Best Places to Travel in September For Unforgettable Vacations

When the summer ends and temperatures begin to cool, September becomes a great month to travel. Not only does it have plenty to offer—from scenic US road trips to European getaways and tropical adventures—traveling in September also means better prices, smaller crowds, and events unique to this time of year. With so many options available, we want to help you discover the best places to travel in September, both in the US and abroad.

And if you want to keep your travel budget-friendly, becoming a Going Premium member ensures you never miss a cheap flight to these destinations, both in September and all year-round.

How to choose among the best places to travel in September

Weather considerations

September is the start of shoulder season in many parts of the world, meaning milder temperatures and a more comfortable time for sightseeing. In the US,  destinations from the East Coast to the Rockies also get ready for fall with gorgeous landscapes and fewer crowds. Learn more about the cheapest places to fly in the US (broken down by month and travel type) with our expert guide.

Festivals and events

If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, you can find many festivals and major cultural, film, and food events throughout September. Whether you're into movies, food, fashion, or folklore, September travel helps you pair sightseeing with authentic experiences you won’t find at other times of the year.

Activities that are available

September offers the perfect balance: cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and enough daylight for exploring. National parks in the US, like the Grand Tetons, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite, offer hiking and wildlife-spotting. In Europe, it’s harvest season in wine regions like Tuscany and La Rioja. September is also ideal for kayaking, cycling, and road-tripping, especially in coastal destinations.

Tourist season 

As families return home from peak season travels and the back-to-school routine begins, many popular destinations become noticeably quieter—and, therefore, more affordable. That means you can explore cities like Paris, Rome, and Kyoto without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. You’ll also find more availability at top-rated accommodations, shorter lines at attractions, and a more relaxed vibe just about everywhere.

Cost factor

One of the biggest advantages of September travel is the drop in prices after the summer rush. Compared to July and August, airfare and hotel prices are significantly lower—especially if you're flexible with dates or open to alternate airports. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, check out our guide on how to find cheap flights to save even more.

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Best places to travel in the US in September 

New England fall foliage road trips

New England’s magic lies in its iconic leaf-peeping drives, which start in late September (exact timing varies from year to year). The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire and Vermont’s Green Mountain Byway come alive with reds, oranges, and yellows. Stops like Woodstock, Acadia National Park, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill, as well as local fairs like The Big E in Massachusetts can make your trip even more festive.

• Type of trip: Adventure / Couples / Scenic Drive
• Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
• Budget: $$

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a peaceful coastal town perfect for exploring Acadia National Park, hiking, and watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. Enjoy a famous popover at Jordan Pond House, then walk the shoreline trails with early fall colors setting the scene. 

• Type of trip: Nature / Adventure / Culinary
• Weather: 45–68°F (7–20°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe blends history, art, and flavor. September is ideal for visiting immersive exhibits, such as Meow Wolf, and browsing galleries on Canyon Road. In late September you can also check out the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, a festival of local food and wine.

• Type of trip: Cultural / Culinary / Adventure
• Weather: 50–78°F (10–25°C)
• Budget: $$

California’s Pacific Coast Highway

September is prime time for drives along California’s iconic PCH from San Francisco to Los Angeles. You can soak in the cliffside views and enjoy uncrowded beaches like Laguna Beach, as well as charming towns like Santa Cruz. Keep an eye out for whale sightings and roadside seafood shacks.

• Type of trip: Scenic drive / Couples / Family
• Weather: 60–75°F (16–24°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$$

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

A quiet September makes Jackson Hole perfect for outdoor-lovers. Visit Grand Teton National Park to spot wildlife and take early fall hikes under bright blue skies. Lodging is more affordable during this time, and the town has a rustic, welcoming vibe.

• Type of trip: Nature / Adventure / Family
• Weather: 35–70°F (2–21°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

Charleston, South Carolina

The Charleston weather cools off in September, making it perfect for walking cobblestone streets and eating fresh seafood on outdoor patios. This town charms visitors with its historic district, Lowcountry cuisine, and nearby gardens. 

• Type of trip: Urban / Culinary / Couples
• Weather: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
• Budget: $$

Asheville, North Carolina

Early foliage on the Blue Ridge Parkway, tours of the Biltmore Estate, and craft breweries are some of the highlights that make Asheville an ideal September getaway. Hiking options in the nearby Pisgah National Forest are endless, and the artsy downtown offers music and local markets.

Note: While recovery from Hurricane Helene is ongoing in Asheville, downtown shops, restaurants, and galleries are largely back open and welcoming visitors. 

• Type of trip: Adventure / Culinary / Family
• Weather: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
• Budget: $$

Hudson Valley, New York

Just a short ride from NYC, the Hudson Valley is ideal for apple picking, farm-to-table dining, and outdoor art at Storm King Art Center. The fall colors begin to arrive in September, making it a favorite for romantic getaways and weekend escapes.

• Type of trip: Couples / Culinary / Nature
• Weather: 50–72°F (10–22°C)
• Budget: $$

New Orleans, Louisiana

September marks the return of festivals and slightly cooler temperatures in New Orleans. It’s one of the best times to take in the live jazz, enjoy some gumbo, and stroll through the French Quarter. 

• Type of trip: Cultural / Culinary / Urban
• Weather: 70–88°F (21–31°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

Maui, Hawaii

September is one of the cheapest times to visit Maui, with lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Snorkel in Molokini Crater, drive the Road to Hana, and relax on golden beaches. This month offers warm, calm waters and great travel value before the holiday rush.

