Our top picks for a September trad climbing trip are the Dolomites, the Gunks and Chamonix. September is the best month of the year at the Dolomites, and a good month at the Gunks and Chamonix. Each pick is based on decades of weather data run through our rock-drying model — tap a card for the full month-by-month breakdown.
Top trad climbing picks for September
Dolomites
Long routes on the towers around the Passo Sella. September is the pick, June to September is the season, and afternoon storms take many summer days.
See the month-by-month weather data →
The Gunks
Roofs and horizontal breaks on the Shawangunk ridge above New Paltz. October is the pick, spring and fall are the seasons, and summer is for early mornings.
See the month-by-month weather data →
Chamonix
Mountain rock in the Aiguilles Rouges, across the valley from Mont Blanc. July is the pick up high, June to September is the season, and the valley crags are best in April.
See the month-by-month weather data →How the September picks compare
| Destination | Country | Rock | September | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolomites | Italy | Dolomite | ★ Best | Jun–Sep |
| The Gunks | New York, USA | Quartz conglomerate | Good | Apr–May, Sep–Nov |
| Chamonix | France | Gneiss & granite | Good | Jun–Sep |
Season = the months each destination's own weather-data article rates good or best.
Also in season in September
Questions
Where is the best place to go trad climbing in September?
Our top picks are the Dolomites, the Gunks and Chamonix. September is the best month of the year at the Dolomites, and a good month at the Gunks and Chamonix.
Which trad climbing destinations are at their best in September?
September is the best month of the year at La Pedriza and the Dolomites, according to the weather data in their destination guides. Our other picks are at their best at other times of year: the Gunks in October and Chamonix in July.
Where else can I go trad climbing in September?
Also in season in September: La Pedriza, Pembroke, Squamish, Hægefjell, Naranjo de Bulnes and Valle dell'Orco. Each guide has the month-by-month weather data.
Where should I go trad climbing in October?
In October, our top picks are the Gunks, Indian Creek and La Pedriza. See where to go trad climbing in October.