Best destinations to visit in September
Best destinations to visit in September
Mild autumn transition valleys and uncrowded historical town squares in September
September often gets called one of the best months to travel, sitting right in that shoulder season sweet spot after summer crowds thin out.
School terms restart in much of the Northern Hemisphere, which pulls family travel back and opens up better prices and quieter sights for everyone else. The Mediterranean stays warm well into the month, without the peak heat or crowds of July and August. Munich's Oktoberfest actually begins in September despite its name, drawing visitors weeks before autumn officially starts. Atlantic hurricane season also reaches its peak this month, worth keeping in mind for trips near the Caribbean or the Gulf Coast. The Southern Hemisphere heads the other way, moving into spring as wildflowers and warmer days return.
The destinations on our list cover that same range, from quiet Northern Hemisphere shoulder season favourites to the first signs of spring further south.
Lists by region
City in United States
Seattle
Where nature and innovation converge
Pike Place Market opened in 1907 on a bluff above Elliott Bay. Mild, drier September weather follows the region's wetter spring and early summer months. Farmers, fishmongers, cheesemakers and bakers sell directly to shoppers. The Space Needle offers views over the city and Puget Sound from its observation deck.
State/Prefecture in China
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
The Star Ferry has crossed Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1888. Mild September weather suits taking the Peak Tram up to views over the skyline. Neon signs light the streets of Mong Kok's markets after dark. Dim sum restaurants across the city serve small steamed and fried dishes.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
UNESCO added Singapore's hawker culture to its intangible heritage list in 2020. Warm, humid September weather is typical year round in the city state. Gardens by the Bay's Supertrees light up after dark for a free evening show. Chicken rice comes with plain poached chicken, fragrant rice and chilli sauce.
Island in South Korea
Jeju Island
Nature's Island Paradise
Hallasan, a dormant volcano and South Korea's highest peak, rises about 1,947 metres. Warm September days still suit swimming at black sand beaches before autumn cools the water. Lava tube caves at Manjanggul stretch for several kilometres underground. Volcanic rock formations ring much of the coastline near Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Island in Italy
Sicily
Sun, Sea and Ancient Secrets
Mount Etna's summer trails give way to cooler hiking conditions by September. Warm, dry weather suits touring the Greek temples at Agrigento's Valley of the Temples. Taormina's Greek theatre offers views of the sea and the volcano beyond. Grape harvest begins across Sicilian vineyards as autumn approaches.
City in South Korea
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
Mild September weather suits walking Gyeongbokgung Palace's grounds in traditional hanbok dress. Bukchon Hanok Village preserves rows of traditional courtyard houses on a hillside. Chuseok, Korea's autumn harvest holiday, often falls in September and fills markets with festive food. Street food stalls in Myeongdong stay busy into the cooler evenings.
Region in Italy
Tuscany
Rolling Hills, Wine and Renaissance Charm
Grape harvest brings pickers into Tuscany's vineyards through September. Mild autumn weather with highs near 25 degrees Celsius suits driving between hill towns such as Pienza and Montepulciano. Cypress lined roads wind past vineyards near San Quirico d'Orcia. Olive groves begin their own harvest later in the autumn.
Country
Ireland
Emerald Isle of timeless charm
Cool, mild September weather suits driving the Ring of Kerry's coastal loop road. The Cliffs of Moher rise about 214 metres above the Atlantic at their highest point. Traditional music sessions fill pubs across Galway and Dublin on autumn evenings. Fewer crowds in September make popular sights easier to enjoy.
City in Canada
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
Mild, drier September weather follows Vancouver's cooler, wetter spring months. Stanley Park's seawall stays a popular route for walking and cycling. Granville Island Public Market draws crowds for fresh produce and seafood. Mountains across Burrard Inlet begin catching early snow by late in the month.
City in Germany
Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
Oktoberfest traditionally begins in mid September and runs into early October at the Theresienwiese grounds. Beer tents fill with brass bands, pretzels and roast chicken during the festival. The Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall performs daily in Marienplatz. Mild autumn weather suits walking through the nearby Viktualienmarkt food market.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
September brings cooling weather that suits walking the Philosopher's Path before the autumn foliage crowds arrive. The Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji glows above its still reflecting pond. Fushimi Inari's thousands of vermilion torii gates climb a wooded hillside. Maruyama Park stays quieter in September than during peak cherry blossom season.
