10 Best Places to Visit in September – Where to Go When
Searching for the best places to visit in September? Explore 10 incredible destinations with ideal weather, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences.
September is a great month to travel, especially across Europe as temperatures ease, crowds start to disappear and children head back to school. You will find better availability for hotels and cheap flights, while still enjoying sunny, warm weather across many destinations, making it the perfect time to explore. We have rounded up 10 of the best places to visit in September below, from closer to home quick escapes to long haul destinations full of adventure, depending on your travel style.
With the right timing, every trip feels better planned and far more rewarding. Plus we have many travel guides with where to stay, top things to do and personal recommendations to go with most destinations.
While we cannot guarantee sunny weather anywhere in the world anymore, you can check historic trends and forecasts for each destination on Wunderground.
Top tip: Try avoid the Caribbean in September as its hurricane season, while you may find cheap prices you will likely be met with rainy conditions and chances of cancellations or disruptions
Best places to visit in Europe in September
1. Greek Islands
The Greek islands are especially pleasant in September, particularly towards the end of the month when the main crowds have thinned out, the temperatures are warm without being overwhelming, and the sea is still ideal for swimming. I visited the islands of Zakynthos (Zante) and Kos in September, and while the days were warm and sunny, the evenings were cooler and perfect for sitting outside for dinner or drinks.
July and August can be too hot and uncomfortable for some travellers, but September offers daytime temperatures of 20–29°C with cooler evenings and very little rainfall. The Meltemi winds are much weaker by late September, which makes ferry crossings smoother and beach days more comfortable, especially in the Cyclades.
Accommodation prices and flight costs often drop noticeably after August, which makes higher end stays or more central locations more accessible than in peak summer. September is an ideal time for sunbathing, trying local cuisine at seaside tavernas, and taking day trips to nearby islands to explore hidden beaches and charming villages.
Note: The Ionian islands of Corfu and Zakynthos tend to be cooler towards late September, so for warmer more dry weather later in the month, consider visiting the Cyclades or Aegean islands instead.
Other months to consider: May, June & Early October
Read: The Complete Greek Island Holiday Guide: Which Island to Choose
Read: 20 Top Tips For Island Hopping in Greece
How to get there:
Fly direct from Dublin to many of the Greek islands or fly from Shannon to Corfu or Cork to Rhodes with Ryanair. Internationally fly to Athens and start your Greek adventure there.
2. Turkish Riviera
One of my favourite countries, and easily one of the best places to visit in September, the Turkish Riviera really comes into its own at this time of year. Turkey can be intensely hot in July and August, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, so September feels far more comfortable, with the added bonus of lower flight and hotel prices when children head back to school.
The Antalya region is sheltered by the Taurus Mountains and enjoys perfect weather in September, with daytime temperatures around 28 to 32°C and evenings cooling to 18 to 22°C.
The Bodrum area on the Aegean coast is just as appealing, clear skies and temperatures ranging from 27 to 31°C, calm seas for swimming and water sports, and plenty of opportunities for boat trips or relaxing on quieter beaches without the peak summer crowds.
You will also find some good bargains, as shops begin to reduce stock ahead of the low season.
Other months to consider: May, June & October
Read: The Ultimate Turkish Riviera Resort Guide – The Best Resorts To Choose For Holidays to Turkey
Read: 25 Top Hotels In Turkey – Best Value, Luxury and Family Friendly Hotels
How to get there:
Fly from Dublin to Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman or Antalya or fly from Cork to Izmir or Antalya. Internationally fly via Istanbul to reach the Turkish Riviera.
3. Albania
With the new direct flight with Ryanair from Dublin to Tirana, Albania is firmly on the radar this year, and September is the ideal month to explore the whole country. Whether you want to relax on the white sandy beaches of Ksamil, where daytime temperatures sit around 27 to 30°C and the sea is still warm for swimming, or head inland for hikes in the Albanian Alps, where highs are a fresher 20 to 25°C with crisp mornings, the choice is yours.
