best travel places september

The Best Places to Travel in September

best places to travel in september Cappadocia

September is the unsung hero of travel months: The busiest vacation season has come and gone, places are less crowded because kids are back in school, and as a result, prices on airfare , accommodations , and even attractions have dropped. It’s the perfect time to pay a visit to locations that are usually swarming with tourists and enjoy some serious natural beauty , luxury hotels, outdoor adventures, and more than a few glasses of wine .

This list of travel destinations taps into all that shoulder season greatness, whether you’re enjoying some crowd-free beaches in Fiji, watching movies in Toronto, or living your best literary life in the Scottish Highlands. So what are you waiting for? Here are the 11 best places to travel in September, from Bali to Nantucket .

This article has been updated since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Mark Ellwood.

Fiji is the type of tropical paradise we fantasize about all year (we even named it one of the best places in the South Pacific to visit in 2024 ), but this 300-plus cluster of islands feels slightly less idyllic amongst the summertime crowds. The clearing of those crowds—coupled with balmy weather, clear oceans, and lower hotel prices—makes September one of the best months to visit this sliver of the central Pacific. The soft coral surrounding the country provides some of the world’s best diving conditions, with the marine reserve around Namena Island standing out from the pack with its thousands of species of colorful fish. Bonus: September is smack dab in the middle of mating season for humpback whales, so you might even spot some gentle giants during your dive.

Use this trip as an excuse to finally book a stay at Kokomo Private Island Resort , a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2024 pick. The 5-star resort is located on a decidedly un-touristy set of islands in Fiji’s south; the fact that there are only 25 rooms only adds to the exclusivity. The thatched-roof villas are the epitome of Pacific luxury, and the views of the coral reef from your private infinity pool—complete with turtles and maybe some of those aforementioned humpbacks—are more than worth the price.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Come fall, summer road-trippers give way to migrating wildlife and clear skies in Wyoming . The winter frost doesn’t set in until mid-October, meaning you have the whole month of September to raft the snake river, hike and bike through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and take an early-morning bison safari.

But the best autumn activity in Jackson Hole has to be fly fishing. Hotel Jackson , a LEED-built boutique hotel in the heart of Jackson, is a great place to learn about the sport. The property’s “Fish the Fly Guide” takes guests out on full- or half-day boating trips to some of the best fishing spots in Wyoming. Whether you fish for cutthroat trout on the Snake River or rainbow trout in Yellowstone National Park, fly fishing is definitely one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this area. Back at the hotel, unwind in the library or enjoy some Mediterranean cuisine at its restaurant, FIGS.

Bali is one of the best places to travel in September, thanks to warm temperatures and virtually no rainfall. (You can also enjoy a slight dip in hotel rates during this time, as it falls just after peak tourist season.) All the better to enjoy the island’s famous temples, gardens, monkeys, and surfing beaches. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to regions to explore, from the rain-forested inland district of Ubud to the rice paddies and eclectic shops of Canggu.

But we suggest booking your stay at a hotel or resort where you can get the full Bali experience in one stop, like editor- and reader-approved COMO Shambhala Estate , a five-star refuge for luxury travelers seeking spiritual development with Hindu water blessings and chakra healers. With its three pools, private waterfall, nutritious Southeast Asian food, and hammam spa, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling better than when you arrived.

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Geneva, Switzerland

While we probably don’t need to sell you on the beauty of Switzerland , Geneva is a particularly lovely place to visit come fall, with expansive views of the Alps, Jura Mountains, and, of course, Lake Geneva. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the Patek Philippe Museum , which showcases creations of the brand’s master watchmakers, plus a collection of watches and enamel miniatures from the 16th to 19th centuries. Be sure to also check out MAMCO , the largest museum of contemporary art in Switzerland with more than 6,000 works.

