Where to go in Europe in September
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Events, seasonal highlights & travel tips
Late-summer sunshine: Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Spain offer warm seas and long days.
Harvest season: Tuscany, Provence, and Sicily host wine events and food festivals.
Perfect for island hopping: The Cyclades and Croatian islands feel relaxed and scenic.
Great for city breaks: Paris, Lisbon, and Barcelona offer mild weather and lively streets.
Travel tip: September provides the best balance of warm weather and fewer crowds across southern Europe.
Tuscany & Chianti, Italy
September is harvest season in Tuscany — one of the most atmospheric moments of the year. Vineyards glow with late-summer light, countryside towns like Pienza, Montepulciano, and Radda feel calm and welcoming, and temperatures are perfect for long drives through rolling hills. Explore Florence in soft evening light, visit local wineries, or enjoy quiet walks between olive groves and cypress-lined roads.
🌡 57–77 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 5 days
Crete, Greece
Crete shines in September with warm water, brilliant skies, and a relaxed island rhythm. Beaches from Elafonisi to Falassarna feel peaceful and bright, while towns like Chania and Rethymno offer lively waterfronts without high-season crowds. Hike the Samaria Gorge, explore Minoan archaeological sites, or enjoy quiet tavernas under warm evening light.
🌡 68–84 °F 🌊 77 °F ☀️ 10 hours 🌧 2 days
French Riviera — Nice, Villefranche & Antibes
September brings gentle warmth and elegant late-summer energy to the Côte d’Azur. Walk along Nice’s promenades, explore Antibes’ old town, or enjoy quiet beaches backed by pastel architecture. Inland, the hilltop villages of Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence glow under golden early-autumn light. It’s a wonderful month for comfortable seaside exploration.
🌡 63–79 °F 🌊 75 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 4 days
Picos de Europa, Northern Spain
One of Europe’s most underrated September destinations. The Picos de Europa offer dramatic limestone peaks, deep valleys, and authentic mountain villages. Trails are clear, temperatures are mild, and local markets brim with seasonal produce and regional cheeses. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and a quieter version of Spain.
🌡 55–73 °F ☀️ 7 hours 🌧 7 days
Ireland — Cork, Killarney & the Beara Peninsula
Ireland’s southwest is beautiful in September. Mild temperatures, long golden evenings, and fewer visitors create inviting conditions along the Wild Atlantic Way. Explore Killarney National Park, wander colorful towns like Kenmare and Cork, or follow the quiet coastal roads of the Beara Peninsula — one of Ireland’s most scenic and least crowded regions.
🌡 50–63 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 12 days
Alentejo Coast, Portugal
A perfect September addition. The Alentejo Coast delivers warm weather, wide beaches, and dramatic cliffs without the pace of high season. Explore quiet fishing villages, walk along coastal trails near Vila Nova de Milfontes, discover surf beaches near Odeceixe, or enjoy slow afternoons in family-run seaside cafés. It’s Portugal at its most relaxed and authentic.
🌡 60–77 °F 🌊 72 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 4 days
Scottish Highlands — Glencoe, Cairngorms & Torridon
September is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric months. Heather blooms across moorlands, lochs reflect crisp blue skies, and landscapes turn vivid shades of green and purple. It’s a beautiful time for hiking, photography, and scenic drives. Wildlife is active, midges fade, and evenings feel refreshingly cool.
🌡 45–59 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 11 days
Norwegian Fjords — Ålesund, Geiranger & Sognefjord
As summer softens, Norway’s fjords take on a calm, clear character. Light crowds, mild temperatures, and excellent visibility create perfect conditions for boat trips, panoramic hikes, and scenic drives. Fjord towns feel peaceful and atmospheric, and early autumn foliage begins to appear in high mountain valleys.
🌡 50–65 °F 🌊 57 °F ☀️ 7 hours 🌧 10 days
Iceland — South Coast & Golden Circle
September offers crisp air, fewer travelers, and expansive early-autumn landscapes across Iceland. Explore waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and geothermal fields under clear skies. Days are long enough for scenic drives, while darkening nights offer a chance to spot the first northern lights of the season.
🌡 45–55 °F 🌊 50 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 11 days
Bavaria & the German Alps
A wonderful alpine choice for early autumn. Meadows remain green, lakes reflect bright skies, and hiking trails near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, and Berchtesgaden offer warm days with cool, comfortable evenings. Traditional harvest festivals add cultural charm throughout the region.
🌡 52–70 °F ☀️ 7 hours 🌧 10 days
Slovenia — Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj & the Julian Alps
Slovenia is especially inviting in September. Lakes Bled and Bohinj shine under early-autumn light, the Soča Valley remains warm enough for gentle outdoor activities, and the Julian Alps offer some of the best hiking conditions of the year. Fewer visitors and clear skies create a peaceful, scenic atmosphere.
🌡 55–75 °F ☀️ 7 hours 🌧 8 days
September experiences to plan your trip around
“An exceptional cultural weekend when Paris and Provençal towns open the doors of landmarks normally closed to the public: private mansions, ministries, courtyards, palaces, and historic theaters. Free guided tours and one-time exhibitions make it one of Europe’s most enriching cultural events.”
France (Paris & Provence)
Journées du Patrimoine / European Heritage Days (mid-September)
“Villages on Paros, Naxos, and Santorini host open-air celebrations featuring traditional dancing, island music, fresh seafood, and local wine. These panigiria are intimate, authentic, and set against warm Aegean evenings — one of the most memorable cultural experiences of the islands.”
Greek Islands (Cyclades)
End-of-Summer Panigiria Festivals (early–mid September)
“Barcelona’s biggest city celebration features open-air concerts, human tower competitions (castellers), parades, fireworks, and light shows across plazas and waterfront areas. One of Europe’s most dynamic urban festivals and a highlight of late-summer travel.”
Barcelona
La Mercè Festival (late September)
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