City in United States
Charleston (South Carolina)
Southern Charm, History and Coastline
Mild September weather with highs around 28 degrees Celsius suits horse drawn carriage tours. Rainbow Row's pastel houses along East Bay Street date mostly from the 1700s. Magnolia Plantation's gardens, opened to the public in the 1870s, sit a short drive from downtown. Hurricane season keeps some September days unsettled along the coast.
Country
Georgia
Wine country, mountain villages and old Tbilisi
Grape harvest, called rtveli, brings families together across Georgia's Kakheti wine region each September. Ancient qvevri clay vessels still ferment wine underground using methods thousands of years old. Tbilisi's old town mixes sulphur bathhouses with narrow cobbled streets. Mild autumn weather suits hiking in the Caucasus foothills.
City in France
Bordeaux
Wine, elegance and riverside charm
Grape harvest, known as vendange, peaks across Bordeaux's vineyards each September. Chateaux along the Route des Vins open cellars for tastings during the busy season. Mild autumn weather suits walking the riverside Place de la Bourse. The Cité du Vin museum explores wine history and culture near the river.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Dry season sunshine continues into September across most of Bali. Rice terraces near Ubud stay a vivid green through the drier months. Uluwatu Temple sits on a cliff above the sea at the island's southern tip. Warm water and calm seas suit beach days on the Bukit Peninsula.
National Park in United States
Zion National Park
Red rocks, epic hikes and nature's beauty
The Narrows trail winds through the Virgin River between towering sandstone walls. Mild September weather with highs near 29 degrees Celsius suits hiking Angels Landing's chain assisted route. Flash flood risk drops as summer monsoon storms taper off. Shuttle buses carry visitors through Zion Canyon during the busy season.
City in Portugal
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
September highs near 27 degrees Celsius suit riding Tram 28 through the hills of Alfama. The Belém Tower, a stone fortress from the early 1500s, stands a short ride from the centre. Pastéis de nata, warm custard tarts, are best eaten fresh from the oven. Beaches at Cascais stay warm enough for swimming into September.
National Park in United States
Acadia National Park
Rugged Shores, Sunrise Peaks, Wild Beauty
Cadillac Mountain rises 466 metres above the Maine coast, among the earliest spots to see sunrise in the US. Cooler September days suit hiking the Precipice Trail's iron rungs and ladders. Jordan Pond's still water reflects surrounding hills near a popular teahouse. Autumn colours begin tinting the maples by late September most years.
Region in Turkey
Cappadocia
A surreal land of fairy chimneys
Hot air balloons lift over Cappadocia's fairy chimney rock formations at sunrise most mornings. Mild September temperatures suit hiking through valleys near Göreme without summer's heat. Underground cities such as Derinkuyu were carved by early Christian communities seeking shelter. Cave hotels built into the soft volcanic rock offer a night close to the landscape.
City in Portugal
Porto
Wine, Coast and Old-World Charm
The Dom Luís I Bridge opened in 1886 with two levels of iron arches over the Douro. Grape harvest season brings activity to port wine cellars across Vila Nova de Gaia. Mild autumn weather suits walking the riverside Ribeira district. River cruises head upstream into the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley.
Region in United States
Napa Valley
Wine country's elegant culinary paradise
Grape harvest, known as crush, peaks across Napa Valley's vineyards each September. Wineries along the Silverado Trail open their cellars for tastings during the busy season. Warm, dry days suit hot air balloon rides over the valley at sunrise. Mustard flowers have faded by autumn, giving way to golden vine leaves.
City in China
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern dynamism
The Forbidden City held Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years within its walled complex. Mild September weather suits walking the Great Wall's restored sections outside the city. Tiananmen Square sits just south of the palace's main gate. The Temple of Heaven's round blue roofed hall dates to the early 1400s.
City in Morocco
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
Mild September weather in Marrakech brings highs around 34 degrees Celsius, cooling from summer's peak. Jardin Majorelle's cobalt blue walls and cactus garden stay busy with visitors. The blue painted lanes of Chefchaouen sit a few hours north in the Rif Mountains. Evenings in the Jemaa el-Fnaa square fill with food stalls and performers.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
Table Mountain rises 1,086 metres above the city with a cable car to the top. Spring wildflowers begin blooming across the Cape's fynbos by September. Whales stay visible off the coast near Hermanus into the early spring. African penguins waddle across the sand at Boulders Beach near Simon's Town.
Nature Reserve in China
Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve
Colorful lakes in Tibetan mountains
Turquoise and emerald lakes fill Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve's terraced valleys in China's Sichuan province. Autumn brings some of the clearest weather of the year to the park. Waterfalls cascade between the lakes through forested limestone terrain. Tibetan and Qiang villages sit near the reserve's entrance gates.
