The 14 Best Places to Visit in September in 2024

September is one of the best months to travel just about anywhere — crowds are smaller with kids back in school, prices take a dip after the summer rush ends, the weather is a little cooler and drier, and conditions are perfect for a rejuvenating getaway.

In in the interest of making your early fall trip as enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the 14 best places to visit in September that bring together the most important elements of a great vacation: Minimal crowds, affordable hotels and flights, and nice weather. 

Take a look at the destinations that are just begging for a visit during the month of September below. We’ll share ideas on things to do and insider tips to make the most of your trip in each one. 

The 14 Best Places to Visit in September

Maybe you want to go somewhere with the endless buzz of shops, restaurants, and music venues. You might be dreaming of a laid-back trip to the beach, an exotic trip abroad filled with tantalizing cuisine and cultural exploration, or an exhilarating dive into nature at a scenic national park. 

September can be the perfect time to have any of these travel experiences. We’ve got some incredible destinations in mind for you, no matter what your travel goals may be. Here are the 14 best places to visit in September! 

1. Toronto, Canada

September is our favorite time to visit Toronto — a picturesque and modern Canadian city on the shores of Lake Ontario. Lake views and green spaces contrast with the skyscrapers and towers that create the dramatic skyline. The city is absolutely ripe for a visit in September. 

Average Toronto temperatures are mild and enjoyable at around 62°F. Some days still see highs close to 70°F — perfect weather for strolling downtown, visiting the Toronto Botanical Garden to enjoy the late summer blooms, or visiting Woodbine Beach for scenic views over Lake Ontario. 

This is a city for staying busy or enjoying life at a slower pace. You’ll find tons of fun events taking place this month, like:

• Toronto International Film Festival (early September)
• Toronto International Festival of Authors (mid-September)
• Toronto Waterfront Festival (mid-September)
• Word on the Street Festival (late September)

Visit the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada’s most-visited museum with natural history and art. Take a walk through manicured Queen’s Park or enjoy the hustle and bustle in High Park, spanning 400 acres with its own zoo, walking trails, and picnic areas. 

Hang out in the Old Town section of downtown with cobblestone streets, theaters, and operas in the Distillery Historic District, great food at the historic St. Lawrence Market, and 19th-century architecture.

Explore what’s cooking downtown on bustling Yonge-Dundas Square and visit the bohemian Kensington Market for trendy eateries, cafes, and Victorian homes. In the Entertainment District downtown, you can venture up to the observation decks at CN Tower to get a near-bird’s eye view of the city and Lake Ontario.

Head to one of the beaches near downtown (still lifeguarded through September) or hop on a 13-minute ferry to the Toronto Islands. The city is just an hour and a half from the stunning Niagara Falls if you’re up for a day trip. 

2. Barcelona, Spain

Vibrant Barcelona is one of our favorite European cities to visit with its glittering beaches, outstanding architecture, mouthwatering Spanish food, and walkable city streets. In September, just after the busy summer season, you’ll experience the city in an even more enchanting way. 

Known as the City of Seven Meals, Barcelona is a place to eat, drink, and be merry. Tapas bars, casual and upscale restaurants serving Spanish cuisine, and lively clubs and bars in distinctive barrios (neighborhoods) are even better when things are less hectic during the month of September. 

The city is alive with festivals and events this month, like:

• La Mercè Festival (late September)
• National Day of Catalonia Festival (September 11)
• Barcelona Acció Musical (late September) 

Check out unique barrios like El Raval, where you’ll find the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, colorful markets, food carts, and laid-back cafes. The medieval El Born barrio has narrow streets and the Picasso Museum, while Sarrià boasts a historic market with gourmet seafood, sausages, cheeses, and wine. 

Come here to marvel at the architectural wonders, like the famous La Sagrada Familia (designed by Antoni Gaudi) that blends Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Modernista styles seamlessly with 18 spires you can see from miles away. The Gothic Quarter houses the stately Barcelona Cathedral. 

