September is honestly my favorite time to pack a bag and get out of town. The weather is usually just right—not too hot, not too cold—and the big crowds have mostly disappeared. You get to see some of the world’s most beautiful places without feeling like you’re in a giant line everywhere you go. Whether you want to relax by the water, wander through pretty cities, or check out some amazing nature, September’s got a spot for you. Here are my picks for the best holiday destinations in September if you want great weather and a little more breathing room.
Key Takeaways
- September is perfect for travel if you want nice weather and fewer tourists.
- You can find everything from sunny islands to cozy cities on this list of best holiday destinations September.
- Traveling in September often means better deals and a more relaxed vibe at popular spots.
1. Greek Islands, Greece
September is truly a sweet spot for exploring the Greek Islands. The crowds from summer have thinned, but the sun still hangs high and the water feels like a warm bath. The air is easy to breathe—warm, but with a refreshing sea breeze, and the chaos of school holidays is long gone. It’s the month where locals seem to exhale and life slows back down to its familiar, relaxed pace.
If you’re curious which islands to visit, it’s hard to go wrong. Some are famous (hello, Santorini sunsets!) while others, like Sifnos and Milos, stay a bit under the radar but never disappoint. Here’s why:
- Sifnos is relaxed and welcoming, known for honest, flavorful local food. If you like lingering over plates of fresh seafood with your feet in the sand, this is your spot.
- Milos is full of wild, white-rock beaches that honestly look out of this world. The coastline is best explored by boat, where you’ll find swimming spots only reachable by sea.
- Mykonos in September feels more mellow, but you still get all the good restaurants and gorgeous beaches without the packed crowds. Ideal if you like both quiet days and lively nights.
Here’s a look at what September is like across popular Greek Islands:
| Island | Average High (°C) | Average High (°F) | Average Sea Temp (°C/°F) | Typical Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini | 26 | 79 | 25 / 77 | Much lower |
| Mykonos | 26 | 79 | 25 / 77 | Moderate |
| Milos | 27 | 81 | 25 / 77 | Very low |
- Weather remains sunny and dry.
- Restaurants and hotels are still open, but getting reservations is much easier.
- Swimming, hiking, and sailing are perfect this time of year—no boiling heat to worry about.
September in the Greek Islands is where lingering summer meets peace and quiet, making it my top pick if you want the best of both worlds—unbeatable weather and room to breathe.
2. Amalfi Coast, Italy
There’s nothing quite like the Amalfi Coast in September. The beaches are calm, the sun still feels hot on your skin, but most of the summer crowds have gone home. You can actually see the twisting roads and pastel villages without weaving through tour-bus lines or waiting in endless gelato queues. It’s one of those places where even simple things—like having a cappuccino in a tiny piazza—feel special.
Why September Works:
- The sea is warm enough for swimming, with ocean temps usually above 75°F (24°C).
- Average daytime high? Around 78°F (26°C)—just right for all-day exploring.
- Hotels often drop their rates or offer surprises (like a free prosecco or a room with a better view).
| Weather Data (Positano, Amalfi Coast, September) | Value |
|---|---|
| Average High | 78°F (26°C) |
| Average Low | 62°F (17°C) |
| Rainy Days (average) | 4 days |
| Sea Temperature | 75°F (24°C) |
Some ideas to make your trip even better:
- Grab a ferry to Capri for the day—you won’t regret it, but get there early!
- Share a plate of fresh seafood right by the beach at sunset (the local lemon pasta is legendary).
- Pick up handmade ceramics in Vietri sul Mare—way more memorable than airport souvenirs.
Just being here, driving the bends or watching laundry dry on painted balconies, you get it. September lets you soak up the Amalfi Coast’s magic without feeling rushed or boxed in by big groups. Slow mornings, easy afternoons—it’s a treat.
3. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley in September really feels alive. Vineyards are buzzing with activity during the harvest—grapes get picked at their ripest, and there’s this electric energy everywhere. It’s one of those few times a year when you’ll see both locals and visitors out early, watching as bins of grapes arrive at the wineries. I remember the sound of laughter carrying across the vines during one of those crisp mornings, and it made the whole place feel like a big celebration.
If you’re not into wine (or just want a break from tastings), there’s still plenty to keep you busy. Consider these memorable experiences:
- Hop on a hot air balloon at sunrise for some of the valley’s best views.
- Take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train if you’re feeling classic.
- Book a spa afternoon (mud baths in Calistoga are honestly more fun than you might expect—messy is half the point).
- Try a cooking class at a local winery, where you’ll learn to pair wine with food.
Here’s a quick table showing typical weather:
| Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 81 | 52 | 0.3 |
Even though September brings crowds for grape harvest, the weather is too nice to sit inside. Book things early, wear comfortable shoes, and just roll with the busy energy. Being there in the thick of it—sun on your face, the smell of grapes in the air—makes the scene unforgettable.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
September in Copenhagen is a sweet spot—you get mild weather, far fewer tourists, and that cool Nordic shift toward fall, all without the chaos of summer. I absolutely loved how easy the city felt to explore during this time: no waiting in lines, no packed buses, just locals and a few travel-savvy visitors enjoying the city’s best bits. It’s honestly the most comfortable time for long walks or renting a bike to ride along the canals and wide streets—wind in your hair, no rush, just smooth riding from one neighborhood to the next.
Here’s a quick look at what Copenhagen is like in September:
| Average High | Average Low | Rain Days | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64°F (18°C) | 52°F (11°C) | ~11 | ~13 |
Some things that really stood out for me:
- The café scene is strong—open-faced smørrebrød sandwiches for lunch, freshly baked cinnamon buns, and excellent coffee on nearly every corner.
- You can linger through Nyhavn’s colorful harbor area or browse the laid-back Torvehallerne food market—there’s always space to grab a seat and watch the world wander past.
- The museums and parks (Rosenborg, Tivoli Gardens) are peaceful, and you can actually relax instead of feeling rushed by crowds.
The city feels like it’s just for you in September: gentle sun in the afternoons, golden leaves falling here and there, and a pace that encourages you to really sink into the Scandinavian way of taking things slow.
If you want a destination where you can chill, eat like royalty, and get a taste of design-forward, bike-friendly urban living, Copenhagen in September is an absolute win.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
September in Charleston feels like the perfect secret getaway before the fall rush. The summer crowds have thinned out, but the city still buzzes with energy, making it easy to experience its famous Southern charm without feeling packed in.
Mornings are usually mild, and by afternoon, you’re looking at weather good enough for the beach or a casual walk downtown. The gardens and parks keep their color, and you can actually pause for a selfie on Rainbow Row without a dozen people in the background. Hotel prices? Way more reasonable than during peak vacation months.
A few things I always recommend doing in Charleston in September:
- Wander the cobblestone streets of the Historic District and check out the pastel houses near the waterfront.
- Spend an afternoon on Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach—both still have that summer vibe minus the packed sand.
- Sample the food. Grab a bowl of Lowcountry red rice, pull up a seat for shrimp and grits, and don’t skip the sweet benne wafers from the market.
- If you catch the MOJA Arts Festival or the Magnolia Beauti-Fall Festival, even better. The events feel more local, less touristy this time of year.
Here’s how the weather typically lines up in September:
| Average High | Average Low | Ocean Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84°F (29°C) | 70°F (21°C) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.5 in |
Walking down the Battery at sunset, with the breeze off the harbor and hardly a sound beyond my own footsteps, I remember thinking, this is what Charleston is all about—quiet, pretty, and so easy to enjoy at your own pace.
If you’re looking to stay, there are tons of cozy boutique hotels and old inns within walking distance of just about everything. September in Charleston is that sweet spot: you get summer energy with fewer lines, less sweat, and way more room to stretch out and explore.
