September is a fantastic month to travel, it’s that golden window where the weather is still pleasant, summer prices begin to dip, and the big crowds have gone home. Whether you’re craving a beach escape, cultural immersion, or a scenic road trip, September offers a sweet spot between peak and off-season.
Here are 12 of the best destinations to visit in September, where you can enjoy perfect weather, fewer tourists, and a more relaxed vibe. It's the ideal time to explore, unwind, and soak in the beauty without the hustle and bustle.
The Amalfi Coast in September is a true feast for the senses. The summer crowds have eased, the temperatures are comfortably warm, and the scenery remains nothing short of breathtaking. Colourful villages cling to steep cliffs overlooking sparkling turquoise waters, while citrus groves scent the air with lemon and salt.
This is the time to enjoy long, leisurely meals at seafront trattorias, sipping local wines as fishing boats bob in the distance. The pace is slower, the atmosphere more authentic, and the late-summer sun casts a golden glow over the cobbled lanes of Positano and Amalfi.
A boat trip to Capri offers an unforgettable view of the coastline, while Ravello’s gardens provide peace and panoramic vistas high above the sea. Don’t leave without a refreshing glass of limoncello in Sorrento, it’s the perfect toast to a Mediterranean getaway.
The Greek Islands shine in September with warm waters, blue skies, and a blissfully relaxed pace. The intense summer heat has mellowed, making it ideal for exploring archaeological sites, coastal trails, and sleepy villages tucked into the hillsides.
In Crete, you’ll uncover ancient myths at the ruins of Knossos, wander charming old towns like Chania, and feast on freshly grilled seafood in quiet beachfront tavernas. The vibe is authentic and welcoming, as locals and visitors alike ease into the rhythm of the season.
Naxos offers soft-sand beaches and hidden coves, perfect for afternoon swims and lazy sunbathing. Evenings are made for wine, music, and sea views from a rustic taverna. This is Greece at its most laid-back and soulful.
Kyoto in September is serene and elegant, with the early blush of autumn beginning to paint the ancient city in soft reds and golds. The weather is pleasant for exploring temples, gardens, and traditional streets, without the intense heat of summer or the crowds of spring.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove feels extra enchanting under a light breeze, and the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine seem even more spiritual with fewer footsteps echoing around them. The cultural richness of Kyoto is best absorbed slowly, with time for tea, tradition, and quiet contemplation.
By night, try a seasonal kaiseki dinner and walk along the softly lit riverbanks. In the stillness of Kyoto’s evenings, it’s easy to feel the deep beauty of Japan’s history and nature blending seamlessly together.
September marks the start of spring in South Africa, making it one of the most stunning times to explore Cape Town and the Garden Route. With wildflowers blooming, clear skies, and abundant wildlife, the country bursts into vibrant life after winter.
Cape Town’s Table Mountain offers incredible views over the city and sea, while penguins waddle along the shores of Boulders Beach. Nearby vineyards in Stellenbosch welcome guests with tastings of bold reds and crisp whites under sunny skies.
The Garden Route unfolds with spectacular coastlines, forests, and charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Spot elephants, hike through nature reserves, or cruise on a lagoon, South Africa in September is a nature-filled adventure with cultural flair.
Slovenia in September is pure magic, uncrowded, green, and glowing with late-summer sunshine. Nestled between Italy, Austria, and Croatia, this small country offers grand alpine scenery, storybook towns, and a peaceful, welcoming spirit.
Lake Bled is a must-visit, where you can row to a tiny island with a church in the middle of turquoise waters, surrounded by mountains. Ljubljana, the capital, is a charming blend of art, architecture, and laid-back cafés that spill out onto cobbled lanes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Triglav National Park offers waterfalls, hiking, and breathtaking views. In the wine regions of Brda, you’ll discover family-run vineyards, rolling hills, and warm hospitality, a slower, soulful European experience.
Autumn begins its grand entrance in New England during September, painting forests with early golden hues and filling the air with the scent of woodsmoke and fresh apple cider. It’s a time of peaceful drives, charming villages, and cosy countryside stays.
Vermont and New Hampshire are postcard-perfect with red barns, white-steepled churches, and covered bridges dotting the landscape. Stay in a historic inn, browse farmers’ markets, and taste seasonal treats like pumpkin pie and maple-glazed everything.
Down by the coast, Massachusetts and Maine offer crisp sea breezes, historic harbours, and seafood fresh off the boat. From scenic rail rides to quiet lake retreats, New England in September is warm, welcoming, and wonderfully nostalgic.
Portugal in September is simply glorious. The sun continues to shine, the crowds have thinned, and the rhythm of life slows just enough to savour every moment. From vibrant city streets to golden coastline, it’s a perfect time to discover the country’s charm.