With average temperatures around 71°F and highs closer to 80°F, September is still a great time to visit Barcelona’s golden beaches in the La Barceloneta barrio, like Barceloneta Beach, Sant Sebastia Beach, and Nova Icaria Beach, all overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

There are quirky attractions, like the free La Casa dels Entremesos (the Giant Museum) in the Old Town, and several green spaces to slow down and enjoy the scenery from shaded tree-lined parks to coastal seascapes over the Mediterranean.

Walk around the stunning Park Guell, also designed by Gaudi, on a hill overlooking the city with its colorful mosaics, salamander fountain, and unique houses standing guard at the entrance.

3. Athens, Greece

Historic Athens gets awfully busy in the summertime, but crowds thin out in mid-September — that’s why it’s one of the best places to visit this month. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better destination if you’re interested in ruins, mythology, architecture, and beautiful mountain views. 

As the capital of Greece, Athens has been at the forefront of design, artistic expression, science, and religion since the early days of ancient civilization. See ruins from the 5th century, like the hilltop Acropolis and its crumbling Parthenon temple, along with ancient theaters, stadiums, and libraries just miles from the bustling downtown district.

You’ll be able to visit museums filled with Ancient Greek artifacts, artwork, and archaeological exhibits. The Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture are our favorites in Athens. 

With comfortable average temperatures around 75°F, it’s a great time to stroll outdoors and check out ruins, restaurants, and beaches. Get in touch with the Greek culture by checking out one of the festivals and events happening during September:

• Athens Epidaurus Festival (May through October)
• Athens International Film Festival (mid-September)
• Burger Fest (late September)
• Athens Coffee Festival (late September)

Downtown, the bustling Monastiraki Square and the historic Plaka district near the Acropolis are two of the nightlife hubs in Athens, but be prepared for a late night — most bars and clubs get started around 10PM.

Athens’ walkable streets are lined with cafes and Greek restaurants serving up classic dishes from gyros oozing with tzatziki sauce to souvlaki skewers and spanakopita loaded with spinach. Finish it off with a sweet, flaky piece of baklava and a glass of boozy ouzo. 

Secluded coves and wide beaches with golden sands are just a few miles south along the Athens Riviera. Towns like Faliron line the Mediterranean Coast if you’re ready to get out of the heart of the city.

Thinking about taking a day trip? Take a ferry to nearby Greek island of Aegina for unspoiled beaches, temple ruins, and beautiful views. 

4. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is another great spot for a September getaway. Cool weather, stunning historic architecture, and incredible coastal views make this Irish city shine during the month of September, when temperatures hover in the upper 50s to low 60s and dry conditions reign. 

It’s prime weather to explore cobblestone streets lined with magnificent old churches, like the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral (built in 1220) or the Gothic Christ Church Cathedral in the Medieval Quarter, the oldest section of the city. 

Other architectural marvels, like the Dublin Castle in the heart of the city, stand out from the modern skyline and are impressive to check out on your walk through Dublin’s center. Getting to know the heart and soul of Dublin is easy when you can attend some of the cultural events and festivals held during September:

• Dublin Fringe Festival (mid-September)
• Culture Night (mid-September)
• Dublin Theatre Festival (late September)

But you’ll really get the flavor of Dublin with a pint and hearty Irish cuisine at one of the traditional pubs in Temple Bar neighborhood, where live music and ethnic restaurants stand alongside boutiques, galleries, and museums. 

You can’t skip the chance to grab classic battered fish and chips from Burdock’s or Kingfisher — hands down, two of the best spots for this greasy treat anywhere in Dublin. 

History buffs should go to Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison for Irish revolutionaries that’s now a museum. Ireland’s National Museum of Archaeology is here as well with artifacts thousands of years old. EPIC Ireland Emigration Museum shows how the Irish people have spread out around the globe. 

Catch an educational buzz by touring the Guinness Storehouse, visiting the Irish Whiskey Museum in the heart of Dublin, heading over to the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street. 

5. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is Japan’s storied capital city and a true land of contrasts. Ancient temples and shrines are juxtaposed with futuristic skyscrapers and modern architecture. Tradition and progressive ideals coexist here, while green parks and lush Japanese gardens stand out next to jam-packed streets glowing with neon lights.