Country
Iceland
Land of fire and ice
Northern lights become visible again in September as nights grow darker. Ring Road drivers find fewer crowds than the busy summer season. Puffins have mostly left their sea cliff nesting sites by early September. The Blue Lagoon's warm mineral water stays a popular stop year round.
Reef in Australia
Great Barrier Reef
World's largest living coral wonder
The Great Barrier Reef stretches more than 2,300 kilometres along Australia's northeast coast. Mild September weather brings calm seas that suit snorkelling and diving trips. Minke whales pass through the northern reef on their winter migration into spring. Pontoons anchored off Cairns and Port Douglas give easy access to the outer reef.
City in United States
Santa Fe (New Mexico)
Ancient adobe charm meets artistic soul
The adobe Palace of the Governors was built in 1610 on Santa Fe's central plaza. Native artisans sell handmade silver jewellery under its long porch most days. Mild September weather suits gallery hopping along Canyon Road. The city sits about 2,200 metres above sea level, keeping evenings cool.
Island in Greece
Santorini
Breathtaking Views and Blue Domes
Whitewashed villages cling to Santorini's caldera rim above the deep blue sea. September brings warm weather with far fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Oia's blue domed churches draw crowds for sunset over the water. Ferries connect the island with Mykonos and other Cyclades islands.
Region in Portugal
Douro Valley
World's oldest wine wonderland
Grape harvest peaks across the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards each September. Pickers move through steep hillside rows above the winding river. River cruises between Porto and Pinhão pass estates that have made port wine for centuries. Mild autumn weather suits driving the valley's scenic viewpoints.
City in Croatia
Dubrovnik
The Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik's medieval walls stretch about two kilometres around the old town and can be walked in full. September brings warm weather with far fewer crowds than peak summer. Cable cars climb Mount Srđ for views over the terracotta rooftops below. Kayak tours paddle along the base of the walls out to nearby islands.
Region in Spain
La Rioja
Wine, history and mountain views
Grape harvest brings pickers into La Rioja's hillside vineyards each September across the region. Bodegas offer tastings of Tempranillo wines aged in oak barrels. Medieval towns such as Laguardia sit atop hills surrounded by vines. Mild autumn weather suits driving between small wine villages nearby.
Nature Reserve in Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Witness the Great Migration
The Great Migration typically remains in the Maasai Mara through September, with herds grazing the plains. Predators such as lions and cheetahs stay active around resident wildlife. Hot air balloon safaris drift over the plains at sunrise for wide views. Dry conditions make wildlife easier to spot around remaining water.
Country
Madagascar
Unique biodiversity meets diverse landscapes
Baobab trees line an avenue near Morondava, some more than 800 years old. Dry season weather through September makes lemur spotting easier in the forests. Ring tailed lemurs gather in troops among the spiny forests of the south. Coastal Nosy Be stays warm for diving among coral reefs offshore.
Island in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
Marine iguanas, found only in the Galápagos, bask on volcanic rocks along the shoreline. Cooler water in September brings nutrient rich currents that draw more marine life. Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz studies the islands' giant tortoises. Blue footed boobies perform their courtship dance on several of the islands.
National Park in Namibia
Etosha National Park
Namibia's Wildlife Sanctuary
September falls in Etosha's dry season, drawing wildlife to waterholes across the salt pan. Elephants, lions and rhinos gather more predictably as the bush dries out. Floodlit waterholes at rest camps let visitors watch animals after dark. Cooler mornings and evenings suit open vehicle game drives.
Nature Reserve in Botswana
Okavango Delta
Africa’s Uncharted Water Wilderness
The Okavango Delta's floodwaters reach their peak extent around September, drawing wildlife to the channels. Mokoro canoe safaris glide silently through waterways lined with reeds and papaya trees. Elephants and hippos gather along the delta's edges as the dry season continues. Predators follow prey animals concentrated near the remaining water.
Town in Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka’s Surf and Sunrise Haven
September sits in Arugam Bay's peak surf season on Sri Lanka's east coast. Point break waves draw surfers from around the world through the drier months. Kumana National Park nearby offers boat safaris to spot elephants and birds. Simple beachside guesthouses line the sand a short walk from the main break.
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, stands where two rivers meet in a warm valley. Clear September skies often give some of the year's best mountain views. Tiger's Nest monastery clings to a cliff about 900 metres above the Paro valley. Thimphu's weekend market fills with fresh produce and handmade crafts.
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