The Ultimate Cape Cod Fall Guide | Things to do & What to Expect
While Cape Cod is a famous summer destination, it has just as much to offer in the Fall. The weather is great, you’ll avoid the massive summertime crowds, and many locals will agree that it is the best time of year to spend on the cape. Continue reading to find out my top recommendations for what activities you can do to have an amazing trip to Cape Cod in the fall!
Fall Weather to Expect in Cape Cod
Cape Cod experiences mild weather in the Fall, and is typically warmer than the rest of Massachusetts thanks to it’s maritime microclimate. Below are the average temperatures you can expect from September–November in Cape Cod:
🌡️ Average Fall Temperatures in Cape Cod
| Month | High / Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | 72°F / 56°F | 6 days |
| October | 62°F / 46°F | 8 days |
| November | 53°F / 37°F | 7 days |
When is the Best Month to visit Cape Cod in the Fall?
Each month throughout Fall brings a very different experience in Cape Cod, so here is a quick overview of what to expect from each month in the season:
Cape Cod in September
While Cape Cod is technically a fall destination from September through November, the experience changes quite a bit depending on when exactly you go, so here’s a quick overview of each month:
September, especially early to mid September, still feels like summertime along the cape. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach and go for a swim, but it’s usually not as sweltering as July or August. The Cape still remains busy until Labor Day, but afterwards, crowds slim down pretty significantly.
Cape Cod in October
By October, crowds have thinned out even more in Cape Cod, and you’ll mostly just find locals going about their daily lives. The trees along the Cape Cod Rail Trail and nature paths are sprinkled with shades of yellow and orange, the air finally has that perfectly crisp fall feel, and it’s peak cranberry season. Whale watching tours are also still running through the end of October, so you can fit in one last chance to see the whales before the season wraps up. There are also lots of farmers markets and Halloween themed activities that occur throughout the month,
Cape Cod in November
By November, Cape Cod becomes pretty dead as off-season settles in. Temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, a lot of the seasonal restaurants and shops start to close for the winter, and the remaining crowds that were already thin in October pretty much disappear. This is the month I would least recommend visiting, especially if you want to experience fall foliage or a more lively atmosphere. If a cozy, quiet getaway by the fireplace sounds up your alley, then November is a great time to visit Cape Cod – Especially since accommodation prices drop significantly!
My Personal Choice
In my opinion, early to mid October is definitely the best time to visit Cape Cod. You get to experience its subtle foliage, peak cranberry harvest, and comfortable weather for exploring outdoors all day.
Does Cape Cod Get Fall Foliage?
Cape Cod does experience a change of fall colors, but it’s nothing close to what you’d expect from the quintessential New England foliage. Cape Cod is a shrubby peninsula and a lot of the trees are evergreen or simply do not change color.
If you’re looking for the classic fall foliage experience with vibrant bursts of fiery colors, you’re better off heading further inland toward Western Massachusetts, Vermont, or New Hampshire. Cape Cod does offer a more subtle sprinkle of foliage including pockets of color along the Rail Trail and around the nature paths near the lighthouses, along with the cranberry bogst that turn a deep red color during harvest season, which makes for some really interesting fall scenery!
Best Hotels to Stay in Cape Cod During the Fall Season
Chatham Bars Inn
LuxuryThe Cape’s most iconic oceanfront resort, with a private beach, full service spa, and elegant dining right on the water in Chatham. This is the pick for anyone wanting a true five star Cape Cod experience.
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Candleberry Inn on Cape Cod
MidrangeThis award winning boutique bed and breakfast in Brewster is one of my personal favorite stays on the Cape. Each room is beautifully decorated with a private bath, and the two course breakfast is genuinely one of the best meals you’ll have all trip. Guests also get free use of the inn’s bikes, beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas, with Breakwater Beach just a short ride away.
