Nantucket in September, early Oct
 

A friend of mine and I had planned to visit Nantucket in August, but we figured it was "high season" and packed with vacationers, so have about decided to go in mid to late September and early October.

What's the weather like that time of year? Are the restaurants still open? Is it a good time to go?

Thanks in advance for tips and advice!

ssssssshhhhhhhh! Lot's start early in June. September is often perfect weather, atmosphere and lower rates.

sssssshhhhhhhh!!!! mums the word.

cottages at the boat basin are horrible! and pet friendly!

September is our favorite time to visit Nantucket. Gone are the summer folk, vacationers, and day trippers, for the most part.

A few restaurants are closed after Labor Day, but the rest are all still open, along with nearly all the shops.

Rates used to drop right dramatically right after Labor Day, but in recent years many places have extended high season rates, so shop for accomodation with shoulder season rates. And, shop mid-September to early October, as rates definitely drop everywhere at some point.

The weather will still be pleasant (though not for sun bathing) with flowers still in bloom. Expect cool breezes (it's an island), however, and a significant drop in temps when the sun goes down.

You may even consider going during Nantucket restaurant week - which is usually around the last week in September - you can probably get an 08 calendar of events online -

It is a lovely time to be on island - but don't think you can wait last minute to book either, it fills up - and on any long weekends there is often a 3 night minimum in many places

I forgot about Restaurant Week - another of those "festivals" in the shoulder/off season to promote visiting. You may find that rates are lower before and after.

Well, as I have said before and most of you agree, September is definitely the best month to be here, for all the reasons djkbooks writes, though there will be a couple of cool and/or rainy days. Most days you can certainly sunbathe, esp if you can get out of the breeze, and the water is actually at its warmest for the 10 days after Labor Day.

That being said, the last week of August is getting better and better. Once the schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts start, there is a great exodus from the island. People with kids in private school are still around, but the scene is definitely calmer, except for Labor Day weekend itself.

It is usually very nice here through October, though the possibility of sunbathing goes down day by day, and it can be really cold (50's) for a day or two.