5 Best Destinations to Visit In September
September is a great time for travel. Summer crowds thin out as kids return to school, prices often drop, and the weather remains pleasant in many regions. The best destinations to visit in September depend on what you’re looking for (beaches, outdoor adventure, festivals), but we have some places we think you should put at the top of your list.
Best Destinations to Visit In September
Whether you’re chasing sunshine, cultural festivals, or breathtaking nature, these are some of the most perfect destinations to visit in Europe during September:
1. Greece
Visiting Greece in September is a great idea!
September offers warm sunny days, but without the extreme heat of midsummer, and it’s far less crowded than the busy summer tourist season!
This means you won’t have to dodge people to get great sunset photos!
Because the days are warm, but not humid, you can still enjoy swimming in the sea, doing some sunbathing, and spending time out in nature.
Food & wine (which really are amazing year-round in Greece) really get enhanced in September.
Grapes are being harvested, and you’ll find fresh figs, pomegranates, pistachios, and late-summer tomatoes in season.
September is also a time when several festivals take place. Here are a few to look into:
- The Harvest Festival in Mykonos celebrates local food, bread baking, and traditional music.
- The Athens International Film Festival showcases international films, documentaries, and shorts at various venues, including open-air cinemas.
- The IFESTIA Festival in Santorini celebrates the island’s volcanic origins with a huge fireworks display.
2. Italy (Amalfi Coast)
September is a great time to visit the Amalfi Coast.
The weather is still warm and sunny during the day, and since the beaches face south, you can still enjoy them!
Since it isn’t as hot and humid as the summer months, it is a great time to hike the famous Path of the Gods, experience a wine tour, or take a boat trip along the coast.
Ferries and buses run regularly, making it easy to move between towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, as well as reach Capri or Sorrento for day trips.
September is also festival season:
- Festa dell’Incendio takes place in the tiny village of Torello, near Ravello, where all the buildings of the town are illuminated and a firework display takes place over the village.
- The Festa del Pesce (Fish Festival) takes over the Spiaggia di Fornillo beach on the last Saturday in September. It features fresh seafood & music along the water.
3. Spain (Barcelona)
Barcelona in September means warm weather, fewer crowds, and plenty to do.
During the day, you can enjoy the beach, explore Gaudí’s landmarks, and take day trips to Montserrat or the Costa Brava.
September evenings are perfect for dining outside and watching the Magic Fountain show.
La Mercè Festival happens near the end of the month, and this is a time when you will see a surge in crowds.
The festival is about celebrating Catalan culture.
There is free street entertainment (primarily in the Gothic Quarter) and a free, open-air music event (BAM Festival) that features international and local acts across multiple stages.
The festival ends with fireworks held at 10:00 pm near Barceloneta beach.
4. Germany (Munich)
All you need to know is that Oktoberfest kicks off in mid-September in Germany!
While the crowds are nuts (visitors from around the globe flock to Munich), the Bavarian beer, traditional food, music, and costumes make the atmosphere electric.
And even if you don’t drink, you will find Munich a great place to eat, shop, and people-watch!
The mild temperatures in Munich make enjoying the outdoor festivities & seasonal markets totally comfortable.
Visitors to the English Garden, the Munich Botanical Garden, or the grand Nymphenburg Palace will find it packed with late summer blooms, and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle in September will be filled with fall foliage.
5. Iceland
You’ll find Iceland in September to be a transitional month between summer and fall, offering mild temperatures, low crowds, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
Driving the Golden Circle is one of my favorite things to do in Iceland, and this time of year, it is still easily accessible by car. You’ll find waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss at full flow.
After a day of hiking, nothing is better than a visit to one of Iceland’s many natural hot springs. The Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, or natural pools like Reykjadalur are the perfect temperature as the air gets cooler.
Want to go whale watching? You will find places like Húsavík and Reykjavik still in the prime whale-watching season.
Because Iceland’s daylight is lessening, the darker nights give you a real chance to see the aurora borealis.
The end of September brings the Reykjavík International Film Festival, which features indie films.
Traveling in September also means you’ll often enjoy lower prices on flights and hotels compared to peak summer, giving you more flexibility and value for your trip. Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or a bucket-list adventure, this is the ideal time to explore the world without the stress of big crowds.
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