Sep
Why September is the Secretly Perfect Month to Travel
While others are settling back into school and work routines, savvy travelers know a secret: September is the golden month for a getaway. This is the heart of the “shoulder season,” that magical sweet spot after the summer peak but before the off-season lull.
The result is a perfect travel trifecta: fewer crowds at iconic sights, lower prices on flights and hotels, and wonderfully pleasant, post-summer weather. If you’re looking for the ideal balance of sunshine, savings, and space to explore, these are the best travel destinations in September.
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Get Your eSIM NowBest Destinations for End-of-Summer Sun
Not ready to say goodbye to summer? You don’t have to. These destinations offer a perfect beach vacation with warm sea temperatures, long sunny days, and a fraction of the tourists you’d find in July and August.
The Greek Islands (Crete, Corfu)
Why Go: The Mediterranean Sea is at its absolute warmest in September after soaking up the summer sun, making it perfect for swimming. The overwhelming summer crowds have thinned, and accommodation prices drop significantly, offering much better value.
Key Activities: Beach hopping between idyllic coves, exploring ancient ruins like the Palace of Knossos without the intense heat, and sailing the turquoise waters.
Weather: Gloriously sunny and comfortable, with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s (24-28°C).
Portugal’s Algarve Coast
Why Go: The Algarve is one of the most affordable travel destinations for a classic European beach getaway in September. The Atlantic is still pleasant for a dip, and the weather remains fantastic for lounging on the region’s famous golden sands.
Key Activities: Exploring the stunning sea caves around Benagil, taking a surf lesson in Sagres, or simply relaxing on iconic beaches like Praia da Marinha.
Weather: Sunny and pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around a perfect 75°F (24°C).
Sicily, Italy
Why Go: September in Sicily means you can escape the intense, oppressive heat of July and August while still enjoying warm, beach-perfect weather. This makes it an ideal time for a trip that combines both swimming and sightseeing comfortably.
Key Activities: Wander through the ancient Valley of the Temples, relax on the beautiful beaches of Cefalù, and explore the dramatic landscapes around Mount Etna.
Weather: Consistently warm and sunny, with an average temperature of 77°F (25°C).
The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Why Go: The crystal-clear Adriatic Sea is still warm enough for swimming and snorkeling, while the crowds in popular cities like Dubrovnik and Split have become far more manageable. You can experience the best of Croatia without the long lines.
Key Activities: Island hopping to Hvar or Korčula, walking the historic city walls of Dubrovnik, and exploring the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Weather: Mild and sunny, with temperatures typically in the low 70s (22°C).
Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
Why Go: If you’re wondering where is hot in September on a budget, this is a fantastic option. The sea is wonderfully warm, and the bustling coastal resorts are less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and better deals.
Key Activities: Paragliding over the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz, taking a traditional gulet boat trip, and exploring the ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffsides.
Weather: Hot and sunny, with temperatures often reaching the mid-80s (29°C).
Best Destinations for Autumn Charm & Fall Foliage
For those ready to embrace the changing seasons, these destinations offer the first hints of autumn. Think crisp air, cozy activities, and the spectacular transformation of leaves into a brilliant display of color.
New England, USA
Why Go: September allows you to catch the very beginning of the region’s world-famous fall foliage season, often with fewer crowds than in peak October. The weather is crisp, clear, and absolutely perfect for hiking and scenic road trips through charming towns.
Key Activities: “Leaf peeping” on iconic scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, apple picking at a local orchard, and hiking in the White or Green Mountains.
Weather: Crisp and mild, averaging a comfortable 65°F (18°C).
Montreal, Canada
Why Go: Experience Montreal’s distinct European feel as the city’s parks begin to glow with beautiful early autumn colors. The weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for walking and exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Key Activities: Strolling the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, hiking up Mont-Royal for panoramic city views, and visiting the Montreal Botanical Garden.
Weather: Cool and pleasant, typically around 60-65°F (15-18°C).
Bavaria, Germany
Why Go: While Munich is gearing up for Oktoberfest, the surrounding Bavarian Alps begin to show their stunning autumn colors. This makes September a magical time for fairy-tale castle visits and breathtaking mountain hikes.
Key Activities: Hiking in the Alps, visiting the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, and driving Germany’s scenic Romantic Road through medieval villages.
Weather: Mild to cool with crisp evenings, with temperatures around 55-60°F (13-15°C).
