Best Places To Travel in September (USA and Abroad)

September is a sweet spot on the travel calendar. Summer crowds thin out when kids head back to school, hotel rates and airfare slide down from their July and August peaks, and the weather across most of the Northern Hemisphere lands in that comfortable in-between of warm afternoons and cool evenings. It’s prime shoulder season, which is exactly what makes it so good for your wallet. 

You also get harvest festivals, the first hints of fall color, and warm ocean water that has been heating up all summer. Fewer people, lower prices, and better weather rarely line up this cleanly.

At Going, we watch airfare year-round so you don’t have to, sending our members deals and mistake fares when prices drop far below average. Before you book anything, set up a trip in the Going app and Google Flights price alerts for the trips you’re eyeing so you can track fares and pounce the moment they dip. 

Here’s where we would go in September, closer to home and abroad.

Key takeaways

The best places to travel in September are shoulder-season destinations that keep summer's warmth but drop its crowds and prices, both in the US and abroad.

• The top US destinations for September are New England, Acadia National Park, Asheville, Santa Fe, California's Pacific Coast Highway, Jackson Hole, Charleston, the Hudson Valley, and Maui.
• The best international destinations for September are the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, Munich, Tokyo, Québec City, Baja California, Transylvania, Patagonia, and Kenya.
• September works because summer crowds and peak prices fade after Labor Day while the warm weather mostly holds, making it one of the best value months to fly.
• For the lowest fares, book domestic flights about 1 to 3 months ahead and international flights about 2 to 8 months ahead.
• September's shoulder-season prices reward booking on the earlier end, though last-minute fares do occasionally pop up.

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. This means 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.

In the US:

• Telluride Film Festival (Colorado, USA): A prestigious film event typically held over Labor Day weekend that draws industry giants and cinema enthusiasts.
• Aloha Festivals (Hawaii, USA): A month-long celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring parades, music, and dance across the islands.

Internationally:

• Venice Film Festival (Italy): One of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, held annually on the island of the Lido.
• Toronto International Film Festival (Canada): A major global event that showcases a wide array of cinema, often acting as a launchpad for award-season films.

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.

Become a Going member, and start receiving cheap flight alerts.

Best places to travel in September in the USA

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 and by destination). 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, romantic, scenic drive
• Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
• Budget: $$
• Average Going deal: $172 roundtrip via Boston

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: $$–$$$
• Average Going deal: $230 roundtrip

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.

• Type of trip: Adventure, culinary, family
• Weather: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
• Budget: $$
• Average Going deal: $228 roundtrip

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: $$
• Average Going deal: $261 roundtrip

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, romantic, family
• Weather: 60–75°F (16–24°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$$
• Average Going deal: $199 roundtrip via Los Angeles or San Francisco

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: $$–$$$
• Average Going deal: $266 roundtrip

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, romantic
• Weather: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
• Budget: $$
• Average Going deal: $139 roundtrip

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: Romantic, culinary, nature
• Weather: 50–72°F (10–22°C)
• Budget: $$
• Average Going deal: $141 roundtrip via Albany or Westchester County

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: Romantic, relaxation, nature
• Weather: 72–88°F (22–31°C)
• Budget: $$$
• Average Going deal: $417 roundtrip

Best places to travel in September internationally

Amalfi Coast, Italy

By September, the crowds fade, but the sunshine lingers along Italy’s 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: Romantic, culinary, relaxation
• Weather: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
• Budget: $$$
• Average Going deal: $550 roundtrip via Naples

Barcelona, Spain

In September, Barcelona still enjoys warm weather, just with a lot more elbow room. 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: $$–$$$
• Average Going deal: $516 roundtrip

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 just 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: $$–$$$
• Average Going deal: $555 roundtrip

Tokyo, Japan

While most visitors flock to Japan in spring for cherry blossoms (hanami), fall brings momiji, a colorful celebration of changing 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: $$$
• Average Going deal: $769 roundtrip

Québec City, Canada

September brings early fall colors to Québec 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, romantic
• Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
• Budget: $$–$$$
• Average Going deal: $202 roundtrip

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 also find excellent deals on lodging and food. To find cheap flights, sign up for a Going Premium or Elite membership.

• Type of trip: Culinary, adventure, romantic
• Weather: 70–88°F (21–31°C)
• Budget: $$
• Average Going deal: Limited Going deal data available 

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 pay a visit to Bran Castle, commonly linked to Dracula lore.

• Type of trip: Cultural, nature, romantic
• Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
• Budget: $–$$
• Average Going deal: $518 roundtrip via Bucharest

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: $$–$$$
• Average Going deal: $561 roundtrip via Santiago

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: $$$–$$$$
• Average Going deal: $879 roundtrip via Nairobi

The cheapest places to travel in September

If keeping costs down is the priority, these picks from the list above stretch your dollar the furthest:

• Asheville, North Carolina: free mountain views, cheap breweries, and nearby airports to fly into
• Santa Fe, New Mexico: fly into Albuquerque and drive up, with plenty of free galleries and plazas
• Hudson Valley, New York: an easy, low-cost trip from NYC by train or car
• Baja California, Mexico: low-season rates, especially in laid-back La Paz
• Transylvania, Romania: one of the best-value regions in Europe
• Munich, Germany: Oktoberfest entry is free if you watch your spending inside the tents, though accommodation rates can spike during this time of year. 

September travel tips: when to book and what to watch for

The single most useful thing you can do is stay flexible on dates. Prices swing week to week in September, and shifting a trip by even a few days, especially into the calmer stretch after Labor Day, can cut your airfare a decent amount.

For domestic economy trips, booking roughly one to three months out tends to land you in the sweet spot, while international economy fares usually reward booking earlier, more like two to eight months ahead. 

Set up alerts in the Going app so you’re not checking fares by hand. It’s also worth learning to spot mistake fares (or let Going spot them for you). These are the pricing errors that occasionally put long-haul routes on sale for a fraction of the normal price. There are plenty of other flight hacks that can help you squeeze more value out of every booking.

There are two other things to watch this month. September is the busiest stretch of Atlantic hurricane season, so if you’re eyeing the Caribbean, the Gulf, Charleston, or Baja, keep an eye on the forecast and consider a refundable rate or travel insurance. Second, festival cities like Munich and Barcelona get expensive and crowded during their big events, and local rates can spike. Keep this in mind when booking. 

Start planning your September trip, and save with Going

Here’s how Going works. We have flight experts and fare-tracking tech scanning airfares around the clock. When a route drops to an unusually low price or a mistake fare pops up, we send it straight to our members so you can book before it disappears. You book directly with the airline, so there’s no middleman and no catch.

The free Limited plan gives you a taste of the cheapest fares, with domestic economy deals landing in your inbox. Premium unlocks the full slate of domestic and international economy deals, mistake fares, and points and miles deals (best for most travelers). Elite adds premium economy, business, and first-class deals on top of everything in Premium, so you can fly up front for a fraction of the usual price. 

Whichever plan you pick, the deals come to you, and you book with the airline directly.

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