The best places to travel in September are the warm shores of Greece, cultural spots in Rome and Paris, wild nature in Tanzania and Namibia, and exotic Bali. Let me introduce you to some of my favorite destinations.
Beach destinations in September
Greece
Santorini welcomes travelers with its cliffs and white buildings, especially in early autumn when the weather is balmy.
September is perfect for sightseeing without the summer heat. Read more about the ideal time to visit Greece in this post.
| Temperature | 20-29°C (68-84°F) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Greek |
| Dial Code | +30 |
| Estimated Monthly Costs (w/o rent) | €750-€800 per person |
Greece’s best places to travel in September
Oia is one of those places you shouldn’t skip. The cliffside paths give you amazing panoramas of the caldera, and the sunsets live up to the hype, especially if you can grab a good spot early.
Akrotiri is also worth seeing. It’s a Minoan settlement that was buried in volcanic ash, like Pompeii. The site shows you what everyday life looked like centuries ago. For me, it’s one of the more interesting historical stops on the island.
Finally, do not miss Santorini’s black sand beaches, formed by volcanic eruption. Perissa and Kamari are great places to enjoy warm black sand and clear waters, ideal for a swim during this season.
Best cities to visit in September
Paris
It is great to be in Paris at this time of year. There are not many summer tourists, and the weather is pleasant.
September in Paris brings mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful golden light – perfect for strolling, enjoying coffee from local cafés, and practicing French.
| Temperature | 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | French (English is common in tourist areas) |
| Dial Code | +33 1 (for Paris) |
| Estimated Monthly Costs (w/o rent) | €900-€1500 per person |
Best places to visit in Paris
To begin with, you must visit the Eiffel Tower, a well-known symbol of the city. It has a great view, especially in the evening when it sparkles.
Another must-see is the Louvre Museum. It houses thousands of masterpieces, including the world-famous Mona Lisa, in the stunning old palace with the glass pyramid.
Even when Notre Dame Cathedral is under repair, its facade is a Gothic architecture you should see.
Montmartre’s bohemian artist community is also worth a stroll. Watch artists paint on the Place du Tertre. Then climb to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a fantastic view of the city.
Finally, take a pleasant walk along the Seine. I recommend you go in the evening when the bridges are illuminated.
Here are other must-see places in Paris:
Best places to see autumn foliage (nature retreats)
New England
September in New England is very picturesque. The “leaf peeping” season begins, but the best colors do not arrive until October.
Travelers can catch early glimpses of red and gold, especially in northern states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
| Temperature | 10°C to 24°C (50°F to 75°F) – cooler later in the month and in the north |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Dial Code | +1 |
| Estimated Monthly Costs (w/o rent) | $1000–$1500+ per person (varies by state) |
Best places to travel in September for color tourism
One of the region’s greatest pleasures is cruising the winding roads. New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains. Vermont’s Route 100 offers beautiful scenery alongside quaint villages and rolling hills.
In addition to scenic roads, New England has postcard-perfect towns. Stowe and Woodstock in Vermont or Portsmouth in New Hampshire have lovely buildings, boutiques, and a mild climate.
Hiking is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. For example, Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire has trails with stunning views of the mountains and valleys. Even a short hike brings you closer to nature.
Best destinations for wildlife adventures in September
Tanzania
The ninth month is Tanzania’s dry season, perfect for wildlife observation. With less vegetation, animals move closer to water sources and are more visible.
Dry and sunny September days are perfect for safaris, exploring national parks, and enjoying the coastline.
| Temperature | 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F) |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TSh) |
| Language | Swahili, English |
| Dial Code | +255 |
| Estimated Monthly Costs (w/o rent) | 1,200,000 TSh / €400 / $450 per person |
Tanzania’s best places to travel in September
The Great Migration is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet. Large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle typically migrate into the northern Serengeti, where they queue to cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Witnessing this river crossing is something to remember forever.
By the way, “Serengeti” comes from a Maasai word meaning “endless plains.” The grassy savannah stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted with acacia trees and rocky outcrops called kopjes. It is beautiful to look at.
In addition to the migration, Tanzania boasts the “Big Five”: leopard, buffalo, lion, rhino, and elephant. During your tour of the plains, you may see other animals, including cheetahs, hippos in waterholes, and various birds.
For a unique view, fly in a hot air balloon at sunrise. Watching the wildlife from above at sunrise is a magical experience.
