Are you ready to learn about some of the best places to visit in Europe in September? The variety of options for you at this time of the year is enormous! Incredible weather and the entrance of shoulder season make for an incredible time to explore Europe.
Some of my favorites include:
- Loire Valley, France
- Munich, Germany
- The Greek Isles
I’m excited to tell you about these exciting locations to explore in September. Let’s get started!
15 Best Places To Visit In Europe In September (Weather Tips!)
The Dolomites
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 64F (18C) and lows of 55F (13C); it rains around 6 days in September and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
When you are wondering about where to go in Europe in September, my first suggestion is to head to the Dolomites! September is a fantastic time to visit this stunning mountain range. Keep in mind that the weather can change dramatically here depending on what area you are in and the elevation.
Visiting in September allows you to enjoy the area with fewer visitors, cooler temperatures, and incredible conditions for hiking and exploring towns in the mountains. Hiking trails usually start closing in October, so if hiking is a priority for you, September is the month to visit!
Iceland
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 50F (10C) and lows of 41F (5C); it rains around 13 days in September and you get around 12 hours of sunshine a day.
As one of the best countries in Europe to visit in September, visiting Iceland at this time of year is totally fab. You can enjoy considerably lower flight prices, shoulder season level crowds, the beginning of leaf season changes, long sunny days, and at night, beautiful aurora displays.
Some of the top activities to check out this time of year include glacier hikes, Silfra snorkeling, taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, and highlands exploration. With rainy days and spending time around waterfalls during your trip, packing waterproof shoes and a rain jacket is important!
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 60F (15.5C) and lows of 52F (11C); it rains around 12 days in September and you get around 4 hours of sunshine a day.
Ireland is one of the best European destinations for September! And visiting the stunning 2500 km of the incredible Wild Atlantic Way is the perfect way to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the country.
You should plan on spending at least three days to see the best of the route. This famous route gives you opportunities to see lighthouses, go kayaking along dramatic sea cliffs, collect seashells on the beach, go hiking, and find megalithic tombs that are older than Egyptian pyramids!
Paris
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 71F (21.6C) and lows of 55F (12.7C); it rains around 7 days in September and you get around 12 hours of sunshine a day.
Paris has a great shoulder season and is one of the best European cities to visit in September. After the summer holidays have ended, locals take part in festivals and cultural activities and you can too!
September is the start of a lovely shoulder season with lower temperatures in Paris. The fewer crowds and pleasant weather will allow you to enjoy your time more as you explore historic streets, dive into the art scene, and indulge in famous French cuisine.
The Greek Isles
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 79F (26C) and lows of 69F (20.5C); it rains around 7 days in September and you get around 10 hours of sunshine a day.
Are you on a budget and looking for cheap European countries in September? The Greek Isles can provide you with some of the best September beach vacations in Europe!
Island hopping in Greece is spectacular and visiting in September takes you away from the intense heat of July and August. Some of the top islands include Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Corfu. Each provides beauty, historical sites, hiking, and partying opportunities.
Loire Valley, France
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 72F (22C) and lows of 51F (10.5C); it rains around 11 days in September and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
One way to ensure you have a fantastic Europe trip in September is to visit the breathtaking Loire Valley. This western French region is among the best places to visit in Europe in September due to its stunning castles, beautiful landscape, and world heritage site status.
The 170-mile stretch of land on the Loire River is a place for you to see hilltop medieval villages, go wine tasting, explore massive chateaus, take mind-blowing travel photos, and bike through the countryside.
Naples, Italy
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 81F (27C) and lows of 64F (17.7C); it rains around 12 days in September and you get around 12 hours of sunshine a day.
Naples has loads of festivals and other activities going on at this time of year, making it one of the best September cities in Europe! You should check out the Festival of Piedigrotta in Naples which involves a parade led by viceroys, musical performances, fireworks, and more.
In Naples, there are archeological sites, museums, historical landmarks, a monastery, and a royal palace to explore during your visit. This makes it a fabulous choice for history lovers in particular!
Munich, Germany
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 67F (19.4C) and lows of 49F (9.4C); it rains around 9 days in September and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.
If you are looking for typical cooler temperatures for your travels this fall, then head to Munich for some of the best September weather in Europe. This German city comes alive in September as Oktoberfest kicks off.
Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events in Europe so you definitely don’t want to miss the opportunities if you find yourself in Munich in September. You should also dip your toe into the history and food scenes as well. Maybe even try your hand at river surfing!
Vienna, Austria
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 70F (21C) and lows of 56F (13C); it rains around 7 days in September and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
Another beautiful location with great fall weather for when you are visiting Europe in September, Vienna offers over 100 museums, Baroque palaces and gardens, and elegant venues for classical music performances.
Vienna is also one of Europe’s gourmet food capitals. I adore the food scene here! Be sure to try wiener schnitzel, the delectable Sachertorte chocolate cake, Austrian goulash, and the mouthwatering Apfelstrudel while you are in Vienna!
Switzerland Road Trip
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 67F (19C) and lows of 45F (7C); it rains around 19 days in September and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
September has incredible weather for the Alps! You can experience this weather on an exciting Switzerland road trip this fall. As one of the best places to visit in Europe in September, I love taking an enchanting road trip through the Land of Milk and Honey.
