By September is shoulder season at its best: lighter crowds, softer prices, and stable skies. If you’re wondering where to travel in September, this guide goes beyond lists. You’ll get on-the-ground advice, September weather notes, risk flags, realistic budgets, and routes plus the cheap countries to visit in September, warm places to visit in September, the best beaches to visit in September, the best cities to visit in September, and the best national parks to visit in September.
Best Places to Visit in September: quick summary table
| Destination (Region) | September weather | Why go in September | Budget (mid-range/day) | Risk and notes |
| Greek Islands (Europe) | 23–29°C, warm seas | Fewer crowds, perfect swim temps | $$ | Low risk; book ferries early |
| Puglia & Sicily, Italy (Europe) | 22–30°C | Beaches + food festivals | $$–$$$ | Hot afternoons; siesta-friendly plans |
| Algarve, Portugal (Europe) | 20–28°C | Calm seas, surf picks up | $$ | Minimal risk |
| Turquoise Coast, Turkey (Europe/Asia) | 22–30°C | Gulet sailing, warm water | $$ | Hot midday; hydrate |
| Hawaii (USA) | 24–30°C | Warm water, post–Labor Day deals | $$$ | Local conditions vary by island |
| Bali & Komodo (Asia) | 23–31°C | Dry season, great diving | $–$$ | Book boats early |
| ABC Islands (Caribbean) | 27–32°C, breezy | Outside hurricane belt | $$–$$$ | Sun intense; pack reef-safe sunscreen |
| Yellowstone & Grand Teton (USA) | 0–20°C | Wildlife, golden aspens | $$ | Cold mornings; layers |
| Yosemite & Sequoia (USA) | 10–27°C | Clear skies, fewer crowds | $$ | Wildfires occasionally affect air |
| South Africa (Africa) | 12–24°C | Whale watching + safaris | $$ | Cool nights; pack layers |
| Peru Andes (Americas) | 5–22°C | Late dry season, clearer trails | $–$$ | Altitude; acclimatize |
| Maldives/Seychelles/Mauritius (Indian Ocean) | 25–31°C | Great snorkeling, value deals | $$–$$$ | Brief showers possible |
This table focuses your choices quickly. Still, because people search for the best places to visit in September by style, let’s go there next.
Where to travel in September by style
Warm places to visit in September
- Greek Islands: Crete, Rhodes, Naxos, Paros.
- South Italy: Puglia, Sicily, Amalfi Coast.
- Algarve, Portugal and Costa Brava, Spain.
- Turkey’s Turquoise Coast: Kaş, Fethiye, Bodrum.
- Hawaii: Maui, Kauai, Oahu.
Why these warm places to visit in September work
Sea temperatures are ideal, crowds drop, and hotel rates ease.
You’re wondering where to travel in September for guaranteed warmth? Start here. These warm places to visit in September balance sunshine with shoulder-season savings.
Cheap countries to visit in September
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania.
- Asia: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia (Lombok, Flores, Java).
- Africa: Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia.
- Americas: Mexico (interior), Colombia, Peru.
Why cheap countries to visit in September shine
- Peak-season pressure fades, so accommodation, transport, and tours get more flexible. Moreover, you can stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort.
- We will reference cheap countries to visit in September again in the FAQs and itineraries so you can plan quickly.
Best beaches to visit in September
- Europe: Algarve, Crete/Rhodes, Mallorca/Menorca, Costa Brava.
- Americas: Hawaii, Southern California, ABC Islands.
- Asia: Bali, Nusa Penida, Komodo.
- Indian Ocean: Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives.
- The best beaches to visit in September have warm water, reliable sun, and fewer package-tour crowds. Consequently, you get more space and better value.
Best cities to visit in September
- Europe: Rome, Florence, Lisbon, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Istanbul.
- USA: New York, Chicago, San Francisco.
Why these are the best cities to visit in September
- Lines shorten, pavement cools, and cultural calendars restart after summer.
