Places to visit in September 2024: 15 amazing destinations
These are some of the best destinations to travel to in September:
1. French Basque Country
The French Basque Country, also known as Iparralde, is a very attractive area located in the southwest of France, specifically in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. This region offers a unique combination of Basque culture, beautiful landscapes and exquisite gastronomy.
In September, temperatures remain pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Biarritz, explore the picturesque coastal villages such as Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Hendaye and discover the rich history in Bayonne. Don’t miss the inland villages such as Espelette or Saint-Jean-de-Port.
2. South Africa
A fascinating destination that offers a wide variety of experiences and activities for all tastes is South Africa. In addition, September marks the beginning of spring in this African country, which means that the weather is pleasantly warm and the landscapes are filled with flowers and wildlife. Thanks to its incredible nature and fusion of cultures, South Africa is usually a hit.
A trip to South Africa would not be complete without a safari in Kruger National Park, where you will have the opportunity to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) in their natural habitat. In addition, you can explore the vibrant city of Cape Town, enjoy its beaches, visit the famous Table Mountain and tour the Cape Winelands vineyards.
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3. Tanzania, exotic destination for travel in September
We continue with another of the most fascinating countries of the African continent: Tanzania. This month marks the end of the dry season, which translates into clear skies. One thing you will love about traveling to this country in September will be the chance to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Millions of wildebeest and zebra move north in search of fresh pastures, creating a breathtaking spectacle of wildlife on the move.
In addition, you can combine your Serengeti safari with a visit to the fascinating Ngorongoro Crater, where you can see a unique concentration of animals in a limited geographical space. You can also visit Lake Victoria, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Dar es Salaam. Looking for an unforgettable experience? Go trekking in Kilimanjaro.
4. Budapest, travel on a budget in September
The charming city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is an ideal destination to visit in September. With mild temperatures and fewer tourists than in the summer months, traveling to Budapest in this month of the year is a great idea, as you will be able to enjoy much more of all the charms of this city. In case you didn’t know, there are plenty of things to see and do in Budapest.
Explore the majestic Parliament, relax in the famous Széchenyi thermal baths, admire the panoramic views from the Fisherman’s Bastion, and cross the iconic Chain Bridge. Budapest is also known for its lively gastronomic scene, where you can sample traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash and langos.
5. Balearic Islands, best vacation destinations for September
The Balearic Islands (Spain), located in the beautiful Mediterranean sea, are a dream destination to consider for your September vacation. Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera offer a perfect combination of crystal-clear beaches, beautiful scenery, and lively nightlife.
In September, temperatures are still warm, but the summer crowds begin to thin out, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of hidden coves and explore quaint villages. Although any of these islands will fascinate you, my recommendation is that if you are not yet familiar with any of these islands, go to Mallorca.
If you finally decide to travel to Mallorca, take a look at my Mallorca travel guide, my post about the best things to do in Mallorca and this guide on where to stay in Mallorca.
6. Sardinia
This beautiful Italian island is a true paradise, located in the Mediterranean. With mild temperatures and fewer tourists than in the summer months, you will have the opportunity to explore its crystal-clear beaches and charming villages without the usual crowds. Be prepared to visit archaeological ruins, enjoy sunsets, and tour the endless coastline.
Whether you head to the famous Costa Smeralda with its white sandy beaches or venture inland to discover the island’s mountainous landscapes and rich history, Sardinia has something for everyone. You can also indulge in delicious Sardinian cuisine, from fresh seafood to local cheese and wine.
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7. Greece
Greece is a classic destination that never disappoints, and September is an ideal time to visit. Temperatures are pleasant, and you can avoid the summer crowds. Explore the incredible history of Athens and marvel at the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Then embark on a trip to the stunning Greek islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and delicious Mediterranean food. Other lesser-known islands include Ithaca, Milos, Koufonisia, and Naxos.
8. Switzerland, places to visit in September in Europe
I could not fail to include Switzerland in this list of places to go on vacation in September because it is one of my favorite countries and this month is ideal to visit it. This country stands out for its wonderful nature, dotted with majestic mountains, beautiful lakes and charming alpine villages. You will be amazed throughout your trip, I assure you!
Two of my favorite places that I highly recommend you to visit are the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Grindelwald Valley. You can visit both destinations from Interlaken. If you want to visit cities, I recommend Lucerne and Zurich. If you decide to visit this country, don’t miss all my 7-day Switzerland itinerary.