September is a fantastic time to come experience the wonder and beauty of Tokyo. The weather is warm and mild, with highs around 80°F as summertime fades and crowds disperse. Rain is common this month, but bring an umbrella and keep it going as showers are usually short. 

You can head indoors to escape a downpour at iconic shrines, palaces, and temples, like the bright red Sensō-ji temple in the Asakusa district, the ornate Meiji Shinto Shrine, the Imperial Palace and its surrounding gardens, and the Yasukuni Jinja shrine nearby.

Museums offer another shelter from the rain and Tokyo has some of the best: Tokyo National Museum with ancient art and artifacts, the Edo-Tokyo Museum with a kabuki theater.

September is Sumo Month in Tokyo, so catch a sumo wrestling event at the championship tournaments in the National Sumo Arena during early to mid-September. This month, the Hyakkaen Garden features a bamboo-framed tunnel of hagi (bush clover with colorful blooms) you can walk through. 

Cultural festivities take place this month, so be sure to check out any of the following, depending on when you visit in September:

• Cosmos Flower Festival (early September)
• Nezu-jinja Shrine Annual Grand Festival (mid-September) 
• Asakusa Samba Carnival (mid-September)
• Chofu City Fireworks Festival (late September)

Shinjuku and Shibuya are two neon-lit streets you’ve seen in photos with street food, manga shops, and a lively atmosphere during September.

Head to the Roppongi district for nightlife and great restaurants clustered together, or make your way to the Akihabara district where trendy eateries and coffee shops are thrown into the mix with upscale restaurants where you can enjoy Japanese noodles, curry rice, and seafood. 

6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

If you’re looking to hike some rugged or scenic trails in the heart of the mountainous Wyoming wilderness, check out Grand Teton National Park. The park sits in the shadow of the majestic Grand Teton mountains, offering a natural escape that’s at its best in September.

This month’s temperatures hover between the mid-50s and the upper 60s throughout the park, with overnight lows dropping to a chilly 35°F (important to note if you’ll be camping here). These are great temperatures for hiking and biking in the park. 

There are more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails to roam and wander within the park, ranging from easy loops around a mile long to strenuous paths that lead up into the mountains with panoramic views to reward your effort. 

Woodlands and dense forests, waterfalls, lakes, and abundant wildlife make Grand Teton National Park really special to visit, especially during September. Buffalo, pronghorn, and elk migrate through the corridor of the park ahead of winter and can be seen at watering holes around the park.

This is the perfect time of year to take a scenic drive through the park. At this higher elevation, leaves begin to change color at the start of September and transform the forested landscapes into swathes of red, yellow, orange, and purple. Drive around Jenny Lake, down Signal Mountain Summit Road, or Teton Park Road in the foothills for the best displays. 

While it’s a little chilly for swimming in the pristine lakes around the park, September is a great time for fishing the Snake River for massive trout. The views around Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake are incredible with fall color making it even more stunning. 

7. Honolulu, Hawaii

Sunny Honolulu offers a taste of summer in the month when most areas experience a wind-down leading to the cooler fall season. AS the least busy time to visit this beachfront paradise, you’ll be able to enjoy the sandy shores, natural areas, and waterfront dining without crowds. 

With daily highs around 87°F and roughly an inch of rainfall, this is a warm, dry month that’s just right for spending time on the beach, swimming and snorkeling, diving coral reefs, surfing, and admiring the seascapes that surround you with posh resorts and hotels lining the shore behind you. 

There are over 130 beaches around Honolulu — some popular with tourists (like Waikiki Beach), some more so with locals, and some that are secluded and almost hidden from view with dense greenery and tropical palms providing shade. 

Waves are pretty calm and gentle from May to September, so you’ll benefit with less-harsh swells that make leisurely swims and snorkeling trips more enjoyable around Honolulu. As far as local events and festivals, September is popping:

• Hawaii Okinawan Festival (early September)
• Rice Fest Hawaii (late September)
• Waikiki Aloha Festivals and Floral Parade (late September)
• Na Wahine Festival (late September)

Things can get toasty on a hike, but there are some gorgeous areas right in Honolulu that make it worth breaking a sweat. Check out Diamond Head State Monument, visible from the beaches, to hike down into a volcanic cone where a former military fort sat and enjoy the views. 

