September has rolled around far too quickly, so what better way to beat those autumn blues than choosing from our list of the best places to go in September? Warm days, beautiful colours and fewer tourists mean that September is a great time of year to travel all around the world.
We’ve put together a list of 11 destinations that are awesome to visit in September. You might want to travel far, or stay closer to home, but either we can guarantee there will be somewhere on this list you want to go!
These places to go in September are all excellent choices. Whether you’re looking for a city break close to home, or an exotic landmark destination, you’ll find somewhere to visit this month.
- The Best Places To Go In September 2023
- Suzhou, China – Travel China Cheaper
- Sardinia – My Adventures Across The World
- Banff, Canada – Anna Daugherty
- Chicago – The Savvy Globetrotter
- York – Our Tiny Corner
- Hanoi – Wander-Lush
- Kyoto – Our 3 Kids v The World
- Brighton, UK – Spaghetti Traveller
- Melbourne – Melbourne Family
- Lviv, Ukraine – My Wanderlust
- Alice Springs, Australia – Walk My World
- New York – Around the World in 24 Hours
- Mount Cook National Park, NZ
- Seoraksan National Park, South Korea
- Florida – Florida Trippers
- The Oregon Coast – Erika’s Travels
- South Styria (Austria)
- Lake Bled, Slovenia – It's Not About The Miles
- Packing List Essentials
The Best Places To Go In September 2023
Kids are back to school in September, so it’s a great time to travel if you haven’t got your own little munchkins quite yet.
Accommodation and flight prices will plummet, the weather will still be great in most places and best of all, there will be fewer people trying to have the same holiday as you!
There are plenty of things to do in September wherever you are. If you’re looking for more information on what to do in a destination, you can click on the green links that will give you some great ideas of tours and activities.
Suzhou, China – Travel China Cheaper
If you’re flying into China through Shanghai, it’s worth your time to make at least a day trip out to the nearby city of Suzhou.
Known as China’s “Venice of the East”, this water town is full of so many photo opportunities you’ll probably want to buy a couple of extra memory cards for your camera. Click here to book a day trip now.
During the month of September, the cooler weather and shaded alleyways make Suzhou an ideal place to wander about. Enjoy a local tea house, walk the perfectly manicured walkways of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, take a gondola ride on the canal, or shop at the evening markets.
There’s plenty to keep you busy throughout the day. One of the most popular attractions in Suzhou, however, is the Suzhou Museum, a stunning display of architecture designed by I.M. Pei, the same man behind the glass pyramid in The Louvre, Paris.
If you can start your travels before China’s October 1st national holiday, you’ll be able to avoid most of the crowds that tend to plague many of China’s tourist destinations.
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Where To Stay In Suzhou
Linked to the subway system, indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, bike rental service
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Sardinia – My Adventures Across The World
While most people travel to Sardinia in the summer, the beginning of the fall may well be the best season to visit.
It’s at the end of September and in October, when the vast majority of people get back to work, their kids back to school, that the gorgeous Sardinian beaches are beautifully empty.
Days may be shorter, but the sea is still quite warm and lovely to swim in. And it is not nearly as hot, which means that it’s the perfect time of year to go hiking in the mountains.
There are also many beautiful villages and cities, which spring to life with the fall festivals. Check out Autunno in Barbagia, during which 29 villages host a festival for each weekend during the fall: it’s great to try some of the many local specialities.
It’s also the harvest season – that’s the best season to be in Sardinia for wine lovers, and some vineyards actually take volunteers who may want to try the (incredibly tiring) experience. If you miss out on the chance of volunteering, book your wine tour here!
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Where To Stay In Sardinia
Complimentary breakfast, bike rental, free WiFi, kitchenette
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Banff, Canada – Anna Daugherty
September: leaves are changing colours, temperatures are dropping, and students are going back to school. It’s the perfect time to head north to Banff National Park in Canada.
Between summer hiking and winter skiing, Banff stays busy throughout most of the year. But things begin to slow down a bit in late September, making it an excellent time to visit.
And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the first snowfall of the season dusting the mountaintops.
The weather is still plenty warm in September to enjoy hiking around the famous Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. Johnston Canyon is another great hike, with beautiful waterfalls throughout. If you are looking organise your daily activities before you arrive, consider booking a tour with a live guide to show you around! Click here for more information.
