The best places to visit in September
September is one of the smartest months of the year to travel. The crowds thin out, and the temperatures drop just enough. For families with kids, it’s back-to-school month and everywhere feels calmer. But the beaches are still warm, the cities are easier to explore, and the world feels a little more open again after the rush of summer.
These are the best places to visit in September.
Albania
The Albanian Riviera is at its best in September. The water stays warm from summer, but the beaches are far quieter. You can guarantee bright, dry days and mild evenings that are perfect for eating outdoors. Inland, mountain villages are green and great for hiking without the summer heat.
Find out how we spent a week on the Albanian Riviera.
The Azores
September in the Azores brings the end of summer warmth with fewer visitors. It’s one of the best times for whale watching, and the islands’ hiking trails are at their greenest after the wet months and sea temperatures are perfect for swimming. The weather’s stable enough for outdoor adventures from sunrise to sunset, and the roads are quieter than in July and August.
Find out how we spent three weeks in the Azores here.
Barcelona
September is the sweet spot for Barcelona. The sea’s still warm, the evenings are cooler, and many locals return from summer holidays, bringing the city back to life. You can still spend mornings on the beach and afternoons wandering Gaudí’s landmarks without the August crowds. Don’t miss the Festes de la Mercè near the end of the month. It’s a huge local celebration with music, fireworks, and street performances.
Find out how we spent a week in Barcelona here.
Basque Country
The Basque Country’s mix of coastline and culture shines in early autumn. San Sebastián’s beaches stay warm well into September, while Bilbao’s Guggenheim and old town feel calmer after summer. The Rioja Alavesa wine region is also in harvest season, which is perfect if you want to pair pintxos with vineyard views.
Here’s how we spent a week in Basque Country.
Berlin
Berlin cools slightly in September, which makes it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor events. The city’s cultural season starts up again, with film festivals, exhibitions, and concerts taking over its parks and venues. Warm afternoons, crisp evenings, and fewer tourists make it a great time to see the city at its most authentic.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Berlin here.
Bratislava
September might be Bratislava's sweet spot. The summer heat begins to fade, tourist numbers drop, and the city feels calmer while still enjoying warm, sunny days. It's ideal for wandering the historic centre, visiting the castle, and spending time outdoors before autumn fully arrives.
Find out more about our day trip to Bratislava here.
Bruges
September is a beautiful month to visit Bruges as the summer warmth often lingers, but visitor numbers begin to fall, creating a calmer atmosphere. It's an excellent month for sightseeing, canal cruises, and enjoying the city's cafés and restaurants without the peak-season crowds.
Find out how we spent a day in Bruges.
Budapest
September is arguably one of the best months to visit Budapest. The summer warmth remains, but the busiest tourist crowds have faded. It's ideal for sightseeing, thermal baths, and evenings along the Danube.
Find out about our trip to Budapest here.
Canada
September marks the start of Canada’s fall colours, before the long winter sets in. Temperatures are pleasant, hiking trails are quieter, and national parks like Banff and Jasper still have great weather for camping or road trips. It’s also prime time for spotting wildlife before the first snow of autumn arrives.
Read our full two-week Canada itinerary for Alberta and British Columbia here.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands stay sunny all year, but September has a great balance of heat and calm. The water is at its warmest, ideal for swimming and diving, and the summer crowds have gone home. Whether it’s hiking in Tenerife or beach-hopping in Lanzarote, the weather’s perfect for slow, easy days.
Cappadocia
September is one of the most comfortable months in Cappadocia. The heat of summer fades, but the skies stay clear, perfect for hot-air balloon rides and long walks through the valleys. It’s also grape harvest season, so you’ll find small local festivals celebrating wine, food, and the start of autumn.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Cappadocia here.
Colombia
In most of Colombia, September brings a short lull between the main rainy seasons. It’s a great time for city breaks in Medellin or Bogota, where the temperatures stay steady year-round, and for coastal trips to Cartagena before the wet months return. Expect warm days, tropical greenery, and fewer tourists than in winter.
Read our full Colombia itinerary here.
Copenhagen
September gives Copenhagen a soft glow. The weather cools, but the days remain long enough for cycling tours and canal walks. It’s a good time to experience the city’s culture without the summer rush… think cosy cafes, design shops, and weekend markets.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Copenhagen here.
Croatia
September is one of Croatia's best months. The sea is at its warmest, prices begin to fall, and destinations like Hvar and Dubrovnik feel noticeably calmer than in midsummer.
Find out about our week in Croatia here.
Dublin
Early autumn suits Dublin perfectly. The crowds thin and the city hosts several food and arts festivals. It’s still mild enough for coastal walks and day trips, but cool enough to spend evenings in cosy bars listening to live music.
Here’s how we spent a weekend in Dublin.
Edinburgh
September is a breather after festival season in Edinburgh. The streets are quieter, the weather is cooler, and the city’s golden stone looks especially beautiful in autumn light. It’s ideal for exploring without queues. Climb Arthur’s Seat, visit the galleries, or take a whisky tour when the rain starts to fall.
