Top 58+ Best Places to Travel in September Around the World

September is one of the most underrated yet magical months to travel the globe. As the summer heat fades and the chill of winter hasn’t quite arrived, this sweet spot in the calendar offers travelers the best of both worlds. You get the benefit of off-season prices, fewer crowds, and moderate weather in many places around the world. Whether you’re yearning for fiery fall foliage, tropical warmth, cultural celebrations, or outdoor adventures, Best Places to Travel in September serves it all on a beautifully colored platter.

Top Destinations to Visit in September Around the World

 

This is also the month when nature puts on a final, dramatic show before winter settles in—think golden forests, crisp mountain air, and scenic hiking trails. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s spring in full bloom. Pair all that with iconic festivals like Oktoberfest in Germany, Halloween in Salem, or the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand, and you’ve got a month packed with travel potential.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked the Top 58+ Best Places to Travel in September Around the World for every type of traveler—whether you’re an explorer, romantic, adventurer, or beach bum. The destinations are divided into curated categories so you can quickly find the vibe that matches your travel goals. From dreamy foliage and tropical escapes to thrilling festivals and quiet hideaways, your perfect September trip starts here.

🍁 Best Places to See Autumn Foliage in September

Experience nature’s most colorful transformation in these stunning destinations.

1. Kyoto, Japan – Maple leaves, tranquil temples, and crisp autumn air
2. Vermont, USA – Classic fall foliage, pumpkin patches, and apple cider
3. Bavaria, Germany – Forests ablaze in orange with Alpine backdrops
4. Seoul, South Korea – Palaces and parks under a fiery red canopy
5. Loire Valley, France – Vineyards and chateaux framed in gold and crimson
6. Ontario, Canada – Endless maple hues and fall festivals
7. Transylvania, Romania – Spooky castles and misty fall forests
8. Scotland – Highlands blanketed in amber tones and dramatic skies
9. Beijing, China – Ginkgo-lined streets and crisp, cool evenings
10. The Dolomites, Italy – Fiery forests below snow-dusted peaks

🌞 Best Warm Destinations to Escape the Chill

Soak up some sun and beat the early winter blues with these sunny escapes.

11. Marrakech, Morocco – Vibrant souks, warm days, and starlit nights
12. Santorini, Greece – Fewer tourists and sunsets over the Aegean Sea
13. Bali, Indonesia – Beach yoga, rice terraces, and spiritual retreats
14. Dubai, UAE – Desert adventures, luxury shopping, and perfect weather
15. Malta – Mediterranean magic with history and sunshine
16. Canary Islands, Spain – Volcanic beaches and warm ocean breezes
17. Hawaii, USA – Tropical adventures and beachside luaus
18. Goa, India – Reopening season, with beach vibes and seafood feasts
19. Tenerife, Spain – Hiking trails and lazy beach days
20. Seychelles – Exotic paradise with crystal-clear waters

🎉 Best Places for Cultural Festivals in September

These destinations offer vibrant experiences through food, music, and tradition.

21. Munich, Germany – Oktoberfest: beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian cheer
22. Albuquerque, USA – International Balloon Fiesta paints the sky
23. Tokyo, Japan – Autumn Matsuris and seasonal cuisine
24. Salem, USA – Halloween central with spooky tours and ghost tales
25. Jaipur, India – Literary fests and Diwali buzz
26. Buenos Aires, Argentina – Tango and springtime energy
27. Barcelona, Spain – Music festivals and Gaudí tours
28. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Vegetarian Festival and vibrant parades
29. Mexico City, Mexico – Pre-Día de los Muertos celebrations
30. Paris, France – Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival

🏞️ Best Nature & Adventure Getaways

For those looking to hike, explore, and reconnect with nature this October.

31. Patagonia, Chile – Springtime blooms and pristine wilderness
32. The Azores, Portugal – Lush greenery, crater lakes, and whale watching
33. Nepal – Trekking season kicks off with clear skies and cool weather
34. New Zealand – Spring landscapes and adventure sports
35. Costa Rica – Rainforest hikes, waterfalls, and eco-lodges
36. Zion National Park, USA – Red rock formations and fall colors
37. Queenstown, New Zealand – Thrill-seeking capital surrounded by beauty
38. Banff National Park, Canada – Crisp air and mirror-like lakes
39. Northern Vietnam – Rice harvest season and misty mountain views
40. Iceland – Glaciers, lava fields, and possible Northern Lights

💕 Romantic September Getaways for Couples

Cozy up with your loved one at these charming destinations.

41. Bruges, Belgium – Cobblestone streets and canal-side cafés
42. Lake Bled, Slovenia – A fairytale lake and peaceful boat rides
43. Cinque Terre, Italy – Coastal hikes and colorful villages
44. Paris, France – Autumn strolls and candle-lit dinners
45. Savannah, Georgia, USA – Southern charm and spooky allure
46. Lucerne, Switzerland – Mountain views and serene lake reflections
47. Prague, Czech Republic – Gothic charm and warm cafes
48. Tuscany, Italy – Wine, vineyards, and rustic romance
49. Hội An, Vietnam – Lantern-lit nights and riverside serenity
50. Hallstatt, Austria – Postcard views and alpine calm

🌐 Offbeat & Lesser-Known Gems for September Travel

Looking for unique, crowd-free destinations? These places will surprise you.

51. Bhutan – Himalayan peace and colorful festivals
52. Georgia (Tbilisi) – Old-world charm and modern vibes
53. Kotor, Montenegro – Medieval towns by the bay
54. Faroe Islands – Wind-swept cliffs and untouched beauty
55. Puebla, Mexico – Colonial charm and mole cuisine
56. Isfahan, Iran – Persian architecture and history
57. Lombok, Indonesia – Quieter alternative to Bali
58. Sapa, Vietnam – Terraced rice fields and ethnic culture

October is truly a traveler’s delight—blending beauty, culture, adventure, and peace into one colorful month. Whether you’re looking for an epic festival, a cozy mountain retreat, or a tropical escape, these 58+ best places to travel in September will offer something unforgettable. So grab your passport, follow your wanderlust, and enjoy the world’s splendor before winter sets in!