Around Honolulu, cultural wonders like Iolani Palace in the Arts District show you Hawaiian royal digs, while the Hawaiian Museum of Art offers a look at local artists’ creations.

Over on the far eastern end, Koko Crater Botanical Garden groups the most lush tropical plants together for a stunning display of color and greenery. Eating is a pleasure in Honolulu, so be sure to grab some local grub (poke bowls, açaí bowls, Kona coffee, and Spam musubi). 

8. San Francisco, California, United States

One of our favorite cities to visit in the U.S., San Francisco really comes to life in September. September is part of San Francisco’s Indian summer, right after the cool and damp weather of the actual summertime has passed. It’s warmer, drier, and a spectacular time to visit the city by the bay. 

San Francisco’s hotels and attractions relax their prices this month as tourism drops off after the busier summer season. That means you’ll get to enjoy a less-busy version of the city and save some money on your trip. 

While you’re here, cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on the pedestrian lane, take a ferry out to Alcatraz Island, chill at Baker Beach with great views of the bridge, ride a historic cable car up and down hilly streets, and visit the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. 

You’ll be able to wander through the famous Haight-Ashbury district, where the Summer of Love took place and musical greats lived, worked, and played. Explore the colorful, historic Chinatown neighborhood for awesome food and cool souvenirs. 

San Francisco is always featuring events and festivals, but September boasts some of the best:

• Haight Street Fair (mid-September)
• Chinatown Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (mid-September)
• Folsom Street Fair (late September)
• A Taste of Greece (September)
• Architecture and the City Festival (September)
• Whiskies of the World (late September)

Since you’ll be here in September, you’ll find it a great time to visit the Muir Woods National Monument — a shaded forest just 40 minutes away from the heart of the city with giant redwood trees, hiking trails, and gorgeous views of the Bay Area. 

9. Sicily, Italy

Romantic, Old World charm and delicious (often imitated, never duplicated) food make the southern Italian island of Sicily a great place to visit year-round, but if you can plan your trip for September, you’re in for a real treat. 

September encompasses two seasons in Sicily: Warm and dry at the start, shifting into cooler temperatures and a little more rain by the month’s end.

Highs are around 81°F on average, so the flowers are still in bloom, vegetation is lush and green, and the waters are warm and inviting for a swim. With views of imposing Mount Etna volcano on the far eastern side of the island, it’s gorgeous on the island in September.

September marks the end of the summer harvest season in Sicily, so you’ll be able to visit vineyards, olive groves, and sprawling farms to see the action. It’s the perfect time to attend a wine or grape-stomping festival. 

Here’s a look at some of the many festivals and events taking place across the island of Sicily during September:

• ViniMilo Wine Festival (early September)
• Festival del Cinema di Frontiera (mid-September)
• Couscous Fest (late September)
• Sherbeth Fest (late September)
• The Feast of Archangel Michael (late September)
• Tempu ri Capuna (late September to October)

Sicily’s architecture and historic sites, like the Valley of the Temples with 7 Greek temple ruins and Cappella Palatina, an old church with famous mosaics in Palermo, the capital, are a must-visit when you’re here. 

With more beaches than any other part of Italy, Sicily is perfect for a beach day and swim during September. Mondello Beach, Cefalù, and the nearby Aeolian Islands (just a ferry ride away) are the best spots to lounge and play.

10. Paris, France

Cosmopolitan and historic as only a storied European capital can be, the romantic avenues, parks, cathedrals, and districts (arrondissements) of Paris are at their best during the month of September. That fact isn’t a secret, though, and tourists crowd the city this month, so plan for higher prices and bigger crowds. 

Fashion Week and people returning from the traditional August vacations in Paris means the city is absolutely brimming with life and activity this month. Conditions are excellent for strolling the city’s parks and streets to sightsee and taste Parisian flavors with highs between 60 and 71°F and very little rain. 

This iconic city is made for sightseeing with famous places like the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica du Sacré Coeur, and Arc de Triomphe as some of the highlights you won’t want to miss.