Beyond the landscapes, September also brings a relaxed pace, with fewer crowds and a chance to experience Albania more authentically. Wander through the colourful streets of the capital Tirana, explore historic towns like Berat, known as the “city of a thousand windows”, or enjoy long, leisurely dinners by the coast, where fresh seafood and local wine take centre stage.
If you are enjoying a beach holiday along the coast in Sarandë or Ksamil, you can easily take advantage of local transport or day trips to nearby highlights such as the famous Blue Eye or the historic town of Gjirokastër, whose old town is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other months to consider: May & Early October
Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Albania And Where To Stay
How to get there:
Fly direct from Dublin to the capital city of Tirana or fly from Dublin or Shannon to the Greek island of Corfu and take a 30 minute ferry to Sarande.
4. Germany
The festival of the City of Munich. In 2026, the 191th Oktoberfest will take place from 19th of September to 4th of October in Theresienwiese. The festival, which began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, is now the largest beer festival globally.
There are 14 main tents, each offering unique music, entertainment, food, and family-friendly options, with over 7 million litres of beer consumed annually. Beyond the tents, the fairground offers rides, stalls, performers, and, weather permitting, an open-air concert on the second Sunday.
At this time of year, Munich’s weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 11-19°C, making it comfortable for enjoying both the festivities and outdoor attractions.
Other months to consider: Late November or December for Christmas markets
Read: Europe Bucket List – My Top 20 Travel Experiences in Europe
How to get there:
Fly direct to Munich from Dublin with Lufthansa or Aer Lingus.
5. Italian Lakes
September is a fantastic time to visit both Lake Como and Lake Garda, with pleasant, warm days and temperatures typically around 22 to 26°C, along with cooler, comfortable evenings. The intense summer heat has eased, making it ideal for sightseeing while still enjoying plenty of sunshine.
It is one of the best times to go, although you can expect around 10 days of rain, usually short, passing showers rather than prolonged downpours. The lakes remain warm enough for swimming, especially earlier in the month, and the mild weather is perfect for boat trips, exploring lakeside villages, cycling, and walking scenic trails.
September is also an excellent time to venture beyond the lakes on day trips. From Lake Como, you can easily reach Milan for fantastic shopping, historic architecture and vibrant city life, while from Lake Garda, a visit to Verona offers a more romantic atmosphere, with its charming streets, Roman amphitheatre and links to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Other months to consider: April, May & October
Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Garda – Lake Garda Travel Guide
How to get there:
Fly direct from Dublin to Milan or Verona, or from Knock or Cork to Milan.
Best Places to Visit in September – Long Haul
6. Peru
Looking to travel somewhere more adventurous ? Why not hike the world famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu. If hiking is not your thing you can kayak through the Amazon rainforest or visit the giant sand dunes of Huacachina.
The month of September in Peru is a pleasant as its the end of the peak season, marking the end of the dry season in the Andes and the arrival of spring at the coast. It offers manageable crowds and good weather, with sunny days in the highlands ranging from 10–21°C and daytime highs of around 19°C in Lima.
It is also an excellent time to hike Machu Picchu. September is considered a shoulder month, providing dry, sunny and clear days with fewer tourists than July or August. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, around 20–25°C, while nights are cooler, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the Inca citadel comfortably.
Other months to consider: April – August
Read: Epic Stays: 20 Unique Hotels Around The World
How to get there:
Fly from Dublin via Madrid, Paris or Amsterdam to Lima, Peru.
7. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the best places to visit in September, with plenty of sunshine and a buzzing feel across the city. The main thing to be aware of is the heat at the beginning of the month, when daytime temperatures can still sit around 37 to 40°C, with nights usually about 24 to 27°C. By the end of September it starts to ease a bit, with daytime highs more like 32 to 35°C and cool evenings around 20 to 23°C, which makes getting around and exploring much more comfortable.
As the city shifts to the start of autumn, the pool clubs begin to slow down ahead of October, so it is worth making the most of them while they are still in full swing if you want that classic daytime party atmosphere. Check out the best day clubs here.
