The 10 Best Places to Visit in September
The 10 Best Places to Visit in September
As summer’s warmth lingers and the crowds begin to ebb, September emerges as a quietly magical month for travel.
Days are still long and sunlit, yet a gentle coolness seeps into the mornings, perfect for exploring cities, vineyards, or winding countryside roads. Landscapes shimmer with the first hints of autumn, while gardens, forests, and coastlines reveal colours only this season can coax from nature.
From the golden glow of vineyard harvests to the misty calm of mountain trails, September delivers experiences that feel both intimate and expansive. Wander cobbled streets as city squares catch the soft autumn light, follow quiet forest paths alive with wildlife preparing for winter, or linger by sparkling coastlines where the late-summer sun warms the stones.
From serene natural wonders to unexpected cultural encounters, September invites you to see, savour, and feel each destination at a relaxed, immersive pace, distinct from the season. Here, we share our carefully curated selection of September destinations, each chosen to offer the perfect blend of comfort, discovery, and seasonal wonder.
10. Georgia
Ancient streets, lush vineyards and the crisp allure of the Caucasus in harvest season
Kakheti, the capital of Georgia's wine region
During September, the cities of Georgia hum with life yet feel refreshingly uncrowded, perfect for wandering Tbilisi’s labyrinthine streets, where pastel façades catch the soft sunlight and courtyards spill with the scent of freshly baked bread.
Beyond the urban charm, the Caucasus Mountains rise in dramatic serenity, their peaks capped by early autumn mists, while the rolling vineyards of Kakheti come alive with the traditional Rtveli harvest. Here, locals gather to pick grapes, toast with amber wine, and celebrate a season that tastes as vibrant as it looks - a sensory feast of colour, flavour, and time-honoured ritual that only September can offer.
Tbilisi’s Old Town
September is the perfect time to explore Georgia on our 11-day ‘Culture & Cuisine of Georgia’ tour. Wander Tbilisi’s cobbled streets, taste qvevri-aged wines in Kakheti during the lively Rtveli harvest and learn to make traditional khachapuri with welcoming local families.
Soak up the dramatic Caucasus mountain scenery, visit ancient monasteries, and discover vibrant markets and hilltop villages, all at a leisurely pace that lets you savour the season. This tour fuses culture, cuisine, and rolling landscapes, with the insider guidance of our Specialists who know Georgia at its September best.
- Discover why Georgia is also one of the best places to travel with friends.
9. Montenegro
Sun-drenched coastlines, medieval towns and towering mountains
Kotor, Montenegro
September casts Montenegro in a warm, golden light, with pleasant temperatures that make exploring comfortable.
Stroll through the picturesque walled streets of Kotor, Budva, and Herceg Novi, where pastel façades and hidden squares invite leisurely discovery, and pause to admire sweeping views of the Adriatic shimmering in the late summer sun.
Venture inland to witness the dramatic Ostrog Monastery clinging to its cliffside, wander the ancient forests of Biogradska Gora National Park, and marvel at the rugged peaks of Durmitor National Park. From serene coastal panoramas to untouched mountain landscapes, September reveals Montenegro at its most captivating, a season where history, nature, and tranquillity come together in perfect harmony.
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Skadar Lake
September is an ideal time to explore Montenegro on this eight-day ‘Montenegro fly-drive holiday’, when the coast glows under gentle sunshine and the inland landscapes are at their most inviting. Spend two days discovering the walled streets of Kotor and the baroque appeal of Perast, drive up to the historic Royal Capital of Cetinje, and follow the sparkling coastline past Sveti Stefan to the southern town of Ulcinj, where seafood restaurants and sunset views await.
Inland, Lake Skadar beckons with its tranquil waters and abundant birdlife, perfect for a leisurely boat trip or wine tasting. This tailor-made fly-drive combines coastal beauty, mountain scenery, and cultural heritage, all at a relaxed September pace, with the flexibility to suit your personal itinerary.
- See why we recommend you take the wheel and explore Montenegro independently with our 'Best Self Drive Holidays in Europe' blog.
8. Croatia
Adriatic coastlines, historic towns and end-of-summer sunshine
Medieval architecture of Split, Croatia
September is one of the best times to explore Croatia. The summer crowds have eased, leaving historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split pleasantly quiet, perfect for wandering their medieval streets and bustling markets.
The Dalmatian coast shines in warm, clear weather, with calm seas ideal for island-hopping or swimming in hidden coves. Inland, Roman ruins, fortified towns, and rolling vineyards showcase the country’s rich history and cuisine.
With mild temperatures, fewer visitors, and plenty of daylight, September lets you experience Croatia’s mix of culture, coastline, and culinary delights at a comfortable, relaxed pace.
Plitvice National Park
Discover a different side of Croatia on this ‘city and lakes: Zagreb & Plitvice Lakes’ self-drive adventure, perfect for September. Start in Zagreb, where medieval alleyways meet bustling markets and quirky museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships.
