Are you dreaming of a peaceful September getaway, surrounded by autumn colors and the tranquility of nature?
You’re not alone—many travelers are seeking the best places to travel in September. But with so many options, finding a spot that offers calm, stunning landscapes, and colorful leaves can be tricky.
That’s where we come in: With years of travel experience, we’ve curated the perfect list for you. Whether you’re drawn to game drives, scenic coastlines, or mountain trails, we’ve got a place for every type of traveler.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Tranquil spots with autumn colors and fewer crowds
- Hidden gems perfect for peaceful exploration
- Stunning locations for a relaxing September retreat
Take the first step toward your ideal September vacation by reading on.
By the end, you’ll be all set to embrace the beauty of many regions this fall!
Where Are the Best Places to Travel in September?
Where to travel in September? September is a month of change — when summer’s heat starts to fade, and the world slows down just a little. It’s the ideal time to step away from the summer crowds and discover places that feel peaceful, beautiful, and full of quiet moments.
If you’re wondering where the best places to travel in September are, these destinations offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather, stunning landscapes, and a slower pace of life.
This isn’t about rushing through a busy itinerary. It’s about taking your time, enjoying the beauty around you, and letting the world unfold gently.
Here are ten of the best places to travel in September, each offering something unique and calming:
1. Maine, USA
Maine is one of the best places to travel in September for those who love the ocean but prefer to avoid the crowds. As the heat of summer fades, the pleasant temperatures create the perfect conditions for exploring the coastline.
The scenic coastline is dotted with lighthouses, rocky beaches, and charming villages where life moves at a slower pace. The fall colors start to appear, painting the landscape with gentle hues of red and orange.
Why visit in September:
- Fewer crowds mean you can explore the coast and enjoy peaceful moments by the water.
- Outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing are ideal in this season.
- The breathtaking fall foliage makes for incredible photos.
Pro Tip: Catch sunrise at Portland Head Light, explore Acadia’s rugged coast, and enjoy fresh lobster in quaint seaside towns.
See Also Best Places to Travel in August
2. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto in September offers a quiet escape where history, nature, and art come together in harmony. The city is known for its temples, peaceful gardens, and serene tea houses, and in September, the cooler weather makes it even more enjoyable to explore.
The fall colors begin to appear, giving the gardens and temples a touch of gold and red, enhancing the city’s peaceful charm.
Why it’s worth visiting:
- Fewer crowds allow you to enjoy the beauty of the temples and gardens without feeling rushed.
- Historic buildings and cultural sites offer a sense of quiet reflection.
- The start of fall foliage adds a beautiful touch to the landscape.
Pro Tip: Wander through peaceful bamboo groves, admire the golden reflection of Kinkaku-ji, and sip matcha in a quiet tea house.
3. Iceland
Iceland in September is one of the best places to travel in September if you want to experience nature at its most powerful and peaceful. The cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
The clear skies offer incredible views of the Northern Lights, and the drier weather makes it easier to hike and explore the stunning landscapes.
Why Iceland is special in September:
- Whale watching is at its peak, and you can often see marine life from the coast.
- The fall colors start to transform the landscapes, making for amazing photo opportunities.
- Fewer crowds than in the summer months, so you can enjoy Iceland’s beauty in peace.
Pro Tip: Take in the thunder of Gullfoss waterfall, relax in the Blue Lagoon, and chase the Northern Lights under clear September skies.
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4. The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are the perfect place for those seeking peace and beauty without the chaos of high season. In September, the weather is cooler, and the fall foliage starts to turn the land into a canvas of rich oranges, reds, and yellows.
The rolling hills and vast open spaces invite quiet walks, and the small villages provide a sense of calm, far from the hustle and bustle.
Why it’s worth visiting:
- The cooler weather and pleasant temperatures make hiking through the hills enjoyable.
- Incredible views of the mountains and valleys are perfect for photography.
- Fewer crowds allow for a more peaceful and personal experience.
Pro Tip: Drive the scenic North Coast 500, hike around Glencoe’s dramatic landscapes, and spot red deer in the early autumn mist.
5. The San Juan Islands, USA
If you seek peace by the sea, the San Juan Islands in Washington offer the ideal September escape. The temperatures are still warm, but the summer crowds have thinned, leaving behind an island life that feels slower and more intimate.
Whale watching is at its peak, and the gentle fall colors make the scenery even more magical. It’s a perfect place for those who want to escape into nature without distractions.
Why visit in September:
- Whale watching is at its best, with southern right whales and orcas spotted regularly.
- The cool evenings by the water offer a peaceful end to each day.
- Outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking are made even more enjoyable by the pleasant temperatures.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to Kayak beside orcas, stroll charming Friday Harbor, and enjoy calm evenings with sweeping coastal views.
6. New Mexico, USA
New Mexico is one of the best places to travel in September for those who appreciate history and nature in a quiet, reflective setting. The land here is full of scenic drives, rolling hills, and small towns with historic buildings.
September offers cooler temperatures that make it ideal for exploring the desert landscape or wandering through quiet pueblos. The fall colors begin to show in the mountains, adding a subtle touch of color to the rugged terrain.
Why it’s worth visiting:
- The pleasant temperatures make outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing comfortable.
- Small towns offer an authentic experience without the crowds of high season.
- Incredible views of the desert and mountains are perfect for nature lovers.
Pro Tip: Marvel at the glowing dunes of White Sands, explore ancient cliff dwellings, and walk the art-filled streets of Santa Fe.
7. Norway
Norway offers some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world, and September is a fantastic time to visit. The cooler temperatures and clear skies make for ideal conditions to explore the fjords, mountains, and forests.
