Can’t quite bring yourself to say goodbye to summer? With fall unfurling and peak travel season over, the best places to visit in September just got a whole lot quieter and cheaper.
September is shoulder season across much of the Northern Hemisphere. It’s when flight and hotel prices start to drop, often dramatically, making out-of-reach destinations reachable. In many places the air and sea temperatures are still warm, the restaurants and attractions are still open, and the crowds are a lot thinner.
Best places to visit in September in the US.
In the US, fall is the season for wining and dining. It’s harvest season in California’s Wine Country and eating season in Santa Fe. Labor Day celebrations are also in full swing.
1. Wine Country, California.
- Learn more: Napa Travel Guide
- Why visit in September? Enjoy fine wines and fall festivities.
If wine is on your mind, turn your attention to the counties of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino this September. The coming of fall brings harvesting season to the 150-ish American Viticultural Areas (or AVAs) that make up Wine Country.
Napa is the focus and it’s worth checking in advance that the wineries you want to visit are open. The weather can vary from county to county but it’s typically balmy and dry. That lends itself perfectly to al fresco wine tasting, vineyard tours, and grape stomping experiences.
For something free-wheeling, try biking one of the completed sections of the newly created Napa Valley Vine Trail. A little more refined, hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train for its Tasting on the Rails experience. Pairing seven local wines with seven gourmet courses in a restored Pullman car, it tours five of Napa’s most gorgeous vine-laden AVAs.
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- Learn more: Santa Fe Travel Guide
- Why visit in September? For cool art and spicy food.
Ring in September with the curious and cultured in ‘the city different’. Dive right in with the mind-scrambling interactive art of Meow Wolf. Follow it with a trip to the O’Keeffe Museum, which has the largest collection of Georgia O’Keeffe’s artworks, including many of her glorious New Mexican landscapes.
End the month in style – and likely a little sweat – at the Sante Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, kicking off September 23th. A five-day eating and drinking bonanza, it attracts more than 65 restaurants and 90 wineries, so go hungry!
3. San Francisco, California.
- Learn more: San Francisco travel guide
- Why visit in September? Labor Day celebrations in the sun.
In the US, Labor Day falls on September 7th in 2026. There are few better places to spend your Labor Day break than San Francisco. The city will have plenty of weekend events and experiences to commemorate and entertain.
Music fans will find concerts galore. Head to The Chapel or Golden Gate Park to enjoy the day-long free Labor Day Symphony Concert. Baseball fans have their pick of games, with the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants both playing in big match series.
In the achingly hip Mission District, laze with the tech crowd in the shade of a palm tree at Dolores Park. With August’s chill winds lifted, take to the water for a cruise across the Bay and get up close and personal with Alcatraz, Golden Gate, and Sausalito.
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Best places to visit in Europe in September.
September is a month of great variety in Europe. Vast beer-fueled celebrations kick off in Germany, while Italy’s lakes offer a more sedate take on the sundowner. The capital cities of Reykjavik in Iceland and Oslo in Norway enjoy very long days and low to medium crowds – perfect for making the most of their many natural wonders.
4. Munich, Germany.
- Learn more: Munich travel guide
- Why visit in September? For the world’s biggest beer festival, Oktoberfest.
Whether you’re exploring its extraordinary landmarks or surfing its river wave, Munich is always a great place to visit. But in September, it’s the city’s many beer halls, or brauhäuse, that demand your attention for Oktoberfest.
Despite the name, the world’s most famous folk festival kicks off its 191st edition on September 19th in 2026, running until October 4th. With parties happening all over the world, you could be forgiven for staying home to celebrate. But there’s nothing quite like the revelry found in its 1810 place of origin in Bavaria, southern Germany.
It’s quite the experience too. Over 16 days, hundreds of German breweries and microbreweries converge to showcase their frothy nectar to hordes of Lederhosen and Dirndl-wearing revelers. Food stalls serve up an endless array of delicious German foods. Würstl (sausages) and schweinshaxe (ham hock), Brezen (pretzels) and, my favorite, Käsespätzle (cheese noodle heaven).
A city-wide event, you’ll find Oktoberfest celebrations wherever you go. The main focus is on Theresienwiese, a giant fairground just south of the city center. Seats and tables are hotly contested so it’s essential to book in advance.
5. Lake Orta, Italy.
- Why visit in September? Few crowds and fine fall weather.