But its charming neighborhoods, like historic Montmartre and its cobblestone streets, hip Le Marais with its cafes and bars, and the Latin Quarter are equally fun to explore during a September trip. 

You’ll be able to take part in some of the events and festivities happening around Paris this month, like: 

• Night at the Invalides (August and September)
• Jazz à la Villette Festival (late August to September)
• European Heritage Days (mid-September)
• Paris Fashion Week (late September to October)

The lush, manicured gardens of Paris, like Tuileries Garden and Luxembourg Gardens, are still in full bloom and color during the month of September. Stroll around the footpaths in each to admire the kind of delicate charm these luxurious gardens add to the City of Light. 

Head just beyond the city to the Palace of Versailles to extend your trip a little further and see the jaw-dropping opulence of a royal palace with over 2,300 rooms from the 17th century. 

11. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the most-visited outdoor destinations in the United States, but the Arizona climate makes it really hot to visit during the summer months. By September, average temperatures have dipped to about 60°F with highs in the mid-70s. 

With cooler weather and very little rain, this month is a prime time to embrace the great outdoors and come experience awe and wonder of the yawning Grand Canyon, spreading 18 miles wide, 277 miles long, and over a mile deep in some parts. 

The Colorado River snakes along the bottom of the canyon, the culprit for the rift that’s been carved out of the rock here over millions of years. This month is a great time to raft along the river or try one of the many activities in Grand Canyon National Park. 

Ride horses or mules on trails that lead down into the canyon, hike rugged and scenic trails that lead you to the canyon’s rims for the most breathtaking views, and explore historic homesteads and sites around the park.

Take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway from the nearby town of Williams, AZ to reach the park in style and historic fashion. 

In September, the park sees fewer crowds than during the peak summer months (when kids are out of school), making the best trails and viewpoints less crowded and so much better. Camping is just right with temperatures cooling down, but not freezing overnight. 

Hike down the canyon to Phantom Ranch, explore lesser-visited trails that pose a challenge, like Nankoweap Trail, and catch incredible sunrises and sunsets at Lipan Point. 

12. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Michigan’s Mackinac Island draws over a million visitors each year, but if you come in September, you’ll be blessed with the same blissful views, serene beaches, and waterfront entertainment without the big crowds of summer. 

Mackinac Island evokes a historic charm that will make you fall in love with the place as soon as you arrive. Located on Lake Huron, there are museums, sweet shops and restaurants galore, historic sites, and horse-drawn carriages taking visitors around the downtown area. 

A picturesque town on the water, you’ll experience the best of Mackinac Island during balmy September. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to the low 60s this month with a little rainfall, giving you a glimpse of this coastal paradise without the sticky heat. 

Mackinac Island State Park takes up about 80% of the island — this is what keeps it so pristine and unspoiled. Come hike beautiful trails through the forests, to cool formations like Arch Rock, and along paths bursting with colorful flowers just beginning to fade in September. 

Fort Mackinac sits on the island’s bluffs along the coast, so if you’re interested in military history, this is a great spot to come explore. Museums, like the Mackinac Art Museum, showcase works by local artists. 

With nice, cool temperatures, it’s the perfect time to ride a bike around the island and state park, seeing the wildlife and natural beauty up close with stops at the fudge shops (there are 14), cafes, and waterfront restaurants that tempt you along the way. 

13. Seoul, South Korea

September is vibrant and idyllic in Seoul, South Korea, where you’ll see temples and palaces alongside a bustling metropolis that feels very much in step with the modern world. With parts of the city over 2,000 years old, Seoul is rich in history and amazing to visit in September. 

With highs around 77°F and average temperatures closer to 70°F, conditions are balmy and warm across the city and ideal for sightseeing its many highlights and destinations. You’ll be here as the rainy typhoon season winds down with about 8 rainy days this month. 

The National Museum of Korea is perfect for an education outing, and you’ll be able to see the towering skyscrapers of Lotte World and N Seoul from your downtown viewpoint.

The 15th-century Changdeokgung Palace and 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace are opulent royal residences you can see in the city and some of the best spots for historic sightseeing.

