Best Places to Visit in September 2026
Summer weather without summer crowds: the smartest month to travel for price, weather, and availability
Where
September is the best travel month most people overlook. European crowds vanish after Labor Day. Hotel prices drop 25-40% from August while temperatures stay warm. Beaches in the Mediterranean are swimmable through the end of the month. Fall foliage starts in the northern US and Canada. Airlines cut fares to fill planes after the summer rush. Here are 12 destinations that peak in September.
Italy
September in Italy is perfect. Rome hits 80F without the August heat. Venice clears out after the film festival (early September). The Amalfi Coast has warm water and restaurants with open tables. Flights from the US start at $400 round-trip. Hotels across Italy drop 30% from August. Grape harvest season means vineyard tours in Tuscany, Piedmont, and Sicily with fresh wine and truffle hunting.
Florence's Uffizi Gallery ($25) has reasonable lines in September. The Colosseum in Rome ($18) is manageable before 10am. Cinque Terre's five villages are walkable along the coastal trail without the June-August crush. A week in Italy covering Rome, Florence, and the coast runs $1,500-2,000 per person including flights.
Greece
September is the best month for Greek islands. August crowds leave, prices drop 30%, and water temperature stays at 77F. Santorini cave hotels that cost $350 in August drop to $200 in September. Flights from the US start at $450 round-trip. The Meltemi winds that make August breezy calm down in September, making boat trips smoother.
Portugal
The Algarve coast in September averages 80F with warm Atlantic water. Lisbon drops from summer highs to comfortable 78F. Porto's wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia offer tastings from $10. Flights from the US start at $350 round-trip. Hotels across Portugal cost 25-35% less than July-August. The Douro Valley grape harvest (vendimia) runs through September with vineyard festivals.
Vermont and New England
Fall foliage starts in northern Vermont and Maine in late September. The leaves change from north to south through October. Stowe and Burlington have early color by September 20. Apple picking, cider donuts, and covered bridge drives start. Domestic flights to Burlington or Portland start at $120 round-trip. B&Bs in Vermont run $120-200 per night.
Morocco
September is when the summer heat breaks in Morocco. Marrakech cools from 100F in August to 85F. Fez and the Atlas Mountains are comfortable for hiking. The Sahara desert is still hot during the day but cool enough for overnight camping. Flights from the US start at $400 round-trip. Riads run $40-70 per night with rooftop breakfast included.
Peru
September is dry season in Peru with clear skies over Machu Picchu. The crowds thin after the July-August peak. The Inca Trail ($300 permit for 4-day trek) is available without booking months ahead. Cusco averages 60F with sunny days. Flights from the US start at $350 round-trip. Rainbow Mountain day trips ($30 from Cusco) have the best visibility in September.
How to Book September Travel for Less
September prices are already 25-40% below August peaks. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best deals. The first week of September (before European schools resume mid-September) still has some summer demand. The second half of September is the sweet spot. On Travorio, pay with crypto or split into 4 payments with Sezzle, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
September is arguably the best month for Europe. Temperatures stay warm (75-85F across Southern Europe), summer crowds disappear after Labor Day, hotel prices drop 25-40%, and the Mediterranean is still swimmable. Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain are all excellent.
Yes. September flights and hotels are 25-40% cheaper than July-August across Europe and most international destinations. The savings start after Labor Day and increase through the month.
Northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine see the first color changes in late September. Colorado's aspens turn gold in mid-to-late September. Most fall foliage peaks in early-to-mid October.
Yes. Mediterranean water temperatures stay at 75-78F through September in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The Adriatic (Croatia) is slightly cooler at 72-75F. Atlantic beaches in Portugal are 68-70F.
Yes. On Travorio you can split flights and hotels into 4 interest-free payments with Sezzle, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later. You can also pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or 100+ cryptocurrencies.
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