It is also a great time for heading beyond the Strip, since the slightly lower temperatures make longer trips more enjoyable, including journeys out to the Grand Canyon. A helicopter tour is a bucket list experience to see the canyon from above, giving you a completely different perspective on the landscape.
Other months to consider: April, May & October
Read: 21 Great Things to Do in Las Vegas: The Ultimate Guide to Vegas Experiences
How to get there:
Fly direct from Dublin to Las Vegas seasonally with Aer Lingus or via the UK.
8. Deep South – USA
From the home of country music, Nashville, to the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis, it is easy to see why a Deep South road trip sits high on so many bucket lists. With direct flights from Dublin to Nashville with Aer Lingus, the journey has never felt more within reach.
The deep south feature best places to visit in September. The intense summer heat begins to ease, making the comfortable temperatures ideal for sightseeing, while the long daylight hours still lend themselves to relaxed drives and evenings filled with live music. You will also find fewer crowds than in peak summer, along with a calendar full of festivals and events that bring each stop to life.
September adds a lively edge to the trip, with festivals across each stop. In Nashville, AmericanaFest and Live on the Green fill the city with live music, while Memphis hosts Gonerfest.
In New Orleans, events like Southern Decadence bring a vibrant atmosphere to the streets. Enjoy live performances at the Grand Ole Opry, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and visit Graceland before continuing on to the vibrant city of New Orleans.
Other months to consider: April, May & October
Read: 20 Luxury Holidays Avoiding The Middle East
How to get there:
Fly direct from Dublin to Nashville seasonally with Aer Lingus.
9. Singapore
Have you ever thought about visiting Gardens by the Bay in Singapore? It was a real highlight of my backpacking trip in 2023. You might also fancy staying at the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel pictured above, or the classic Raffles Hotel.
Singapore is known for being a city in a garden, and it genuinely feels that way when you are there. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a great example, a calm escape from the pace of the city. Even with the compact size of the country, there is so much cultural variety to take in. I liked wandering through Arab Street, then heading into Little India for its temples and street life, and it is well worth making time for the brightly coloured Peranakan houses too.
The weather is pretty good year round, which makes planning a Singapore trip easier. Temperatures usually sit around 26 to 32°C, with humidity high throughout. September can feel slightly easier for exploring, with little rain and more manageable conditions for being out and about.
If you are travelling with family or just want a fun day out, Sentosa is a must visit. There you will find white sandy beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, and Adventure Cove Waterpark all in one place, so it is worth a visit on your trip to Singapore.
Other months to consider: February to October (Dry Season)
Read: 20 Best City Stopovers Worldwide And Stopover Packages Worth Booking
How to get there:
Fly from Dublin via the middle east or London to Singapore.
10. Namibia
Are you looking for one of the best places to visit in September for a safari? Or maybe you want to visit the Namib Desert, often considered the oldest desert in the world? Namibia, in southern Africa, feels wild and untouched, with vast landscapes and a real sense of escape.
September is one of the best times to visit, coming at the end of the dry season. It brings warm, sunny days, very little rain, and far more comfortable conditions than the hotter summer months. Temperatures are usually around 25 to 30°C during the day, dropping to 10 to 15°C in the mornings and evenings, especially in the desert.
The scenery is at its best as well. The dunes of Sossusvlei glow in the softer light of early morning and late afternoon, while Etosha National Park is ideal for safari, as wildlife gathers around shrinking waterholes. Along the Skeleton Coast, the weather is cooler and often misty, creating a striking contrast with the desert inland.
Other months to consider: July, August & October
How to get there:
Fly from Dublin via Frankfurt, London or Doha to Windhoek.
I hope these best places to visit in September spark some interest and have you jetting off on a September getaway. While every effort was made to ensure accuracy, prices, attractions and activities are subject to change. Please note this post includes affiliate links where we receive a small commission if a booking is made but at no additional cost to you.