Best European Cities to Visit & Cultural Events
September is arguably the perfect month for a city break in Europe. The weather is ideal for walking, the summer tourist rush has subsided, and the cultural calendar is packed with unique festivals and events.
Munich, Germany
Why Go: The world-famous Oktoberfest officially kicks off in mid-to-late September, offering a one-of-a-kind cultural festival experience. It’s one of the best European cities to visit in September for pure fun.
Key Activities: Attending Oktoberfest in a traditional tent, relaxing in the massive English Garden, and exploring the city’s world-class museums.
Weather: Mild days perfect for exploring and cool nights, with an average temperature around 60°F (15°C).
Tuscany, Italy
Why Go: This is the peak of the vendemmia, or grape harvest season, making it a dream destination for foodies and wine lovers. The entire region comes alive with harvest festivals, and the countryside is bathed in a soft, golden light.
Key Activities: Joining a wine tasting tour in the Chianti region, taking a Tuscan cooking class, and exploring the art-filled cities of Florence and Siena with fewer crowds.
Weather: Beautifully warm and sunny, with a perfect average temperature of 75°F (24°C).
Rome, Italy
Why Go: The oppressive summer heat has finally broken, making September the perfect time to explore Rome’s sprawling ancient sites comfortably on foot. You can spend hours wandering without feeling drained by the sun.
Key Activities: Visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum, exploring Vatican City without the peak-season queues, and enjoying a leisurely espresso at an outdoor cafe.
Weather: Pleasant and sunny, with temperatures around 77°F (25°C).
Lisbon, Portugal
Why Go: Enjoy the vibrant capital city with consistently sunny days, pleasant temperatures, and noticeably fewer crowds than in August. The city’s famous hills are much easier to tackle in the milder weather.
Key Activities: Riding the historic Tram 28 through charming neighborhoods, getting lost in the winding streets of the Alfama district, and taking a day trip to the magical palaces of Sintra.
Weather: Warm and sunny, with an average temperature of 75°F (24°C).
Best Destinations for Epic Adventures
For travelers seeking thrills and unforgettable landscapes, September offers optimal conditions in many of the world’s most spectacular settings. Dry seasons align and temperatures cool, creating the perfect window for adventure.
US National Parks (Zion, Yellowstone, Grand Teton)
Why Go: September is prime time for visiting America’s crown jewels. The summer crowds are gone, the weather is ideal for hiking, and wildlife is often more active as they prepare for winter. This is easily the best national parks to visit in September.
Key Activities: Hiking The Narrows in Zion, spotting bison and bears in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, and capturing postcard-perfect photos of the mountains in Grand Teton.
Weather: Mild and sunny days with cool, crisp nights. Daytime highs are often around 70°F (21°C).
Peru
Why Go: September falls right in the heart of Peru’s dry season, providing clear blue skies and the best possible trekking conditions for the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It’s the most reliable month for this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Key Activities: Hiking the Inca Trail, exploring the ancient ruins of the Sacred Valley, and acclimatizing in the historic city of Cusco.
Weather: Dry and mild in the mountains, with daytime temperatures around 68°F (20°C) in Cusco.
Tanzania
Why Go: As the peak of the long dry season, September offers unparalleled wildlife viewing. Animals congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot, and it’s a prime month to witness the dramatic Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti.
Key Activities: Going on a safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and positioning yourself to witness the Great Migration river crossings.
Weather: Dry, sunny, and mild, with comfortable temperatures around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
FAQs: Planning Your September Trip
Where are the best places to visit in September in the USA?
The best places to visit in September in the USA depend on your travel style. For the first glimpse of fall colors and crisp autumn air, head to New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine).
For sunny weather and incredible outdoor adventures with fewer crowds, the national parks in the West like Zion (Utah), Yellowstone, and Grand Teton (Wyoming) are prime choices.
Where is hot and cheap in September?
For travelers seeking sun on a budget, destinations like Portugal’s Algarve Coast, coastal Turkey, and Mexico’s Baja California offer an excellent combination of warm, sunny weather and lower prices compared to the peak summer season.
These places are fantastic for a last-minute beach escape without the hefty price tag.
Is September a good month to travel to Europe?
September is arguably the best month to visit Europe. You get all the benefits of the “shoulder season”: beautiful warm weather perfect for sightseeing and significantly fewer crowds at major attractions.
You will also find lower costs for flights and hotels compared to the July and August peak.
