Trying to figure out where to go in September? You’re not alone. September is that sweet spot when the crowds have thinned out, the weather is still great in a ton of places, and flights and hotels are often a bit cheaper. Whether you want sunny beaches, cool cities, or something a little more adventurous, this month has a lot to offer. Here’s a list of the best holiday destinations September has in store for 2025, perfect for anyone who wants sun, culture, or a bit of excitement.
Key Takeaways
- September is a great month to travel—fewer crowds and still-warm weather make it ideal for exploring.
- You can find everything from sunny islands to historic towns and wild adventures, all in one list.
- These picks for the best holiday destinations September 2025 are perfect for anyone wanting sun, culture, or adventure.
1. Greek Islands, Greece
September feels just right in the Greek Islands. The intense heat has faded, and the sea is still like bathwater after a long summer. You get warm days, cool breezes, and you miss most of the tourist rush. Whether you’re after some peace and quiet or you want to explore lively town squares, the islands pretty much cover it all.
One of my favorite things about this time of year is how the pace of life slows down. The islands are full of good food, rich history, and postcard-worthy views. Going island-hopping among places like Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and maybe a couple smaller islands lets you mix it up day-to-day. Some, like Sifnos and Milos, are ideal for foodies and quiet beach days, while others have ancient ruins, bustling markets, and little whitewashed villages you’ll never forget. If you’re thinking about booking, island-hopping all-inclusive holidays are an easy way to take in a bunch of different places without having to worry much about logistics.
Here’s why September stands out for a Greek Islands trip:
- The weather is sunny but more comfortable than July or August
- Water is warm for swimming, sailing, or just floating around
- There’s more space at classic sites, beaches, and restaurants
- You can sample incredible, fresh seafood everywhere
- Mild evenings for walks along the harbor or through old towns
| Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Sea Temp (°F) | Hours of Sun |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | 68 | 77 | 11 |
Even if you don’t pick the big-name islands, there are over 200 inhabited ones, each with its own charm—so there’s always someplace that’s just right for your style.
If you want adventure, take a day to sail or kayak the quieter coves. For history, Crete’s Palace of Knossos and Rhodes’ ancient sites are classic. Or just grab a glass of cold wine and some grilled octopus, and watch the sun go down. September makes it all feel a little more personal, a little less hurried—and honestly, a lot easier to fall in love with the Greek Islands.
2. Amalfi Coast, Italy
September turns the Amalfi Coast into a little secret for those in the know. The summer tourists slip away, but the soul of the place stays: warm sun, calm sea, and that classic southern Italian pace. This is the month when everything feels a bit more relaxed, but you still get all the good stuff — think swimming in clear water, easy drives on the serpentine roads, and tables at restaurants that would have been impossible to book in August.
Here’s what stands out when you go in September:
- Swimming is still amazing. The sea has had all summer to warm up, and the pebbly beaches aren’t shoulder-to-shoulder with sunbathers anymore.
- Towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello feel less packed, so you can actually wander, grab a gelato, and just hang without feeling rushed.
- The food is somehow even better — the tomatoes are peak ripe, and there’s that lemon scent everywhere. Limoncello tastings are kind of a must, and you can find a waterfront spot for fresh seafood without the wait.
Here’s a handy weather table for the Amalfi Coast in September:
| Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Days of Rain | Sea Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 63 | 4 | 77 |
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, renting a small boat for the day is unforgettable. You don’t need to be a pro captain — people will basically hand you the keys, point you in the right direction, and off you go. It’s wild how peaceful the coast looks from the water, with cliffs rising up and little villages clinging to the side.
Evenings get quieter. Walk the narrow streets, listen to distant music drifting from a cliffside bar, and catch sunsets from anywhere high — just grab an Aperol spritz and watch the sky do its thing. September here feels like something you want to tuck away and save for later.
3. Napa Valley, California
September in Napa Valley is when everything shifts up a gear. It’s the harvest season, so the vineyards are alive with workers, the roads are dotted with grape trucks, and pretty much everywhere you look, there’s a buzz in the air. If you like wine, there’s no better time. The weather’s dry and warm—good for long tasting sessions or riding bikes from winery to winery. Don’t worry about the crowds too much; the excitement of the season more than makes up for it.