Here’s how we spent a long weekend in Edinburgh.
Ibiza
By September, Ibiza begins to chill… A bit. The weather is still hot, but the summer party season is winding down, leaving behind a calmer, more local feel. It’s an amazing time for long swims, quieter beach bars, and exploring the island’s inland villages before things close up for winter.
Read our Ibiza itinerary here.
Italy
Harvest season begins across much of Italy in September. Combined with warm weather and fewer crowds, it's a fantastic time for food lovers and wine enthusiasts.
Find out about our two weeks travelling around Italy here.
Japan
September in Japan brings the tail end of summer and the start of typhoon season. Northern regions like Hokkaido are dry, bright, and perfect for hiking, while Kyoto and Tokyo start to cool down after the summer heat. It’s also the beginning of autumn food festivals and early harvests, making it a great month for culinary travellers.
Read our full Japan itinerary here.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia stays warm well into autumn, so September feels like a bonus summer. The sea is at its warmest, and the beaches are blissfully quiet. Inland, olive and fig trees are heavy with fruit, and seaside tavernas are still lively. It’s the best time for a relaxed, crowd-free Greek island trip.
Read our Kefalonia travel guide here.
Lisbon
Lisbon in September hits that perfect middle ground where it’s warm enough for outdoor dining but still cool enough for sightseeing. The city’s festivals continue through the month, and the nearby beaches of Cascais and Costa da Caparica are quieter but just as sunny. Pack for layers though, as the mornings can be breezy, while the afternoons are bright and hot.
Read our Lisbon itinerary here.
Ljubljana
The first hints of autumn arrive in Slovenia during September. The weather remains pleasant, while nearby lakes and forests begin transitioning into beautiful autumn colours.
Find out about our trip to Slovenia here.
Namibia
Namibia in September is dry, clear, and ideal for wildlife viewing. The vegetation thins out, making animals easy to spot around Etosha’s waterholes. It’s also the best month for photography as the light is soft, the skies are cloudless, and the desert sunsets are at their most vivid.
Read our two week Namibia itinerary here.
Oslo
Oslo in September feels calm and colourful. The summer crowds are gone, but the weather’s still good for boat trips and hikes in the forests surrounding the city. The autumn colours start to appear toward the end of the month, especially around the fjords so it’s a great time for outdoor photography.
Read our Oslo itinerary here.
Paris / Lille
Paris in September is full of life again after the August slowdown. Locals return, cafés buzz, and the weather’s just right for exploring without breaking a sweat. Lille also shines this month with its annual Braderie – Europe’s largest flea market – and a lively mix of food, music, and art.
Read our itinerary for a weekend in Paris here.
Riga, Latvia
September gives Riga a lovely calm feel. The air is crisp, the light golden, and the crowds have moved on. It’s a great month for sightseeing and soaking up the city’s art nouveau architecture, and nearby national parks offer peaceful hikes through forests starting to turn autumnal.
Find out how we spent three days in Riga here.
Santorini
Santorini in September is warm, peaceful, and more affordable than midsummer. The water’s perfect for swimming, ferries run regularly between islands, and the sunsets are as good as ever. It’s an ideal time for couples or photographers as you get the same beauty, but with less of the chaos.
Find out how we spent a week in Santorini here.
Sicily
Sicily in September offers everything at once: sunshine, history, and space to breathe. The heat eases off, but the sea stays warm enough for swimming. It’s also grape harvest season, so wineries and food festivals fill the countryside. Palermo, Taormina, and Syracuse are all lively but pleasantly so.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Sicily here.
South Korea
September is one of the most beautiful months in South Korea. The air is clear, the skies are blue, and the countryside is lush from summer rains. It’s also Chuseok – Korean Thanksgiving – when locals travel home and cities quieten down. Visit temples, hike in the mountains, or explore Seoul’s parks as the first autumn colours appear.
Read our two week South Korea itinerary here.
Tallinn, Estonia
In Tallinn, September brings cooler air and a slower pace. The medieval old town glows in soft autumn light, and it’s the perfect time for museums, walks along the city walls, and relaxing in candlelit bars and restaurants. It’s still warm, but you’ll feel the first hints of Baltic winter on the breeze.
Read our full Tallinn itinerary here.
The UK / Channel Islands
September might be the most underrated month to explore the UK. The school holidays end, beaches quieten down, and the weather often stays warm enough for one last swim. Cornish countryside walks are spectacular as the leaves begin to change, and in Guernsey, it’s still prime time for kayaking and coastal hikes.
Discover our favourite spots in the UK and the Channel Islands here.
Vienna
September brings comfortable temperatures and a busy cultural calendar to Vienna. It's an excellent month for sightseeing before winter arrives.
Find out more about our trip to Vienna.
Warsaw
Warsaw’s September is crisp and colourful. The parks start to turn golden, but the weather stays mild enough for alfresco dining. Cultural life kicks back into gear, with film and music festivals throughout the city. It’s the perfect blend of summer energy and autumn calm.
Here’s how we spent a long weekend in Warsaw.