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Usually, Indians take international trips in May, with school summer breaks, and in December, during Christmas. Besides these months, September is a better time to visit any country, and it is the most underrated travel month with crowd-free attractions at many tourist sites.
Many destinations are also in their shoulder season in September, which means there is pleasant weather, balanced crowds, lower hotel rates, and easier flight availability. Whether you are planning a beach holiday, a European sightseeing trip, a mountain escape, or a cultural vacation, September offers some of the best travel conditions of the year.
15 Best Countries to Visit in September
September is an excellent month in most countries, when the summer crowds reduce, but the weather is still excellent. From European wine regions and beaches to islands, these destinations offer the ideal balance of climate and experiences.
1. Italy
The summer ends in August, and the heat starts to reduce, tourist crowds become smaller, and hotel prices are generally lower than in July and August. So, September is overall one of the best months to visit Italy with such benefits.
To visit, you need a Schengen visa, so it’s best to apply at least 8 weeks before departure. If you plan your trip in early September, the Venice Film Festival takes place, which increases hotel prices in the city.
Top Places to Visit in Italy
- Rome: Italy’s capital and one of the world’s most historic cities, with the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and Roman Forum.
- Florence: The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Plan to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo Cathedral and see the Tuscan countryside during the grape harvest season.
- Venice: Famous for its canals, gondola rides, and the Venice Film Festival, which happens in early September.
- Milan: It is Italy’s fashion and financial capital. Don’t miss Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting The Last Supper. Milan Fashion Week takes place from 22nd September.
- Amalfi Coast: One of Italy’s famous driving spots with 50 kilometres of coastal road passing through Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
2. Greece
September is one of the best months to visit Greece because the weather stays warm without the extreme summer heat. The Aegean Sea remains at around 24°C, making it ideal for swimming. The accommodation and ferry prices drop by 20 – 30% compared to August.
It is a perfect time to visit, as this month gives you a wine harvest and cooler daytime temperatures for hiking.
Top Places to Visit in Greece
- Athens: The famous attractions are the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon (built 447-432 BC). Later, visit the National Archaeological Museum and Monastiraki Flea Market.
- Santorini: See the blue-domed churches. The black-sand beaches at Perissa and Kamari are also best this month.
- Mykonos: It is the best island for parties, but with fewer crowds in September. It is known for its whitewashed windmills and the waterfront area of Little Venice.
- Crete: Greece’s largest island. Hike the 16-km Samaria Gorge through October and enjoy the quieter beaches along the south coast.
- Rhodes: A medieval walled city built by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century.
3. Vietnam
September is the best time to visit northern Vietnam with 24°C to 30°C. Also, it is the best and cheapest Asian country for Indians. Travel to the northern part of the country, where the summer heat and heavy rain are reduced. The capital, Hanoi, offers a better city experience with a cooler autumn climate in late September.
The central and southern regions can also be visited, with caution, as you get unpredictable rainfall.
Must-Visit Places in Vietnam
- Hanoi: The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, and the Temple of Literature are must-visit places.
- Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with limestone karst islands. Instead of day tours, book overnight cruises with more activities planned.
- Sapa: A hill town offering activities that are nature-filled, such as treks to Fansipan, rice terraces, and visits to tribal villages.
- Da Nang: The central coastal city has one of the most popular beaches in Vietnam, My Khe Beach. The first two weeks of the month are best for water activities with a calm sea.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s financial centre, with the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and Mekong Delta trips.
4. Thailand
The most important information is that Thailand is no longer a visa-free country. Make sure to apply for a visa when planning a Thailand trip.
As Thailand has many places, you need to know which part of the country has the best weather. September is the peak monsoon on the Andaman Coast. Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi receive 200 – 300 mm of rain. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there is afternoon rain. Gulf Coast islands, Koh Samui and Koh Tao are the better choices this month.
Top Places to Visit in Thailand
- Bangkok: The first stop for any traveller is Bangkok, with its great shopping markets, rooftop bars, temples, and street food with a city vibe.
