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Best places to travel in September 2025
From iconic European coastlines to vibrant Asian festivals and epic American road trips, these top destinations promise unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
September might just be the perfect time to travel. The summer crowds are thinning, the weather is still warm, and you’ll find some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations in their prime.
Whether you’re after idyllic beaches, otherworldly landscapes, or historic towns glowing in autumn’s golden light, there’s a trip for every traveler — and budget.
Looking for inspiration? We’ve rounded up the best places to travel to in September — whether you’re escaping the high-season heat or chasing that last bit of summer sun. Let’s dive in!
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1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
| Quick look: Enjoy sunny days (~27°C) and mild evenings, perfect for alfresco dining and sunset strollsPost-summer tranquility reigns, especially after mid-September when Italian schools reopenSwim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, still inviting at 25°C |
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places to visit in September for a mix of relaxation and cultural experiences.
September is harvest season, meaning fresh local produce, seafood, and many wine festivals. Don’t miss the Byzantine New Year celebrations in Amalfi and Atrani from August 31 to September 1, featuring medieval parades, music, and traditional feasts.
The Ravello Music Festival also continues through September, offering classical concerts in cliffside villas with sweeping sea views.
Explore the cliffside town of Positano or hike the famous Path of the Gods for jaw-dropping coastal views.
For a more relaxed vibe, unwind on Praiano’s quiet beaches or sip limoncello in Minori, home to one of the world’s oldest pastas. With fewer tourists and better hotel rates, September is the perfect time to experience the Amalfi Coast’s charm without the high-season rush.
If you’re planning your itinerary, make sure to check out our Italy travel guide for insider tips, and don’t forget to sort out your connectivity before you go — you’ll want to avoid roaming charges while capturing those Amalfi sunsets.
2. Bali, Indonesia
| Quick look: Sunny skies dominate, with brief afternoon showers (avg. 4–8 rainy days)Ocean temperatures hover around 27°C, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or surfing at Kuta Beach and Bingin BeachWitness traditional ceremonies like Galungan and Kuningan |
Bali is one of the best places to travel in September if you want tropical beaches, cultural richness, and adventure.
This month features the Bali International Airshow, showcasing aerobatic displays and cutting-edge aviation, while the Bali Rockin’ Blues Festival brings global and local musicians together for unforgettable performances.
If you’re looking to add bucket-list-worthy landmarks to your Bali travel guide, don’t miss the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, which glows during golden-hour sunsets, while the Tegallalang Rice Terraces showcase UNESCO-listed emerald paddies framed by coconut palms.
Adventurers can trek Mount Batur at dawn for panoramic views of Lake Batur or raft the Ayung River’s Class II-III rapids through Ubud’s jungles. For slower-paced exploration, the quieter coastal town of Amed offers snorkeling over coral reefs and visits to traditional salt farms.
September also coincides with cultural celebrations like Galungan and Kuningan, where villages adorn streets with penjor (bamboo poles) and host lively processions.
Foodies thrive here, sampling babi guling (suckling pig) at warungs or sipping kopi luwak at cliffside cafés. Postcard-perfect beaches like Seminyak and Bingin cater to surfers and sunbathers alike.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
| Quick look: Avg. 26°C days with cooler evenings for rooftop cocktailsOut Jazz Festival brings free open-air concerts citywideCoastal hikes (e.g., Guincho Beach) avoid summer’s scorching heat |
Lisbon is a top choice for places to go in September, thanks to its warm weather, rich history, and lively cultural scene.
September bathes Lisbon in golden light, with temperatures around 20–28°C — ideal for exploring its seven hills sans summer crowds. The city buzzes with alfresco dining, historic tram rides, and coastal hikes.
Wander Alfama’s cobbled streets to catch soulful fado performances, or visit Belém’s UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
Day trips to Sintra’s fairytale palaces or the wine-rich Alentejo region pair perfectly with mild weather.
Foodies revel in seasonal delights like grilled sardines and pastéis de nata, while the Lisbon Wine Festival (mid-Sept) spotlights Portugal’s top vintages. For quieter escapes, head to Arrábida Natural Park for clifftop trails or Cascais’ windswept beaches.
If you plan to see multiple attractions, consider getting a tourist card in Lisbon for discounted admission to popular sights — an excellent way to save time and money.
4. Barcelona, Spain
| Quick look: Warm seas (24°C/75°F) for swimming without summer crowdsHarvest-season menus debut at Michelin-starred restaurants like DisfrutarOutdoor Cinema Nights: Open-air films at Parc de la Ciutadella (new for 2025) |
Barcelona, ideal for strolling Gaudí’s Sagrada Família or sunbathing at Barceloneta Beach.
September kicks off with La Mercè Festival (Sept 22–25), featuring street art, human towers (castells), and fireworks — plus a special 2025 edition celebrating the city’s 150th anniversary of its first electric streetlights.