Best national parks to visit in September
- USA: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Sequoia, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Utah’s Mighty 5.
- Canada: Banff and Jasper.
- Africa: Kruger and Etosha.
Because crowds thin and wildlife gets active, these are the best national parks to visit in September for hikers, photographers, and families.
Best Places to Visit in September by region
Europe: best places to visit in September
- Italy (Sicily, Puglia, Amalfi, Cinque Terre, Lake Como)
- September weather: 18–30°C north to south; warm seas in the south.
- Why go: Post-summer calm, harvest festivals, coastal drives.
- Tip: For value, sleep in smaller towns (Monopoli, Noto).
- – Greece (Crete, Rhodes, Naxos, Paros, Santorini)
- September weather: 23–29°C with swimmable water.
- Why go: Ferries still frequent; beaches breathe again.
- Spain (Andalusia, Mallorca/Menorca, Costa Brava, Basque Coast)
- September weather: 20–30°C; dry and bright.
- Why go: Food festivals and gorgeous shoulder-season light.
- Portugal (Algarve, Alentejo Coast, Madeira, Azores)
- September weather: 20–28°C; gentle seas.
- Why go: Warm beaches, surf building, affordable wine country.
- Croatia & Slovenia
- September weather: 12–27°C by altitude/coast.
- Why go: Warm Adriatic, truffle season beginning, alpine clarity.
Table: Europe picks at a glance
| Country | Top spots | Sept. weather | Budget | Why September |
| Italy | Sicily, Puglia, Amalfi | 22–30°C | $$–$$$ | Warm seas, harvest |
| Greece | Crete, Rhodes, Cyclades | 23–29°C | $$ | Less wind, ferries |
| Spain | Andalusia, Balearics | 22–30°C | $$–$$$ | Festivals, beaches |
| Portugal | Algarve, Madeira | 20–28°C | $$ | Calm seas, surf |
| Croatia | Dalmatia, Istria | 20–27°C | $$–$$$ | Fewer cruise ships |
| Slovenia | Bled, Soča | 12–22°C | $$ | Alpine hikes |
While Europe offers many of the best places to visit in September, always check local events—harvest weekends can sell out countryside stays.
USA: best places to visit in September
New England (Maine coast, Vermont towns)
September weather: 12–22°C; crisp mornings.
Why go: Quiet coasts and early fall vibes.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton
September weather: 0–20°C; frosty dawns possible.
Why go: Wildlife activity and golden aspens.
Yosemite & Sequoia
September weather: 10–27°C; dry, clear.
Why go: Fewer crowds; iconic hikes.
Utah’s Mighty 5 (Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef)
September weather: 12–29°C by elevation.
Why go: Cooler desert days and dramatic light.
Pacific Northwest (Olympic, North Cascades)
September weather: Stable windows for big hikes.
Acadia & Maine Coast
September weather: Ideal hiking temps; soft light for photography.
Hawaii (Maui, Kauai, Oahu)
September weather: 24–30°C; warm water and clearer availability.
Because America’s parks dramatically improve after Labor Day, the best national parks to visit in September cluster across the West and Northeast.
Table: USA parks snapshot
| Park | Sept. temps | Why Sept. | Crowd level | Tip |
| Yellowstone | 0–20°C | Wildlife, color | Lower | Sunrise in Lamar Valley |
| Grand Teton | 2–20°C | Photography | Lower | Jenny Lake hikes early |
| Yosemite | 10–27°C | Clear trails | Lower | Start before 7 am |
| Sequoia | 8–24°C | Giant groves | Lower | Carry layers |
| Acadia | 8–21°C | Ocean + trails | Lower | Bass Harbor sunset |
Asia: where to travel in September
Indonesia: Bali, Nusa Penida, Komodo
September weather: 23–31°C; dry season.
Why go: Calm seas, excellent diving/snorkeling.