On the fringes of the Swiss border, not far from Milan, northern Italy is famed for its lavish lakes. Como and Maggiore, Garda and Lugano often steal the show, but others are also worth exploring. With European schools reopening and crowds disappearing, the region’s romance reawakens in September.
Lake Orta is my pick for its manageable size and unspoiled, authentic atmosphere. Clear waters are encircled by rolling hills and charming villages where restaurants actually have tables available. There’s room to stretch on the beach. Stroll Ortan San Giulio with its narrow, tangled medieval streets and gorgeous piazza overlooking the lake. The tiny village of Pella on the opposite shore has lovely beachfront restaurants and is home to the wonderful Casa Fantini hotel.
September temperatures are warm rather than hot, so it’s the perfect time to hike up to Sacro Monte of Orta. Drink in the lake views, walk down to the lakeside, and hop on a boat to one of the seafood restaurants on Isola San Giulio. Perfect.
6. Corsica, France.
- Why visit in September? Challenge yourself on one of Europe’s toughest hikes.
Considering its fantastic location just a quick hop north from Sardinia, Corsica is remarkably quiet and undeveloped. In September, with European crowds thinning and Mediterranean waters still warm, its 200+ beaches are as delightful as they are deserted.
What truly makes Corsica one of the best places to go in September is the GR20. Among Europe’s toughest hikes, it stretches 125 miles along the island’s spine across seriously challenging terrain. September’s mild temperatures offer the best opportunity to complete it in as much comfort as possible.
Unguided (never tackle it solo), you’ll find camp spots and basic refuges en route but you must carry all your own supplies. Guided treks are a little easier with private gîtes to sleep in and only daypacks to carry. Either way, it’s an epic adventure – plan at least two weeks to walk the entire route.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Learn more: Copenhagen travel guide
- Why visit in September? Fine fall weather makes for magic on-foot exploration.
Copenhagen is an enchanting destination and was voted the world’s best city to live in in 2025. September walks a fine line weather-wise, with temperatures dropping to around 55℉, but the days are still long and bright. It’s the perfect time to up your step and pedal count. Few places in the world are as bicycle-friendly.
Head to Tivoli Gardens and brave the creaking (and newer) fairground rides. Evening concerts accompanied by ice creams are a must. For something truly memorable, take in the ballet at the Pantomime Theatre and go crazy with dinner at otherworldly Alchemist, one of the world’s best restaurants. Book way, way in advance.
Bohemian Freetown Christiania perfectly encapsulates Denmark’s liberal attitudes. In the Christianshavn neighborhood, this international community and commune operates under its own rules within the city limits. Tarred as a place to buy illegal substances, it’s so much more. Visit with open eyes and embrace its wonderful culture and community.
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Best places to visit in Asia in September.
Celebrations and festivals ring out across Asia in the fall. Cebu City in the Philippines, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, as great places to visit thanks to low prices and fewer tourists visiting at this time of year. Alongside these, here are my favorite Asian September experiences.
8. Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia.
- Learn more: Denpasar travel guide
- Why visit in September? The best of Bali but without the crowds.
A paradise that draws beach-loving visitors from across the world, Bali’s status as a vacation hotspot is set in stone. With it comes the crowds, though. Hordes of surfers and partygoers, not always well-behaved, fill the beaches, bars, and cultural attractions to overflowing.
In 2025, Bali’s governor introduced strict new laws aimed at targeting bad behavior and preserving cultural integrity. These include rules on everything from dressing respectfully when visiting cultural sites to using only registered and approved accommodations, rental vehicles and guides. Visitors will also need to pay a tourist tax of 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (around $9) before arriving on the island.
A 40-minute ferry ride from Bali’s Sanur port to postcard-perfect Nusa Lembongan will see you escape most of the crowds. Once the vacation domain of budget-loving surfers, the island now caters to families and couples. Boutique hotels like Lembongan Cliff Villas and fabulous restaurants like Kayu Lembongan offer the best of all worlds.
Rent a scooter to get around the island and visit its beautiful beaches. Jungutbatu and Pantai Tanjung Sanghyang (aka Mushroom Bay) are two of my favorites. Novice surfers should head for the surf break at Playgrounds. The breaks at Razors and Lacerations are, as the names suggest, only for the experienced.
9. Seoul, South Korea.
- Learn more: Seoul travel guide
- Why visit in September? To immerse yourself in K-culture.
The world’s eye is fixed firmly on South Korea and its capital Seoul with good reason. A hotbed of music, film and fashion, the cultural Korean Wave has traveled around the world. Tourism has skyrocketed.