The days are still long enough to explore, but the fewer crowds mean you can experience the beauty of nature in peace. Whether you’re hiking, taking a boat tour, or simply sitting by a fjord, Norway offers a quiet retreat into nature.
Why visit in September:
- Whale watching and marine life spotting are prime during this time.
- Stunning views of fjords, mountains, and forests provide excellent photo opportunities.
- The cooler temperatures and clear skies make for comfortable exploration.
Pro Tip: Cruise the deep fjords, hike above the clouds at Trolltunga, and experience the quiet beauty of early autumn in the mountains.
8. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is one of the best places to travel in September for those who want to enjoy stunning coastal views without the overwhelming crowds of peak summer. In September, the weather is still warm but not too hot, and the fall colors begin to slowly appear.
The charming villages along the coast offer an intimate experience, and you can spend your days strolling through narrow streets or enjoying the view from a quiet café.
Why it’s perfect for September:
- Fewer crowds make it easier to enjoy the beauty of the coast at your own pace.
- The pleasant weather is perfect for hiking or walking along the coastline.
- Outdoor activities like boat rides and swimming are still enjoyable in the warm sea.
Pro Tip: Wander colorful cliffside villages, sample fresh lemon gelato, and take in sea views from coastal trails.
9. New England, USA
September is one of the best times to travel in September to New England. The weather is pleasant, and the fall foliage begins to light up the region in shades of gold, red, and orange.
Whether you’re driving through the scenic drives of Vermont or hiking in New Hampshire’s rolling hills, the peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to take in the natural beauty at your own pace. The small towns along the way offer a slower, more relaxed pace, perfect for a quiet road trip.
Why visit in September:
- The fall colors in New England are among the most beautiful in the country.
- Fewer crowds make it easy to explore small towns and enjoy local experiences.
- Pleasant weather allows for hiking, photography, and scenic drives.
Pro Tip: Drive through rolling hills painted with colorful leaves, visit apple orchards, and enjoy cozy small-town cafés.
See Also Best Places to Travel in January
10. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Banff National Park in Canada is a stunning destination year-round, but in September, the cooler temperatures and clear skies create a perfect environment for exploring the mountains, lakes, and forests.
The crowds of summer have thinned, and the fall foliage begins to add color to the landscape. Whether you’re hiking along the lake or driving through the scenic drives, Banff offers a peaceful retreat into nature.
Why it’s special:
- Incredible views of the mountains, lakes, and forests make it a photographer’s dream.
- Fewer crowds mean you can explore the park at your own pace.
- Outdoor adventures like hiking and canoeing are perfect in the cooler weather.
Pro Tip: Hike to glacier-fed lakes, spot elk grazing in the morning light, and soak in the calm of the Canadian Rockies.
Why September is the Ideal Time to Travel to These Places
September holds a special kind of beauty — a calm transition between the heat of summer and the coolness of fall. For those seeking a quieter, more reflective travel experience, it’s the perfect time to visit the best places to travel in September. Here’s why:
- Pleasant Weather Without the Extreme Summer Heat: By mid September, the extreme summer heat has faded, leaving behind warm weather that’s just right for enjoying outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking along scenic drives in New Mexico or exploring the coastlines of Maine, the cooler weather creates the ideal conditions for a relaxed trip.
- Fewer Crowds, More Peace: As the summer crowds start to thin out, September offers a more peaceful atmosphere. You’ll have more space to enjoy the stunning scenery, whether it’s wandering through the charming villages of the Amalfi Coast or sitting quietly by a serene lake. Even in a vibrant city like Kyoto, the crowds are more manageable, allowing you to appreciate the local culture at a more comfortable pace.
- Perfect for Wildlife Viewing and Outdoor Adventures: September provides incredible opportunities for wildlife watching, especially with the great migration and whale watching in places like Iceland or the San Juan Islands. The pleasant weather makes it an ideal time for exploring nature, whether you’re on a scenic coastline or trekking through the rolling hills of New England. Outdoor events like small local art fairs or quiet concerts also begin to pop up, enhancing your travel experience.
- Beautiful Fall Foliage and Clear Skies: As the season shifts, you’ll witness the first hints of breathtaking fall foliage. The fall colors begin to emerge, especially in places like New England and New Mexico. With clear skies and crisp air, the views become even more vivid and inviting. The cooler temperatures add to the charm of this time of year, making it perfect for photography and leisurely walks.
- Cultural Events and Quiet Reflection: While September isn’t as bustling with festival season as summer, there are still plenty of smaller, intimate events. From outdoor events like live music to local art fairs, this month offers the perfect balance of cultural experiences and space for quiet reflection in nature. Whether you’re in a vibrant city or a peaceful village, the gentle rhythm of September provides the perfect setting for both adventure and introspection.
September provides a chance to slow down and embrace the world’s quieter moments — with fewer crowds, ideal temperatures, and plenty of time to simply observe the beauty around you.
It’s the perfect time to visit the best places to travel in September and experience these destinations in their most peaceful, authentic light.
Key Takeaways About the Best Place to Travel in September
September offers a peaceful escape with pleasant weather and cooler temperatures, making it the perfect time to visit year-round destinations. By the last week of the month, the extreme summer heat has softened, and you can explore hiking trails or coastal paths without the usual crowds.
Whether you’re enjoying warm temperatures in a vibrant city or seeking the serenity of nature, September provides a refreshing break from the peak season. The breathtaking fall foliage and outdoor adventures invite travelers to slow down and connect with the landscape.
We’d love to hear from you. Have you traveled to any of these spots, or do you have other recommendations for September? Feel free to share in the comments below — your experiences and thoughts are always welcome!