September is the secret weapon of savvy travelers. The summer crowds have started to fade, prices are dipping, and the weather remains blissfully warm in many parts of the world. It’s a golden window for jet-setters seeking more value, fewer tourists, and authentic experiences — without sacrificing sunshine or scenery.
In this guide, we highlight 10 of the best places to travel in September 2025. From coastal retreats in Europe to far-flung adventures in Asia, these destinations are ideal for shoulder season escapes. With Travelupo.com, you can find cheap flights, curated hotels, and flexible booking options to make your trip smooth and budget-friendly — without compromising on quality.
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1. Lagos, Portugal
Why Go: The Algarve is still warm in September, but without the crushing crowds of August. Lagos offers dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and some of the best beaches in Europe.
What to Do:
- Explore Ponta da Piedade’s golden sea arches by kayak
- Swim in the turquoise waters of Praia do Camilo
- Enjoy a seafood dinner in the Old Town’s cobblestone alleys
Weather: Avg 27°C (81°F) with warm seas and sunny skies
Travelupo Tip: Book flights to Faro and compare hotels in Lagos and nearby coastal towns.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Why Go: The Pearl of the Adriatic shines in September. The sea is still swimmable, the weather is balmy, and you’ll enjoy the medieval charm without peak-season queues.
What to Do:
- Walk the ancient city walls at sunset
- Take a day trip to Lokrum Island
- Dine under the stars at rooftop restaurants overlooking the harbor
Weather: Avg 25°C (77°F)
Travelupo Tip: Check flights to Dubrovnik and find boutique hotels or seaside villas.
Articles Recommended:
- 10 Best Luxury Summer Hotels in the World for 2025
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3. Kyoto, Japan
Why Go: September marks the tail end of the summer heat and the start of cultural festivals. Kyoto offers tranquil temples, autumnal teasers in the foliage, and fewer crowds than spring or early summer.
What to Do:
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony in Gion
- Bike through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Weather: Avg 28°C (82°F), slightly humid but cooling off
Travelupo Tip: Find cheap flights to Osaka and stay in ryokans or heritage hotels in Kyoto.
4. Santorini, Greece
Why Go: September is arguably the best month to visit Santorini — sunny days, warm seas, and less chaos. The caldera views and whitewashed villages are just as magical, minus the shoulder-bumping.
What to Do:
- Sip wine at a cliffside vineyard in Pyrgos
- Take a catamaran cruise around the caldera
- Watch the sunset in Oia (and actually find a spot!)
Weather: Avg 26°C (79°F)
Travelupo Tip: Search for flights to Santorini and book cliffside hotels with pool views.
5. Quebec City, Canada
Why Go: The crisp beginnings of autumn bring golden leaves and brisk air. The old-world charm of Quebec City makes it feel like a European getaway, with the added bonus of North American convenience.
What to Do:
- Stroll through Old Quebec (a UNESCO site)
- Visit Montmorency Falls — taller than Niagara
- Savor French-Canadian cuisine in romantic bistros
Weather: Avg 19°C (66°F), cooler in evenings
Travelupo Tip: Book cheap flights to Quebec and stay in heritage inns or riverside hotels.
Articles Recommended:
- Underrated Island Escapes (That Aren’t in the Brochures)
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6. Istanbul, Turkey
Why Go: By September, Istanbul has cooled off just enough to make exploring comfortable. The blend of East and West, old and new, offers a cultural feast for the senses.
What to Do:
- Tour Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Get lost in the Grand Bazaar
- Take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus
Weather: Avg 27°C (81°F)
Travelupo Tip: Check flights to Istanbul and book boutique hotels in Sultanahmet or Karaköy.
7. Ljubljana & Lake Bled, Slovenia
Why Go: Slovenia combines fairy-tale beauty and alpine adventure. In September, the weather is perfect for hiking, boating, and city strolling.
What to Do:
- Row a boat to the island chapel on Lake Bled
- Visit Ljubljana Castle and riverside cafes
- Explore Triglav National Park
Weather: Avg 22°C (72°F)
Travelupo Tip: Fly into Ljubljana and choose between lakeside resorts or Old Town apartments.
8. Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Why Go: Sicily is warm well into fall, and Palermo is a cultural powerhouse. With its mix of Arab-Norman architecture and vibrant street food scene, it offers an unforgettable southern Italian vibe.
What to Do:
- Explore the Palatine Chapel and Norman Palace
- Indulge in arancini and panelle at local markets
- Take a day trip to Cefalù for sun and sea
Weather: Avg 28°C (82°F)
Travelupo Tip: Search deals to Palermo and stay in refurbished palazzos or boutique guesthouses.
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9. Munich, Germany
Why Go: Oktoberfest starts mid-September — but so do incredible deals on flights and stays before crowds peak. Plus, the Bavarian Alps are gorgeous this time of year.
What to Do:
- Attend early Oktoberfest festivities
- Explore castles like Neuschwanstein
- Sip a Maß beer in a traditional beer garden
Weather: Avg 19°C (66°F), ideal for hiking and city walks
Travelupo Tip: Book early flights to Munich and grab centrally located hotels near Marienplatz.
10. South Tyrol, Italy (Dolomites)
Why Go: The Dolomites in September offer cool mornings, golden valleys, and uncrowded hiking trails. South Tyrol is a mix of Austrian and Italian cultures with dramatic alpine scenery.
What to Do:
- Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
- Stay in a mountain hut (rifugio) or spa resort
- Enjoy apple strudel and local Lagrein wines
Weather: Avg 18°C (64°F), cooler in the mountains
Travelupo Tip: Fly to Bolzano or Verona and rent a car for exploring alpine villages.
✈️How Travelupo Helps You Book Smarter
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- Compare flights from all major airlines in one place
- Find hotel deals from boutique gems to global brands
- Use filters to sort by price, rating, and location
- Unlock exclusive offers for shoulder season travel
One Search. All Options. Zero Stress.
August vs. September Travel: What’s the Real Difference?
While August may be peak summer, it’s also peak everything else: prices, temperatures, and crowds. Traveling in September gives you much of the same sunshine and beauty, but with far fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates. Museums, beaches, and restaurants become more relaxed, locals are more available to engage, and flights tend to be cheaper. It’s the sweet spot where summer lingers — but the stress doesn’t.
Articles Recommended:
- Best Affordable Beach Towns in Europe for Summer 2025
- The Ultimate Japan Travel Guide for 2025: What to See, Eat, and Book Now
🧳Tips for Traveling in Shoulder Season
- Pack layers: September means warm days and cooler nights.
- Book early: Especially for destinations with festivals (e.g., Munich, Santorini).
- Go local: With fewer tourists, it’s the perfect time to connect with local culture.
- Avoid long weekends: Prices can spike around public holidays.
- Use flexible date tools: Travelupo shows you the cheapest days to fly.
September Is Your Gateway to Global Adventure
Whether you’re sipping wine in Tuscany, swimming off the coast of Portugal, or wandering a Zen garden in Kyoto, September offers the best of both worlds: summer warmth without the frenzy.
Let Travelupo help you find your next escape — at a fraction of the summer high-season cost. Book smart. Travel deeper. And discover the joy of shoulder season.
👉 Start planning your September escape now at Travelupo.com
