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Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, enjoy Oktoberfest in Munich, stroll the streets of Dublin, surf in Bali, taste French cuisine in Lyon, watch the Great Migration of animals, and climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The Altezza Travel editorial team has gathered a list of the best places to visit in September.
Jordan
By September, the heat in Jordan eases, allowing you to explore the country’s ancient culture in more comfortable conditions. It is also a popular destination for lovers of the underwater world. In the south, on the coast of the Red Sea, lies Aqaba, a port city and the local capital of diving. There are dozens of dive spots here, ranging from classic coral gardens to sunken tanks.
At this time in the north, the harvest season begins for figs, pomegranates, and grapes. For gastronomic impressions, it is best to head closer to local farms. For example, you can visit Beit Al Baraka in Ajloun or farms in the Irbid area. Here you can try rare varieties of Jordanian wine, many made from old recipes.
A popular spot for travelers is the ruins of Petra. It was founded around the 4th century BC in southern Jordan. Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, both an archaeological and architectural mystery:
“Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture,” says UNESCO’s website.
The city preserves remains of theaters, temples, tombs, and an engineering water supply system. The most famous monument is the facade of Al-Khazneh, or “The Treasury,” located at the end of the narrow Siq canyon. You can also visit in the evening, when spotlights illuminate the rock facades after dark.
Another fascinating place is the Wadi Rum desert, where Ridley Scott filmed The Martian. In September, mornings are no longer too hot, so you can walk among the dunes or even spend several nights in one of the local glamping sites.
If you’re still deciding where to travel in September, Jordan is a fascinating option off the beaten path.
Ireland
Ireland deserves special attention, as early autumn is considered one of the most comfortable times of the year. Average temperatures range between 13–17 °C (55–63 °F), sometimes reaching 20 °C (68 °F) in early September. However, be ready for short rains.
In Dublin, be sure to visit local pubs — they are part of the cultural identity. Lonely Planet also recommends the Fringe Festival, during which, for two weeks, the city turns into a stage for hundreds of artistic performances: music, dance, theater, and contemporary art everywhere.
Beyond Dublin, Galway hosts the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival at the start of autumn. Since 1954, the festival has been held on the last weekend of September. Gourmets and seafood lovers gather to enjoy fresh oysters, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
Bali
Among the best countries to visit in September, Bali stands out. Autumn here marks the end of the dry season, making it an ideal time for surfers. The west and south coasts offer perfect conditions for both beginners and professionals. Head to Kuta, Canggu, or Uluwatu beaches for steady and comfortable water temperatures.
September is also one of the best times of the year for diving and snorkeling. Visibility reaches up to 30 meters (98 feet), and the water is warm enough for long dives. The best sites are Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida islands. Their waters are crystal clear and rich in corals, tropical fish, and turtles. With luck, you may encounter giant manta rays or the enormous sunfish, mola mola.
The rice harvest season also brings a series of temple ceremonies in villages, accompanied by music, dances, and offerings to the gods. Each village follows its own temple festival calendar, so wherever you go, you are almost guaranteed to witness one. Streets are decorated with flowers, women in traditional dress carry offerings on their heads, and masked dancers perform sacred dances. Bali is definitely among the best places to go in September.
Switzerland
Geneva is a classic destination in Switzerland, especially in autumn. Lake Geneva is framed by the Jura Mountains on one side and snow-capped Alpine peaks on the other. Beyond lakeside strolls and nearby wine villages, there are plenty of cultural highlights.
In Geneva, you will find the Patek Philippe Museum, dedicated to one of the world’s most prestigious watch brands. Another must-see is MAMCO, Switzerland’s largest museum of contemporary art, with around 6,000 works including experimental installations and multimedia projects.
For authentic mountain traditions, head to the Alpabfahrt festival in Innertkirchen, in the Bern region. This traditional celebration includes a fair, music, and entertainment.
The main event is the descent of cows from the Alpine pastures of Gental and Engstlen. Decorated with flowers and bells, accompanied by farmers in national costumes and the sounds of alphorns and folk songs, they parade through the village streets. Visitors can sample local cheeses, sausages, and beer at the fair.
A good destination to end your trip is Lake Lucerne, where the first autumn fogs rise over the water in September. Here stands the famous Kapellbrücke, Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, built in the 14th century. It is a symbol of the city and one of its main attractions. Originally decorated with 17th-century panels, many panels were lost in a 1993 fire but later partially restored.
"A major part of the Chapel Bridge caught fire in the night of 18 August 1993. All that could be saved were the two bridgeheads and the Water Tower. The remainder of the bridge was rebuilt in a record eight months, allowing the «new» Chapel Bridge to be reopened on 14 April 1994," states the official tourism site of Lucerne.
Germany
Autumn in Germany is packed with events, and one of the most famous is Oktoberfest in Munich. Despite its name, the festival begins in late September to take advantage of the warmer, drier weather. In 2025, it will run from September 20 to October 5. Dozens of tents with music, drinks, and local food are set up on the Theresienwiese field. There will also be parades in national costumes, cart races, carousels, and craft fairs.
Another highlight is the Beethovenfest in Bonn, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. From late August through September, the city fills with symphonies, chamber music, and modern interpretations of classical works. For electronic beats, head to Hamburg’s Reeperbahn Festival — Europe’s biggest indie, pop, and techno event. Clubs, theaters, and even churches in the St. Pauli district come alive with hundreds of concerts, exhibitions, and film screenings. In 2025, the festival is scheduled for September 17–20. Meanwhile, museums in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt will showcase new exhibitions, performances, and installations.