Clear skies in the fall are perfect for the incredible views during a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. And the Banff Upper Hot Springs are a great way to relax in the cooler evenings, especially if your muscles are aching from a long day of hiking.
Keep in mind that Banff National Park is enormous, so staying in a central location like the town of Banff or near Lake Louise will be best if you plan on exploring the many beautiful lakes, rivers, and mountains in the area.
See more from Anna on her blog and Instagram!
Where To Stay In Banff
Good location swimming pool, sauna, free WiFi and restaurant on-site
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Chicago – The Savvy Globetrotter
Although Chicago is a great city year-round if I had to pick the best month to visit Chicago it would be September – mainly because of the weather.
Chicago can be brutally cold in the winter and very hot and humid in the summer. Fall and spring are very unpredictable, the temperatures can be more moderate and pleasant or they can be a continuation of summer or winter.
September tends to have the best weather – it is one of driest months and the temperature is still almost as warm as summer.
Visitors to Chicago in September can still enjoy many of the same fun outdoor events and activities that you can enjoy in the summer (outdoor festivals, architecture river cruise, taking selfies in front of the Bean, hanging out by the beach, lakefront or riverwalk, eating or drinking at outdoor patios and rooftops) without the crowds.
Make your way around the city with a Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass. You’ll get a live guide to talk you through the city’s famous attractions, and you can get join or leave at whichever stops you please. Click here to buy your ticket now.
Although there are still many visitors, everything is less crowded because students are back in school.
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Where To Stay In Chicago
Free WiFi, a garden, BBQ facilities, whole apartment
Click here to check prices and room availability!
York – Our Tiny Corner
One of the best places to holiday in September is York, the beating cultural and historical heart of Yorkshire.
Children are back at school so popular attractions like The Shambles and York Dungeons will be much quieter (especially during the week) but you can still buy your tickets in advance here.
The river Ouse is quiet, so hiring a boat and cruising up the river has never been easier. The quieter time of year means you will also get much better value in accommodation options. Plus, the charming shops in York will be easier to explore!
Temperatures will be mild; around 18C, and rainfall should not be a major issue. The weather will be nice for walking and hiking; get out to explore Dalby Forest’s trails on foot or on bike, and finish up with a picnic (or take the easy option and go to the cafe!).
Or, get wilder and get out in the Yorkshire Dales to really lap up the incredible Yorkshire countryside. September weather means you’ll be able to sit outside and enjoy your hard-earned pint of Yorkshire beer.
For foodies, September is the month of the York Food and Drink Festival, where producers come from all around the region to showcase their wares. Revelry runs into the night with local beers and wines on sale and live music.
If you want to explore the city without the hassle of using various means of public transport, then buy a City Sightseeing Bus Ticket which will allow you to hop on and off at 20 stops across York. Click here for more information or click below to see how many tickets are left on your dates!
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Where To Stay In York
Central location, whole apartment, free WiFi, dishwasher
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Hanoi – Wander-Lush
Having lived in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, for the past year, I’ve had a chance to experience all four seasons in the city.
Since summer can be overbearing and winter bitterly cold, it’s a good idea to plan your visit for autumn or spring.
September is a particularly pleasant time of year in Hanoi for several reasons. The weather is mild, and with the rainy season over, storms are scarce.
Instead, September brings nice breezes, blue skies and soft light. Rice fields on the outskirts of the city are still nice and green, slowly turning gold as the harvest approaches.
September is shoulder season, so the streets of Hanoi aren’t too busy and you won’t have to wait too long to visit popular attractions. However, if you’d prefer, you can still pre-purchase tickets to activities like the famous Water Puppet Show here!
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Museum, and One Pillar Pagoda is an exception. The complex is packed with crowds every year on and around September 2, Vietnam’s National Day holiday and the anniversary of Ho Chi Minh’s death in 1969.
It’s an auspicious time when people from all over the country converge on Hanoi to pay their respects. It’s a wonderful time to be in the city, with thousands of red and gold Vietnamese flags and Communist Party flags out on display in the streets.
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Where To Stay In Hanoi
Low-budget, comfortable rooms with excellent customer service
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Kyoto – Our 3 Kids v The World
Kyoto, Japan is definitely one of the best places to holiday in September. We were there late September start of October and the weather was warm and the maple trees had started to change colour for the fall.
