The 20 Best Places to Visit in September

Posted by Doug Murray on July 9, 2018

Planning a vacation in September?

As the weather cools and the kids go back to school, September is a great time for a crowd-free break. There are plenty of places around the world that have good weather in September, bargains are to be found just about everywhere and September also sees quite a few must-visit events. Here are some of the best places to visit in September.

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    Tofino, British Columbia

    The mild, cloudier weather in September means that you’ll probably have Tofino’s beaches all to yourself. There are two other reasons why Tofino in September is one of the best destinations for a mother-daughter trip: the Carving on the Edge Festival from September 6 to 9 celebrates the art of carving while Queen of the Peak from September 28 to 30 is a surfing championship just for women.
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    Munich, Germany

    If you like beer, bratwurst and general revelry, there’s only one place to be from September 22 to October 7 this year. Munich is home to the original Oktoberfest, where millions of people come to the city to enjoy the best of Bavarian brews. You may want to book ahead, though. Just be sure to know what red flags to look out for when booking your hotel online.
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    Toronto, Ontario

    In September, Toronto sees mild weather, the leaves start to change colour and the crowds have gone. Still, the city hosts several events during this month, such as the closing days of the Canadian National Exhibition, on until September 3 and including the Canadian International Air Show on Labour Day; and Toronto Beer Week from September 14 to 22. Getting there is easy if you know how to find cheap flights.
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    Hermanus, South Africa

    Since it’s spring in the Southern Hemisphere, southern right whales descend on the town of Hermanus, becoming the stars of the Hermanus Whale Festival. The festival is held from September 28 to 30. The Whale Caller, who certainly has one of the more bizarre jobs that people actually do, will let you know where the whales are. You don’t even have to take a boat to see them up close.
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    Pula, Croatia

    September is a great time to visit Croatia, with weather that’s milder but still perfect for the beach. From September 5 to 8, the city’s abandoned Fort Punta Christo hosts the Outlook Festival. Hip-hop, dub, techno and reggae are just some of the genres offered. The opening concert takes place in an amphitheatre that’s 2,000 years old.
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    Marrakech, Morocco

    Marrakech is still sweltering in September but nights are cooler and the humidity is low. These are perfect conditions for lazing by the poolside during the day and dancing the night away. Where to do it? At the Oasis Festival, a three-day electronic music festival held from September 14 to 16.
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    Longyearbyen, Norway

    The weather in Longyearbyen in September isn’t the greatest, with temperatures dropping and rain and fog common. Nights are long but this is perfect for talking about books. From September 3 to 7, Longyearbyen hosts the world’s northernmost literature festival against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and fjords.
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    Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico

    The city’s full name is Dolores Hidalgo Cuna de la Independencia Nacional: the cradle of national Independence. This makes Dolores Hidalgo the best place to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16 and not, as many people believe, on May 5. When you draw up your Mexico packing list, remember to leave space in your luggage for the ceramics the city is famous for.
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    Bora Bora, French Polynesia

    Bora Bora is one of the most stunning Zika-free beach destinations in the world. In September, the weather is perfect with lots of sun. Even better is that the tourist crowds have gone so you can have that idyllic overwater bungalow without annoying neighbours.
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    Barcelona, Spain

    Barcelona is still sunny and hot in September, so you can enjoy the city’s excellent beach and La Rambla without having to fight off the crowds. It’s party month too, though: the city’s annual festival, La Mercè, is from September 21 to 24.
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    Aruba

    Aruba is one of the top Caribbean islands to visit at the best of times. In September, however, it really is the best destination in the Caribbean. Because it’s outside of the “hurricane belt”, the risk of foul weather is smaller than elsewhere in the region. It’s low season too, so you’ll get good hotel deals.
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    Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

    With its gorgeous historic buildings, Charlottetown is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. It’s also quite the food destination and if you love seafood, you want to be here in September. The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival from September 13 to 16 is all about mussels, oysters and lobster. Get shucking!
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    Las Vegas, Nevada

    Cooler weather makes September a more comfortable month to visit Sin City. From September 21 to 23, Las Vegas also hosts Life is Beautiful, a music and arts festival that will get you away from the slot machines. The line-up this year includes Arcade Fire, Florence + The Machine and Bill Nye, The Science Guy.
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    Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

    Algonquin Provincial Park is home to one of the most amazing camping spots in Canada. September is a great time to visit because it’s still warm enough for camping. Besides, from mid-month the leaves start changing into their stunning fall colours.
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    San Francisco, California

    September is a sunny and warm month in San Francisco and for a change, one of the world’s most breathtaking bridges won’t be shrouded in fog. It’s also a month of festivals celebrating everything from rum to the city’s architecture. The one you really don’t want to miss is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival from September 8 to 10.
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    Sicily, Italy

    Picture this: Sicily, September, sunny weather, no crowds. September is actually one of the best times to visit, since the weather is perfect for the beach without being as scorching as in summer. There’s also wine to drink, food festivals to attend and lots of ancient sites to explore.
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    Vienna, Austria

    Vienna may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of cities for fashion lovers. If you’re interested in the work of young designers from around the world, however, you’ll want to be here from September 10 to 16 for the MQ Vienna Fashion Week. The weather’s still nice too and September sees the start of the new opera season.
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    Médoc, France

    September is the month for the grape harvest in the Northern Hemisphere’s wine-producing regions. What better way is there to celebrate than with a boozy marathon? The Marathon du Médoc on September 8 features pit stops with a difference: orchestras, oyster and steak tastings and of course wine tastings to keep you hydrated.
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    Ziro, India

    Ziro is a mountain town in the north of India where the weather is mild and you can escape the last of the monsoon rains that still prevail in the south. From September 27 to 30, the local Apatani people host the Ziro Festival of Music, celebrating India’s independent music scene. Getting here is an adventure in itself.
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    Gatineau, Quebec

    Riding in a hot air balloon is one of those surreal things to check off your travel bucket list. You don’t even have to go very far to do it: From August 30 to September 3, Gatineau hosts the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. With Ottawa just across the river, you can get a bird’s eye view of Parliament Hill.
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