• Type of trip: Couples / Relaxation / Nature
• Weather: 72–88°F (22–31°C)
• Budget: $$$

Best places to travel in September: international destinations

Tokyo, Japan

While most visitors flock to Japan in spring for cherry blossoms (hanami), fall brings momiji—a colorful celebration of turning leaves. Tokyo is a great destination year-round with food tours, modern cityscapes, and historic temples. Fall festivals and cooler temperatures, however, make September an extra special time to visit.

• Type of trip: Urban / Cultural / Culinary
• Weather: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
• Budget: $$$

Barcelona, Spain

In September, Barcelona still enjoys warm weather without the overwhelming summer crowds. Stroll along La Rambla, admire Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, or relax on the city’s Mediterranean beaches. Enjoy local events like La Mercè, the city’s biggest street festival, and indulge in tapas, seafood paella, and vermouth from neighborhood bodegas.

• Type of trip: Urban / Cultural / Culinary
• Weather: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

Baja California, Mexico

September is perfect for Baja’s beaches and wine valleys. Head to Valle de Guadalupe for vineyard tours and gourmet dining, or drive the coast for surfing and snorkeling in places like Ensenada and Rosarito. With fewer tourists, you’ll find excellent deals on lodging and food. To find cheap flights, become a Going Premium or Elite member.

• Type of trip: Culinary / Adventure / Couples
• Weather: 70–88°F (21–31°C)
• Budget: $$

Quebec City, Canada

September brings early fall colors to Quebec City. Visit the Citadel, enjoy maple treats in local cafés, and take in views of the St. Lawrence River. It’ll almost feel like a European vacation—without leaving North America. 

• Type of trip: Urban / Cultural / Couples
• Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

Munich, Germany

Late September is all about Oktoberfest in Munich: beer tents, traditional Bavarian clothing, and hearty food like bratwurst. But there’s more than beer! Visit the English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, or take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (now officially a UNESCO World Heritage site).

• Type of trip: Cultural / Culinary / Urban
• Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

Amalfi Coast, Italy

By September, the crowds fade but the sunshine lingers along Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast. Explore picturesque towns like Positano and Ravello, enjoy boat tours, and feast on fresh seafood and limoncello. It’s also harvest season, with wine tastings and food festivals throughout Campania.

• Type of trip: Couples / Culinary / Relaxation
• Weather: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Budget: $$$

Kenyan safaris

September is peak safari season in Kenya, thanks to dry weather and the tail end of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. During this month, you’re likely to spot lions, elephants, and other wild animals. Stay at eco-lodges or tented camps for a more immersive experience.

• Type of trip: Nature / Adventure
• Weather: 55–78°F (13–26°C)
• Budget: $$$–$$$$

Patagonia (Argentina/Chile)

Spring begins in September in Patagonia, with fewer tourists and snow-capped peaks still visible in the distance. Hike iconic trails at Lago Puelo, or explore Los Glaciares National Park before the high season begins. 

• Type of trip: Adventure / Nature
• Weather: 35–60°F (2–16°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania offers a moody and magical September escape thanks to its medieval castles, scenic drives, and crisp fall air. Explore the towns of Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara, or visit Bran Castle—commonly linked to Dracula lore. 

• Type of trip: Cultural / Nature / Couples
• Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
• Budget: $–$$

Tasmania, Australia

It’s early spring in Tasmania, which means blooming wildflowers, active wildlife, and clear hiking trails. Visit Cradle Mountain, take in ocean views in Freycinet National Park, or spot wombats and wallabies in the wild. It’s a quiet, scenic getaway off Australia’s beaten path.

• Type of trip: Nature / Adventure
• Weather: 45–65°F (7–18°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$

Special locations with seasonal events

Taste of Chicago (Chicago)  

Chicago turns the lakeside Grant Park into a gastronomic carnival each early September. At Taste of Chicago you can find dishes from dozens of local restaurants, offering everything from deep-dish pizza to gourmet fusion, as well as live music on multiple stages. 

• Weather: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must-see: Pop-up kitchens from Michelin-starred chefs and live performances at the Petrillo Music Shell.

New York Fashion Week (New York)

Twice a year, NYC’s runways fill up with high-profile designers and influencers. Even off-site, the city is electric with runway parties, pop-ups, and trendy street style—perfect for fashion-forward urban travelers.

• Weather: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$$
• Must-see: Designer shows at Spring Studios and street-style hubs around SoHo and the Meatpacking District.

Toronto International Film Festival (Canada)

TIFF takes over Toronto each September with red‑carpet premieres, celebrities, and screenings at venues across the city. It’s a must‑visit for movie-lovers and culture-seekers.

• Weather: 55–70°F (13–21°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$
• Must-see: Opening weekend gala screenings and the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall.

La Rioja Wine Harvest Festival (Spain)

Logroño celebrates the grape harvest each year with parades, live music, street wine tastings, and the traditional pisado (grape stomping). September is the best time to visit if you enjoy trying new flavours and learning about wine making.

• Weather: 60–75°F (16–24°C)
• Budget: $$
• Must-see: Traditional grape-stomping ceremonies in Plaza del Mercado and the “offering of the first must” at the Cathedral.

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How to find cheap flights in September with Going

September is one of the best-kept secrets in travel. As it’s shoulder season in most popular destinations, you can find great discounts on accommodations, activities, and even flights. The best part? You don’t even have to sacrifice good weather. 

Even better? With Going’s app, you don’t have to constantly check flight prices or run endless searches to score the best deals. We monitor thousands of routes daily and send our members alerts when prices drop. Whether you’re dreaming of a wine harvest festival in Spain, leaf-peeping in New England, or a safari in Kenya, we’ll let you know when it’s the perfect time to book.