On the hotel front, check out Oetker Collection’s The Woodward , a suite-only hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva. Aside from incredible vistas, the hotel features a massive spa, the longest indoor pool in Geneva, and restaurants helmed by Michelin-star chefs.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

September is one of the best months to visit the Amalfi Coast , with comfortable temperatures (highs in the 70s and 80s) and far fewer crowds than during the summer. Spend time exploring the famously colorful towns along the coastline, like the show-stopping views in Positano and the romantic gardens in Ravello.

Book a stay at the blissfully secluded, 20-room Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa , which occupies a restored 17th-century monastery just three miles from Amalfi. After spending an afternoon swimming in the clifftop pool and getting treatments at the spa, enjoy local Campanian specialties at Il Refettorio , the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Braemar, Scotland

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiding away in the Scottish Highlands to write the next great novel, you’re not alone—writers such as Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson found inspiration in this very region. In fact, Stevenson penned Treasure Island in the Fife Arms , a 19th-century inn-slash-hunting lodge that still serves as a hotel today. Fitting, then, that the Fife Arms should host the Braemar Literary Festival every year.

This September 20-22, the hotel’s third annual festival will be in full swing, welcoming guests with author lectures and special guests (past attendees have included Judi Dench and Queen Consort Camilla), all set to the backdrop of museum-worthy art and splendid Victorian decor. The exact festival details are still TBD, but any stay at the Fife Arms is guaranteed to be a memorable one.

Cappadocia, Turkey

A hot air balloon ride over central Turkey’s Cappadocia region is an adventure every traveler should experience, especially if you plan your trip right after the scorching hot summer months. The sky-high ride provides 360-degree views of the famous limestone spires and “fairy chimneys”—something you can't get at the ground level. We recommend booking with Kapadokya Balloons , the first company that introduced hot air balloon tourism in Cappadocia. Services include transfers to and from your hotel, snacks, full insurance, and a champagne party after the flight.

Speaking of hotels, head to the tony town of Ürgüp (about a 45-minute drive from Cappadocia) and book a room at Esbelli Evi , a 10-room hillside hotel carved into the rock. Accommodations are undeniably cavelike, with sloping walls and rounded ceilings, but the atmosphere is high-end—think antique writing desks and claw-foot tubs.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket isn’t just for summering. A fall trip to the island will be relatively quiet and crowd-free, but you can still enjoy the same outdoor activities as during high season. Spend your days sailing, golfing, biking, and walking to nearby lighthouses, or enjoy the lack of lines at Cisco Brewers and The Proprietors . Don’t miss the 13th annual Nantucket Project (September 26-29), an “ideas conference” where celebrities and innovators give live talks and music performances, as well as screen original films.

This year’s line-up of keynote speakers has yet to be announced, but past headliners include Jennifer Garner, Paul Giamatti, Steve Wozniak, and Ndaba Mandela. The event will be held at the White Elephant hotel, which happens to be one of the most beloved properties in Nantucket. The waterfront resort features spacious suites with harbor views, an outdoor heated pool, and a world-class spa, plus some of the best seafood on the island.

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When it comes to sheer natural beauty, few countries in Africa rival Namibia . The Namib Desert is the country’s shining star, from the otherworldly landscapes of the Skeleton Coast , to the shifting dunes of the Namib Sand Sea, to the eerie, sun-blackened trees of Deadvlei. The best time to visit is from July to October, when the temperatures are in the low 70s and there is little chance of rain. It can get a tad tourist-heavy during this time (it’s also peak wildlife-viewing season), but you can dodge the crowds at andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in southwestern Namibia.

The lodge has an à la carte menu of adventures for guests, including e-biking around the lodge’s 12-mile path, hiking up to rock paintings in surrounding caves, driving quad-bikes over the dunes, or taking an early morning hot air balloon ride. But the most exciting activity on offer has to be stargazing at the on-site observatory: The lodge borders an International Dark Sky Reserve, providing the rare opportunity to observe the southern hemisphere stars from one of the darkest and most protected skies in the world.

