September is a travel sweet spot. The crowds are gone, the weather is just right, and many destinations offer special seasonal experiences that you can’t find any other time of year.
Here’s a curated list of the best places to visit in September — plus key facts, tips, and exactly what makes this month magical in each location.
1. Italy 🇮🇹
Why September?
🍇 It’s harvest season — Tuscany and Piedmont host wine festivals and grape stomping events!
🌞 Weather is still warm, but summer tourist crowds have thinned.
Travel Tip:
- Chianti Wine Festival in Greve is a local favorite.
- Visit Cinque Terre without the August heat and packed trains.
2. Greece 🇬🇷
Why September?
🏖️ The sea is at its warmest after heating up all summer.
🍂 Lower prices and more availability on islands like Naxos and Paros.
Travel Tip:
- September sunsets in Oia (Santorini) are breathtaking — without needing to elbow your way through crowds.
- Athens Epidaurus Festival often extends into early September with open-air theater performances.
3. Japan 🇯🇵
Why September?
🍁 Early signs of fall foliage in northern regions like Hokkaido.
🎎 It’s festival season: think colorful lanterns, street food, and fireworks.
Travel Tip:
- Sapporo Autumn Fest is one of Japan’s biggest gourmet festivals.
- Visit Mount Fuji before it closes for climbing season (typically ends early September).
4. Portugal 🇵🇹
Why September?
☀️ Sunny beach days without the summer stampede.
🍷 Grape harvest (vindima) in the Douro Valley is a must-see.
Travel Tip:
- Porto is stunning in September — walkable, photogenic, and full of riverside cafes.
- The Lisbon Fish & Flavours Festival often takes place this month.
5. Canada (East) 🇨🇦
Why September?
🍂 Beginning of fall foliage — especially in Ontario and Quebec.
🧺 Warm days, cool nights — perfect for road trips and outdoor dining.
Travel Tip:
- Prince Edward County is a great wine region in Ontario, still open and vibrant in September.
- Mont-Tremblant offers early glimpses of autumn colors by mid-to-late month.
6. Croatia 🇭🇷
Why September?
🌊 Adriatic Sea is warm, and beach towns are peaceful again.
🎶 Dubrovnik and Split host cultural and classical music festivals.
Travel Tip:
- Rent a boat to explore the Pakleni Islands from Hvar.
- Try truffle hunting in Istria — white truffle season begins late September.
7. Morocco 🇲🇦
Why September?
🏜️ Desert temperatures drop to tolerable levels.
🎨 Medina markets and souks are bustling with local trade before the high tourist season begins in October.
Travel Tip:
- Travel from Marrakech to the Sahara via Merzouga — it’s less scorching and still dry.
- Camel treks and stargazing in the desert are best in September skies.
8. South Africa 🇿🇦
Why September?
🦁 It’s prime safari season — dry weather means animals gather around watering holes.
🐋 Whale watching in Hermanus is at its peak.
Travel Tip:
- Kruger National Park offers budget-friendly self-drive safaris.
- Book early for a spot on a whale-watching boat near Cape Town.
9. Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩
Why September?
🌴 Still dry season, but crowds thin after the August rush.
💆 Perfect for wellness retreats, waterfalls, and jungle yoga.
Travel Tip:
- Ubud’s cultural performances are more accessible and less crowded in September.
- September sunsets in Seminyak are some of the best of the year.
10. Spain 🇪🇸
Why September?
🎉 Locals return from August holidays, so cities like Madrid and Barcelona come alive again.
🍷 Harvest season in La Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
Travel Tip:
- La Mercè Festival in Barcelona (late September) features human towers, parades, and fireworks.
- Try a tapas crawl in San Sebastián — fewer tourists = faster service!
11. Iceland 🇮🇸
Why September?
🌌 Start of Northern Lights season, but still decent daylight for sightseeing.
🚙 Roads are still open for Ring Road adventures.
Travel Tip:
- The Reykjavík International Film Festival takes place late September.
- Bring layers — temps can shift dramatically between day and night.
12. France 🇫🇷
Why September?
🍇 It’s vendange (grape harvest) time in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne.
🎨 Paris museums are calmer, and local life resumes after August closures.
Travel Tip:
- Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) lets you access normally-closed buildings like castles and palaces for free.
- Visit lavender fields in Provence — still blooming in early September.
13. Turkey 🇹🇷
Why September?
🏖️ Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are stunning with fewer beachgoers.
🎈 Cappadocia has clear skies for sunrise balloon rides.
Travel Tip:
- Explore Pamukkale’s hot springs without summer bus crowds.
- Visit Istanbul’s bazaars for pre-holiday shopping without the madness of December.
14. New England, USA 🇺🇸
Why September?
🍁 Early fall foliage begins late September in the northern states.
🎃 Farm stands, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches open!
Travel Tip:
- Drive the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire for jaw-dropping color.
- Check out a cozy B&B in Vermont with a fireplace and homemade pie.
15. Slovenia 🇸🇮
Why September?
🏞️ Perfect for nature lovers — Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and Soča Valley are all less crowded.
🚴 Ideal for hiking and biking with cool, clear weather.
Travel Tip:
- Rent a rowboat to explore Lake Bled’s island church.
- September is the last month before Slovenia’s alpine regions cool significantly.
✈️ Final Thoughts:
September is the unsung hero of travel months — perfect temps, rich experiences, and better deals. Whether you’re seeking festivals, foliage, or food, the world opens up in magical ways when summer ends.
Would you like a Pinterest pin pack, printable travel calendar, or mini packing checklist for these destinations? Just say the word!