Vietnam (north): Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang
September weather: Rice terraces turn gold; fewer downpours than midsummer.
Thailand (Gulf side): Koh Samui, Koh Phangan
September weather: More favorable than the Andaman side.
Japan: Hokkaido, Tokyo/Kyoto (with typhoon watch)
September weather: Warm, with risk windows.
Sri Lanka (east): Trincomalee, Arugam Bay
September weather: Dry on the east coast; surf season still on.
Nepal (late September): Kathmandu, Pokhara
September weather: Monsoon retreats; clearer trekking late month.
Because Asia’s September weather shifts by coast and altitude, double-check microclimates before you book.
Africa & Middle East: best places to visit in September
Morocco: Marrakech, Essaouira, Atlas Mountains
September weather: Hot days, cooler nights.
Why go: Market energy with manageable heat.
Egypt: Cairo, Luxor/Aswan, Red Sea
September weather: Hot but less brutal; great diving visibility.
South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route, Kruger
September weather: Mild days; safari visibility is excellent.
Namibia: Sossusvlei, Etosha
September weather: Dry season; wildlife at waterholes.
Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba
September weather: Heat tapers; desert stars.
Oman: Salalah (Khareef end), Muscat, Jebel Akhdar
September weather: Salalah is fresh; mountains milder than the coast.
Because southern Africa peaks for safaris, these are some of the best places to visit in September for wildlife.
Central & South America: where to travel in September
Peru (Andes): Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
September weather: Late dry season; fewer crowds than June–Aug.
Bolivia: Uyuni, La Paz, Sucre
September weather: Clear skies, crisp nights.
Ecuador & Galápagos
September weather: Cooler seas; fantastic wildlife.
Colombia: Medellín, Coffee Region (comfortable temps); Cartagena is humid.
Mexico (interior): Mexico City, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, San Miguel
September weather: Pleasant inland; coast has storm risk.
Because hurricane season peaks in parts of the Americas, the interior cities become the best cities to visit in September across Mexico and Colombia.
Australia & Pacific: best places to visit in September
Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef, Western Australia wildflowers
September weather: Spring temps; clear Reef conditions.
New Zealand: Queenstown, Fiordland, Wanaka
September weather: Changeable; snow still on peaks.
Fiji & French Polynesia
September weather: Drier, sunny, less humid.
Indian Ocean: Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius
September weather: Warm; occasional showers; great rates.
Cheap countries to visit in September (table and tips)
| Region | Country | Typical mid-range/day | Why cheap in September | What to prioritize |
| Europe | Albania | $35–65 | Shoulder pricing | Riviera beaches, Gjirokastër |
| Europe | Bosnia & Herzegovina | $35–60 | Under-the-radar | Mostar, Sarajevo |
| Europe | Bulgaria | $40–70 | Value year-round | Black Sea, monasteries |
| Europe | Romania | $40–70 | Affordable stays | Transylvania, Carpathians |
| Asia | Vietnam | $25–50 (north) | Strong value | Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang |
| Asia | Cambodia | $25–45 | Low costs | Angkor, Koh Rong |
| Asia | Laos | $25–45 | Budget-friendly | Luang Prabang |
| Asia | Indonesia (beyond Bali) | $30–60 | Less touristed | Lombok, Flores |
| Africa | Morocco | $30–60 | Riad deals | Marrakech, Atlas |
| Africa | Egypt | $30–65 | Local transport | Luxor, Red Sea |
| Africa | Tunisia | $30–55 | Resort value | Djerba, Hammamet |
| Americas | Mexico (interior) | $30–60 | Off-peak inland | CDMX, Oaxaca |
| Americas | Colombia | $30–55 | Competitive | Medellín, Salento |
| Americas | Peru | $30–55 | Late dry season | Cusco, Sacred Valley |
Because you asked for clarity, I’ve highlighted why these are cheap countries to visit in September and what to prioritize once you arrive.