Gergeti Trinity Church Caucasus Mountains Georgia

If you've already visited Napa and Tuscany, true oenophiles should head straight to Georgia, the tiny nation in the Caucasus that’s been making wine longer than anywhere in the world . Kakheti is the country’s foremost wine region, with 4,250 square miles of rolling vineyards, welcoming wineries, standout local cuisine, and well-priced hotels—and September just so happens to be the peak of harvest season in the region.

The first stop on your tasting tour should be Twins Old Cellar , a family-run operation where visitors can explore the qvevri (the traditional Georgian method of making wine in clay pots) museum and sample three wines and chacha (a potent Georgian brandy). Then drive about 15 minutes to Georgia’s winemaking mecca, Alaverdi Monastery , and explore the 104-variety “vine library” and drink a glass of nutty amber khikhvi wine.

At the end of the day, drive to Kabadoni , a minimalist boutique hotel in the cobblestoned village of Sighnaghi. The vineyard views, colorful Georgian rugs, and local cuisine make it the ideal spot to sleep off your hangover.

Skyline of Toronto over Ontario Lake at twilight

Want a jump on winning next year’s Oscar pool? Head to Toronto for the 10-day Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) , which runs from September 5–15. The last of the big three (alongside Cannes and Venice), it tees up the beginning of the award season—buzzy word of mouth here often translates to Oscar gold six months later. The festival is headquartered in the custom-designed TIFF Lightbox, an entire city block downtown, and unlike its European rivals, tickets are both affordable and widely available.

Stay at the Bisha boutique hotel , a nightlife-driven alternative to the business-friendly options that have long held sway in this part of town (after all, Four Seasons and Fairmont both began here). Finish the evening with a glass of champagne on its rooftop bar, overlooking the CN Tower.

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The 15 best places to travel in September 2024

Whether blissful beaches, city breaks or adventure are more your bag, these are the best places to travel in September

The summer holidays are coming to an end, and parents across the globe are desperate for some peace and quiet. Sure, spending quality time with the kids is beautiful, but those beaches and city breaks look mighty tempting, right? It isn’t as simple as that, obviously, but September offers a different travel atmosphere from the one experienced in the heady days of summer.

The weather is altogether more temperate, for a start, which can be a brilliant thing, and from rural wine tours to lazy beach stays , the best places to travel in September are a blissful collection of everything this beautiful world has to offer. Just make sure you line up the grandparents to look after the kids in the meantime.

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best places to travel in September

1. marseille, france.

2. Kyoto, Japan

Japan’s most romantic city shines brightest in September. The weather is gorgeous, and the hotel prices plummet to make up for the out-of-season demand. How this is out of season, we don’t know, but there’s no need to complain. The autumn colours are staggeringly beautiful, and the end of summer is signified by several festivals and street events. This includes the Seiryu-e Dragon Festival happening on 15 September this year, in which a dancing blue dragon marches into cobbled streets. It is surrounded by men dressed in traditional warrior clothes, and the streets are filled with music and spectacular dancing.What a sight to behold!

Average temp in September: 24C/75F

Discover the best things to do in Kyoto

3. Montenegro

The days of Montenegro being a little secret paradise are long gone, and Kotor is every bit as busy as Dubrovnik during summer. September, however, is a blissful time to visit as the crowds thin out and the history and culture of this fascinating little country take centre stage. Perast (just down the road from Kotor) is the pick of the coast, while culture vultures should make a beeline for Cetinje (the royal capital) and the indomitable Mount Lovćen, the final resting place of 19th-century prince-poet Njegoš.

Average temp in September: 21C/71F

Discover the best places to visit in Montenegro

4. Eswatini

A relatively new international airport and an improved network of roads across the country make travelling to and around this underrated kingdom much easier – so get in there before everyone else does. This entirely landlocked country provides excellent mountain hikes, opportunities for rafting, zip-lining and mountain biking adventures, plus there’s plenty of wildlife – especially rhinos. Visit in September for springtime flowers and to get there before the sticky summer rainy season begins in October.