6. Munich, Germany
Munich in September feels different. The weather cools just enough to make wandering around comfortable, and the city starts to wake up for the famous Oktoberfest. The festival doesn’t really kick off until the end of the month, so most of September is the sweet spot—less crowded but still lively.
September in Munich means fewer lines at popular attractions and a better chance to settle into a beer garden without fighting for a seat. While some people only visit for Oktoberfest, there’s so much going on the rest of the time that gets overlooked.
If you’re visiting, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Walk through Marienplatz and watch the Glockenspiel. It feels touristy but you can’t say you’ve visited Munich without seeing it.
- Take a lazy afternoon stroll around the Englischer Garten—bring a picnic, or just watch the river surfers do their wild thing.
- Try a traditional Bavarian meal (pretzels the size of your head, sausages, roast pork) at a local spot. Even the more casual places serve up solid food.
Here’s a quick roundup of Munich weather in September:
| Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | 48 | 10 |
The city has a good mix of historic vibes, big parks, and easy-going restaurants and cafés. Families, couples, solo travelers—all seem to find their groove. And you barely need to plan much in advance since things aren’t as packed as summer or festival season.
Munich in September is ideal for those who want a taste of Bavarian culture and city life, but on a more relaxed schedule. You miss the chaos, but none of the charm.
7. French Polynesia
September in French Polynesia is truly something else. The days are dry, warm, and filled with sunshine—almost every day, you’ll wake up to bright blue skies that make the lagoons absolutely glow. The crowds haven’t arrived yet, so beaches and resorts feel calm and personal. Some afternoons, you may even have stretches of sand all to yourself.
Here’s what stands out about French Polynesia in September:
- The water is clear and calm—ideal for snorkeling and swimming with vibrant fish, stingrays, and sometimes even turtles.
- Overwater bungalows are easier to book (and sometimes less expensive versus July or August), so you can wake up right above the sea.
- Local events and markets are in full swing: sample the freshest tropical fruits, try poisson cru, and mix with locals enjoying the late dry season.
If you’re curious about the climate, here’s a quick look at typical September weather in French Polynesia:
| Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Monthly Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 84 | 74 | 2.5 |
September mornings here often start slow—swimming before breakfast, maybe a paddleboard or a morning walk by the sea. In the evenings, the sunsets go wild with color. If you’ve ever wanted to try an island escape, this is the time for it.
French Polynesia isn’t just a postcard—it’s an easygoing, real escape in September. Swim, relax, and let your phone stay in your suitcase for most of the trip. You won’t regret it.
8. Lake Como, Italy
There’s something different about Lake Como in September. The air’s cooler, but you can still sit outside for lunch and watch boats drift by. September is when the holiday crowds finally thin out, but the lake keeps its sunny charm. What’s left is a slower mood and more space to breathe—whether you’re exploring the tiny streets in Bellagio or hopping between sleepy lakeside villages.
Here’s what stands out about a September trip to Lake Como:
- The water is still warm enough for a quick swim, but you won’t have to fight for a spot on the beach.
- Renting a small boat feels less intimidating when the lake’s quieter—no bumper boats, just lazy circles around grand old villas and gardens.
- Classic lake hotels, like Grand Hotel Tremezzo or Il Sereno, are finally less busy, meaning the staff might actually have time to chat. Service often feels personal.
| Average September Weather |
|---|
| High: 76°F (24°C) |
| Low: 57°F (14°C) |
| Rainfall: ~5 days/month |
I’d say the best part isn’t the weather—it’s being able to actually hear the wind over the water again, without so much background noise. There’s room to linger, to order another coffee, to get a real feel for why people keep coming back to Lake Como.
If you’re planning ahead, don’t rush everything. Take the slow ferry once or twice, grab gelato in Varenna just for the views, and see if you can time a meal for sunset. September makes Lake Como feel almost like it’s yours alone, just for a little while.
9. Tuscany, Italy
September in Tuscany feels special: the crowds have thinned, but the days are still bright, and the grapevines are full. The region seems to slow down this time of year, letting you enjoy the best of everything—scenery, food, and some peace and quiet. Maybe you’ll end up lingering longer than you planned.