When it comes to exploring cities and towns on your road trip, Bern, Lucerne, and Interlaken are all musts. Many villages and towns will be celebrating grape or harvest festivals this month, which is super exciting to experience for yourself!
Istanbul, Turkiye
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 77F (25C) and lows of 62F (16.6C); it rains around 11 days in September and you get around 9 hours of sunshine a day.
Another dreamy destination for those looking for warm European cities in September, Istanbul enters shoulder season at this time of year, making it a real contender for where to travel in Europe in September.
While in Istanbul, you should check out two of the most beautiful mosques in the city, Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque. There are also museums, bazaars, beaches, mind-blowing restaurants, and much more to experience while you are there!
Budapest
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 73F (22.7C) and lows of 55F (12.7C); it rains around 4 days in September and you get around 7 hours of sunshine a day.
Hands down, one of the best places to visit in Europe in September for budget travelers, Budapest is a stunning city that would make a fabulous addition to your September travel plans. Pleasant weather, shoulder season prices and crowds, and incredible festivals/ events all make Budapest worth a visit this autumn.
While you are there, you should make sure to check out the thermal baths. They are fed by natural hot springs and are said to have medicinal and healing properties. The baths’ history goes back over 100 years and are a must-experience activity in the city.
Split, Croatia
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 77F (25C) and lows of 65F (18.3C); it rains around 5 days in September and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
Among the must-see European countries in September is Split, Croatia. This city is the second largest in the country and offers a mix of modernity and ancient history. If you are wanting to enjoy European beaches in September this year, check out Split!
Other than the incredible weather and beaches, there are a lot of things to do in Split for history and nature lovers. If you fancy a hike or two, you will be less than three hours from Plitvice Lakes National Park and less than an hour from Krka National Park while staying in Split.
Barcelona
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 79F (26C) and lows of 69F (20.5C); it rains around 4 days in September and you get around 10 hours of sunshine a day.
For travelers looking for a destination that will be hot and sunny, consider Barcelona as it is one of the hottest European countries in September.
You will have enough sun to enjoy the beach, fewer crowds, all major tourist attractions will still be open, and empty streets for better travel photography when you visit this time of year!
Towards the end of the month, you can enjoy the La Merce Festival. This festival is held to honor the Virgin of Mercy, a patron saint. It includes a fire run where devils and dragons run through fireworks and flames! This unique experience makes Barcelona one of the best places to visit in Europe in September.
Bruges, Belgium
Average temperatures and weather: highs of 65F (18C) and lows of 55F (12.7C); it rains around 9 days in September and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.
If shoulder season, a rich beer culture, and chillier temperatures sound good to you, you will love Bruges! This small Belgian city is among the best places to travel in September in Europe.
The Bruges Beer Festival is held each year at this time of year and it attracts visitors from all over the world. Bruges is known for its diverse and high-quality beers, so be sure to take time to enjoy this festival while you are in town!
September Music Festivals And Events In Europe
- BBC Proms (Closing Night), London, UK: The world-renowned classical music festival culminates in September with the famous “Last Night of the Proms” at the Royal Albert Hall.
- Lollapalooza Berlin, Germany: The European edition of this famous music festival, featuring a diverse lineup of rock, electronic, hip-hop, and indie artists.
- Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany: Starting in late September, this world-famous beer festival is also a celebration of Bavarian culture, with traditional music and dancing.
- La Mercè Festival, Barcelona, Spain: A week-long festival celebrating Catalan culture with music, dance, street arts, and the spectacular human towers known as “Castellers”.
- Venice Film Festival, Italy: One of the most prestigious film festivals, usually ending in the first week of September, showcasing international cinema in the historic city of Venice.
- Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg, Germany: A major music festival and conference, known for showcasing a wide range of up-and-coming artists.
- Amsterdam Fringe Festival, Netherlands: An eclectic and experimental arts festival featuring theater, dance, music, and unclassifiable forms of performance.
- Paris Fashion Week, France: Part of the global “Big Four” fashion weeks, this event in late September showcases the latest from top designers.
- Outlook Festival, Croatia: An acclaimed electronic music festival, known for its unique setting in an abandoned fort and its focus on bass music.
- Milan Fashion Week, Italy: Another key event in the fashion calendar, featuring runway shows from leading fashion houses.
- Celtic Colours International Festival, Nova Scotia, Canada: Celebrating Celtic music and culture with a wide array of concerts, workshops, and community events.
- Budapest Wine Festival, Hungary: A celebration of Hungarian and international wines, along with food, music, and cultural programs in the stunning Buda Castle.
Tips For Visiting Europe In September
Embrace the Outdoors
Visiting in September is the perfect time to enjoy nature. You can enjoy full green foliage and changing leaves both at this time of year. Plus, cooler temperatures to enjoy national parks and other outdoor attractions!
Pack Thoughtfully
Dressing in layers is important for most destinations in Europe at this time of year. While you may be sweating walking around town during the day, the evenings and mornings can get quite chilly.
Enjoy the Perks of Shoulder Season
The best piece of advice I have for visiting Europe in September is to enjoy the perks of shoulder season! You can be a bit more spontaneous with your travel plans as accommodations are more available now that peak season is ending.
You have so many options to choose from when it comes to the best places to visit in Europe in September. Whether you want to book a beach vacation, a mountain getaway, or a city escape, you can find something to fit your needs and your budget.
Which of these awesome destinations will you be visiting this year? We love hearing from you!
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