September is a month of transition: the lingering warmth of summer melds into fall colors and cooler days. It’s an ideal time for travel: summer crowds have dissipated, crisp pleasant weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, and unique seasonal activities. In most Northern Hemisphere destinations, the average temperature is more acceptable than the high heat of summer. And while the high season can be a golden time for travel, the fewer tourists make a September vacation feel like you’re in on a well-kept secret.
From buzzing cities to international destinations to fall foliage hot spots, here are some of the best places to visit in September.
San Diego | California
Average September Temperature: 65°F – 75°F
San Diego is a great year-round destination, but September might be its best-kept secret. It’s basically an extension of summer with fewer people and better prices. Head to the beach for Del Mar’s Wine + Food Festival, featuring all-star talent oceanside, or catch a Padres game at Petco Park, USA Today’s winner of the Best Ball Park in the United States.
Mount Rainier National Park | Washington
Average September Temperature: 40°F – 60°F
As the summer fades, Mount Rainier National Park bursts with wildflowers, painting its slopes in vivid colors. September brings cooler temperatures, making it ideal for hiking through this floral spectacle. Hike the Skyline Trail for panoramic views of Mount Rainier and its alpine meadows.
New Zealand
Average September Temperature: 50°F – 60°F
September in New Zealand marks the islands’ awakening, fresh with blooming flowers, lambing season, and other emerging wildlife. On the South Island, it’s the end of the ski season and prime time for waterfalls in Fiordland, while cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Christchurch at Hagley Park. It’s still a wet month on the North Island, averaging 10 days of rain, but warm enough to explore the vibrant greens outdoors. Heading further north might just be the best option, where places like Cape Reinga are especially sweet during this time.
New York City | New York
Average September Temperature: 60°F – 75°F
New York City is magical in September, alive with the buzz of fall fashion, the opening of Broadway shows, and the excitement of the season’s transition. Tourist numbers are down, and resident New Yorkers return from vacation. Enjoy the relatively crisp weather with a stroll in Central Park, take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, or hop on and hop off one of the city’s sightseeing buses.
Grand Canyon | Arizona
Average September Temperature: 50°F – 80°F
There are many national parks in North America worthy of a fall visit. But everything is exceptional in September at the Grand Canyon, especially the cooler temperatures and thinner crowds. Hiking and canyoneering conditions are ideal, particularly later in the month. This is also the ideal time to visit the North Rim, only accessible by car from mid-May to mid-October.
San Francisco | California
Average September Temperature: 55°F – 70°F
San Francisco’s iconic fog often clears in September, revealing perfect views of landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Explore the Mission and Haight-Ashbury neighborhoods, visit the Sausalito Art Festival, and enjoy the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf. Despite the balmy weather, it’s still a city of layers, so bring a warm jacket for evenings.
Buenos Aires | Argentina
Average September Temperature: 55°F – 70°F
Buenos Aires in spring welcomes visitors with warm weather and blooming jacarandás. Explore the city’s European-style architecture, vibrant tango halls, and bustling markets. For a taste of nature, head to the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, where trails and birdwatching spots offer an escape from urban life.
Yellowstone National Park | USA
Average September Temperature: 30°F – 60°F
Yellowstone’s wildlife and geothermal features are particularly attractive in September, with a notable absence of long lines yet still mild weather, morning mist over the geysers, and the chance to witness the elk rut in full swing: bull elk fights and bugling heard throughout the park. Those who love outdoor adventures should consider the backcountry, with especially rewarding hiking trails full of fall colors sans bugs. Base your visit in towns like West Yellowstone or Gardiner for easy park access.
Vancouver Island | Canada
Average September Temperature: 50°F – 60°F
Visitng Vancouver Island is bound to tranform tourists into explorers, starting with a water crossing from Vancouver, B.C. or Washington. Ferry into Nanaimo or Victoria (or take a sea plane) where you’ll experience a historical port, then adventure on to the island’s rugged coastlines and dense central forests. Stop by the resort towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, renowned for their beautiful beaches and unexpected surf culture. Whale-watching tours are also highly recommended during this month.
Asheville | North Carolina
Average September Temperature: 60°F – 80°F
Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of North Carolina’s (and perhaps the country’s) most breathtaking displays of fall colors. Despite its reputation as the best place to see fall colors in the US, there’s plenty of space to explore without waiting in line during the week. Head out of town for a scenic mountain drive via the Blue Ridge Parkway or on one of the routes suggested in the weekly color report. Especially unique are Navitat’s Canopy Adventures zip lines, offering a thrilling take on fall color viewing.
Choquequirao | Peru
Average September Temperature: 50°F to 68°F
Choquequirao, often referred to as the “Cradle of Gold,” is a remote and lesser-known Incan site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Comparable in grandeur to Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is often called its “sister city.” This archaeological site is one of South America’s hidden gems, offering expansive agricultural terraces, ceremonial platforms, and intricate stone carvings. Unlike the Inca trail, the challenging 4 – 5 day trek to Choquequirao, starting from the village of Cachora, is uncrowded.
