September is a brilliant month to travel. In most northern hemisphere destinations you’ll find delicious warm weather without the peak summer crowds, meaning you can still enjoy gorgeous beaches and late summer pleasures (long gelato walks at sunset in Italy? Sign us up!). Later in the month, some more northern destinations start to see the seasons shift as autumn takes hold, along with fall foliage. So whether you’re looking for the sun-kissed shores of Europe’s best beaches, or a crisp autumn escape to Canada, these are the best places to go in September to make the most of the late summer fun.
Plus, right now you can take advantage of our September on Sale deals, saving you up to 15% off some of our most popular tours.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen in September is all about embracing the hygge as the days begin to shorten. Imagine cycling along charming canals, exploring colourful Nyhavn, and enjoying cozy cafes and daily cinnamon buns. While swimming in the sea might be for the brave, the city is still alive with fun in September – and you can’t miss the Tivoli Gardens. It’s an amusement park that throws concerts and events throughout the summer, closing later this month.
September temperatures: 11-19°C (52-66°F)
Crowd factor: Low to moderate
Beach days or autumn colours: Think a touch of autumn, ideal for cozy city exploring.
Best Trafalgar tour: Capitals of Scandinavia
READ NEXT: 13 reasons September is the best time to visit Europe
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia is one of the best places to go in September. Step into the fairytale in Dubrovnik, where the intense summer rush should have eased, yet the weather will be beautiful enough for beach days and Old Town exploring. In summer it’s too hot to climb the small city’s ancient ramparts, but in September you can’t miss the chance to take in views of the Adriatic from the top. Nearby you can take a boat trip to the Elaphite Islands, or visit Dubrovnik on a Croatian island-hopping tour.
September temperatures: 18-25°C (64-77°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate to high
Beach days or autumn colours: Beach days (with a side of history).
Best Trafalgar tour: Pearls of the Adriatic
3. Norway
September is a lovely month to explore Norway. Down south in the capital, Oslo, you can explore the Vigeland Sculpture Park and take icy dips in the fjord (then step into a floating sauna!). While further north, early autumn colors are taking hold – adding another dimension to the surreal natural landscape. September is a busy month for events too, with the Oslo Marathon taking place, along with the Bergen Matfestival for foodies.
September temperatures: 9-17°C (48-63°F)
Crowd factor: Low to moderate
Beach days or autumn colours: Leaning towards autumn colours, especially in the north!
Best Trafalgar tour: Nordic Adventure
4. Kyoto, Japan
Japan is surprisingly humid in the summer, which is why it’s one of the best places to go in September – you’ll be more comfortable experiencing temples, gardens, and traditional culture without the intense summer heat. Kyoto is absolutely beautiful at this time of year, and you’ll catch the tail-end of summer festivals. The Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival often occurs in mid-September, a captivating display of dragon dances and traditional performances.
If you are chasing autumn leaves in Japan, you’re best going in mid October – or add on a solo side trip to the northern island of Hokkaido, where fall foliage starts to pop (particularly in Daisetsuzan National Park) from as early as mid-September.
September temperatures: 21-28°C (70-82°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate
Beach days or autumn colours: More cultural exploration in warm weather, with hints of early autumn.
Best Trafalgar tour: Classic Japan
5. Seville & Southern Spain
September still sizzles in the south of Spain, so if you like it hot head to Andalucia and the city of Seville. Here you can wander through the Alcázar palace gardens, then reward your efforts with a refreshing tinto de verano. By night, experience the fiery rhythms of flamenco performances.
September temperatures: 18-31°C (64-88°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate
Beach days or autumn colours: Beach days are still very much on the cards. Seville is an inland city, but the Andalusian coast is a short trip away.
Best Trafalgar tour: Best of Spain
READ NEXT: 15 sunny destinations to visit in Europe (and beyond) in September
6. British Columbia, Canada
If you’re looking for the best places to go in September for a taste of fall, pack plenty of layers and head to the Canadian province of British Columbia. After summer fades, autumn colors will start to appear from mid-to-late September, particularly in higher elevations like Burnaby Mountain in Vancouver or the Kootenay Rockies region. The later you go, the better.
September temperatures: 13-22°C (55-72°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate
Beach days or autumn colours: Definitely not beach days! Autumn will start to appear late in the month.
Best Trafalgar tour: Canada’s Rockies
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy’s most glamorous coastline is still basking in the sun in September, but you’ll find fewer superyachts crowding the harbors and can enjoy the beaches without the European summer student crowd. In September it’s also a touch cooler, meaning you can hike the Path of the Gods without melting. As for events, you can’t miss the famous Ravello Festival, where concerts are held with staggering sea views as the backdrop. Magical.
September temperatures: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate to high
Beach days or autumn colours: Beach days, undoubtedly.
Best Trafalgar tour: Italian Concerto
8. Algarve, Portugal
September might be the best month to visit Portugal’s southern coast. Here the golden sands of its many, many beaches are framed by dramatic cliffs and the usually cold Atlantic Ocean – but after the summer heat, the sea is at its warmest and the summer crowds are gone. It’s a great time to enjoy fresh seafood lunches with your toes in the sand, and to explore charming towns like Lagos and Tavira. Nearby there are a dozen or so wineries, so you could even participate in harvest events. It all makes the Algarve one of the best places to go in September.
September temperatures: 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate to high
Beach days or autumn colours?: Definitely beach days!
Best Trafalgar tour: Best of Portugal
9. Montreal & Quebec, Canada
As the French-Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec cool off, there’s still a vibrant energy in the air as locals anticipate fall. Early on you can catch the tail end of summer festivals before the fall arts season begins. If you visit late in the month, you might see the Montreal Beneva Marathon. While maple trees might not be in their full fiery glory yet, you’ll start to see hints of colour in the city’s parks.
September temperatures: 13-22°C (55-72°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate
Beach days or autumn colours: City vibes with early autumn hints.
Best Trafalgar tour: Best of Eastern Canada
10. Crete, Greece
Greece’s largest island is inarguably one of the best places to go in September – the sea is warm, crowds have thinned, and there’s still enough raki to toast the end of summer. If you’re planning a late summer tour to Greece, adding the cruise to Crete is a no-brainer. Here you’ll find gorgeous beaches, such as Elafonisi Beach with its pink sand and crystal-clear waters. Plus the grape harvest is in full swing.
September temperatures: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate to high
Beach days or autumn colours: Beach days!
Best Trafalgar tour: Best of Greece
READ NEXT: 5 reasons why a cruise is the best way to see the Greek islands
11. Sicily, Italy
Ciao bella Sicilia! September is a sweet spot to experience this captivating Italian island. The scorching summer heat has subsided, making it perfect for exploring ancient Greek ruins, wandering through baroque towns like Ragusa and Noto, and hiking around Mount Etna. The sea is still wonderfully warm for swimming, and you’ll find fewer queues for those must-try arancini and granita. Keep an eye out for local sagre (food festivals) celebrating seasonal produce like pistachios or grapes, offering delicious insights into Sicilian culinary traditions.
September temperatures: 19-27°C (66-81°F)
Crowd factor: Moderate
Beach days or autumn colours: Mornings exploring history, afternoons at the beach, evenings of culture.
Best Trafalgar tour: Colours of Sicily
Don’t forget to take advantage of our September on Sale deals, saving you up to 15% off some of our most popular tours.