20 Best Vacation Destinations in September

September is a wonderful time to vacation: there are fewer crowds and lower prices. While it's not swelteringly hot, it's still quite warm. It's the perfect month for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and even beach days. Travel & Leisure compiled a list of the best places for a September vacation.

Jersey Shore, New Jersey

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Over 145 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, a diverse mix of towns and cities, lighthouses, entertainment venues, restaurants, and fresh local produce make the Jersey Shore a great vacation destination. In September, the summer crowds have subsided, but the weather and ocean waves are still warm. On the Atlantic City boardwalk, you can enjoy the rides of the historic Steel Pier amusement park. The coastline boasts casinos, clubs, restaurants, and concert venues. September events include the Wildwoods Airshow, featuring military aircraft, vintage aircraft, stunt pilots, and skydivers. Wildwoods Beach, renowned for its rock 'n' roll history, is free and features live music, amusement rides, and a two-kilometer boardwalk. Further south lies charming Cape May, one of the country's oldest resort destinations, with nearly 600 surviving Victorian buildings.

Telluride, Colorado

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While Telluride is a favorite winter sports destination, it's also a perfect September destination. High in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, this Old West-style town hosts a flurry of late summer and early fall events, earning it the nickname "the festival capital of the Rockies." While the most famous—the annual Telluride Film Festival—takes place on Labor Day weekend, there are plenty of other events later in September, including the family-friendly Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, featuring multiple stages, an eclectic mix of musical genres, craft beer, kids' activities, a 5K run, food, and morning yoga. The Telluride Autumn Classic, a festival celebrating motorcycles, airplanes, and exotic cars, features live music, and Corvette enthusiasts shouldn't miss Corvettes & Colors, three days of cool cars. Between festivals, visitors can enjoy the local sights with free gondola rides, scenic hikes, canoeing, ziplining, and other outdoor activities.

Greenville, South Carolina

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Where else but Greenville can you find a downtown waterfall, a shady pedestrian-only downtown, street art, and a stunning pedestrian bridge overlooking 13 acres of streams, rock formations, and greenery? It's also one of the country's top foodie cities, with innovative restaurants opening regularly. The annual Euphoria culinary festival showcases top-tier chefs, local restaurants, and wineries. In October, Fall for Greenville offers another opportunity to enjoy the city's culinary highlights.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

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For one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Munich, plan a visit to Frankenmuth, nicknamed "Little Bavaria" thanks to its German heritage and architecture. The festival, which actually takes place in September, features German beer from Munich's Hofbräuhaus, an official sponsor, making Frankenmuth the first U.S. city to import this beer. German orchestras, dancing, food, dachshund races, and a miniature version of a German beer hall are all part of the fun. The town, located about 145 miles from Detroit, also hosts the Frankenmuth Auto Fest, featuring classic cars, competitions, a drone show, and more than 40 German amphibious vehicles floating on the Cass River. The Fire Arts Festival includes blacksmith workshops. Come to Frankenmuth in winter for a classic German Christmas market and Zehnder's Snowfest with family fun, ice sculptures, a petting zoo and fireworks.

San Antonio, TX

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It's still summer in San Antonio, with daytime highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), making it ideal for boat tours along the San Antonio River Walk or exploring the city in September.

Tourists shouldn't miss the Pullman Market food complex or chef and restaurateur Jason Dady's restaurants, which offer everything from Italian cuisine to award-winning barbecue. Historic sites like the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park are also worth visiting. Both sites are World Heritage Sites. Dubbed the "Theme Park Capital of Texas," San Antonio is a favorite family destination. Parks include the fully wheelchair-accessible Morgan's Wonderland. A wealth of free entertainment makes San Antonio an attractive vacation destination.

Finger Lakes, New York

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This year-round destination, named for its eleven long, narrow, finger-like lakes, is located in western New York State, a day's drive from Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Boston. In September, the weather there is relatively cool: 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit (21–26 degrees Celsius). The renowned wine region begins its harvest celebrations. The Naples and Ithaca Apple Festivals offer tastings of fruits, ciders, and baked goods produced by local farmers.