- Chiang Mai: The northern city sits at 24 – 30°C in September. Doi Inthanon National Park waterfalls are at their fullest between June and October, and the night markets run every weekend year-round.
- Koh Samui: On the Gulf Coast, it has a separate rain cycle from the Andaman side. Koh Samui has swimmable water at Chaweng and Lamai beaches in September.
- Koh Phangan: Known for the Full Moon Party and quieter beaches.
5. Portugal
In September, the weather cools down with temperatures ranging from 24° C to 28° C, which is ideal for roaming the streets. The beaches are good for swimming, with less heat and warm water.
This is also the harvest season, so visit the Douro Valley or the Alentejo region to watch winemaking and enjoy wine tastings.
Top Places to Visit in Portugal
- Lisbon: The capital built across seven hills, with trams, tiled facades, the Alfama district, Belem Tower, and Jeronimos Monastery.
- Algarve: The 150 km southern coastline of beaches, limestone cliffs, and sea caves has water temperatures at 21 – 22°C in September.
- Sintra: A UNESCO town famous for the coloured Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and the Quinta da Regaleira.
- Madeira: The Portuguese Atlantic island holds its annual grape harvest festival in September, with wine tastings and folk performances.
- Douro Valley: The UNESCO wine-producing valley opens its wine estates for harvest tastings in September, and river cruises from Porto to Pinhao are the best experiences.
6. Bali (Indonesia)
September is one of the best months to visit Bali, with warm temperatures and very little rainfall. It makes it the perfect time for beach holidays, surfing, island hopping, and snorkelling.
The Galungan festival, a Balinese Hindu celebration, sometimes falls in late September depending on the Pawukon calendar. Since September falls just after the peak tourist season, you also get slightly lower hotel prices and fewer crowds.
Bali’s Must-Visit Places
- Ubud: It is Bali’s cultural spot surrounded by rice terraces and cooler weather at 24 – 28°C. Experiences at Ubud include art galleries, shopping, cooking classes, and craft workshops.
- Seminyak: The upscale coastal area with boutique hotels, beach clubs, and perfect sunset views.
- Uluwatu: The cliff-top temple with a daily Kecak fire dance performance at sunset and surf beaches below the cliffs.
- Nusa Penida: Reach the island by boat. Snorkelling, diving and Manta Point tours are the best activities in Nusa Penida.
- Nusa Lembongan: The quieter island with calm, wave-free lagoon beach and mangrove forests on the east side.
7. Bhutan
Compared to European countries, plan a trip to Bhutan in September for a budget trip. Bhutan is one of the cheapest international destinations for Indians, and no visa is required. However, the Sustainable Development Fee for Indians is approximately 1,200 INR per day.
You can also witness the famous Thimphu Tsechu festival on September 21st – 23rd. It is celebrated to honour Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayan region.
Must-visit cities in Bhutan
- Thimphu: Bhutan’s capital, famous for having no traffic lights. The Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma (a 51.5-metre bronze Buddha), and the Folk Heritage Museum are here.
- Paro: There is Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery); the hike takes 2 – 4 hours.
- Bumthang: Bhutan’s spiritual region, home to some of the country’s oldest monasteries, including Jambay Lhakhang, built in 659 AD.
- Haa Valley: Bhutan’s least-visited western valley, opened to tourists in 2002, has traditional farmhouses, the historic White and Black Temples, and the Haa summer festival that happens after September 18th.
8. Maldives
September is one of the best times to visit the Maldives for discounted resort stays. The downside is that there will be occasional rain and slightly rougher seas that can cancel water activities in the Maldives. If you plan outdoor activities in the mornings and indoor activities in the afternoons, you will have a great trip.
Best Places in the Maldives to Visit
- Male: The capital has the airport, the old Friday Mosque, a fresh fish market, and the National Museum.
- Maafushi: The most popular local island for budget travellers with bikini beach, water sports, budget stays, and markets selling affordable souvenirs to buy in the Maldives.
- Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay): A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with manta ray gatherings between May and November.
- Rasdhoo: A quiet local island in North Ari Atoll with hammerhead shark sightings.
- Dhigurah: A long, narrow island in South Ari Atoll with whale shark sightings.
9. Spain
September is one of the best months to visit Spain, with temperatures at 20°C to 30°C and fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices than the peak summer season.
It is also a great time to enjoy sightseeing, beaches, and local festivals without the extreme heat of July and August.
Most Recommended Places in Spain
- Barcelona: If you visit on 24th September, you can experience La Merce Festival with concerts and parades.
- Madrid: Spain’s capital city with the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and Mercado de San Miguel.
- Seville: The Real Alcazar palace, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, and the Triana neighbourhood are all walkable in September.
- Granada: The Alhambra Palace complex, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, limits entry to 6,600 visitors per day, so book tickets online well before flying.
- San Sebastian: Has many Michelin-starred restaurants and the San Sebastian Film Festival in the third week of September.
10. Mauritius
Plan a vacation in Mauritius easily with visa-free entry. In September, Mauritius is in its winter season with mild, dry weather at 19 – 25°C, still good for water activities.
With low rainfall and warm sea temperatures around 24°C, you can experience swimming, snorkelling, parasailing, and kitesurfing comfortably.
Top Places to Visit in Mauritius
- Port Louis: The capital has the Central Market, Caudan Waterfront, and the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO site.
- Grand Baie: The northern tourism hub has beachfront restaurants, street food, watersports, and catamaran day trips.
- Belle Mare: A calm beach protected by a reef, with good paddleboarding and kayaking in September.
- Chamarel: The highland village has the Seven Coloured Earths volcanic formation, a 100-metre waterfall, and the border of Black River Gorges National Park.
- Flic en Flac: The west coast’s main resort beach has calm lagoon water.
- Rodrigues Island: A smaller island with well-preserved coral reefs, a large, undisturbed lagoon, and a local Creole culture different from the main island.
11. Japan
Many Indians are inspired to visit Japan by watching anime. Recently, many tours are based on Japan’s cherry blossom season. If that is your priority, September is not the right time to visit Japan, as it is the Autumn season. You can have a wonderful time with streets full of autumn leaves, fewer crowds for better photos, and lower prices than during peak season.
Top Places to Visit in Japan
- Tokyo: Mixed experiences in Japan, with nightlife in Shinjuku, Shibuya Crossing, and Asakusa for temples.
- Kyoto: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari’s 10,000 torii gates, and the Arashiyama bamboo grove, all quieter in September.
- Osaka: Japan’s food capital with Dotonbori street food, Osaka Castle, and Universal Studios Japan.
- Hiroshima: The Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome are the city’s most famous historical sites.
- Nara: A 45-minute train ride from Kyoto, where 1,200 semi-wild deer roam freely around Todai-ji Temple.
12. Turkey
September is one of the best months to visit Turkey, as the summer crowds have reduced. The coastal areas are still perfect for swimming. While cities like Istanbul and Cappadocia are comfortable for sightseeing. It is also the beginning of the grape harvest season.
Top Places to Visit in Turkey
- Istanbul: The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar are all in the Sultanahmet area, within walking distance of one another.
- Cappadocia: This is a volcanic rock-formation region that offers hot-air balloon flights, underground cities, cave hotels, and the Goreme Open-Air Museum. Cappadocia’s experiences are definitely unique with its landscape.
- Antalya: The coastal city of Turkey, with beautiful beaches, has 26 – 27°C sea temperatures in September.
- Pamukkale: The white calcium carbonate thermal terraces and mineral pools located next to Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city built in 190 BC, with an Antique Pool where you can swim.
- Ephesus: One of the world’s most ancient Roman cities, with the Library of Celsus (built in 117 AD), a 24,000-seat theatre, and the site of the Temple of Artemis.