I feel this is the perfect time to travel to Kyoto as the summer months you experience extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns, winter is too cold and Kyoto often experiences snow during winter which would make it difficult to visit all the amazing Shrines that Kyoto is so famous for.
Take a guided tour to explore the Geisha district, or spend an afternoon enjoying a traditional tea ceremony!
Spring is also a good time of year but Sakura (cherry blossom season) makes it very busy and then prices are very high. I think the fall foliage on the maple trees is just as beautiful and a whole lot more comfortable without the crowds that spring and cherry blossom season brings.
Don’t miss out on authentic Japanese experiences – book now!
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Where To Stay In Kyoto
Ibis Style Kyoto Station Hotel
Laundry services, restaurant on-site, free WiFi, massage + spa services available
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Brighton, UK – Spaghetti Traveller
The crowds flock to Brighton in the summer months, however, this is part of the reason why I recommend being patient a bit longer and heading to the south coast of England in September. The streets are a little calmer, but all the street entertainers are still out.
The water has warmed up, meaning you will start to see people jumping into the sea without suddenly jumping back to you.
The entertainment is in full blast and there is an unbelievable number of activities you can try, such as bubble football, cocktail making, chocolate tasting, Quidditch (yes, you heard me right), bottomless brunch, and mud buggies or escape rooms.
There is also a number of water-based activities easily available to book without any queues, such as jet skiing or kayaking.
You won’t have the hefty August queues around the stunning Pavilion, nor will the shops of the Lanes be overcrowded, meaning you can take in the best spots without any hassle.
I’d also recommend heading up the i360 for sunset to catch a great shot. Click here to buy your tickets in advance.
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Where To Stay In Brighton
Close to the beach, nightclub on-site, seafront terrace in the bar, close to town centre
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Melbourne – Melbourne Family
Melbourne, in Australia, is a great place to visit and September is one of the best times to come! It’s in September that Melbourne comes out of its winter lethargy.
Not only is the weather starting to get warmer and the days longer but it is Australian Rules Football finals time.
The main Australian Rules league – the AFL – holds its finals series throughout September and many of the finals take place in Melbourne, including the Grand Final, one of the country’s biggest sporting events.
The excitement of the big finals matches with their big crowds spreads throughout the city, building all through the month to the Grand Final.
The week leading up to the Grand Final sees lots of events culminating in a big parade through the city the day before the match and then the match itself.
These big matches often bring people from interstate meaning lots more people out and about.
Between this and the improving weather, there’s always more people out and about, more energy and more things to see and do – including non-football events as the city’s art galleries, museums and other attractions start their spring and summer exhibitions, tours and events.
See Melbourne from a different perspective by cruising along the Yarra River and learn a bit about the city from the on board commentary! Click here for more information or check out the availability below.
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Where To Stay In Melbourne
Decorated with prize-winning local art, good location, free WiFi
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Lviv, Ukraine – My Wanderlust
At the moment, Viator is not taking bookings for tours in Ukraine as it’s unsafe to promote tourism to the area. However, they have set up a donation page to help operators who rely on tourism as an income, so please read this page and consider donating instead of taking a trip here right now.
Ukraine isn’t the most obvious destination for many but it’s a great country with a variety of amazing places. One of them is Lviv – a true gem of Central Europe.
The city is a perfect place to visit all year long but I definitely suggest you travel to Lviv in September.
The weather is still good, the colours are slowly changing, there are fewer people around and you can enjoy the city to the fullest. And there’s plenty to do in Lviv!
The city looks like a fairy tale, it’s so stunning you feel like walking in an old postcard. And that’s what you will most likely spend most of the time doing – just wandering around, falling in love with the city.
Even if the weather isn’t on your side you won’t be bored in Lviv – the city has an incredible restaurant and cafe scene with over 1500 cafes making it the highest number per capita in the world.
If you feel like getting some culture Lviv Opera is the place to go – it’s really good and the tickets are very affordable.
That’s actually one of the best things about Lviv, the city is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe and just about everything is a huge bargain!
But no matter what you decide to do in Lviv you’re in for a treat!
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Where To Stay In Lviv
Low-budget, comfortable rooms with excellent customer service
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Alice Springs, Australia – Walk My World
If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit Alice Springs then head there in September. Whilst July and August can be pretty busy, September brings the blissful combination of perfect weather (warm, but not too hot; dry and less likely to have many flies!) and very few crowds.