Then take the wheel to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools framed by early autumn hues, and the sound of rushing water echoes in peaceful trails. Stop in the picturesque watermill village of Rastoke for a taste of local life and traditional food.
With mild weather and thinner crowds, September offers the ideal balance of exploration, tranquillity, and authentic Croatian experiences.
7. Albania
Rugged coastlines, sunlit hills, and echoes of ancient empires
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6th-century remains at Butrint, Albania
In September, Albania’s coastline glistens under soft late-summer sunshine, perfect for wandering hidden beaches or exploring traditional fishing villages.
Inland, terraced hillsides and rugged mountains invite adventurous hikes, while Berat and Gjirokastër showcase Ottoman architecture, their whitewashed houses tumbling down hillsides like living history. The ancient ruins of Butrint and Apollonia reveal echoes of Rome and Byzantium, offering a striking contrast to the country’s wild natural landscapes.
With warm days, cool evenings, and far fewer crowds than in peak summer, September in Albania feels like a discovery waiting just for you.
Sunrise over Scanderbeg Square
An ideal way to experience September in Albania is on our 10-day ‘Albania fly-drive’. Begin in Tirana, exploring the lively streets, Skanderbeg Square, and the city’s cultural landmarks, before heading south to Berat and Gjirokastër, where whitewashed Ottoman houses cling to hillsides and centuries of history await.
Continue to the Ionian coast for a few nights in Himarë, with opportunities to relax on sunlit beaches, hike coastal paths, or take a boat to hidden coves. The journey concludes in historic Kruja, with its castle and bustling bazaar perfect for souvenirs. September offers mild days, clear skies, and fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to savour Albania’s dramatic landscapes, historic towns, and sparkling coastline at your own pace.
- Exploring Albania and six other countries in September features as a top pick in our ‘Alternative Holiday Destinations for Every Month of the Year’ blog.
6. Estonia
Baltic cities, coasts and national parks in the golden light of September
Tallinn, Estonia
As September arrives, Estonia’s forests and coastlines begin to glow with early autumn hues, while the summer crowds fade to reveal a quieter, more authentic country.
Cooler, comfortable temperatures make it a joy to wander Tallinn’s atmospheric old town, stroll along sandy beaches, or explore the serene bogs and woodlands of Lahemaa National Park. From the university city of Tartu to the peaceful islands scattered along the Baltic, September is the perfect month to experience Estonia’s mix of history, nature, and timeless character.
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Lahemaa National Park
Our 11‑day ‘Estonia On The Road’ fly‑drive puts you in the driver’s seat of adventure. Start in medieval Tallinn, then head east through Lahemaa National Park’s forests and bogs before following the scenic Onion Route along Lake Peipsi towards the cultural heart of Tartu.
Continue through folk-rich Viljandi and coastal Pärnu, take ferries to the islands of Muhu and Saaremaa, and discover everything from UNESCO-recognised island traditions to the meteorite-formed Kaali Crater. With mild autumn light and far fewer summer crowds, this tour fuses history, culture and varied landscapes into a scenic, off-the-beaten-track experience that showcases Estonia at one of its most beautiful times of year.
5. Slovenia
Alpine peaks, lakes and Adriatic coastlines in the golden light of September
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
As September settles over Slovenia, the Alps catch the soft autumn glow while the Adriatic shimmers in warm afternoon sun, creating a country of striking contrasts in a single day.
Wander Ljubljana’s streets, where pastel façades and lively cafés invite lingering, or lose yourself in the medieval charm of hilltop castles and quiet villages. Lake Bled, framed by amber-tipped trees and soaring peaks, calls for a rowing boat to its tiny island, a lakeside stroll, or a climb to the castle for panoramic views.
From alpine trails to sunlit coastlines, September turns Slovenia into a compact world of discovery, where every turn offers a new mix of nature, culture, and timeless beauty.
Vipava Valley, Slovenia
September is the perfect month to savour the flavours of Slovenia on our ‘Vipava Valley wine & food escape’. Mild, sunny days make wandering the rolling vineyards a true pleasure, and with harvest season in full swing, the valley is at its most vibrant.
Board the vintage Vipava Wine Train, which runs at least twice in September, and taste indigenous wines as the countryside unfolds past stone villages and autumn-kissed hills. Enjoy private food tours of prosciutto, goat cheeses, and farm-to-table dishes, all crafted by passionate local producers, with the coast and nature parks close by for added exploration.
4. Norway
Autumn-capped fjords, rugged mountain backdrops and crisp September weather
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Geirangerfjord, Norway
September in Norway is a time of contrasts: clear, brisk days with the first hints of autumn paint the mountains and fjords in deep reds and burnt golds.
Mist drifts along the water, revealing waterfalls tumbling from sheer cliffs, while still waters mirror the soaring peaks above. Inland trails invite exploration through forests and past remote farms clinging to dramatic slopes, and the Lofoten Islands sparkle under soft sunlight, perfect for photography or quiet reflection.