Warm places to visit in September (beaches & islands table)
| Region | Destination | Sept. water temp | Why it’s warm and wonderful |
| Europe | Crete/Rhodes | 24–26°C | Reliable sunshine and swimmable seas |
| Europe | Algarve | 20–22°C | Mild Atlantic with calm days |
| Americas | Hawaii | 26–28°C | Peak swim temps and fewer families |
| Americas | ABC Islands | 27–29°C | Outside hurricane belt |
| Asia | Bali/Nusa Penida | 26–28°C | Dry season and clear water |
| Asia | Komodo | 27–29°C | Manta encounters and warm seas |
| Indian Ocean | Maldives/Seychelles/Mauritius | 27–29°C | Lagoon snorkeling in clear water |
These warm places to visit in September double as many of the best beaches to visit in September—ideal for easy trip wins.
Best cities to visit in September (culture-led picks)
Rome, Florence, Venice: Shorter lines, evening passeggiata, and shoulder-season dining.
Lisbon and Porto: Alfresco views, tram rides, Douro harvest trips.
Barcelona and Madrid: Cultural calendars restart; beaches still workable.
Paris and Amsterdam: Cooler queues; museum days + terrace nights.
Istanbul: Bosphorus breezes meet golden evenings.
New York, Chicago, San Francisco: Festivals, milder temps, skyline walks.
Because the best cities to visit in September balance weather and culture, plan at least one city break even if your trip is beach-led.
Best national parks to visit in September (why they win)
Yellowstone & Grand Teton: Wildlife and fall color; crisp air for long hikes.
Yosemite & Sequoia: Clear trails and fewer traffic jams.
Glacier & Rocky Mountain: Alpine clarity and elk rut.
Acadia: Ocean vistas, granite trails, lighthouse sunsets.
Banff & Jasper: Reflections at lakes, cold nights, still-comfortable days.
Kruger & Etosha: Dry-season wildlife at waterholes; peak viewing.
Because visibility and animal behavior improve, these are indeed the best national parks to visit in September for nature-first travelers.
September weather and risk guide (what to avoid and what to swap)
| Risk zone | What’s the issue in September? | Safer swaps |
| Caribbean (most), Gulf of Mexico, Yucatán, Bahamas | Peak Atlantic hurricane season | ABC Islands; Mediterranean coasts; US West |
| Pacific Mexico (Baja Sur, Pacific resorts) | Tropical storms/cyclones possible | Interior Mexico cities; California coast |
| Western Pacific (Philippines, Taiwan, Okinawa, parts of Japan/China) | Typhoons can strike | Hokkaido, Bali/Komodo, Mediterranean |
| South Asia (early September) | Monsoon lingers in places | Sri Lanka East, Nepal late month, Georgia/Armenia |
| High mountains (worldwide) | Changeable weather and cold nights | Day hikes with layers; lower-elevation routes |
Because September weather varies, confirm local forecasts 5–7 days pre-trip and keep cancellation flexibility. These September travel tips will help.
September travel tips (book smarter, spend less)
Flights and hotels
Book 6–10 weeks out for shoulder-season fares.
Fly midweek; return Tue/Wed to save more.
Use free-cancel hotel rates; re-check prices a week before arrival.
Packing and health
Pack layers, a light rain shell, versatile shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Carry electrolytes for warm places to visit in September.
Add a small first-aid kit and eSIM for offline maps.
Money and logistics
Choose no-foreign-fee cards; withdraw larger sums less often.
In Europe, compare passes vs. saver fares; in parks, start before sunrise.
Safety and insurance
Consider “cancel for any reason” for hurricane/typhoon exposure.
Screenshot bookings and save embassy contacts.
These September travel tips apply whether you’re targeting the best cities to visit in September or the best beaches to visit in September.
Where to travel in September: 7–14 day itineraries
7-day itineraries
Mediterranean Mix
Naples (1) → Amalfi Coast (3) → Matera (1) → Puglia coast (2).