Explore the Gothic Quarter’s medieval lanes or take a day trip to Montserrat Mountain to hike amid surreal rock formations.
Foodies flock to La Boqueria Market for seasonal figs and fresh seafood, while new 2025 pop-up terraces along Passeig de Gràcia blend Catalan cuisine with avant-garde design. For quieter moments, the Poblenou district offers urban beaches and modern art galleries.
5. Tokyo, Japan
| Quick look: Typhoon season winds down (avg. 8 rainy days) — hello, blue skies!Affordable stays: hotels drop rates post-Olympic summer rushNew 2025 perk: free retro metro passes for visitors exploring historic stations |
September in Japan is perfect for sipping matcha in Shinjuku Gyoen’s gardens or snapping pics at Shibuya Crossing without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Did you know? September 2025 debuts Tokyo Art Night, a citywide festival with light installations at TeamLab Planets and pop-up galleries in Shimokitazawa.
Don’t miss Tsukiji Market’s seasonal uni (sea urchin) or the new Sky Harvest Festival at Tokyo Skytree, which celebrates autumn produce with rooftop tastings.
For classic Tokyo bucket-list thrills, hit last-call rooftop beer gardens in early September or chase koyo (foliage) magic under Rikugien Garden’s lantern-lit maples by late month.
6. New York City, USA
| Quick look: Snap selfies at the Vessel or Edge Observatory sans elbow warsCatch hot-ticket shows like Hamilton: reimagined before peak seasonNew 2025 pop-ups like Skyline Sips offer sky-high cocktails with Statue of Liberty viewsHead to Central Park’s North Woods for early hints of fall foliage |
New York’s top things to do this month range from picnicking in Central Park to sipping espresso martinis at Westlight’s rooftop bar.
And guess what? This year’s New York Film Festival (Sept 29–Oct 15) kicks off with a 2025 twist: outdoor screenings at the newly revamped Little Island park.
Foodies, mark your calendars: Restaurant Week (Sept 1–15) lets you snag deals at hotspots like Carbone or Le Bernardin.
Prefer street vibes? The West Indian American Day Carnival (Labor Day) floods Brooklyn with soca beats and glittering costumes. For something new, check out the High Line’s 2025 Art Installations, featuring interactive light displays between Chelsea and Hudson Yards.
7. Canadian Rockies, Canada
| Quick look: Mild days (10–18°C / 50–64°F) and crisp nightsWildlife activity: bears forage pre-hibernation; bighorn sheep roam highwaysLarch season: late Sept transforms valleys into golden wonderlandsFewer tourists: trailheads and iconic sites like Lake Louise are accessible |
If you’re wondering where to travel in September for natural beauty, the Canadian Rockies are breathtaking.
September 2025 reveals the Canadian Rockies at their most serene, with summer crowds dwindling and golden larch trees lighting up valleys.
Hike the Larch Valley Trail near Lake Louise, where evergreen forests give way to golden hues, or paddle across Moraine Lake’s turquoise waters before seasonal closures.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elk rutting in Banff National Park, while photographers flock to Peyto Lake for its glacier-fed brilliance against early snowfall.
The Banff Marathon (Sept 6–7, 2025) combines rugged trails with mountain vistas, while Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival (late Sept) celebrates stargazing in one of the world’s largest dark-sky preserves. For relaxation, soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs as cool alpine air contrasts with steamy waters.
8. Kruger National Park, South Africa
| Quick look: Prime sightings: animals cluster at shrinking waterholes (hello, elephants!)Shoulder-season perks: cheaper lodges vs. July/August crowdsBirding bonanza: migratory species return as temps rise (14–29°C/57–84°F) |
Traverse Skukuza or Satara for Big Five action (yes, even elusive leopards!), or join guided walks to decode rhino tracks and termite mounds.
New for 2025: Wildlife Conservation Week (Sept 15–21) lets you shadow anti-poaching rangers while supporting local communities.
Prefer laid-back vibes? Sunset drives reveal hyenas on the prowl, while Bateleur Bushveld Camp offers stargazing sessions under Africa’s ink-black skies.
Don’t skip the Mopani Rest Camp’s night hides, where honey badgers and porcupines steal the show.
9. Mount Rainier National Park, USA
| Quick look: Most routes remain snow-free early monthCabins near Longmire drop rates post-Labor DayWildlife activity: elk herds migrate; marmots bask on rocks |
September usually blankets Mount Rainier in quiet grandeur. Trails like Skyline Loop and Grove of the Patriarchs shed summer crowds, offering crisp air and early hints of golden larch and crimson huckleberry.
Spot black bears foraging in subalpine meadows or photograph the mountain’s reflection in Tipsoo Lake at dawn. Rangers lead Harvest Moon Hikes (mid-Sept), weaving Indigenous history with ecology.