A bunch of wineries roll out their best events this month. Here are a few things you can do beyond just sipping Chardonnay:
- Tour vineyards to actually see (and sometimes join in) grape harvesting and crushing
- Book a lunch or dinner at a winery—imagine dining with vineyard views as the sun sets
- Take a guided bike ride between tasting rooms (it’s easy but bring water!)
Want some quick facts about visiting Napa in September?
| Event | Typical Dates | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest Parties | All September | Music, food, winemaker meet-and-greets |
| Grape Stomping | Early-Mid Sept | Join grape stomping competitions |
| Winemaker Dinners | Weekends | Multi-course meals, local wine pairings |
September in Napa runs at a totally different pace—there’s a mix of celebration and hard work, and even if you’re just a visitor, it’s strangely contagious. Expect good food, happy crowds, and those endless summer evenings.
If you are planning where to stay, look out for hotels close to downtown Napa or in one of the nearby towns. You’ll have restaurants, bars, and lots of tasting rooms just a short walk away. And if you’re with family or friends, a suite or a cottage feels much more peaceful than a standard hotel room. Napa in September is all about relaxing into the experience—there’s no need to rush anything.
4. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
September in the Swiss Alps brings that sweet spot between summer crowds and winter snow. You’ll find clear skies, mild weather, and the mountains as green as they get all year. This is the moment when hiking trails stretch on and on, and lifts and scenic trains are still running. Local towns are lively, but you won’t be shoulder to shoulder with tourists.
Some great things to do in the region:
- Hike or bike the alpine paths around Zermatt, or try one of the classic routes near Interlaken.
- Cruise across Lake Lucerne—seriously, you’ve never seen water so blue right up against dramatic cliffs.
- Stop for a chocolate break or a big meal in a mountain hut, where you can refuel and just take in the views.
- Explore Lucerne’s old town or the laid-back vibe of Bern.
Typical September Weather in the Swiss Alps:
| Area | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt | 60°F (16°C) | 44°F (7°C) | Mostly sunny |
| Interlaken | 65°F (18°C) | 48°F (9°C) | Occasional rain |
| Lucerne | 67°F (19°C) | 50°F (10°C) | Mostly dry |
This is the time of year when you really feel that crisp mountain air, the kind that wakes you up and makes you want to linger outside as much as you can.
It’s not all about adventure, either. The region is big on local cheese, fresh bread, and chocolate. If you get a little tired out, most towns have really chill cafes and good food—nothing too fancy, just filling and honest. The Swiss Alps in September? Just right for travelers who love mountain energy, but also want to slow down and soak it all in.
5. French Polynesia
If you want a place where it feels like summer never left, French Polynesia in September is pretty much paradise. This is when the dry season serves up blue skies, calm lagoons, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. I know everyone drools over overwater bungalows in places like Bora Bora, but there’s a lot more hiding here than just fancy rooms with glass floors.
You’re spoiled for options once you touch down. It’s perfect weather for:
- Lazy swims in seriously warm ocean water
- Snorkeling or scuba with schools of fish, rays, and sometimes even sharks if you’re lucky (and brave)
- Sailing at sunset with those wild, fiery-pink skies
- Trying French-Polynesian food—think fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and classics like poisson cru (a zesty marinated fish dish that’ll spoil you for ceviche back home)
And the islands are just as good for adventure as they are for lounging. You’ve got hiking through lush valleys, exploring old volcanic peaks, or even paddling a kayak out into still bays where it feels like the world’s gone quiet for you alone.
Here’s a look at what the September weather really means in numbers:
| Average High Temp | Rainfall | Water Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 84°F / 29°C | 1.2 in | 79°F / 26°C |
It’s the kind of place where time slows down, flip-flops become your best friend, and you start daydreaming about extending your trip as soon as you arrive.
No big crowds in September either, so you can snag better deals and actually hear the ocean. Every moment feels a little more personal here—whether you’re sipping something cold by the sea or saying hi to wild parrots on a jungle walk.