This makes it possible to take advantage of everything this incredible destination has to offer. Firstly, there’s the stunning hikes and cycle paths that begin just outside the town centre, including stages of the famous multi-day Larapinta Trail.
The trails take you over mountains and through gorges, deep into the red landscape. The cooler temperatures mean you can comfortably hike or cycle, even in the middle of the day.
September is also a great time to visit the stunning waterholes in the West MacDonnell Ranges. You can cool off during the gorgeous sunny days either swimming or tubing, surrounded by towering red cliffs. Click here for more information about visiting the West Macs!
Our favourites are Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen: all are an easy driving distance from the centre of town.
If you’re looking for something a bit more sedate, then head to the Kangaroo Sanctuary where the owners save little-orphaned joeys, whose mothers have died in car accidents. The chance to wander the reserve at sunset and meet the joeys is one Australian experience not to be missed.
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Where To Stay In Alice Springs
Garden area, bbq facilities, free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool
Click here to check prices and room availability!
New York – Around the World in 24 Hours
There are so many reasons to visit New York City in September. First of all, autumn in New York is so beautiful that they even made a movie called Autumn in New York, starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder.
September doesn’t attract nearly as many tourists as December, so the most popular sights won’t be overrun with crowds. Plus, the weather in September is perfect for enjoying outdoor attractions like the New York Botanical Gardens and Central Park.
But the best reason to visit New York City in September is the variety of special events. September kicks off with the famous West Indian Carnival in Brooklyn on Labor Day weekend. Up to three million people come every year to celebrate Caribbean culture and heritage.
Later in the month, the San Gennaro Festival runs for about 11 days in Little Italy. It is the perfect place to indulge in Italian cuisine.
Finally, the New York State Renaissance Faire operates just outside New York City every September. A bus from Port Authority runs directly there so you can spend the whole day drinking mead and watching jousts. Huzzah!
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Where To Stay In New York
Great location, family room options, free WiFi
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Mount Cook National Park, NZ
When you think of the September holidays, you might not always think of Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand. What makes it so great at that time of year is that it is just after winter and a little cheaper than peak snow season.
It’s also the best time for some beautiful sunny days whilst also a chance to see snow on the ground. Unlike mid-year wintertime & the end of the year in the summer, icebergs can still be seen floating around the lakes in September.
Mount Cook National Park offers a number of different hikes, some smaller than others. The most popular two are the Hooker Valley Hike and Tasman Glacier hike.
The Hooker Valley hike will need about 3 to 4 hours to complete, although it’s fairly flat in elevation and not that difficult. The lake is at the end where you can walk down to the water’s edge and return to the car park on the same track.
The Tasman Glacier Hike is a lot shorter but has several stairs. There are a few different spots you can get the views on this one, but I recommend the river view. This is where you can overlook the giant icebergs floating in the lake.
You just can’t beat that time of year for those fantastic views and less alpine unpredictable weather!
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Where To Stay In the Mount Cook National Park
Restaurant on-site, free parking free WiFi, terrace area
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Seoraksan National Park, South Korea
September is a great time to get out and explore the distinguished beauty of Seoraksan National Park in Korea. After the blazing heat and downpour of summer, September brings clear, blue skies and the start of the autumn foliage season in Korea.
It’s also a lot cooler, which means you can get your hiking boots on and scale Seoraksan’s highest peaks to see the autumn colours close up. If you do, you might get a chance to see some of Korea’s last remaining Asiatic black bears who live in the park!
Lush, verdant slopes covered with countless trees start dropping their leaves in this month, creating a picturesque landscape of reds, golds, greens, and oranges. Rocky, boulder-strewn peaks that rise up across the range provide the perfect contrast to this abundant, gloriously decaying nature.
As you stroll through Seoraksan’s rich valleys, you’ll also get the chance to visit various Buddhist temples and pagodas, as well as bask in the majesty of one of Korea’s largest Buddha statues. Seoraksan National Park truly is a gem and one of the best places to visit in September if you’re in Korea.
Located near the east coast of this mountainous peninsula, Seoraksan National Park offers incredible views far and wide and a great place to find calm and inspiration in nature. If you don’t feel like hiking to the peaks, there’s a cable car that will convey you through the fall foliage to the peak. You can access the park by bus from nearby Sokcho City.
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Where To Stay Near Seoraksan National Park
One bedroomed apartment, balcony, air conditioning
Click to check availability on your dates and prices!