Lisbon is lively yet relaxed, with trams rattling up hills, azulejo tiles gleaming in the sun, and Fado music echoing from tiny taverns. Walk through Alfama’s winding lanes, visit pastel-coloured palaces, and sip a bica with a custard tart by the river.
Down south in the Algarve, the cliffs of Lagos and the beaches of Albufeira invite long swims and lazy afternoons. Seafood lovers will be in heaven, and the mild evenings are made for stargazing from a terrace by the sea.
September is a sweet spot for visiting Bali, offering blue skies, calm seas, and a gentle breeze before the wet season begins. The crowds of July and August have departed, but the energy of the island remains vibrant and inspiring.
In Ubud, lush rice terraces, jungle yoga studios, and cultural performances create a soothing, soulful vibe. The beaches of Canggu and Seminyak invite laid-back days and sunset cocktails, while Amed and Padangbai offer snorkelling and diving adventures.
Spiritual travellers can explore temples like Tirta Empul, while adventurers might hike Mount Batur for sunrise views above the clouds. Bali in September offers the perfect blend of relaxation, discovery, and tropical beauty.
Croatia’s charm lingers beautifully into September, with warm Adriatic waters, sunny days, and fewer tourists filling the stone streets of its historic towns. The slower pace allows for deeper exploration and genuine moments of magic.
Dubrovnik’s iconic city walls, marble streets, and red-roofed vistas feel more personal in the gentler season. Enjoy a coffee in a quiet square, then take the cable car up Mount Srđ for sweeping sunset views over the sea.
Hvar remains lively but less hectic, with vineyards, lavender fields, and hidden beaches perfect for slow days under the sun. Swim in the Blue Cave, dine al fresco, and enjoy the Mediterranean at its most mellow and inviting.
Scotland in September is fresh, dramatic, and wildly romantic. The Highlands turn golden, the skies are bright and brisk, and the midges have largely disappeared, making it an ideal time for peaceful explorations and sweeping vistas.
The Isle of Skye is stunning with its rugged cliffs, fairy pools, and atmospheric landscapes. Further inland, drive past lochs and glens, or take the West Highland Line for one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.
Whisky lovers can follow the Speyside trail, visiting historic distilleries where golden drams warm chilly hands. With castles, coastlines, and crisp air that awakens the soul, Scotland in September is unforgettable.
Turkey blooms in a different way in September, as summer’s heat eases into ideal conditions for cultural discovery and scenic adventure. The country’s rich history, vibrant cuisine, and stunning landscapes shine in this perfect travel window.
In Istanbul, wander ancient streets lined with bazaars, visit iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and relax with a Turkish tea in a hidden courtyard. The city is dynamic, colourful, and full of hidden treasures.
Cappadocia offers a whole new world of natural beauty, fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and dreamy hot-air balloon rides at dawn. It’s a land where the surreal meets the sacred, and every moment feels like a scene from a fantasy novel.
The Canadian Rockies in September offer crisp mornings, golden larches, and a quieter atmosphere to soak in some of the most epic scenery on earth. The landscape is painted with early autumn colour, while the trails are wide open for exploration.
Lake Louise reflects a crown of mountains in glassy water, and the Icefields Parkway delivers jaw-dropping views around every bend. Wildlife sightings are frequent, from elk to bears, making each hike an adventure in its own right.
In the towns of Banff and Jasper, you’ll find alpine charm, hearty meals, and hot springs to soothe your limbs after a day in the wild. It’s Canada at its most peaceful, majestic, and inspiring.
September is the perfect time to travel, mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower off-peak rates make for a truly enjoyable escape. And if you’re ready to book one of these fantastic destinations, there’s no better moment than now with the return of the Traveloka EPIC Sale. Whether you’re planning a peaceful retreat, a cultural discovery, or a scenic adventure, the deals are simply too good to pass up.
Running from 11 April to 5 May 2025, Traveloka’s EPIC Sale offers up to 60% OFF on flights, hotels, attractions, and more, all exclusively on the app and website. Watch out for EPIC HOUR flash deals every evening from 7 PM to 9 PM, and double the excitement with extra time slots from 12 PM to 2 PM during 18–21 April and 30 April–5 May.
Enjoy international flight discounts of up to 50%, luxury hotel stays from RM100 per night, and Buy 1 Get 1 Free deals on top-rated attractions and activities.
Don't miss the Crazy Flight 5.5 Sale (Flight Flat Price), available from 1–5 May, where you can grab unbeatable flat rates on selected flight routes for a limited time only.
Even better, you can earn free Traveloka Points just by completing simple in-app missions, giving you more ways to save on future bookings. So, once you’ve picked your ideal September destination, don’t delay
Sun, 24 Aug 2025
Batik Air Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 148.50
Sun, 14 Sep 2025
AirAsia Indonesia
Surabaya (SUB) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 244.36
Sun, 31 Aug 2025
Batik Air Malaysia
Jakarta (CGK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 195.98