Average temp in September: 22C/72F

5. British Columbia, Canada

The jaw-to-the-floor wilderness of British Columbia is best seen in burnt amber. Fly into the outdoorsy city of Vancouver to acclimatise, with walking trails, parks and coastal hikes close to food trucks and buzzing neighbourhoods such as ex-warehouse district Yaletown and historic Gastown (Vancouver Island is also nearby for some of the best autumn colours). Then to really feel a sense of escape, head out to the majestic forested mountains and glaciers in Northern British Columbia. Or if nature with wild swimming, local wine and a bit more proximity to civilisation is more your jam, try the Okanagan Valley. Don't miss the famous Vancouver International Film Festival while you're there.

Average temp in September: 14C/58F

Discover the best things to do in Vancouver

6. Munich, Germany

From beer halls to underground jazz clubs and museums, the Bavarian capital has a lot going for it at any time of year – but the real party starts in September. More than six million people visit Munich to drink about two million gallons of beer every year for Oktoberfest, which arrives early in Germany. Attend it in Theresienwiese from 21 September to 6 October 2024. Over the years, the start of the folk festival has crept forward, and now the mass enjoyment of traditional German cuisine, wiener dog races, lederhosen and polka music lasts from mid-September to early October.

Average temp in September: 14C/57F

Discover the best things to do in Munich

7. Cali, Colombia

Sure, Cartagena and Medellin have been filling up your Insta feed for years now, but the south of the country is still under the radar. And with its notorious local cartel bosses in jail, Cali is becoming Colombia ’s next big thing. Known for its smoking-hot dancing, Cali has more than 200 registered salsa schools. In September, the annual Festival Mundial de Salsa is held here, so visit for free shows, live music and spontaneous dancing in its cobbled streets as the best international salsa talent congregates in technicolour costumes to shake a collective tail feather.

Average temp in September: 30C/86F

Discover the best things to do in Colombia

8. Lille, France

This good-looking, underrated northern French city has a lot going for it. Beyond its cobbled streets, Flemish houses and art nouveau buildings, Lille also has some impressively sculpted modern architecture, such as the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art and the elliptical Stade Pierre-Mauroy. While design buffs might want to hold out for the WDC street festival in December, everyone else should visit in September for Europe’s biggest flea market, Braderie de Lille, which has developed into a massive street party. It’s been going since 1127, and you know what they say: practice makes perfect. And obviously you can't visit France this year without catching a glimpse of one of the Olympic matches so check out the Paralympic Games that are taking place from 28th August to 8th September 2024.

Average temp in September: 15C/60F

Discover the best things to do in France

9. Boston, USA

There are lots of reasons to love Boston: lobster rolls , the characterful charm that comes from being one of the oldest cities in the US, and its major-league sports teams. The city’s home to NFL legends the New England Patriots and baseball bros the Red Sox – and the seasons for both sports coincide in September, so if stadiums are welcoming the public again, you’ll be able to catch (at least) one game of each while you’re in town. Sports not your thing? Boston is a total beaut in foliage season ; for a tree-mendous leaf-peeping trail, wander through the Public Garden , then through the cobbled streets and brownstones of Beacon Hill and along the Charles River Esplanade . And to find the best of the city in one place, visit Time Out Market Boston ,which is open all year round.

Average temp in September: 18C/65F

Discover the best things to do in Boston

10. Ayia Napa, Cyprus

This small resort town is situated in Cyprus’s south-east corner, and make no mistake: it's not just for partying. There's a little bit of something for everyone here; beaches for sunbathing, great food and the city's must-sees, its archaic caves and monastery. With the temperature ranging in the mid 20's, September is the perfect time to visit this place to avoid the blazing heat and the, err, typical holiday crowd. Don’t miss the spectacular views from the Cape Greco National Forest Park .

Average temp in September: 25C/77F

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