Florida – Florida Trippers
Florida is one of the best places to visit in September because, while the weather is still on the hotter side, it is much better than the previous summer months which makes Florida more enjoyable!
The best part about September is going to explore one of the many natural springs in Florida with fewer crowds as kids are back to school and summer hours are over.
There are over 700 natural springs in Florida. While some are more crowded, there are tons of options to choose from to ensure that you are enjoying nature in peace!
You can also camp at many of the springs which make for a lovely weekend getaway!!
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Where To Stay In Florida
Polynesian Isles Resort By Diamond Resorts
Short drive from Disney, heated pool, tennis/basketball court, hot tubs
Click here to check prices and room availability!
The Oregon Coast – Erika’s Travels
The Oregon Coast is one of the best road trip destinations in the United States. Along its entire expanse, it is home to sweeping sandy beaches, picturesque oceanside towns, jagged rock formations, and jaw-dropping scenic vistas.
The 300 mile Oregon Coast can be divided roughly into three sections. The northern part of the coastline is by far the most visited due to its proximity to Portland. It features sandy beaches, a wide range of accommodation options, and the iconic Haystack Rock.
Along the central coast, Highway 101 gives way to towering cliffs, rolling sand dunes, and wildlife-rich tide pools. The southern Oregon coast – arguably the area’s most beautiful – is a wonderland of secret beaches, secluded coves, and offshore sea stacks.
Due to the Oregon Coast’s scenic splendour, popular state parks and beaches can become quite crowded in summer months. Come September, however, visitors can enjoy lower prices and more solitude, without having to compromise on the weather.
September is the most beautiful month along Oregon’s notoriously rainy coastline. By the end of summer, the water is at its warmest, the skies are mostly fog-free, and the coast’s blissful temperatures are perfect for kite-flying, dune-bashing, sightseeing, and hiking.
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Where To Stay Along The Oregon Coast
2 minute walk from the beach, complimentary breakfast, spa baths and fireplaces in some rooms,
Click here to check prices and room availability!
South Styria (Austria)
South Styria (Südsteiermark) in southern Austria comes alive in September, in the region known as the Green Heart of Austria. A road trip along the South Styrian Wine Road at harvest time will reward you with mild temperatures, beautiful scenery, small-town wine festivals, and excellent local food.
The region is famous for its crisp and aromatic white wines. Gelber Muskatelle and Chardonnay are both excellent, but it’s the Sauvignon Blanc that brings Austrian and German visitors flocking to the region for a holiday.
Winding through quaint towns with inviting wine taverns, the 44-mile long wine road is easy to follow and is reminiscent of Tuscany with rolling green hills adorned with lush vineyards. We recommend renting a car for a few days with an overnight stay in one of the buschenschanks along the route.
Without a doubt, the one thing visitors look forward to at harvest time is stürm wine, fermented from the first press of the season.
It is heady stuff that encourages a fun and friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for an ideal destination in September, visit Austria’s South Styria for stunning scenery, excellent wine tasting and tasty local food!
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Where To Stay in South Styria
Complimentary breakfast, restaurant on-site, free WiFi, free parking
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Lake Bled, Slovenia – It’s Not About The Miles
Lake Bled is a stunning alpine lake in Slovenia. The spectacular scenery and warm summer weather draw visitors from all over the world to Lake Bled in the summer, and it tends to feel touristic and crowded.
But September is the perfect time to visit beautiful Lake Bled, because it is much less crowded, and while the weather is a bit cooler, especially early and late in the day, it is still pleasant during the day.
Plus, you may also see leaves change colour, especially in the second half of the month. Autumn colours of yellow, orange, and red reflected in the aqua waters of the lake makes for a perfect picture.
Hike into the hills around the lake for views from above. Take a pletna boat to Bled Island and climb the 99 steps to visit the little church on the island. Explore Bled Castle, set high on a hill overlooking the lake. Walk or bike around the shore of Lake Bled.
With somewhat lower prices on accommodation and lots to do, you will want to stay for a few days to enjoy autumun in Lake Bled!
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Where To Stay near Lake Bled
Garden area, free bikes, some rooms with kitchenette, pet-friendly
Click here to check prices and room availability!
Packing List Essentials
Been inspired to choose one of these best places to visit in September as your next holiday? Let us know where you decide to go!
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