With fewer visitors and tranquil mornings, the fjords feel wild and untouched, giving travellers the sense of discovering Norway for the first time.
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Oslo fjords
Our ‘Essential Geirangerfjord’ tour captures Norway at its September best. Ride the Dovre Railway through valleys, forests, and mountains, cruise the UNESCO-listed fjord past waterfalls and historic farms, and explore Oslo’s museums and vibrant food scene.
Designed with expert guidance and flexible pacing, this itinerary combines dramatic scenery, cultural insight, and seasonal beauty for a memorable autumn adventure.
3. Sweden
Brisk air, golden forests and early autumn scenery
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Bogesund Castle, Vaxholm, Stockholm
September in Sweden is a time of balance, where lingering summer warmth meets the first brushstrokes of autumn.
Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are lively again after the summer lull, with cafés, galleries, and markets buzzing, while the countryside glows in amber and gold. Hikers can explore trails in national parks like Abisko or Fulufjället under mild skies, and in the north, the nights grow long enough to catch early glimpses of the northern lights.
With fewer crowds and calm waters on the archipelago, Sweden in September feels both refreshing and unexpectedly serene.
Stockholm Old Town
Discover ‘Sweden in miniature’ on this eight-day fly-train adventure through Dalarna, a region of lakes, forests, and red cottages.
September is ideal, with crisp, clear days revealing the first hints of autumn on the hills and fewer tourists at popular sites. Wander the cobbled streets of Mora, visit the Zorn Museum, and take in the folk traditions of Rättvik beside Lake Siljan.
From Stockholm’s cultural highlights to Gothenburg’s lively canals and archipelago, this tour blends history, art, and outdoor adventure at a relaxed pace, offering a true taste of Sweden’s landscapes and heritage in early autumn.
- Explore some of the Nocturnal Experiences & Holidays you can enjoy in Sweden.
2. Finland
Ruska forests, wildlife, and early northern lights
Helsinki, Finland
September is one of the most magical months to experience Finland.
The forests and lakesides are set ablaze with autumn colours, as ‘ruska’ turns leaves to gold, amber, and crimson. Wildlife is at its most active, offering excellent opportunities to spot bears and other predators before winter, while cooler, comfortable temperatures make hiking and outdoor adventures a pleasure.
With the summer crowds gone and nights lengthening, early sightings of the northern lights become possible, adding a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere to Finland’s pristine wilderness.
Experience Finland’s taiga wilderness, when the autumn ruska paints forests in gold and amber and wildlife activity is at its peak.
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Brown bears spotted in Finnish forest
On this five-day ‘Finnish wild brown bear adventure’, stay in a luxury lakeside cabin at Hotel Kalevala and venture into the forest on expert-led excursions to spot brown bears, wolves, and wolverines. Capture the perfect wildlife photograph from safe hides, enjoy guided nature walks, and immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythms of the pristine Finnish landscape.
With fewer visitors and crisp, comfortable days, it’s a rare chance to witness Finland’s wilderness at its most vibrant.
- See whether Finland is your next destination with our 'Which Destination Should you Visit in 2026' quiz.
1. Iceland
Waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and the first whispers of autumn
Powerful Dettifoss Waterfall, Jokulsargljufur National Park
September in Iceland offers the perfect balance between summer accessibility and autumn tranquillity.
The Ring Road remains fully open, waterfalls flow at their most powerful, and mild temperatures make exploring comfortable. With summer crowds fading, sites like Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and the geysers of the Golden Circle can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Darkening skies bring the first opportunities to glimpse the northern lights, while long daylight hours still allow for hiking across lava fields, photographing dramatic glaciers, or soaking in natural hot springs.
September is Iceland at its most accessible and atmospheric.
Lake Mývatn
Experience Iceland in September on the 10-day ‘Iceland on the road’ fly-drive, a truly flexible adventure that fuses iconic sights with off-the-beaten-track discoveries. Travel at your own pace along the Ring Road, from the geysers and waterfalls of the Golden Circle to black-sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, and glacier lagoons.
Explore the remote Eastfjords, hike around Lake Mývatn, and spot wildlife near Húsavík’s whale-rich waters. September is ideal: summer crowds have thinned, roads are still accessible, and crisp autumn light turns waterfalls and glaciers even more photogenic. Combine adventure, comfort, and Iceland’s first northern lights of the season.
Ready to discover the magic of September?
Step off the beaten track, savour autumn’s first flavours, and explore landscapes bathed in soft golden light. Whether it’s a vineyard harvest in Georgia, a fjord cruise in Norway, or a wildlife encounter in Finland, your perfect September adventure awaits. Book your journey with Regent today and let our travel specialists craft an unforgettable seasonal escape, tailored to your pace, passions, and sense of wonder.