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Blue Dolphin Inn
BudgetA family run motel tucked into six wooded acres near Cape Cod National Seashore, just a few miles from Nauset Lighthouse. Rooms are simple but clean, with an outdoor pool, on site restaurant, and easy access to the bike trails, a genuinely affordable option without sacrificing location.
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HI Hyannis Hostel
BackpackerPart of the HI USA network, voted best hostel network in North America. Overlooks Hyannis harbor and sits a short walk from the ferry terminal to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, perfect for budget minded solo travelers.
Book Now →I personally stayed at the iconic Candleberry Inn in Brewster, which has been voted the number one Bed and Breakfast in America on Tripadvisor! We had the best experience! With beautiful rooms, delicious breakfasts, and exceedingly friendly innkeepers, Candleberry Inn offers a wonderful and luxurious experience. Furthermore, Brewster’s central location lets you explore every part of the cape without having to travel too far, letting you experience as much as possible. They are usually booked out throughout the summer months but you’ll be more likely to get a room in the fall without booking months in advance.
Keeping these activities (and my accommodation recommendation) in mind, you should be perfectly equipped to take advantage of the nice weather, smaller crowds, and overall pleasant vibes that Cape Cod has in the Fall to have a truly fantastic trip!
Best Fall Activities in Cape Cod
Contrary to what you may think, Cape Cod has so much to offer beyond summertime beach activities! Below are a few of the best things to do in Fall in Cape Cod, including seasonal opportunities to year-round adventures.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Cape Cod and you can still see whales through October! There is an abundant feeding ground near Cape Cod, meaning that whales from all over the world flock to the area each year (and that you are more likely to see whales and other marine life on your tour). In fact, Cape Cod consistently ranks among the top 10 places in the world to see whales in their natural habitat. Whale-watching tours last 3 to 4 hours and leave multiple times a day, meaning that there will be lots of opportunities to get out and witness the abundant marine life in the area.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with expert naturalists on a three hour whale watching tour, departing from MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown. Explore the stunning Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, a renowned marine sanctuary and prime feeding ground for Humpback, Finback, Minke, and endangered Right Whales. Relax on two open decks or unwind in the comfortable cabin, complete with full galley service.
Tour a Cranberry Bog
Cape Cod is famous for its native cranberries, and the fall is the cranberry harvesting season, meaning that it's the best time to see them! The bright cranberries sit on top of bogs as part of the harvesting process, creating a beautiful splash of color that complements the fall scenery in the cape.
Many Cranberry bogs offer tours for you to see the process of harvesting and processing the cranberries (and may even let you participate in the process, depending on the tour), providing a unique insight into how the cranberries are gathered and turned into the food and drinks that so many people enjoy. If you can catch the cranberry harvest it is a truly beautiful sight and unique experience that is definitely worth coming to Cape Cod to see!
Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours
A walking tour led by a grower with over 35 years of experience, $20 per person. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Walk through Cape Cod's Nature Trails
There are a ton of nature trails around Cape Cod where you can get out and enjoy nature and even see some fall foliage! My top recommendations for easy walks would be the Red Maple Swamp Trail and the Beech Forest Trail, which are both short and easy trails with unique ecological features. For something a bit more challenging (but arguably more unique and rewarding) I would recommend the Long Point Lighthouse Trail or the Great Island Trail - but please be mindful of the tides for both of these trails to avoid any added complications.
Another great place to take in nature is Gray's Beach in Yarmouth, where you can walk on the boardwalk above a marsh. It's a great place to see some local marine life and the views are beautiful.
There are so many more trails throughout Cape Cod, so feel free to find any that best aligns with your interests and just get out there and explore the beautiful nature the Cape has to offer!
Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a very famous paved trail that is popular among bikers for the beautiful views it takes you through when traveling along its 25-mile-long path. With views of forests, cranberry bogs, ponds, beaches, and marshlands, you truly get to see all that Cape Cod offers when traveling along the trail. Furthermore, the trail runs through the towns of Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet, meaning that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore many of Cape Cod’s main towns if you desire.
