September is a great time to travel. It’s the start of the tourist season in many destinations around the world, which means fewer tourists and lower prices for hotels and flights. And while September marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, warm summer temperatures persist for much of the month. If you’re unsure where to go, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best travel destinations for September.
1. French Polynesia
One of the best travel destinations in September is French Polynesia. July and August are the busiest months in the South Pacific archipelago, but the high temperatures, prices, and crowds begin to subside by September. Covering an area roughly the size of Western Europe, French Polynesia boasts 118 stunning islands that are well worth exploring. So, where do you begin?
Head to Moorea to swim with humpback whales and kayak through vibrant coral reefs in a glass-bottom boat. Looking for world-class diving? Visit Tuamotus, a chain of islands where you can dive alongside dolphins, sharks, and tropical fish. And visit the Marquesas, some of the most secluded islands in the world, renowned for their Polynesian tattoos, handicrafts, and warrior heritage.
2. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Another top destination to travel to in September is the Canary Islands. This Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa comprises eight volcanic islands, with Tenerife undoubtedly being one of the most beautiful. Here you’ll find stunning and diverse landscapes, remote villages and mountain wineries, black sand beaches and lava pools, and Spain’s highest mountain.
Taide National Park is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is named after Taide Volcano, the highest point in Spain. Enjoy hiking through landscapes reminiscent of the Martian surface and ascend the volcano by cable car for breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. Wander the historic cobblestone streets of Garachico and visit the natural lava pools (which are especially beautiful at sunset). And head to Los Gigantes to visit its black sand beach and marvel at its basalt mountains that rise 600 meters above the Atlantic.
3. Rome, Italy
Next on the list: Rome. Thanks to its world-renowned art and architecture, history, and (of course) food, Rome is one of the best travel destinations in September. Mid-September sees cooler temperatures, milder weather, and fewer tourist crowds, making it the perfect time to explore all that the Italian capital has to offer.
Explore the city’s historic center on foot – a self-guided tour will take you to famous landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps. Visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to travel back in time to the heart of the Roman Empire, and climb Palatine Hill for a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Food lovers will adore the traditional restaurants in the Trastevere district, where they can savor staples like cacio e pep e, carciofi alla Romana, and Roman-style pizza.
Formentera, Spain
Formentera in Spain is next on our list of top travel destinations for September. Located in the southern Balearic Islands, just 14 kilometers from Ibiza (about half an hour by fast ferry), it boasts a much quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. While the weather is still quite hot in September, accommodation has become more affordable, and bookings are readily available for the island’s fantastic beach bars.
The best way to get around Formentera is by bicycle or scooter—rent one in town and explore the island’s small towns and beaches. Visit Es Caló for its old fishermen’s huts, El Pilar de La Mola for its lighthouse and craft market, and Es Pujols for its nightlife. Ses Illetes and Es Migjorn are among the island’s most popular beaches. After a day of swimming and snorkeling, relax at a chiringuito (beach bar) and watch the sunset.
4. Bali, Indonesia
Another top destination to travel to in September is Bali, Indonesia. The “Island of the Gods” has it all: stunning scenery, a rich culture, world-class surfing, and more. You’ll be arriving at the end of the dry season, which runs from April to September, meaning warmer temperatures, less rain, and a (slight) drop in travel prices.
Surf enthusiasts can enjoy the waves at some of the world’s best surf spots, including Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Impossibles. Head into town and explore inland for a bike ride through the rolling rice terraces of Ubud, and add the temples of Lempuyang, Goa Gajah, and Pura Saraswati to your itinerary.
5. New York, USA
Next on our list of top travel destinations for September is New York City. September is a great time to see the best of the Big Apple, from its iconic skyscrapers to its world-class museums and galleries, as well as the magnificent Central Park. But don’t limit yourself to Manhattan—there are four other boroughs to explore during your trip.
It’s also a great time to combine your city stay with a weekend getaway. Head north to the Catskills Mountains, where you’ll find falling leaves, log cabins, and lake views. Or go to Long Island to explore beach towns with charming vintage shops, farm-to-farm stores, and marinas. Fall festivals will be in full swing, with apple picking, pumpkin fields, and corn mazes to entertain.
6. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the best travel destinations in September. The summer crowds have passed, the nights are cooler, and the sea is still warm. This is the perfect time to explore the whitewashed towns and secluded beaches of this volcanic island.
Follow the Fira-Oia trail to explore the area. The 10.5-kilometer trail runs along the edge of the caldera, passing through Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli. Once you reach Oia, descend 278 steps to Amoudi Bay, where you’ll find some of Santorini’s best seafood tavernas. Be sure to return to Oia for a spectacular sunset. Beach lovers will enjoy Red Beach (named for its sand and rusting cliffs), Perivolos, and Akrotiri.
7. Budapest, Hungary
Beautiful Budapest makes our list of the best places to travel in September. It’s the driest month of the year, with sunny days perfect for exploring the city’s stunning architecture, café culture, and thermal spas. It’s also a great time to explore areas outside the capital – Szentendre is a picturesque town just a short drive or boat ride away on the Danube.
Start in the Castle District, where you’ll find Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fishermen’s Bastion (the latter offering stunning views of the Pest skyline). Cross the Danube to the Parliament Building and stroll along Andrássy Avenue, a tree-lined street that runs from St. Stephen’s Basilica to Heroes’ Square. In City Park, head to the Széchenyi Baths, one of Budapest’s most popular thermal spas, for some well-deserved relaxation.
8. Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China, is the final stop on our list of the best places to travel in September. This bustling metropolis of over 26 million people has it all, from skyscrapers to luxury shopping malls. September marks the end of the tourist season and the beginning of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a three-day celebration with lanterns, mooncakes, and fireworks.
Enjoy a stroll or a boat ride along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade, admiring tranquil gardens, high-end boutiques, and breathtaking city views. Take the world’s fastest elevator to the top of the Shanghai Tower, a 632-meter-tall skyscraper. For a touch of tradition, visit the Jade Buddha Temple and the Yuyuan Garden and Market, a fully restored Ming Dynasty garden that took 18 years to complete.
Top frequently asked questions about traveling in September
Is September really the “golden” period to visit these destinations?
Yes. It’s an ideal season for most of our list; the tourist crowds in Europe (Rome, Santorini, Budapest, and Formentera) are thinning, the weather in New York is mild with the onset of autumn, and Bali and French Polynesia are still in their dry season. Tenerife enjoys spring-like weather year-round, and temperatures in Shanghai drop to the mid-twenties after a hot summer.
How can I get better prices and avoid the remaining crowds?
Book your flights two to three months in advance and choose midweek departures; hotel prices in Santorini, Rome, and New York are 15–25% lower than in August. To reach popular attractions, start your visit before 9 a.m. or after 12 p.m., and book your Formentera or Santorini ferry tickets online to avoid queues.
What should I pack in my bag when traveling between tropical islands and European cities?
Adopt the principle of layering: lightweight cotton T-shirts, a thin or medium-length jacket for chilly European nights (13–18°C in Budapest/Rome), and a light raincoat for sudden showers in Shanghai or Bali. Add reef-friendly sunscreen, quick-drying swimwear, and mosquito repellent for French Polynesia and Bali.
What is the easiest and most economical way to stay connected in multiple countries?
Ditch the airport SIM cards and roaming charges; get an Airalo eSIM before you travel. It works instantly, ensuring you stay connected from the beaches of Bali to the cafes of Budapest.