Exodus Adventure Travels, a B Corp with local travel guides and sustainability at its core, even offers a full-service camping trek through the trail’s secluded majesty on a full loop that includes a visit to Machu Picchu before the day tourists arrive.
Napa Valley | California
Average September Temperature: 55°F – 85°F
As the summer months wind down in Napa Valley, the start of the grape harvest season begins, making it a prime time for wine enthusiasts to visit. Begin with vineyard tours to witness the harvest firsthand and taste the region’s renowned wines. Venture into Calistoga for their Harvest Table, where local restaurants and wineries come together at a 1,000-foot table in the center of downtown. For a change of pace, take the self-guided Open Studios art discovery tour, exploring the creative spaces throughout Napa.
Canary Islands | Spain
Average September Temperature: 70°F – 80°F
The Canary Islands retains their warm temperatures and sunny days into fall, making it ideal for an itinerary full of watersports, hiking, or simply lounging. It’s harvest time here, and the volcanic soil produces excellent wine. On Lanzarote, vineyards employ a unique practice of planting the vines into rows of holes (hoyos) within the barren landscape. If you’re beaching it, Tenerife and Gran Canaria might be your favorite home base.
Acadia National Park | Maine
Average September Temperature: 50°F – 70°F
A perfect weekend escape from the mainland is to Mount Desert Island, where Acadia National Park is in its prime for fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. Stay in Bar Harbor for the town’s charm and resort-like atmosphere, or choose one of the many secluded Bed & Breakfasts hidden away in nearby points and coves. Enjoy the best things the park has to offer: hiking Cadillac Mountain for sunrise views, biking the Carriage Roads, and, of course, savoring a Maine lobster roll at Thurston’s Lobster Pound.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | Costa Rica
Average September Temperature: 70°F – 85°F
Costa Rica’s climate is divided into two sides, and in late September, it’s the driest time in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. While there’s still a chance of rain in many parts of Central America, this area remains beautiful even in wet weather, which rarely hinders outdoor activities unless it’s pouring or lightning. In this case, relaxing in a hammock to the relaxing sounds and fragrance of the rain will do.
Surfing takes a back seat, scuba diving the front from the calm ocean water. Nearby, Cahuita National Park stands out as one of Costa Rica’s most unique national parks and exemplifies sustainable development through shared management between the government and the community.
Hong Kong | China
Average September Temperature: 75°F – 85°F
September closes the summer, leading to Hong Kong’s rainy season. Despite its size, the city offers an incredible amount of green space, making it the perfect time to take advantage of the final warm days. Take a ferry across Victoria Harbour, enjoy city views from Victoria Peak, hike the Dragon’s Back mountain ridge to Shek O Peak, and then return to the city bustle for dim sum.
Venice Beach | California
Average September Temperature: 60°F – 75°F
A visit to Venice Beach requires a stroll along the iconic boardwalk, beachfront skateboarding or biking, and exploring the trendy shops and cafes. The mild weather is perfect for beach activities or simply soaking up the eclectic culture of this unique Los Angeles neighborhood. Stay at the Venice V Hotel to be in the center of it.
Cape Town | South Africa
Average September Temperature: 55°F – 70°F
Spring in Cape Town is marked by wildflowers, wine, and whale-watching. Enjoy the Uncorked Festival in the Cape Winelands towns of Franschhoek, Paari, and Stellenbosch. On an alternate wine route through Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, you can make a day of wine and whales with a stop in Hermanus, the top whale-watching destination in the country. In the city, take a tour of the Bo-Kapp neighborhood, cross over to Robben Island, or see more flowers at The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Santa Fe | New Mexico
Average September Temperature: 55°F – 80°F
Santa Fe in September is a cultural hub of art markets and festivals. At the beginning of the month, the Fiesta de Sante Fe celebrates the city’s history, capped by the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Festival at the month’s end. The cooler temperatures are perfect for hiking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, as well as exploring Sante Fe art galleries and restaurants.
Etosha National Park | Namibia
Average September Temperature: 60°F – 85°F
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most accessible wildlife sanctuaries, and early September is still the peak season for game viewing. The dry weather makes wildlife easier to spot as they gather around waterholes. Book a safari tour package with sustainable tour company &Beyond to see elephants, lions, and rare black rhinos knowing your visit supports the local people and environment.
Mendocino | California
Average September Temperature: 55°F – 80°F
Coastal views, quaint village, fresh air. Mendocino is exactly where you might imagine an oceanside Northern California weekend retreat to be. Enjoy redwood views on the Pudding Creek Express, hiking and whale-watching at Mendocino Headlands State Park, or take a quick drive to Elk for dinner at Harbour House, holder of two Michelin stars and a Green Michelin star. Choosing where to stay is a delightful challenge, with options ranging from high-end eco-boutiques like Stanford Inn By The Sea to fully furnished tents at Mendocino Grove.
Grand Marais | Minnesota
Average September Temperature: 50°F – 60°F
Tucked away in Northern Minnesota, just south of the Canadian border, Grand Marais offers a stunning display of deep reds and oranges on par with the more famous fall foliage states like Vermont. This harbor town on Lake Superior serves as a base for numerous day hikes and waterfalls and is home to a flourishing artist community and Northwoods-style cafes.