September festivals & cultural experiences
Oktoberfest in Munich
Oktoberfest is a giant beer festival and funfair held annually in Munich, Bavaria. It takes place mainly in September, although it is called Oktoberfest.
The festival starts on Sep 19th and lasts until Oct 4th in 2026. The weather in Munich can be chilly in early fall, so dress in layers.
| Temperature | 9°C to 19°C (48°F to 66°F) – cooler later in the month |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | German (English is often understood, especially at the festival) |
| Dial Code | +49 89 (for Munich) |
| Estimated Daily Costs (w/o rent) | €80-€100 per person for local transportation, food, drinks, and fun |
What Makes Oktoberfest Special
The festival begins with a large parade of breweries, costume clubs, and decorated horse-drawn beer carts. One of the most popular attractions is the giant beer tents and large halls operated by various breweries. Each tent has its own atmosphere, music, and beer served in one-liter mugs.
The Oktoberfest celebrates traditional Bavarian heritage. Visitors usually dress in authentic attire, such as lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. You can also see oompah bands playing traditional music:
In addition to the beer tents, there is also a carnival with many rides. Rides range from traditional carousels to high-speed roller coasters.
Finally, Oktoberfest is not just about beer. There are also several traditional foods from Bavaria, such as fried chicken (hendl), pork knuckles (Schweinshaxe), giant pretzels, and sausages. This hearty food plays a key role in the celebration.
Cheap places to visit in September
Vietnam
Vietnam has a monsoon season (seasonal wind shifts), especially in the south. So you may see some rain, but it is more like a light drizzle.
Conversely, this also means fewer visitors and lower prices. Plus, Vietnam is notoriously cheap, with excellent food, accommodation, and activities for pennies.
| Temperature | 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F) – can be hot and humid, especially in the south |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Language | Vietnamese (English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases is helpful) |
| Dial Code | +84 |
| Estimated Monthly Costs (w/o rent) | 11,913,444.3₫ / €400 / $450+ per person |
Best places to travel in September in Vietnam
I recommend you visit the charming old town of Hoi An on the central coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking or cycling through is pleasant, admiring its well-preserved buildings and bright lanterns. Handmade clothes can also be bought here at reasonable prices.
In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll get in the maze of ancient streets. Each street specialized initially in a particular trade. It’s a fantastic area to explore and discover amazing and very affordable street food.
The other is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a vibrant, energetic southern city. Learn about its history at the War Remnants Museum or the Cu Chi Tunnels (on the city’s outskirts). Its street food is also delicious (try Bánh Mì and Gỏi Cuốn) and ridiculously cheap.
In addition, Vietnam has a long coastline (3,3 km / 2 miles, excluding islands) and beautiful beaches. Some resorts are expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives in Da Nang or Nha Trang.
Last but not least, see Vietnam’s “rice bowl” in the south, the Mekong Delta. Travel through the delta’s network of rivers and swamps. Visit floating markets by boat and experience the rural landscape up close. Boat trips here are usually very inexpensive.
Family-friendly travel spots
Theme parks
We’ll focus on Orlando, Florida, a famous spot for theme park adventures. A big advantage is that most kids are in school now, so the theme parks are not as crowded as they are in July and August.
This time of year is warm and humid in Orlando, with a high chance of afternoon rain.
| Temperature | 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F) – can be hot and humid with rain |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English (Spanish is also widely spoken) |
| Dial Code | +1 407 or +1 689 |
| Estimated Costs (w/o rent) | $100–$200+ per day (excluding park tickets) |
Best places to travel in September for families
Walt Disney World Resort is a classic for a reason. In particular, Magic Kingdom Park offers fairytale settings and young children’s favorites. Epcot combines culture and technology. Hollywood Studios brings the movies to life, and Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers wildlife experiences and thrill rides.
Universal Orlando Resort is home to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite movies and novels, such as the very popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are roller coasters and interactive experiences for everyone.
The families who love sea creatures must travel to SeaWorld Orlando. It has excellent animal shows and aquariums to explore. There are also sections dedicated to the little ones, such as Sesame Street Land.
Additionally, Orlando boasts some top water parks such as Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Aquatica Orlando. It is warm enough to enjoy waterslides and wave pools.
Romantic getaways
Tuscany, Italy
This time of year, Tuscany is especially lovely, with its iconic Italian charm on full display. Picturesque hills and old towns are framed by harvest season vineyards while the air carries the scent of freshly pressed wine.
