10 Great Countries to Travel in September to Soak Up Autumn

10 great countries to travel in September

When the sweltering summer fades and a cool breeze starts to blow, your heart strangely turns restless. It’s said to be similar to the languor that sets in as the body, which had been adjusting to the heat, finally relaxes. That’s exactly why autumn feels so much more wistful, quiet, and calm than the other seasons. At times like these it’s nice to do something low-key — reading, or taking an emotional stroll. But if negative feelings like the blues creep in, taking a trip is a good remedy too. So where are the good places to go in September? From here on, let’s explore 10 great countries to travel in September together.

1. Greece — Crete

The first great September destination I’ll introduce is Crete, Greece. Crete — which became well known through television dramas — is actually a more popular destination in summer than in fall. Even so, the reason I recommend September is that as the peak-season crowds thin out, you can enjoy quiet beaches. The clear, crisp September weather also makes the already-beautiful pink sand beaches even lovelier. Activities to enjoy on Crete include taking a ferry to Klion, touring the nearby islands, and visiting the tourist towns of Rethymnon, Chania, and Agios Nikolaos.

2. Spain — Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain, is a great September destination for much the same reason as Crete. In the summer season Barcelona is busy, bustling, and hectic, so you can’t avoid long lines at every attraction. In September the crowds shrink, so you won’t get jostled or have to endure the harsh summer sun. Barcelona also holds La Mercè every late September — a festival featuring parades, acrobatic shows, and entertainment. True to its reputation as the land of festivals, Spain seems to host all kinds of celebrations every year and every month!

3. Ireland

Ireland, which tends to fly a bit under the radar as a travel pick, is in fact a country that offers lush, beautiful sights to visit all year round. But the season I recommend is fall. The reason Ireland makes a great September destination is that, with the blazing sun and heat gone, the cool breezes and clear temperatures are perfect for sightseeing. As summer-season visitor numbers drop, you can also tour at your own relaxed pace, and airfare and hotel rates get cheaper. Ireland’s signature cities include Dublin, Galway, and Belfast.

4. Italy — Amalfi Coast

Italy’s Amalfi Coast in September boasts pleasant weather that’s just right for water sports. The swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing here are said to be absolutely fantastic. And since it’s around the end of peak season, resort costs come down and the crowds aren’t heavy. If you’re looking for a beach as your great September destination, why not visit the Amalfi Coast — stop by Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, and the town of Ravello, and enjoy a wonderful meal at the restaurants nearby?

5. Croatia

Every September, Croatia is said to hold all kinds of festivals. I looked into which ones, but the details never came up — it just says festivals take place…? Anyway, while it’s lovely to visit anytime, the reason I specifically recommend September is the cool weather, relaxed streets, and relatively cheap lodging. Croatia’s signature attractions include the capital, Zagreb; Dubrovnik, the backdrop of the drama Game of Thrones; Split; and Plitvice. And as an Eastern European country with relatively low prices, Croatia is more than worth a visit!

6. United States — Big Sur, California

This time let’s head over to the Americas. The U.S., which you can’t leave off any list of the Americas, earns its spot as a great September destination with Big Sur, California. It may be unfamiliar, but that’s exactly why I brought it up — it could be a fresh discovery for those who’ve traveled to plenty of countries. Big Sur sits in a remote part of California, but September is the warmest month of the year there, and it’s a great spot for both enjoying the beach and exploring the forest. Signature attractions include Pfeiffer Beach and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, with activities like swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

7. Hawaii — Honolulu

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, I recommend September most of all — and Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is just right. The reasons are the comfortably cool temperatures for the beach, the smaller crowds, and the clear waters. Honolulu is such a popular destination that you have to visit in the off-season, like September, to find relatively clear, clean water. September Honolulu also hosts the Aloha Festivals and parade, and the pleasant weather makes it great for hiking too. Signature attractions include Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

8. Canada — Vancouver

Vancouver, Montreal, and Niagara Falls in Canada also made the list of great September destinations. The reason I’m featuring Vancouver as the representative is that Niagara is already so famous, and Montreal was a bit less appealing than Vancouver as a September destination. Every September, Vancouver’s streets offer farmers’ markets, walking tours, live music, and theater performances. Signature attractions include the Museum of Anthropology, Gastown, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Grouse Mountain, and Stanley Park — and with the peak-season tourists gone, leisurely sightseeing is on the cards.

9. Argentina — Buenos Aires

Argentina, honestly, doesn’t have the best public safety, so it can be hard to travel there as a woman alone. But you can’t write off an appealing destination just because safety is iffy. Every September, Buenos Aires sees fewer tourists, which means cheaper airfare and hotel rates. Since it’s spring in South America at this time, you can feel a charm different from autumn, and the skies are said to be clear, too. Signature attractions include the Paseo del Rosedal rose garden, the Mataderos market, and the Casa Rosada presidential palace. The palace in particular has free admission, but the guided tours fill up fast, so it’s best to book ahead before you go.

10. Türkiye (Turkey) — Istanbul

The last great September destination I’ll introduce is Istanbul, Türkiye. True to its identity as a Muslim country, Türkiye is home to countless mosques. Among them, Istanbul’s Blue Mosque ranks as a must-visit place before you die. It’s so famous that from June through August, peak-season crowds make sightseeing nearly impossible. September in Istanbul, on the other hand, brings mild temperatures and sunny skies. Signature attractions include the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia museum, the Grand Bazaar, and the Archaeology Museum. Among these, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in the world and a point of pride for Türkiye.

We’ve taken a sweeping tour of great countries to travel in September together. It’s a shame there are no Asian countries on the list. Asia — especially Southeast Asia — has fairly flat temperatures all year and isn’t really divided into peak and off seasons, so it doesn’t seem to lend itself to month-by-month recommendations like this. Also, to keep my content objective, I generally compare two or three foreign sources whenever I can — which is why I often end up recommending Europe or the Americas, since getting around there is so convenient! Even so, I hope this helped, and I’ll be back next time with even more substantial content. Have a comfortable trip!