The Rochester Fringe Festival offers a variety of multidisciplinary arts events. Letchworth Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East, features waterfalls, forests, hiking trails, and a spectacular gorge carved by the Genesee River.

Taos, New Mexico

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Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains about 113 miles from Santa Fe, Taos offers natural beauty and ideal weather for outdoor activities in September. Hiking trails lead to the impressive Rio Grande Gorge with its iconic bridge. Road trippers will love the 135-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway around New Mexico's highest peak.

At an elevation of nearly 7,500 feet (2135 meters), Taos begins its fall foliage season in September, when the aspens turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow. Michael Hearne's Big Barn Dance Festival offers country, folk, and bluegrass music, and later in September, the Taos Fall Arts Festival takes place. The Taos Pueblo Historic District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For convenient travel, JSX offers seasonal flights through September to Taos Regional Airport from Dallas and Austin.

Highway 30A, Florida

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Situated on Florida's northwest Gulf Coast, the beach towns along Highway 30A in the Florida Panhandle are sometimes called the "Crown of the Southern Riviera" for their beauty and style. September in Florida means warm weather, less rain, and fewer crowds until the winter "snowbirds" arrive from the frigid north. The 25-mile (40-kilometer) Highway 30A winds past Old Florida landmarks and through communities including Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seagrove, and Blue Mountain Beach. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers freshwater dune lakes, pine forests, wetlands, and pristine beaches. Grayton Beach State Park offers fishing, boating, and miles of coastal forest trails, while Deer Lake State Park offers a boardwalk through the dunes.

Napa Valley, California

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Warm September weather, harvest celebrations, and a vibrant atmosphere make September a great time to visit wine country. Wine lovers delight in seeing how grapes are harvested and processed at wineries. However, there's plenty to do even if wine isn't your thing. Exceptional restaurants, mud baths in Calistoga, hot air balloon rides, the Napa Valley Wine Train, golf at Silverado Resort, falconry demonstrations at Bouchaine, and cooking classes at Cakebread Cellars are all great attractions.

With temperatures around 27–32 degrees Celsius, swimming and sunbathing are still possible, and Napa Valley resorts offer luxurious spas. Two museums host special exhibitions. Keep in mind that harvest season is the busiest time of year, so book your accommodations in advance.

Asheville, North Carolina

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This vibrant western North Carolina city, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, once again welcomes visitors with its natural beauty and renowned food scene. Renowned for its bluegrass roots, art, and historic architecture, Asheville is home to the iconic Biltmore Estate—the largest private home in America, spread across 3237 acres.

Asheville boasts a walkable downtown with art galleries and shops, as well as over 30 breweries and numerous award-winning restaurants. September temperatures, ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius), are ideal for enjoying the fresh air and enjoying the crisp mountain air.

Iceland

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September is considered the shoulder season in Iceland, and after the busier summer months, you'll enjoy fewer visitors and pleasant weather with daytime temperatures around 10-15 degrees Celsius. The cool air makes Iceland's hot springs especially inviting, and there's still plenty of daylight for sightseeing, plus there's a chance to see the Northern Lights at night. Often called the "Land of Fire and Ice," Iceland isn't as icy as it seems: it boasts waterfalls, volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, and stunning landscapes. The annual September tradition of Rettir (when farmers herd their sheep from the mountains) is a fascinating spectacle. The Reykjavik International Film Festival usually takes place in Iceland's capital at the end of the month. If you plan to take advantage of September's low prices, be sure to pack clothing for various weather conditions and save room for souvenirs.

Santorini, Greece

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Renowned for its stunning sunsets, luxurious resorts, whitewashed buildings, and colorful beaches, Santorini is one of the most popular islands in the Cyclades. Although summer visitor numbers begin to decline in September, the weather is still warm, and hotels and restaurants remain open throughout the month. It may be tempting to spend the entire day on the beach or by the pool, but the island boasts fascinating archaeological sites, such as the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, which has been compared to an Italian Pompeii. A boat ride or sunset cruise around the island is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the clear sea. Be sure to try the Greek wines, especially Assyrtiko, which is produced on Santorini.

