Can’t quite bring yourself to say goodbye to summer? With fall unfurling and peak travel season coming to an end, 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 still open, and the crowds a lot smaller.
Thinking about your budget? Jump to KAYAK’s data-backed picks based on popularity, flight, and hotel prices.
The best places to visit in September
- Wine country, California
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- San Francisco, California
- Munich, Germany
- Lake Orta, Italy
- Corsica, France
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
- Seoul, South Korea
- Kyoto, Japan
- Cancún, Mexico
- Eswatini
- Cali, Colombia
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. While San Francisco is my pick, KAYAK’s data-backed choices also include LA, San Diego and Miami with warm temperatures and medium to low popularity.
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 which 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, grape stomping experiences and the raft of festivities that unfold across the county.
For something free-wheeling, try biking the first completed section 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? Burn your gloom away (and potentially your tastebuds!)
Santa Fe welcomes September in style on the 1st with the 99th Burning of Zozobra. A 50-foot-tall monster stuffed with thousands of paper glooms (divorce documents, parking tickets… you get the idea), he’s symbolically burned while festivities and fireworks unfurl around him.
It’s a strange start, but just what you’d expect from ‘the city different’. The kind of place that calls the mind-scrambling Meow Wolf home. That plays host to the largest collection of Georgia O’Keeffe’s artworks including many of her glorious New Mexican landscapes.
Round out the month in style at the Sante Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, kicking off September 25th. A five-day eating and drinking bonanza, it attracts more than 60 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 2nd in 2024. Number 1 on KAYAK’s data picks, there are few better places to spend your Labor Day break than San Francisco. The city is laying on plenty of weekend events and experiences to commemorate and entertain.
Music fans will find concerts galore. Head to The Chapel to see Osees or the Chase Center for Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra. Baseball fans have their pick of games, with the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants both playing in big match series.
In 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.
Best places to visit in Europe in September
September is a month of great variety in Europe, as summer draws to a close. Vast beer-fueled celebrations kick off in Germany, while Italy’s lakes offer a more sedate take on the sundowner. Or you can swap excess for exercise in Corsica and Copenhagen.
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 on September 21st in 2024, running until October 6th. With parties happening all over the world, you could be forgiven for staying home to celebrate. But there’s nothing quite like the revelry and mayhem that comes from celebrating 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 worth booking in advance, but you can also chance your luck on the day.
5. Lake Orta, Italy
- Why visit in September? Fewer 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 there are others worth exploring too. With European schools reopening and crowds disappearing, the romance of the region reawakens in September.
Lake Orta is my pick for its manageable size and the unspoilt, authentic atmosphere compared to its more sizable siblings. Clear waters are encircled by rolling hills and charming villages and 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. Tiny Pella on the opposite shore has lovely beachfront restaurants and 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 some 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 must carry all your 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 thing.
7.Copenhagen, Denmark
- Learn more: Copenhagen travel guide
- Why visit in September? Fine fall weather makes for magic on-foot exploration.
A regular contender for the world’s best city to live in, Copenhagen is an enchanting destination. 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 count – and your pedal count. There are few places in the world 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.
Best places to visit in Asia in September
Celebrations and festivals ring out across Asia in the fall. From Korean Thanksgiving to full moon festivals, these are my favorite September experiences. KAYAK data highlights Cebu City, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City as other great places to visit with low prices and fewer tourists.
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.
A 40-minute ferry ride from Bali’s Sanur port to postcard-perfect Nusa Lembongan will see you escape most of those crowds. Once the sole 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? Korean Thanksgiving and 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 like a tsunami. Tourism has skyrocketed.
Seoul in September is a fantastic entry point. Temperatures remain in the high 70s but summer humidity drops away. It’s the ideal time to embrace its potent mix of futuristic and historic, traditional and natural. 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.
September 16th to 18th sees the celebrating of Chuseok. A three-day festival known as Korean Thanksgiving, it marks the mid-fall full moon. Street festivities, folk games and free entry to some major attractions make it well worth timing your visit for.
10. Kyoto, Japan
- Learn more: Kyoto travel guide
- 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 eating 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.
Cancún is a hotbed of sun and glamor almost year round. September 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, with rain and tropical storms something to factor in. But there are still enough visitors to keep the restaurants, bars and clubs of downtown Cancún and the Zona Hotelera.
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, horse riding and safaris to see the Big Five, including rhinos. Eswatini is a rhino hot spot, greatly respected for its strict conservation laws.
For something unique, time your visit to the start of September to catch the Umhlanga Reed Dance. An eight-day festival based on centuries-old royal tradition, it’s open to the public only for the last two days. Organize a guide and head to the royal village of Ludzidzini, likely as one of very few tourists. Enjoy the show as tens of thousands of Swazi women dance to honor the royal family and potentially be picked as new wives for the king. An extraordinary, intense experience.
13. Cali, Colombia
- Learn more: Cali travel guide
- Why visit in September? To salsa dance your socks off.
If you’re heading to south Colombia in September, you’d better bring your dancing shoes. Once it was home to a reputation scary enough to put off most visitors. Today, Cali is 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 suburb of Juanchito. 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.
Data-backed picks from KAYAK
If seasonal events aren’t on your wish list, consider instead one of data-based destinations. These destinations are based on KAYAK flight and hotel data, taking into account budget, weather, and popularity (so you can avoid the crowds). For personalized recommendations based on your location and chosen destination check out the Best Time to Travel tool.
Discover more great places to travel
With September being such a magic time to travel, you can always dip into my other monthly guides for more inspiration on where to go. You’ll find summer dreams in August and more fall fun in October. For something more warm weather specific, here’s where’s hot in September.
Or just browse our world map on KAYAK Explore and dive into our travel guides. Wherever you plan to go, KAYAK can help with great deals on cheap flights, trains and car rental and amazing places to stay.