New for 2025: the park debuts Sunrise Visitor Center’s interactive exhibit on climate change’s impact on glaciers. For solitude, backpack the Wonderland Trail’s eastern stretches before snow closes high passes.
10. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
| Quick look: Sunny days and cool nights are ideal for beer tents and outdoor ridesFamily Days (Sept 24–25) offers half-price rides and kid-friendly activitiesMunich’s mayor taps the first keg on Sept 20, shouting “O’zapft is!” (It’s tapped!)150th anniversary of electric streetlights with illuminations and historical exhibits |
Beer lovers, this is where to go in September in Europe! September 20–October 5, 2025 transforms Munich into a whirlwind of laughter and liters of beer.
Originating in 1810 to celebrate Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding, this iconic event now draws millions to the Theresienwiese fairgrounds.
The 2025 festival marks a special milestone: 150 years of electric streetlights in Munich, celebrated with dazzling light installations and historical exhibits.
New additions include an expanded Oide Wiesn (Old Oktoberfest) section, featuring horse races and retro carnival games reminiscent of the 19th century. Don’t miss the ceremonial keg tapping by Munich’s mayor on opening day (“O’zapft is!”), signaling the start of two weeks of merriment.
Sip crisp Oktoberfestbier in lively tents like Hofbräu or Schottenhamel, paired with hearty Bavarian fare like roast chicken and giant pretzels.
Families can enjoy discounted rides during Family Days (Sept 24–25), while thrill-seekers brave the Teufelsrad (Devil’s Wheel). For a quieter moment, visit the memorial honoring victims of the 1980 bombing — a reminder of the festival’s resilience.
11. Grape Harvest Festival in Mendoza, Argentina
| Quick look: Wine deals: try new wines at lower prices before high seasonFestival prep: see winemakers start work for the big harvest seasonLess crowded: avoid the busy summer tourists (December–February)Spring blooms: flowers cover the vineyards, making hikes and bike rides beautiful |
Mendoza is all about celebrating harvest season in the heart of Argentina’s wine country. The Grape Harvest Festival (Fiesta de la Vendimia) is a vibrant blend of tradition, wine, and cultural pride, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the magic of Mendoza’s vineyards in full swing.
The festivities kick off with vineyard tours and wine tastings at some of the region’s most renowned bodegas, where you can sample Malbec straight from the source.
But it’s more than just wine — expect folklore performances, artisan markets, and parades filled with colorful floats and traditional music. The highlight? The crowning of the Harvest Queen, a cherished local tradition that brings communities together in celebration.
12. Mid-Autumn Festival in China and Vietnam
| Harvest celebration aligns with the autumn equinox, marking the end of the farming seasonMild temperatures (18–25°C / 64–77°F), ideal for outdoor gatheringsLunar full moon means bright nights, perfect for lantern processions and moonlit feasts |
In China, the mid-autumn festival traces back over 3,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty, when emperors worshipped the moon to ensure bountiful harvests.
Traditional mooncakes, filled with lotus paste, red bean, or salted egg yolk, are exchanged as symbols of unity and longevity.
Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong host elaborate lantern displays, while parks like Yuetan (Moon Altar) hold moon appreciation ceremonies. A highlight in 2025 will be Hong Kong’s Moonlight Neonade, blending neon art with traditional lunar themes.
In Vietnam, the festival, known locally as Tết Trung Thu, takes on a more playful tone, often called the Children’s Festival.
While rooted in harvest celebrations, it’s a time when children parade through the streets with carp-shaped lanterns, partake in lion dances, and enjoy special treats like savory Vietnamese mooncakes filled with mung bean or pork.
Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City come alive with night markets, folk games, and glowing lanterns, while Hoi An’s Lantern Festival reaches its peak with thousands of lanterns floating down the river, creating a magical spectacle.
Though the main festival falls in October, September 2025 will see bustling pre-festival markets in both countries, with lanterns, mooncakes, and decorations lining the streets.
Stay connected on your September trip with Holafly
So, you’ve checked off flights, hotels, and all the must-see hotspots on your international travel checklist — but have you figured out how you’ll stay connected abroad?
You’ll need reliable internet to pull up directions when you’re lost, translate menus, and keep in touch with fellow travelers or family back home.
With an eSIM provider like Holafly, you’ll enjoy unlimited data in 200+ destinations (yep, that covers everything from Barcelona’s sandy shores to Tokyo’s neon-lit streets).
If you’re hopping between multiple countries, Holafly’s regional plans for the USA, Asia, and Europe save you from juggling a new SIM card at every border. Plus, you can customize plans ranging from 1 day to 90 days, so you only pay for what you need.
Because it’s an eSIM, you’re also doing your part to reduce plastic waste — no more discarded plastic cards, no excess shipping and packaging. Plus, Holafly’s 24/7 support team speaks 10+ languages, so if you hit a snag at any hour, real humans will be ready to help.
Match your eSIM to your vacation
Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.
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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.