Here’s what stands out about Tuscany in September:
- Grape harvest (vendemmia) is in full swing. The countryside is buzzing with energy and color as the locals start gathering grapes. Some vineyards even let you help out or watch.
- It’s warm during the day—short sleeves, sunglasses—while the nights are cool enough for a light sweater and a long dinner outside.
- Food and wine festivals are happening almost every weekend. It’s the best chance to try fresh-pressed olive oil, truffles, and Chianti right at the source.
If you’re thinking about what to actually do, these would be my musts:
- Take a wine tasting tour in the Chianti hills—most places aren’t crowded at all.
- Cycle or hike through the countryside—fields of sunflowers and gentle hills are everywhere.
- Spend a day in Florence or Siena. Both cities are calmer, letting you see the art and architecture without lines or noise.
Here’s what the weather usually looks like:
| Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| 78 | 58 | 6 |
Even if you’re usually a city person, Tuscany’s pace in September could change your mind. You find yourself hanging around in a sleepy village square with a cold glass of white wine, watching locals chat as the sun sets—and all of a sudden, you’re in no rush for anything.
Honestly, it’s the kind of trip that sticks with you. September is when Tuscany feels most like itself: mellow, bright, tasty, and real.
10. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in September is something else. The crowds that fill the winding trails and iconic lookouts in summer have thinned, so you can actually hear the wind through the pines and the soft roar of the Atlantic against the cliffs. Mornings are crisp but not cold, afternoons are just right for hiking or biking, and you might even catch the very first magic hints of red and gold as the leaves start to turn. There’s a feeling that summer isn’t quite over, but autumn is waiting just around the bend.
Here’s what makes Acadia an especially smart pick this time of year:
- Cooler weather means hiking feels easier and sweatier trail climbs are a distant August memory
- You’ll have room to breathe on usually packed trails like Ocean Path, Cadillac Mountain, and Jordan Pond Path
- Bar Harbor—just outside the park—has mellowed out, so it’s much easier to snag a table at a lobster shack or bakery
Weather-wise, September might surprise you with how comfortable it is. Check this quick reference:
| Month | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F | Avg Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 70 | 55 | 3.6 |
You’ll see locals in shorts as late as the second week, but bring a sweater for sunrise on Cadillac Mountain—it gets chilly up there. Wildlife is active, too: you could spot a white-tailed deer, a red fox, or even a bald eagle soaring over the coastline.
For me, the best part of visiting Acadia in September is rolling down the windows on Park Loop Road and feeling like the place is a little secret again—just you, pine forests, granite peaks, and all that wild, tidal coastline.
If you want national park adventure without the elbow-to-elbow crowds (or sweltering heat), Acadia in September is a seriously good bet.
Wrapping Up: Why September Is the Sweet Spot for Travel
So, there you have it—ten awesome places to visit in September if you want good weather and a little breathing room. Honestly, September just hits different. The crowds are gone, the sun still sticks around, and you can actually get a table at that restaurant you’ve been eyeing. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet beach, a mountain escape, or a city with a bit more elbow room, this month is full of options. I always find myself planning trips this time of year because it just feels easier and more relaxed. If you’re on the fence about booking something, take this as your sign to go for it. Wherever you end up, I hope you get the perfect mix of adventure and chill. Safe travels, and let me know where you decide to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is September a good month to travel?
September is a great time to travel because the weather is usually still nice in many places, but the big summer crowds have gone home. This means you can enjoy popular spots with fewer people and often lower prices.
Are these destinations family-friendly?
Yes, most of these places are great for families. You can find activities for kids and adults, and the calmer atmosphere in September makes it easier to relax and explore together.
Do I need to book my trip early for September?
It’s a good idea to book your trip a few months in advance, especially if you want to stay at popular hotels or visit famous attractions. Some places might still be busy, but you’ll usually have more choices than in peak summer months.
