The Best 10 Countries to Visit in September

It’s like the whole world takes a deep breath in September. The summer craziness dies down, the crowds thin out, and everything seems to glow with a golden, soft light. September is great whether you’re trying to catch the last warm days on a Mediterranean beach, seeing the colorful awakening of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, or climbing through mountains that are already changing colors in the fall.

It’s a month of harvest celebrations, relaxing city walks, and peaceful scenery in a number of European countries. Are you ready to make the most of the best month of the year to travel in Europe and Africa this year? These are some amazing countries that are perfect for a visit in September.

Many people go to Switzerland in the summer to see the beautiful green hills or in the winter to see the magnificent snow. September, on the other hand, offers a unique and possibly even more beautiful experience. As late summer turns into early fall, the country is bathed in a soft, golden light. This month, the trekking is world-class. The air is fresh, the paths are less crowded, and the Jungfrau region’s spectacular peaks, including the famous Matterhorn near Zermatt, are crystal clear.

September is also the time of the Désalpe, or Alpabzug, a great tradition in which farmers dress up their cows and lead them down from the high mountain pastures for the winter. It’s a real cultural event that makes you feel like you’re in a magical place during the most peaceful month of the year.

When you go to Italy in September, it’s like knowing a secret that the people love. The awful heat of August is finally gone. Now we have beautiful, sunny days and chilly evenings, both excellent for eating outside. The beaches are much less busy now that summer is over, but the sea along the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre is still very warm.

This is also the start of the harvest season, which means it’s time for sagre, or culinary festivals, celebrating everything from Tuscan grapes to northern porcini mushrooms. You may see the ancient wonders of Rome and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence without the crowds, and you can enjoy the real dolce vita at a slower, more realistic pace.

If you want to go to a tropical paradise without the heat and humidity or the chance of rain, September is the best time to go to Mauritius. This is the middle of the island’s “winter,” which is the driest and most pleasant time of year in the beautiful African country, with average temperatures in the mid-70s.

You can tour the beautiful volcanic island under clear blue skies. The blue lagoons are quiet and perfect for snorkeling and diving among colorful coral reefs. The cooler weather on land is great for hiking through the verdant Black River Gorges National Park, where you can find secret waterfalls and animals that are different from what you see elsewhere.

Croatia really shines in September. The Adriatic Sea has been in the sun all summer, and now it’s at its hottest, which makes it impossible to resist swimming in for travelers. But the hordes that came in the summer are starting to thin out, which gives you more room to breathe and explore.

You can walk around the beautiful, old city walls of Dubrovnik without getting stuck in a traffic jam, and it’s easy to pick the right position on a beach in Hvar or Brač. The weather is still generally warm and bright, which is great for seeing the beautiful waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Parks, or hopping from island to island. It’s all the splendor of peak season, but with a more laid-back, affordable feel.

As the Northern Hemisphere settles into fall, Chile comes to life with bright colors. In September, spring arrives in all its glory, and the whole, very long nation seems to wake up from its winter sleep. In the north, the Atacama Desert can burst into a wildflower super bloom, a unique and stunning sight.

The vineyards are starting to bloom in the central area around Santiago, and the city is alive with life and celebrations for National Independence Day. It’s the best time to go to Patagonia, too. The weather is nice, the trails are starting to open up before the summer tourists arrive, and you can see Torres del Paine’s magnificent vistas as they shake off the last of the snow.

Don’t be fooled by the word “rainy season.” September is the middle of the “green season” in Costa Rica, and it’s a great time to go. The rainforests are at their most lush and colorful, the waterfalls are roaring at full strength, and the whole terrain is an unbelievable shade of emerald.

In general, the weather is nice and sunny in the mornings, which is great for activities like ziplining, hiking, and wildlife spotting. In the afternoons, it rains, which is a great excuse to take a nap or go to the spa. There will be a lot fewer people, so you’ll feel like you have this natural paradise all to yourself. Plus, you’ll discover great rates on some of the best eco-lodges in the country.

Visit Montenegro in September to see the stunning splendor of the Adriatic without the crowds or the high prices of high season. This little but powerful Balkan country is a gem, and this month its beauty is even easier to see. It is a great country for both regular and new visitors.

The Bay of Kotor is a fjord-like inlet that is encircled by tall black mountains. It is peaceful and magical, free of the regular docking of huge cruise ships. The Adriatic Sea is still warm enough for swimming, while the hilly interior, such as Durmitor National Park, offers great hiking in the cool, early fall air. September is the best time to visit this beautiful country, with its diverse landscapes.

In Greece, September is the best month of the year. The sea is perhaps at its warmest right now, and the blazing heat and Meltemi winds of high summer have died down, leaving behind delightfully nice, pleasant days. This great nation, home to Western philosophy and many great philosophers, welcomes all.

The islands are still open for business, but they have a more easygoing, laid-back vibe. For example, Santorini is known for its famous blue-and-white buildings, while Crete offers a wide range of landscapes. You can really obtain a table at that popular cliffside taverna or locate a quiet location on a beach that is known all over the world. It’s the best time of year to bounce from island to island, see old sites without getting heatstroke, and really enjoy the beautiful Greek way of life.

Bulgaria in September is the place to go for a lovely, varied, and very cheap holiday. This hidden jewel in Eastern Europe has something for everyone and every budget this month. The Black Sea coast is still warm enough for one more beach vacation, but the resorts are quiet and calm.

The weather is temperate and pleasant in the middle of the country, which is perfect for touring old cities like Plovdiv, home to a beautiful Roman amphitheater and the bohemian Kapana neighborhood. The beautiful Rila and Pirin mountains have some of the greatest and cheapest trekking in Europe, and the trees are starting to turn red and orange for fall. You can see the country’s rich history, stunning nature, and kind people without dealing with the crowds of a more popular place.

In September, Spain is a dream. The severe, often excruciating heat of summer has finally broken, especially in the hot southern area of Andalusia. Now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful cities of Seville, Córdoba, and Granada. Madrid and Barcelona are both very busy with cultural events, but the streets are less crowded, making it easier to see the sights.

The Mediterranean is still pleasantly warm along the coast, from the Costa del Sol to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. The beach clubs, on the other hand, have a cooler, more exclusive vibe. It’s also grape harvest season in famous wine regions like La Rioja. This is a great time to go on winery tours and tastings in a gorgeous, sunny setting.