6. Black Forest, Germany
The Black Forest in Germany is an absolute treat in September. The usual summer crowds are gone, so you get those long, quiet stretches of woods pretty much to yourself. What grabs me most is how the sunlight cuts through the pine trees and makes everything feel a bit enchanted—like something out of a fairytale. Hiking or biking here is easy, especially with cooler weather and just enough sun to keep it pleasant. This region is famous for those classic half-timbered villages—think Schiltach or Gengenbach—where you can sit in a local bakery and bite into a fresh slice of Black Forest cake (it’s a must).
If you’re more about adventure, there are trails for every experience level, and folks even come for mountain biking, kayaking, or taking the forest railway up into the hills. The air smells clean. It’s the kind of place where time drifts by without you really noticing.
Some highlights if you go this September:
- Spend a lazy afternoon in Freiburg, Germany’s sunniest city, with cobbled lanes and a lively student vibe.
- Explore local markets or try a glass of Baden wine after a hike.
- Visit open-air museums like Vogtsbauernhof, where you can see traditional farmhouses up close.
| Weather in September | Average High | Average Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Forest | 66°F | 48°F | ~2.3 in |
September in the Black Forest brings peaceful trails, golden leaves starting to fall, and evenings cool enough for a cozy inn and a glass of local wine. There’s no rush—just pure, slow travel in a storybook place.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
When September rolls around, Charleston starts to feel like it’s had a gentle reset. The worst of the summer heat has broken, the crowds have faded, and those ocean breezes come back just when you start to think you’ll melt. If what you want is a mix of sunshine, historic streets, and some of the best food in the country, you won’t regret planning a visit here.
Charleston’s charm is best enjoyed at a slow pace—think strolls past pastel houses, evenings at candlelit restaurants, and afternoons on the sand. Whether you’re headed to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island, it’s still totally beach weather in September. But I’d say don’t skip the city itself: cobblestone alleys, Spanish moss, and those hidden gardens behind old iron gates are everywhere you turn. The new International African American Museum is a must, and there are always historic homes open for tours if that’s your thing.
The food is ridiculous. You’ll find everything from buttery biscuits at a cafe to seafood towers with harbor views. The inaugural Food & Wine Classic is adding even more buzz to the city’s restaurant scene this year, bringing big names and fun events you might not expect in a city this size.
Here are a few things you really shouldn’t miss in September:
- Wander the open-air Charleston City Market and get lost among the local crafts and snacks.
- Book a dinner at one of the fancy new waterfront hotels or try a laid-back oyster bar by the docks.
- Take the ferry to Fort Sumter for a dash of history and killer harbor views.
And if you’re all about where to stay, there are big new openings in 2025, like The Cooper right on the waterfront and renovated classics such as Charleston Place.
| Average September Temps | Rainy Days | Ocean Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 78°F (Day) / 67°F (Night) | 7 | 80°F |
Charleston in September trades steamy crowds for cool sunsets and that easygoing, just-right pace where you never feel like you’re missing out.
8. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia in September is something special. The weather starts to cool down from the summer highs (think daytime temps averaging 74°F/23°C and dropping to the 50s at night), but the landscape still glows gold and red in the sun.
Waking up to dozens of hot air balloons floating over those fairytale rock valleys is almost unreal. This place isn’t just about the views, though—there’s a mix of adventure and culture you can’t really find anywhere else. Here’s what stands out for most travelers:
- Sleep in a cave hotel carved right into ancient rock (and yes, they’re surprisingly comfortable).
- Try a sunrise hot air balloon ride—the sky is packed with colors as you drift over chimneys and old monasteries.
- Explore ancient underground cities, like Derinkuyu or Kaymakli—it’s wild to walk through tunnels people built thousands of years ago.
- Hike the Rose or Ihlara valleys for a closer look at the landscape (bring decent shoes; those trails get dusty!).
- Taste local dishes, particularly clay-pot kebab. It’s the definition of homey food.
| Activity | Average Cost (USD) | Best Time of Day |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Air Balloon Ride | $150 – $250 | 5:00 – 8:00 am |
| Museum Pass | $20 | All day |
| Cave Hotel Night | $60 – $200 | Check-in after 2pm |
If you’re looking for somewhere memorable with just the right amount of weirdness and wonder, September in Cappadocia has to be on your radar.