Nature itself puts on a show too: the Rhine Valley, Black Forest, Bavarian Alps, and Lake Königssee all turn golden with autumn colors. Temperatures usually range between 15–23 °C (59–73 °F), perfect for hiking or leisurely strolls outdoors.
Spain
For a southern European flavor in September, head to Spain. The weather is still warm, even in the north — in Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, temperatures stay around 18–23 °C (64–73 °F). In Madrid, cultural life revives after the summer break: theater and concert seasons open, and new exhibitions launch. This is also a great time to stroll through Retiro Park, visit the Prado and Thyssen museums, or enjoy dinner on a terrace in the Malasaña district.
For a perfect beach holiday, the Canary Islands are an excellent choice. September is consistently warm, with almost no rain and ideal conditions for surfing, hiking, and kayaking. Another option is the coast of Villajoyosa, a seaside town on the Costa Blanca. It was officially recognized as “Europe’s Best Hidden Gem 2024” by European Best Destinations. Its promenade stretches for more than 12 km (7.4 miles). Five local beaches have status, and the city’s postcard hallmark is its cozy, colorful houses.
In the east, Barcelona in September means La Mercè — the city festival in honor of its patron saint. In 2025, it will run from September 23 to 28, featuring parades, street theater, music, and fireworks.
Wine lovers should head to northern Spain. In September, grape harvest begins, and Logroño hosts the grand Fiesta de San Mateo. Be sure to visit local wineries producing the famous Rioja wines. You can taste different varieties traditionally served with chorizo sausage, lamb, or aged Manchego cheese made from sheep’s milk.
France
A September trip through France should begin with a stroll in the Luxembourg Gardens or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris. On September 4, the Festival d’Automne à Paris begins — one of Europe’s largest cultural events. It runs until December and covers multiple art forms: theater, music, dance, film, and more. Performances take place in iconic venues from Théâtre de la Ville to the Centre Pompidou.
Another highly anticipated event is the European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine), scheduled for September 19–21 in 2025. During this time, not only museums and galleries but also ministerial residences, mansion courtyards, art academies, and archives open their doors to the public. You can visit Versailles for free and explore Mont-Saint-Michel.
You might also follow the advice of French chef, writer, and TV host Gabriel Gaté. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, he once said:
"I always tell people, do a cruise on the Seine at night. Because the Seine is the centre - that's the way people used to travel. On the side of the Seine, that's where all the interesting things have been built, from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower. So at night, when it's illuminated, it’s really magic".
Outside the capital, the wine regions are entering harvest season. This makes September a perfect time to visit Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and Alsace.
The Financial Times features excerpts from a guide by Enrico Bernardo, wine expert, author, restaurateur, and top sommelier of Paris’s Four Seasons George V. According to him, one of France’s top gastronomic destinations is Alsace. For those planning to visit local wineries, he recommends wearing comfortable shoes and bringing something warm to wear — wine cellars can be chilly.
You can wrap up your September trip to France in Lyon — the country’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Even in the simplest brasserie, you’ll find dishes that rival those served in Michelin-starred restaurants.
Kenya
In Kenya, September marks the end of the dry season: the heat is easing, the risk of long rains is still minimal, and animals gather near water sources, making them easier to spot on safari.
But above all, this is the time when one of the world’s greatest natural “shows” unfolds in the Masai Mara Reserve — the Great Migration. Here, hundreds of thousands of hoofed animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, cross the Mara River, teeming with crocodiles. For travelers, it is a chance to witness one of the most dramatic spectacles of the savanna.
Another highlight in Kenya is Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Kilimanjaro. It is famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking panoramic views of Africa’s highest mountain — Kilimanjaro.
For those seeking experiences beyond the classic safari, Laikipia County is worth visiting. Here, former cattle ranches have been transformed into private conservancies. One of them is Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the last two surviving northern white rhinos on the planet — females named Najin and Fatu. Their subspecies is officially classified as functionally extinct, and today scientists are working to save it using advanced in-vitro fertilization technologies.
Tanzania
A journey through Tanzania can start with the Serengeti National Park, where you can also witness the Great Migration. In September, massive herds move north, closer to Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve. The spectacle is so immense that UNESCO calls it “one of the most impressive natural events in the world.”
Another iconic landmark hugely popular among travelers is the Ngorongoro Crater. This ancient volcano has collapsed into a caldera, creating a unique ecosystem with the highest density of animals on the continent.
Arusha National Park is the only place in Tanzania where you can go on a walking safari. Guided by an experienced ranger, you can explore the savanna on foot, wander through tropical forests and waterfalls, and even take on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru — the country’s second-highest peak after Kilimanjaro. In Tarangire National Park, vast herds of elephants roam among towering baobabs that have stood for centuries.
For beach lovers, Zanzibar is hard to beat. The island is dotted with secluded villas hidden in lush tropical greenery, many with direct access to soft sandy shores.
For the best waves, head to Paje Beach, where it is almost always windy and perfect for kitesurfing. For snorkeling, the southeast coast at Jambiani Beach is the place to go. This is also one of Zanzibar’s liveliest areas, with plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants, and a wide choice of hotels.
To immerse yourself in culture and history, explore Stone Town. Beyond its atmospheric colonial-era architecture and maze of souvenir shops, you’ll even find a museum dedicated to Freddie Mercury.
For adventure seekers, climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge. At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), it is the highest mountain in Africa, but reaching the summit does not require technical climbing skills. With good physical fitness and determination, most people can successfully stand on the legendary “Roof of Africa.”
Tanzania is undoubtedly one of the best places to vacation in September, and all year round.
All content on Altezza Travel is created with expert insights and thorough research, in line with our Editorial Policy.
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