Why: Combines cities, cliff roads, and beach time.
Western USA Parks
Grand Teton (2) → Yellowstone (3) → Bozeman (2).
Why: Classic wildlife, color, and hot springs.
Bali + Komodo
Ubud (3) → Nusa Penida (1) → Labuan Bajo & Komodo (3).
Why: Culture + manta rays + warm seas.
10–14 day itineraries
Iberia Sunshine
Lisbon (3) → Algarve (3) → Seville (2) → Granada (2) → Costa del Sol (2).
Balkans Blue-Route
Dubrovnik (2) → Korčula/Hvar (3) → Split (2) → Istria (3) → Ljubljana/Bled (2).
Southern Africa Classic
Cape Town (4) → Garden Route (3) → Kruger (4) → Johannesburg (1–2).
Because you often ask where to travel in September without over-planning, these routes keep transit reasonable and experiences rich.
FAQs: best places to visit in September
1) Is September a good time to travel?
Yes. Prices dip, crowds ease, and September weather stays reliable across the Mediterranean, US West, southern Africa, and parts of Asia.
2) Where is warm in September?
Warm places to visit in September include Greece, south Italy, Algarve, Turkey’s coast, Hawaii, Bali/Komodo, and the ABC Islands.
3) What are the cheapest countries to visit in September?
Cheap countries to visit in September: Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Romania, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia (beyond Bali), Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, interior Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.
4) What are the best beaches to visit in September?
The best beaches to visit in September span Crete/Rhodes, Algarve, Mallorca/Menorca, Costa Brava, Bali/Nusa Penida, Hawaii, and the ABC Islands.
5) What are the best cities to visit in September?
The best cities to visit in September include Rome, Lisbon, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Istanbul, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
6) Which are the best national parks to visit in September?
The best national parks to visit in September are Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Sequoia, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Banff/Jasper, Kruger, and Etosha.
7) Where to travel in September to avoid hurricanes?
Choose the ABC Islands, Mediterranean coasts, US West, southern Africa, and Bali/Komodo. When in doubt, monitor forecasts closely.
8) Where to travel in September for diving/snorkeling?
Bali/Komodo, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Hawaii, and the ABC Islands. Visibility is often excellent.
9) Where to travel in September for festivals?
September festivals include Oktoberfest (Munich), La Mercè (Barcelona), the Mid-Autumn Festival (East Asia), and grape harvests in Italy/France/Spain/Portugal.
10) What are must-know September travel tips?
Book 6–10 weeks out, use flexible rates, pack layers + rain shell, and consider “cancel for any reason” insurance for storm-prone regions. These September travel tips keep your plans resilient.
11) How should I plan September weather around Asia?
Prefer Bali/Komodo and the Gulf side of Thailand; go north in Vietnam; watch typhoons around Taiwan, Okinawa, and parts of Japan.
12) Where to travel in September for family trips?
Algarve, Greek Islands, Hawaii, the Italian coast, and US national parks with shorter hikes (Acadia, Yosemite valley loops).
Final verdict: the best places to visit in September
If you want warmth, the Greek Islands, south Italy, Algarve, Turkey’s coast, Hawaii, and Bali are the warm places to visit in September that deliver every time.
If you want value, Albania, Vietnam, Morocco, Egypt, interior Mexico, and Peru are the cheap countries to visit in September that consistently undercut summer prices.
If you want variety, split your time between the best beaches to visit in September and at least one of the best cities to visit in September for food, art, and nightlife.
If you want nature first, center your trip on the best national parks to visit in September in the USA and Canada—or aim for southern Africa’s dry-season safaris.
Where to travel in September ultimately depends on your style, but with these September travel tips, smart weather checks, and flexible bookings, you can secure high sunshine, low stress, and strong savings.
“Planning your September trip? Drop your questions in the comments—we’ll help you craft the perfect itinerary.”
