Best destinations to visit in September in Europe

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September is widely considered one of Europe's best travel months, holding onto summer warmth while losing most of the peak season crowds.

Southern Europe stays warm enough for beach days well into the month, without the intense heat of July and August. Munich's Oktoberfest begins in September too, filling the city with visitors weeks before the festival's name would suggest. Wine regions across the continent enter harvest season, drawing visitors to the countryside for a firsthand look at the process. Northern Europe cools down a little, with crisp, comfortable days that suit long walks through quieter cities. Museums and major sights also feel noticeably calmer once school terms restart across much of the continent, easing the crowds of the summer months just before.

The destinations on our list for Europe reflect that same shift, from warm southern beaches to the first signs of autumn further north.