Check out the cozy Bukchon Hanok Village to see wooden Korean homes lining narrow streets just 15 minutes east of Changdeokgung Palace. If you want to immerse yourself in the South Korean city’s culture, check out some of the events that take place this month:

• Seongbuk World Beer Festival (early September)
• Baekji Cultural Festival (early September)
• Seoul Fringe Festival (late August to September)

Since you’ll be here when the weather is still mild and warm, you’ll miss the autumn leaves changing color, but enjoy the lush greenery and still-blooming late summer flowers. 

Take the opportunity to hit the food markets and nosh on South Korean dishes, like crispy Korean fried chicken with sticky-sweet sauce, kimchi, Korean barbecue, and traditional Bibimbap with rice and tender veggies served in a hot stone bowl.

14. Banff, Canada

For a cooler, all-natural experience, visit the woodland paradise of Banff in Alberta, Canada in September — the weather is mild, the forests are ablaze with color, and crowds are minimal as the weather transforms from the warm summer to the crisp and breezy fall. 

Average temperatures in Banff are around 48°F with daily highs around 61°F during September. It’s not as warm as June, July, and August, but it sure beats the bitter temperatures from October through March! 

In downtown Banff, the main street (Banff Avenue) is bustling with activity as fall festivals and events start to take place. Visit the local restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir shops on your way to Banff National Park for some outdoor fun. 

September is the least busy time to visit the Banff National Park, which envelopes the city with stunning views of the Rocky Mountain peaks and vast woodlands that shine in bright reds, oranges, golds, and purples this time of year. 

September sees an uptick in wildlife activity around Banff. It’s rutting season for the massive elk that roam the park, drawing them out of hiding for quick glimpses while you hike and enjoy the park.

Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, and wolves can also be seen, so keep a keen eye out on the trails. Hike around Lake Louise, one of the most popular and scenic areas in the park, and fish in the crystal-clear waters to catch trout. 

Hot springs can make swimming during this chilly month a reality. Banff Upper Hot Springs sit nearly a mile high in the mountains, providing unbelievable views while you relax in a warm-water pool naturally heated deep inside the earth. 

This time of year, the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff closes to vehicle traffic for cyclists. Rent a bike and make your way down the scenic road to Johnston’s Canyon for an incredible thrill.

Nearby, the Art in Nature Trail on the Bow River Trail comes to life in September with dozens of art pieces leading across bridges to a waterfall and back to Central Park. 

Things to Consider

With a clearer idea of the best places to visit in September, you might feel ready to start planning your fall trip. But take a minute to look over these tips and considerations for traveling in September — you’ll be glad you did! 

• Keep an eye on the forecast. September sees mild-to-warm, dry weather in many areas, but it can be part of the typhoon or monsoon season in some parts of the world. Make sure to closely follow local forecasts and weather warnings leading up to your trip — and don’t skip out on travel insurance, just in case. 
• Don’t expect full-on fall. Depending on where you live, September may mean fall foliage, much cooler temperatures, and saying good-bye to summer. But many of the best places to visit in September are still seeing the last vestiges of summertime with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, long hours of sunshine, and still-green trees. Others are embracing a crisp fall season, like Banff, Grand Teton National Park, and Dublin. 
• Book in advance. The month of September is typically a less-busy travel month for many destinations as kids head back to school and summer vacations wrap up around August. But booking in advance can help you score better prices, ensure the best room and flight availability, and have peace of mind with the most important parts of your trip already secured. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ll be taking a much-needed vacation in September, you might find some useful pointers and answers in the most frequently asked questions from travelers below. 

So, Where Should You Visit in September?

The world is full of incredible destinations that are especially vibrant and welcoming during September — cities like Barcelona, Paris, Dublin, and Honolulu, scenic getaways in Banff and Grand Teton National Park, and idyllic destinations like Mackinac Island and Sicily are great examples. 

The best places to visit in September are as varied as the color of the changing leaves in fall, so keep your trip goals and travel style in mind to choose the perfect place to visit this month.

Whether that looks like a sunny, sandy shore with 80-degree weather or soaking in hot springs in a scenic mountain town, September may become your new favorite month to travel.