13. Sri Lanka
To visit all the places in Sri Lanka, a particular month may not be ideal. The weather varies across regions, so choosing the right place in September is important.
The west and south coasts, Colombo, Galle, and Mirissa, are in the monsoon season in September. The east coast and central highlands have sunny weather, calmer seas, and excellent conditions for beaches, wildlife, hiking, and cultural sightseeing. It is also one of the best months for surfing and whale watching on the East Coast.
Sri Lanka’s Top Places to Visit
- Arugam Bay: This surf town is 320 km from Colombo. Also, there is the Kumana National Park for wildlife safaris nearby.
- Trincomalee: A natural harbour with Fort Frederick, originally built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century, has Marble Beach with calm waters, and blue whale-watching trips.
- Nilaveli: A quiet east coast beach 16 km north of Trincomalee gives clear water in September and access to Pigeon Island, a marine national park.
- Kandy: It is a cultural capital, and the famous attractions are the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the scenic 7-hour train to Ella through tea plantation country.
- Sigiriya: The 5th-century rock fortress built by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD), and it rises 200 metres above the jungle, takes 45 – 90 minutes to climb.
14. France
September in France is an excellent time for sightseeing in Paris and relaxing along the French Riviera. It is also the time to visit the wine region during the grape harvest and historic towns, without the long queues and high accommodation prices of July and August, which are the summer months in France.
Top Places to Visit in France
- Paris: The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre with 35,000 works including the Mona Lisa, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Musée d’Orsay are in Paris.
- Nice and the French Riviera: The 115 km Mediterranean coastline has a 7 km seafront promenade in Nice.
- Lyon: It is France’s food capital, with one of France’s highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants and the UNESCO-listed Vieux-Lyon district.
- Bordeaux: The wine capital is 3.5 hours from Paris if you take the train, with the surrounding harvest season in September.
- Strasbourg: It sits on the French-German border with half-timbered medieval streets in La Petite France and a Gothic cathedral.
15. South Korea
The weather in South Korea is comfortable, with lower temperatures and humidity in September.
From hiking in the mountains to visiting historical attractions, it is perfect, with no heavy crowds, as the peak of the autumn foliage season begins in October.
The Chuseok festival, South Korea’s national holiday, falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar. If your dates overlap with the festival, book everything at least 6 – 8 weeks in advance, as hotel costs increase.
South Korea’s Best Cities and Islands
- Seoul: This is always an active city that offers the best nightlife experience, with night markets, karaoke bars, Han River night cruises, gaming cafes and rooftop bars.
- Busan: It is a coastal city in South Korea with great beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach.
- Jeju Island: The volcanic island 90 km from the mainland has lava tube caves, the Hallasan volcano at 1,950 metres, and black-sand beaches.
- Gyeongju: The former capital of the Silla Kingdom has the most UNESCO-listed sites in South Korea, including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Yangdong Village.
- Incheon: One of Incheon’s main attractions is Chinatown, established in 1884. Then, you have Jayu Park and the Songwol-dong historic district.
Conclusion
In September, most destinations experience pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Also, you get better hotel rates than during the summer season.
If you’re planning an international holiday this September, contact Dimaak Tours. We will choose the right destination based on your budget, weather, and travel style. Also, from visas and flights to hotels and customised itineraries, we help you plan a relaxing vacation.
FAQs on the Best Countries to Visit in September From India
1. Which countries are the cheapest to visit in September from India?
Vietnam, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are among the most affordable international destinations for Indians, offering budget-friendly accommodation, sightseeing costs, food, and transportation.
2. Which countries have the best beaches in September?
Bali, Mauritius, Greece, Turkey, Koh Samui in Thailand, and the east coast of Sri Lanka have some of the best beach weather during September with warm sea temperatures.
3. How many days are enough for an international trip?
A 7 – 10-day itinerary is best for an international vacation in Italy, Greece, Japan, Turkey, and South Korea. For nearby countries like Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, even a 5 – 7 day plan is best for covering the major places.