Ibiza, Spain

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In September, Ibiza is warm, and the water is perfect for swimming. More than 80 beaches offer options from quiet coves to lively beach clubs. Although some visitors are slowly leaving, most still enjoy beach parties, nightlife, and events like the Territori Performance Art Festival. The Ses Salines Natural Park, encompassing Ibiza and Formentera and the waters between, offers hiking trails, cliffs, beaches, and forests. Mountain biking, golf, tennis, and kayaking are additional ways to enjoy nature and Ibiza's beautiful landscapes. September is harvest season, so winery tours and tastings are a great way to learn about local grape varieties.

Sydney, Australia

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September marks the beginning of early spring in the Southern Hemisphere, and Sydney's weather is mild and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 16 to 21 degrees Celsius. While it may still be too cool for swimming, locals head to Bondi Beach for the annual Festival of the Winds, Australia's largest kite festival. Starting at Bondi Beach, the Bondi to Manly coastal walk covers 80 kilometers. The capital and largest city of New South Wales, Sydney hosts the Sydney Fringe Festival, with more than 350 events, including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and circus acts at approximately 70 venues across the city. The iconic Sydney Opera House always offers outstanding performances.

Bordeaux, France

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Renowned for its renowned wines, Bordeaux is beautiful in September, with warm days giving way to cool evenings. September marks the peak of harvest season—an exciting time for winery tours, tastings, and festivals. Learn about wine at the interactive La Cité du Vin museum, with tasting masterclasses, exhibitions, restaurants, and boutiques. The "Water Mirror" (Miroir d'Eau) opposite Place de la Bourse is a must-see, and a walk or bike ride along the banks of the Garonne River offers magnificent views and a relaxing way to explore the city. River cruises, including Viking, AmaWaterways, and UniWorld Boutique River Cruises, offer excellent itineraries departing from Bordeaux—another way to explore the region.

Prince Edward Island, Canada

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Known as "Canada's Food Island," Prince Edward Island is a culinary star. Two festivals take place here in the fall. The PEI International Shellfish Festival celebrates the island's famous seafood. Later, the Fall Flavors Food & Drink Festival takes place. The island's numerous hiking trails are a great way to visit small towns and enjoy local dishes. The 700-kilometer trail, which winds around the island's perimeter, passes beaches and towns with plenty of stunning scenery.

Barcelona, ​​Spain

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In September, popular sites like Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia are far fewer crowded. The weather is mild and pleasant. Harvest season offers opportunities for grape harvesting, vineyard exploration, and wine tasting at nearby wineries, such as Can Calopa, a centuries-old Barcelona wine estate. The city's patron saint is celebrated with the cultural festival La Mercè, when music, traditional dances, entertainment, and fireworks fill the city. The nearby Catalan town of Vic hosts numerous concerts.

Egypt

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In Egypt, September is still around 31–32 degrees Celsius, but it’s a little more pleasant than the summer months, and there are fewer tourists.

The Grand Egyptian Museum, the world's largest archaeological museum, opened in 2025. It displays more than 100,000 artifacts spanning 7000 years of the country's history. Nile cruises are popular here, with UniWorld Boutique Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and AmaWaterways offering cruises on the Nile. On the Oberoi Melouk and Malekat Luxury Nile Dahabeyes, the vessel accommodates 14 guests in seven spacious cabins and suites. The two-masted sailing barge Poppee is part of the Nour el Nil fleet, and Abercrombie & Kent also offers luxury cruises.

Malta

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Renowned for its well-preserved medieval fortresses, museums, archaeological sites, wineries, beaches, and clear seas, Malta is a popular destination for expats and retirees. September weather is warm and sunny. The island nation is located approximately 93 kilometers south of Sicily, and the ferry ride from the Sicilian ports of Pozzallo or Catania takes about two hours. The island of Gozo is a popular vacation spot with the beautiful Ramla Beach. Malta celebrates Independence Day on September 21st each year, a time of official ceremonies, concerts, and parades.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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September is the best time to visit Dubrovnik. Tourists can explore the historic center, walk along the city walls, and admire the Adriatic Sea. Seeing Dubrovnik on a day cruise around the islands is another way to explore the region. During the cruise, you can swim in secluded coves. Kayaking, hiking, and cycling are also popular activities.

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