September is, in my opinion, the perfect time of the year for travel. The world seems to emerge from its summer frenzy and resume some kind of normality which makes popular tourist destinations quieter and the weather for European destinations is just right…
The crowds thin out and the sights you so wanted to see become clearer. It’s still beautifully warm, but many places start to feel a welcome breeze – welcome to September.
If September’s your window to travel, then where should you spend it?
Firstly, don’t write off places you’ve been to before in peak time. I once spent July in Dubrovnik and had no plans to return – the heat and crowds made things tough (especially for my then young family). But when we gave it another chance in September and it felt like a completely different place. The sea was still warm enough for swimming, but the streets weren’t packed with cruise ship passengers. And my accommodation cost nearly 40% less than peak season prices.
September travel is all about personalisation – tailoring it to what actually excites you, not what Instagram tells you to see. There are ideal locations for foodies, history buffs, trail hunters, beach lovers. Here are my favourite destinations that shine their brightest in September, categorised by continent for easy planning.
Europe: Culture, Coastlines, and Charm
Greece: Island Bliss and Ancient Wonders
The Greek islands in September are ethereal, as though you’re experiencing the real Greece without the tourist facade. It left me speechless when I was there.
Greece makes my September list because the sea is still gloriously warm, the tavernas are still open, but you can actually find a spot on the beach. You’ll pay significantly less for accommodation, and the locals aren’t completely exhausted from the summer tourist crush.
You simply must island-hop via ferry (though booking a day in advance is still wise), soak up the sun on Naxos’ less crowded beaches, and explore the ancient ruins of Delos without passing out from heat exhaustion. I stood in awe at the Acropolis one September morning without another soul in sight – try that in August!
Swimming in the warm Aegean while watching the famous Santorini sunset, with actual space to enjoy it, was one of those travel moments I’ll treasure forever. Without the crowds in the background, photos and the experience itself are so, so much better.
Italy: Dolomites to Amalfi Coast
Italy in September is emotionally astounding. The summer crowds melt away, and you’re left with all the beauty and none of the chaos. The Amalfi Coast in particular transforms from a packed tourist conveyor belt to a place where you can actually enjoy that seaside aperitivo in peace.
Italy’s September magic lies in its diversity. You hike in the crisp mountain air of the Dolomites in the morning (pack layers, as it can get chilly), and within a few hours be lounging on a Mediterranean beach.
Exploring Tuscany’s vineyards during harvest season is spectacular. Also consider taking that boat trip along the Amalfi Coast (worth every euro), and wander through Florence’s art-filled streets without queuing for hours.
My advice is to rent a car for rural Tuscany – the winding roads through cypress-lined hills are half the fun, and you can stop whenever you like. I found myself pulling over every five minutes for another photo. The light in Tuscany during September is simply magical – soft and golden, perfect for those Instagram shots.
Croatia: Adriatic Adventures
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is perfect in September. Less crowds of course, and the sea is still warm from the sun. Kayaking around Dubrovnik’s ancient walls without dodging a hundred other kayakers was a highlight when I went.
Key experiences include walking Dubrovnik’s city walls (go early, it still gets warm), island-hopping to Hvar and Korčula where accommodation prices drop dramatically after August, and exploring Split’s Diocletian’s Palace when you can actually see the stonework without everyone’s heads and phones in the way.
As a September visitor you can still enjoy the beach culture with space to actually lay your towel down, and restaurants won’t require bookings so much. Plus I couldn’t help but notice the service was better, where staff aren’t run off their feet.
Turkey: Budget-Friendly Beauty
Turkey serves up that perfect Mediterranean cocktail of ancient history, stunning coastline, and tasty cuisine – all at affordable prices, right up to the most luxurious.
Key experiences include hot air ballooning over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys (the morning light in September is particularly clear), exploring Istanbul’s bazaars and mosques without heated crowds, and hiking sections of the Lycian Way with comfortable temperatures.
May and September are your best bets for combining beach time with cultural exploration. I spent three weeks in Turkey one September for what a week in Italy would have cost, so it’s worth considering if budget is your biggest deciding factor.
Asia: Vibrant Cities and Scenic Serenity
Japan: Temples and Modern Marvels
Japan in September gives you that sweet spot after the brutal summer heat and before the autumn leaf-marvelling crowds arrive. I wandered through Kyoto’s bamboo forest at 7am and had it completely to myself – this would be impossible just a few weeks later in October!
Must-dos include visiting Fushimi Inari shrine early in the morning (the vermillion gates are even more stunning without the crowds), exploring Tokyo’s diverse neighbourhoods on foot in slightly cooler temperatures, and taking day trips to smaller towns that would be unbearably hot in summer.
Pack light, and make full use of Japan’s incredibly efficient train system to get around. And don’t make Tokyo just a stopover; the city deserves 3-4 days to explore its neighbourhoods that most tourists never bother with.
Vietnam: Budget-Friendly Culture
Vietnam makes my September list because the northern regions are becoming more comfortable after summer rains, while the central areas enjoy great weather before the October wet season.
You can spend mornings wandering Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter with a cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee), afternoons exploring ancient temples, and evenings sampling street food that cost less than a coffee back home. The value for money is unbeatable.
September is perfect for trekking in the terraced rice fields around Sa Pa, when they’re at their most vibrant green just before harvest.
North America: Urban Vibes and Natural Wonders
United States: Colorado’s Rocky Mountain High
I remember standing speechless at an overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park as the early autumn colours began to appear in the aspen trees. September in Colorado is truly breathtaking – warm days, cool nights, and a hint of the gold that will explode in October.
Colorado makes the September list because the summer crowds have dispersed, the afternoon thunderstorms are less frequent, and the hiking conditions are absolutely perfect. Plus, you might catch a concert at Red Rocks without needing a jacket yet.
Wildlife viewing is at its peak too. I spotted more elk and moose in my September visit than I ever would’ve done earlier on in the year. They’re more active in the cooler weather and easier to spot with slightly fewer visitors on the trails.
Canada: British Columbia’s Coastal Beauty
British Columbia is another one that is simply more enjoyable without crowds swarming it. Vancouver Island in particular shines when the summer holidaymakers have gone back to school and work.
Hiking through old-growth forests, kayaking with seals in the Gulf Islands, and exploring Vancouver’s Stanley Park were all more enjoyable with September’s quieter scenes. And again, you’ll see more breathtaking wildlife.
Tips for September Travel
Even with September’s perks, a bit of planning goes a long way. Book accommodations about two months out – it’s still popular enough that the best places fill up.
Pack for variable weather, especially if you’re heading to mountainous regions like the Dolomites or Colorado. I got caught in an unexpected cool spell in the Rockies with only t-shirts – rookie mistake!
For the best flight deals, look for mid-week departures and returns. I’ve consistently found Tuesday and Wednesday flights to be cheaper for September travel.
And don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations once you arrive. September sees fewer tourists, so locals are often more willing to share their genuine favourites rather than directing you to the usual tourist traps.
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