Lots of towns on the trail offer bike rentals for the day, so you can get out on a whim in the morning and start pedaling along the trail whenever you want to without issue. The trail isn’t limited to bikers either, so if riding a bike isn’t your thing then you can walk or take a jog on the trail as well.
The pleasant fall weather and the relatively easy and flat trail combine to make the ultimate leisurely experience for anyone who wants a unique and active way to explore Cape Cod!
Rent a bike and explore the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path with a RideAway Adventures bike rental. Choose your rental duration, pick a time that works for you, and pick up right at the Cape Cod Canal location in Sandwich. All the gear you need, including helmets and bike locks, is included.
Visit the Lighthouses of Cape Cod
With so much coastline, there is no shortage of lighthouses in Cape Cod, and each of them offers a unique experience that makes them memorable. I recommend visiting at least a few of the lighthouses during your time in the cape.
While there are so many more lighthouses than these, my top recommendations to visit would be the following:
Lighthouses to Visit in Cape Cod
Nauset Lighthouse
This is the most famous lighthouse in Cape Cod, and is at this point pretty much a symbol for the cape. You've probably seen this iconic red and white lighthouse on the bags for Cape Cod Kettle Chips.
In addition to seeing such an iconic building in person, during your visit, you will also learn the history of the constant moving and rebuilding that is necessary for this lighthouse (and most others in Cape Cod) to fight against the rapidly eroding coastline issue that Cape Cod faces. Seeing how rapidly the sea has encroached in the last 100 years is truly mind boggling and makes it easier to imagine the very real possibility that within thousands of years Cape Cod could erode away entirely.
Nobska Lighthouse
This beautiful lighthouse is on the Southwestern tip of Cape Cod and offers beautiful views of Martha's Vineyard and Nonamesset Island from its property. It's worth a visit for these views alone, but you can also explore inside of the lighthouse and its museum while there!
Race Point Light Station
This lighthouse can be harder to access, requiring you to walk 30 to 40 minutes along the beach or through the sand dunes (or take a sand dune appropriate vehicle), but it rewards you with a beautiful view and a unique, more remote beach location. You can also reserve the Lighthouse for you and a group to stay overnight in for a truly one of a kind Cape Cod experience!
Watch Seals in Their Natural Habitat
Cape Cod is home to many seals, and even has Seal watching boats that go out, similar to the whale watching tours. However, you can also try your luck at spotting seals from many of the beaches, docks, and piers around the cape.
In my opinion, your best bet for spotting them will be in Chatham at the fishing pier. Between the hours of 12 and 3 the local fisherman bring back their catch for the day and unload the fish to be packaged and processed. This huge quantity of fish attracts seals and I was able to spot over a dozen adorable seals just sitting on the pier!
Since it will be around lunch time when you go to spot the seals, you can also get fresh seafood right near the pier, which is another must-do experience in Cape Cod. With some of the freshest and most delicious seafood available, everything is seriously so good! We got the lobster roll, fish and chips, and crab cake and all three items were SO delicious.
Visit The Pirate Museum
The Whydah Pirate Museum is a bit tucked away and in a rather unassuming building, but it was honestly the coolest museum I’ve ever been to (and it’s perfect to visit if you go to Cape Cod around spooky season especially). This museum provides visuals and information about the Golden Age of Piracy and the daily lives of pirates during the era, as well as offering views and hands-on experiences with pirate artifacts and treasure from the only ever discovered pirate’s treasure! This was such a pleasant surprise for me when I went and it would be the absolute perfect way to spend a rainy or chilly afternoon.
Catch a Beautiful Sunset
Cape Cod has some truly incredible sunsets that are definitely worth seeing! You can catch a beautiful sunset anywhere on the coast, but the bay side offers the rare (at least by East Coast standards) experience of being able to see the sun set into the waters. I recommend catching a sunset at Paine’s Creek Beach, the Knob, or Race Point for some of the most stunning and unique sunset views you can find on the East Coast!