Seoul in September is a fantastic entry point. Temperatures are in the high 70s but summer humidity drops away. It’s the ideal time to embrace the city’s potent mix of futuristic and historic, traditional and natural. To really immerse yourself in Joseon-era K-Culture, rent a traditional Korean hanbok outfit from one of the many rental shops – you can even get your hair styled in a traditional up do.
Head for Gyeongbukong Palace and changing of the royal guard where entry is free if you’re wearing your hanbok. Move on to Bukchon Hanok Village where traditional Korean houses (hanoks), artisan boutiques and cool cafés line the streets. Dive into the mania of shopping mecca Dongdaemun Market spread across ten blocks and some 30,000 shops.
Recover in Bukhansan National Park with a hike up granite peaks to its extraordinary fortress and panoramic views over Seoul. It’s popular, so avoid it on weekends.
10. Kyoto, Japan.
- Learn more: Where to stay in Kyoto
- Why visit in September? To see the moon in a whole new light.
Among the world’s more idyllic cities at any time of year, September is even more beautiful than usual in Kyoto. With fall marching out, its many natural wonders paint a lovely tapestry of colors and hues over Japan’s old capital. In particular, don’t miss Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Very popular is the moon-viewing festival Tsukimi, the traditional gathering to appreciate the fall full moon’s beauty. It’s often accompanied by poetry and vast consumption of tsukimi dango – rice and sweet bean dumplings made specially for the occasion.
And if you’re in the city on September 15th, don’t miss Yoshitsune-sai. A spectacular aikidō martial arts demonstration, it’s held in the breathtaking Kurama-dera temple north of Kyoto in the Kurama forest.
Best places to visit in September in the rest of the world.
The best holiday destinations in September are spread far and wide. Central and Southern America see crowds thin and prices drop, making them budget-friendly end of summer getaways. For something novel, make for burgeoning Eswatini for a glimpse of the magic of Africa.
11. Cancún, Mexico.
- Learn more: Cancún travel guide
- Why visit in September? Rock bottom prices and empty attractions.
A hotbed of sun and glamor almost year round, the starts of fall offers a rare window where crowds die down and prices plummet. Savvy visitors can find deals on everything from flights to hotels to cover charges.
The weather is undoubtedly more temperamental. While average temperatures are still hot at around 84°F, rain and tropical storms something to factor in with an average seven inches of the wet stuff falling in September. These tend to be short and sharp showers rather than sustained rain, so are easy to avoid. And there are still enough visitors to keep the restaurants, bars and clubs of downtown Cancún and the Zona Hotelera open.
Beyond the glitzy resorts and nightlife, the region’s historic and natural wonders are as empty as you’ll ever find them. Take a tour of the atmospheric cenotes that dot the area to swim and dive in sun and shade. Step back in time to the Mayan civilization and explore the ruins at Chichen Itzá Park.
12. Eswatini.
- Why visit in September? Perfect weather, epic safaris, and a massive dance festival.
Formerly called Swaziland, the Kingdom of Eswatini in southern Africa is starting to make a real mark on international travel. With October humidity and rain yet to descend and few visitors, it’s my African pick for the best holiday destination in September.
Tiny and landlocked, Eswatini’s growing infrastructure includes new roads and an international airport, opening up fresh destinations to explore. Adventure sports and wildlife spotting are big draws. Try river rafting, adventure biking, horseback riding and safaris to see the Big Five, including rhinos. Eswatini is a rhino hotspot, greatly respected for its strict conservation laws.
13. Cali, Colombia.
- Learn more: Cali travel guide
- Why visit in September? To salsa dance your socks off.
Magical Medellín and coastal Cartagena are great picks thanks to low prices, light crowds and lovely weather. But if you’re heading to south Colombia, don’t miss Cali. And don’t forget your dancing shoes. Once home to a reputation scary enough to put off most visitors, today it’s better known as the city of salsa and host to the World Salsa Festival.
Most famous is the Festival Mundial de Salsa. Here, 5,000+ local and international dancers celebrate with huge free events, live music and spontaneous street parties. All the local academies and salsa schools get involved, particularly from the Juanchito suburb. If you can get tickets, a trip to see the famous salsa circus, Delirio, is not to be missed.
When (if) you tire of the salsa, Cali’s famed nightlife should keep you entertained. Head for a zona rosa like San Antonio, La Sexta and Parque del Perro where bars and restaurants are tightly packed and the vibe is friendly and lively.