9. Bali, Asian paradise
If you feel like making a trip to Southeast Asia, Bali is an ideal place to travel in September since this time of the year marks the end of the dry season; therefore, the possibility of good weather will still be high and, nevertheless, there will no longer be so many crowds. In case you do not know much about this destination, Bali is an island in Indonesia with a very attractive culture and nature.
You will be able to visit beautiful temples and witness numerous rituals, while at the same time visiting rice fields, bathing in waterfalls, and enjoying all kinds of beaches. Take a look at these things to do in Bali to get an idea of the wonders that await you here. My recommendation is that you do not miss places like Ubud, Amed, or Nusa Penida.
10. Turkey, one of the best places to visit in September
Turkey is a destination that offers a fascinating mix of cultures, a rich history, and breathtaking scenery. In September, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring Istanbul’s historical treasures, such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, to name a few.
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Cappadocia region, famous for its unique rock formations and sunrise balloon flights. Another must-see in Turkey is the coastal city of Antalya, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches and picturesque villages and explore the ruins of the ancient city of Side.
If you opt for this destination for your September vacation, don’t miss my guide with tips to plan a trip to Turkey and this Turkey 7-day itinerary.
11. The West Coast of the United States
The West Coast of the United States is a destination full of authentic natural wonders and cities that will fascinate you, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco or Las Vegas. The best way to visit this area of the country is by car. Rent one and take a tour to visit these cities and natural parks such as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. I did a 10-day route along the West Coast and I loved it.
September is a perfect month to do this road trip because the temperatures are very pleasant. This way you will be able to enjoy even more all the beaches of California. In short, this is a dream destination for you if you are a lover of adventure, hiking and driving routes. In addition, it is a trip that mixes cities with a very attractive nature.
12. Iceland, one of the best places to visit in September 2024
The weather in Iceland is unpredictable but in principle September is a very good month to travel to this stunning destination. Apart from having plenty of daylight hours for sightseeing, you will have the chance to see the famous Northern Lights if you are lucky.
Explore the waterfalls, glaciers and geysers in the Golden Circle, relax in the warm hot springs of Blue Lagoon and marvel at the black sand beaches of Vik. September is also a good time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking.
13. Slovenia
If you are looking for a destination to travel to in September 2024 that is close by, not so popular and with lots of nature, I suggest you go to Slovenia. Explore the picturesque capital of Ljubljana, with its baroque charm and romantic bridges. Visit the beautiful Lake Bled, surrounded by mountains and a medieval castle, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing.
If you have more time, you can visit many other places, such as the Vintgar Gorge, Triglav National Park, Predjama Castle, Postojna Cave and the villages of Ptuj, Skofja Loka or Kranj. As you can see, the country is full of authentic wonders. My recommendation? Rent a car and visit as many as you can.
14. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve, in Portugal, is an excellent beach destination, and this time of year is ideal to visit. Temperatures are warm but not too hot, and the beaches are less crowded than in the summer months. In the Algarve, you can enjoy beautiful golden sandy beaches, breathtaking clifftop scenery, explore charming fishing villages, and sample the delicious local cuisine.
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve are Praia de Dona Ana, Praia da Marinha, Praia do Camilo, Praia dos Estudantes, Praia da Falesia, Praia dos Três Irmãos, and Praia de Benagil. Many of these beaches are located in Lagos, a very good place to stay in the Algarve. If you are interested in beautiful accommodations, don’t miss my selection of charming hotels in the Algarve.
15. Japan
Japan is probably one of the most incredible destinations on the planet. The mix of its cultural traditions with its technological advancement creates a contrast that captivates anyone. This country is a fascinating destination at any time of the year, but September offers a special experience. This month marks the end of the hot summer and the beginning of autumn, when the trees begin to change color.
Enjoy the beauty of Japanese gardens in Kyoto, visit the historic temples of Nara, explore Tokyo’s diverse neighborhoods, and savor the exquisite Japanese food—you can get your fill of the best sushi and ramen! Other places to see in Japan include Osaka, Takayama, Hiroshima, Koya-San, and Kamikochi—there’s something for everyone!
Map of places to visit in September
In the following map, I have marked the 15 destinations where to go on vacation in September mentioned in this article.
Don’t miss my travel tips and, if you need more ideas, other travel destinations.
I hope this article on where to travel in September 2024 has been very useful for you to choose your next vacation. If you have any questions or destination recommendations, feel free to leave a comment or email me. See you next time!