9. Luxor, Egypt
Luxor offers an awe-inspiring blend of ancient wonders and everyday life along the Nile. September is warm, but there’s less of the intense summer heat, and most of the big crowds have thinned out, making it the perfect time to take in the city’s temples and tombs at your own pace. Karnak and Luxor temples stand like giant silent storytellers, while the Valley of the Kings across the river is as mysterious as ever. Locals go about their routines as you catch glimpses of feluccas on the water, carts rattling over old streets, and endless palm trees swaying in the heat.
Top reasons to visit Luxor in September:
- Explore world-famous archaeological sites with fewer tourists around
- Experience balmy evenings perfect for riverside walks and open-air dining
- See new boutique hotels and Nile cruises with a more personal feel than major resorts
| Site | Typical September Temp (°F) | Entry Fee (2025, USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Karnak Temple | 90–95 | $13 |
| Valley of the Kings | 88–93 | $18 |
| Luxor Temple | 90–95 | $11 |
After wandering through ancient monuments that seem to stretch for miles, it’s easy to lose track of time. September in Luxor feels both ancient and alive, and the small moments—maybe a mint tea near the Corniche or spotting a sunset over the banana fields—stick with you long after you leave.
10. Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania in September is kind of magical. The forests start to show early signs of autumn, the air is a bit fresher, and local villages come alive with harvest celebrations. This is the best month to see Transylvania’s storybook landscapes without the chill of late autumn or the summer crowds.
If you’ve ever thought about wandering through old towns and mountain valleys, this is the time. Don’t just think Dracula: Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brasov, and Sighisoara each have their own vibe, from gothic towers and cobbled streets to local markets and lively squares. But honestly, what stands out in September are the rural traditions. Sheep descend from the high meadows, there are food festivals, and the forests are just starting to burn gold.
Some things to do on your trip:
- Rent a car and drive the Transfagarasan Highway – it’s full of sharp turns, dramatic views, and sheep wandering the roads.
- Stay at a family-run guesthouse in a small Saxon village for authentic Romanian hospitality.
- Visit fortified churches, especially in UNESCO-listed Biertan, for a glimpse into local history and some really unique architecture.
Here’s a handy table for weather in September (average):
| Location | High Temp (°F) | Low Temp (°F) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cluj-Napoca | 71 | 50 | 7 |
| Sibiu | 72 | 49 | 8 |
| Brasov | 66 | 45 | 9 |
September in Transylvania is all about slow travel, fresh food, and soaking up small moments—like the smell of woodsmoke in the hills or the sound of church bells at sunrise. It’s not flashy, but it sticks with you long after you leave.
Wrapping Up: Why September Is the Perfect Month to Travel
So, there you have it—ten amazing places to visit in September if you’re after sunshine, culture, or a bit of adventure. Honestly, September just hits different. The crowds have thinned out, the weather is still great in so many spots, and prices can be a little kinder to your wallet. Whether you’re dreaming of quiet beaches, lively festivals, or wild landscapes, there’s something out there for every kind of traveler. I always find that trips taken in September feel a bit more relaxed and special, maybe because you’re not fighting for space or sweating buckets in peak summer. If you’re still on the fence about where to go, just pick one and start planning—you won’t regret it. And hey, if you have any questions or want to share your own September travel stories, drop them in the comments. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is September a good month for travel?
September is a great month to travel because the weather is still warm in many places, but there are fewer tourists. This means you can enjoy popular spots without big crowds and often find better prices for hotels and flights.
Which destination is best for sunshine in September?
If you want lots of sunshine, the Greek Islands and the Amalfi Coast in Italy are perfect in September. The weather is sunny, the sea is warm, and the beaches are less crowded than in the summer months.
Are these destinations good for families?
Yes, many of these places are great for families. Spots like the Greek Islands, Napa Valley, and the Black Forest offer activities for all ages, from relaxing on the beach to hiking and exploring new cultures.
