s also a good time to beat the rush of apple season. Orchards are open, and picking is already underway, but the bigger crowds that show up for peak apple season in October haven’t arrived yet, so lines and parking are much easier to deal with.
Cabin rates and availability also tend to be a bit more flexible in September than they are once the October festival weekends hit. If your schedule is flexible, September can be an easier month to book the specific cabin you want.
September Ellijay Events (2026)
Photo Credit: jezz.photography
Be sure to check out these events if they happen to land when you’re in town.
Ellijay Bacon Fest
- Dates: September 27, 2026, 10 am – 5 pm
- Location: Gilmer County River Park, 1561 S. Main St.
Now in its 5th year, Ellijay Bacon Fest fills Gilmer County River Park with bacon-themed dishes, local arts and crafts vendors, games, and live bands.
It’s a family-friendly, food-forward event and one of the more fun theme days on the North Georgia festival calendar. It also marks one of the last big outdoor festivals in Ellijay before the October apple crowds take over, so it’s one not to miss.
Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market
- Dates: September 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2026, 8:30 am – 1 pm
- Location: Sand St.
The Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market runs every Saturday morning through the end of September, with local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from area vendors.
There’s free parking downtown and occasional live music, making it a nice, easy stop before heading out to your adventures for the day.
Things to Do in Ellijay in September
Photo Credit: cabuscaa
Beyond the festival calendar, September is a comfortable month to explore all that Ellijay has to offer.
Stroll Downtown Ellijay
Downtown’s shops and restaurants are easy to enjoy this month, with cooler evenings that make outdoor dining comfortable again and thinner crowds than the fall weekends ahead.
The Downtown streets of Ellijay are lined with mom-and-pop shops, art galleries, and local restaurants. One of our favorite stores is Misty Hollow Antiques; it’s the perfect place to discover unique souvenirs and collectibles.
See our full Ellijay shopping guide and downtown Ellijay restaurant guide for even more fun finds. September afternoons are a good time to wander the square without competing for a table or a parking spot.
You can find even more opportunities for retail therapy in nearby Blue Ridge, which is just as lovely in September.
Pick Apples at Ellijay’s Orchards
September falls at the start of the U-pick apple season, arguably one of the best times of the year in Ellijay. Several varieties are ready well before the bigger October festival crowds show up, giving you the advantage of enjoying the harvest before it’s picked over.
There are a handful of excellent orchards in Ellijay, including the most popular option, B.J. Reece Orchards. Visitors can enjoy not only apple picking, but farm animals, activities for kids, and a market serving freshly baked apple goods. It’s a fun, family-friendly day out that offers something for everyone.
Our guide to Ellijay apple orchards covers the nearby orchards and what’s typically in season this time of year. If you come home with more apples than you can eat, your cabin’s kitchen makes it easy to turn the extras into a pie or a batch of apple butter that evening.
Paddle or Tube the Cartecay River
September is a comfortable month for a float or paddle on the Cartecay River, with warm afternoons and thinner crowds than peak summer weekends.
Cartecay River covers a whopping 86,000 acres and offers both calm Class I waters and Class II rapids, with occasional Class III stretches when water levels are high enough.
Our Cartecay River guide covers put-in spots and outfitter options if you want to plan ahead. Keep in mind that some outfitters start winding down their season as September goes on, so it’s worth calling ahead to confirm hours.
Sip Wine at Cartecay Vineyards
The rolling views offered at Cartecay Vineyards make for a relaxing September afternoon. This beloved family-owned winery is known for its picturesque setting, tasty wine selection, and Southern hospitality.
Award-winning wines, live music, and fun events await you at Cartecay. The deck’s western exposure catches the evening light particularly well, so arrive an hour or two before sunset to experience the most comfortable temperatures and the best views.
If wine tasting proves to be your favorite activity, we’ve got a full list of nearby wineries to visit.
Plan Your September Getaway to Ellijay
September offers a comfortable window in Ellijay: warm days, thinner crowds, and a handful of low-key events before the fall rush arrives. From lazy afternoons at local wineries to fun-filled days apple picking, there is no shortage of activities waiting for you in Ellijay.
Book one of our Ellijay cabin rentals to find your spot for the month, whether that’s a cozy cabin near downtown or a quiet retreat near the orchards. We can’t wait to host you.