In early fall, Tuscany has warm days and cool nights, the perfect weather for walking hand-in-hand through the countryside and medieval towns.
| Temperature | 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F) – lovely and mild |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Italian (English is often understood in tourist spots) |
| Dial Code | +39 (Italy), plus area code (e.g., 055 for Florence) |
| Estimated Monthly Costs (w/o rent) | €900+ per person |
Tuscany’s best places to travel in September
Begin your tour by strolling across Florence’s Ponte Vecchio as evening falls. Next, visit Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy the cityscape after the evening lights come on. Finish with a quiet moment in the Boboli Gardens.
The next day, head to Siena with its stunning Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square. It’s a nice place to sit, have a gelato, and watch the others pass by. After that, head to the Chianti region, known for its vineyards. For example, take a winery tour and taste some wine while taking in the rolling hills of the vine-covered countryside.
Finally, don’t miss Val d’Orcia, the famous landscape known for its cypress groves, sunflower fields, golden wheat fields, and quaint farmhouses. Drive through the valley for a scenic drive and plenty of photo opportunities. Just take a look at this beauty.
Off-the-beaten-path September trips
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands have a cooler climate with rapid changes. You will sometimes experience fog, rain, and sunshine within an hour. This changeable weather is one of the reasons why the islands are so beautiful.
September brings a quieter experience of the Faroe Islands, with fewer hikers on the trails and an autumn atmosphere.
| Temperature | 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F) – cool and often windy |
| Currency | Danish Krone (DKK) |
| Language | Faroese, Danish (English is often understood, especially in tourist areas) |
| Dial Code | +298 |
| Estimated Monthly Costs (w/o rent) | €800-€1500+ per person |
Best places to travel in September in the Faroe Islands
To begin with, the islands have beautiful cliffs and green valleys. Hiking is the way to get to these landscapes, with incredible views of sheer cliffs and waves.
The other popular spot is the mythical Múlafossur waterfall, located near Gásadalur. This waterfall falls directly from a cliff into the sea and is a beautiful sight. It is accessible and ideal for photography.
Then discover the optical illusion of Sørvágsvatn (or Leitisvatn), which seems to float in the air above the sea. The hike to the viewpoint offers breathtaking coastal views and a remarkable lake.
Finally, September is the end of the puffin season, but you can still see a few. The islands delight bird lovers, with several species breeding on the cliffs. There are excellent opportunities to see birds up close.
Sustainable travel in September
Norway
The Norwegian countryside is beautiful in the fall. If you are comfortable with cooler temperatures and want to enjoy breathtaking views with fewer crowds than in summer, this is an excellent time for a visit.
Norway is also very environmentally friendly and has different travel methods with less environmental impact.
| Temperature | 9°C to 14°C (48°F to 57°F) in coastal areas like Bergen; cooler in the fjords and inland. Expect rain. |
| Currency | Norwegian Krone (NOK) |
| Language | Norwegian (English is widely spoken) |
| Dial Code | +47 |
| Estimated Monthly Costs (w/o rent) | €1000–€1500+ |
Norway’s best places to travel in September
Most of the fjord cruises now use electric boats. This provides a peaceful, eco-friendly travel experience while exploring UNESCO World Heritage fjords such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Norway has good hiking options (e.g., coastal paths and mountain trails). Stick to established routes to preserve local habitats. In particular, the most popular and challenging options are Preikestolen and Trolltunga.
In the meantime, explore the cities or rural roads by bike. Most places have bikes for rent, so it is a fun and active way to get around without harming the environment.
Finally, some hotels and lodges are environmentally certified as Eco-Lighthouses. These resorts are doing their best to reduce their carbon footprint.
Recap of the best places to travel in September
Early fall is popular because of these shoulder season advantages. So if you’re interested in one of these spots, plan and book your flights and accommodations well in advance. After all, the early bird gets the best deals and availability.
And while you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to stay connected on the go. A Global eSIM plan by Ohayu can help you get connected to local networks in 120+ covered countries around the world. You can install it before your trip and activate it using airport Wi-Fi after you land in the destination country. Gigabytes that you purchase in the Global monthly plan can roll over to the next period while your subscription is active, so you can be flexible in your travel needs. It can also automatically switch networks as you cross borders. No physical SIM card needed; it is convenient because it’s online.
Stay connected, and good luck finding the best places to travel in September!
