Keep reading for our top ten travel destinations in September.
In most parts of the world, September still feels like the summer, so why not select destinations that feel that way. This time is a great time to travel because the kids are back in school with the parents going back to work. September also avoids the high traffic and expense of summer peak season.
Be sure to check events you may have arranged or planned as they may be cancelled or postponed. In addition, you can check out our best credit card bonuses here to maximize savings.
1. Hvar Island (Croatia)
| Average Temperature | 81°F high; 66°F low |
| September Events | Hvar Summer Festival |
Hvar in September is very beautiful as there are less crowds and ideal temperature. The stunning Croatian island has a rich history that goes as far back as 6,000 B.C. If you combine this with their beaches, lively nightlife and modern accommodations, you get a great destination.
Because of their sunny climate, this island is great for wine production. For a different experience, Waves and Wines offers a half-0day tour that features swimming, wine testing and sightseeing by speedboat. For a more authentic wine country experience, go collect some wine grapes with the harvesting crews.
The annual Hvar Summer Festival runs through the end of September, showcasing Croatia’s musical heritage staged at various historic locations throughout the island.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)
| Average Temperature | 88°F high; 73°F low |
| September Events | Aloha Festivals Waikiki Ho’olaule’a Floral Parade |
September is the time that see’s less crowds from the Summer, but Honolulu’s temperature stays the same. You will want to hit the many beaches that they have including the favorites such as Kahala Beach, Sans Souci Beach Park and Kaimana Beach. Nature lovers will enjoy hikes at Diamond Head, which is a crater that forms Honolulu’s famous backdrop. Afterwards, enjoy some local favorites such as poke, saimin and shaved ice.
The Aloha Festivals happen throughout September and celebrate Hawaii’s culture. You won’t want to miss out on Waikiki Ho’olaule’a, the state’s largest block party with local foods, entertainment and crafts. Or the Floral Parade featuring equestrians, flower-covered floats and dancers in traditional clothing.
3. Barcelona (Spain)
| Average Temperature | 79°F high; 68°F low |
| September Events | La Merce |
Although Barcelona is a popular destination, there are much fewer crowds once Summer is over. The weather is still warm enough if you want to enjoy the beaches. Check out Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Casa Mia to admire the work of Antoni Gaudi. For more art, check out Museu Picasso for its extensive collection of Pablo Picasso art. If you love good food, check out the Boqueria Food Market for local fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheese, olives, bread and more. You can even get a glass of cava and some tapas here.
La Merce is a celebration that honors the Virgin Mary and takes place in September. At this celebration, there will be concerts, parades, dancing, fireworks, museum exhibitions and block parties.
4. Cincinnati, Ohio (USA)
| Average Temperature | 79°F high; 59°F low |
| September Events | Oktoberfest Zinzinnati |
Although many people don’t consider Cincinnati as a top travel destination, they should start reconsidering that. Visit the Over the Rhine district for the 19th-century Italianate architecture, restaurants, bars, breweries and the Cincinnati Music Hall. Also, you can head to Washington Park to enjoy some of the city’s famous Graeter’s Ice Cream, which was founded in 1868. Get a history lesson on the Underground Railroad at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the Ohio River. Then, get a stunning view of the city form the Observation Deck of the Carew Tower. If you’re a fan of sports, catch a game with the Reds, the Bengals or FC Cincinnati.
Beer lovers will want to time their stay towards the end of the month for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. The celebration is much like what you’d experience in Munich with events like the Running of the Wieners, World’s Largest Chicken Dance and the Beer Stein Race.
5. Prince Edward Island (Canada)
| Average Temperature | 65°F high; 50°F low |
| September Events | Fall Flavours Festival |
Prince Edward Island has miles of shoreline, which means this destination features tons of fresh seafood: oysters, mussels, lobsters, clams, cod, tuna and mackerel. Go on the Mighty Island Chowder Trail to tour the island and sample chowders from over sixty restaurants. For those who want a more active vacation, head to Prince Edward Island National Park with beaches, biking, hiking and boating, set to beautiful scenery.
Prince Edward Island’s annual Fall Flavours festival takes place at the end of August through the beginning of October. The event features chef demonstrations, musical entertainment, dinners, culinary adventures and tastings at local breweries, distilleries and wineries.
6. Greenville, South Carolina (USA)
| Average Temperature | 83°F high; 64°F low |
| September Events | Indie Craft Parade Euphoria |
Greenville in September is nothing short of relaxing as the summer humidity is gone. Go on a walking tour in this great weather to get to know the town. There are many tours to choose from that showcases the city’s public art, culinary highlights and history. Head to the rivers and lakes for some kayaking, whitewater rafting, boating and waterfalls. For baseball fans, check out the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Fluor Field.
In mid-September, Greenville hosts the Indie Craft Parade, a festival of handcrafted goods like paintings, ceramics, fiber art, jewelry, paper crafts and more. Later in the month is Euphoria, the largest food festival in the area. The event features over 100 food and beverage professionals, cooking demonstrations, tastings, live musical performances and parties.
7. Shanghai (China)
| Average Temperature | 81°F high; 68°F low |
| September Events | Shanghai Tourism Festival |
Being one of the largest cities in China, Shanghai has seen some major growth and that comes with shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife. On Fangbang Road, see the ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. For a stunning view of the city, check out the observation decks of the Shanghai World Financial Center. For a different look of the city, take a cruise on the Huangpu River.
We recommend shopping on Nanjing Road, chowing down on some soup dumplings, taking a stroll along the Bund’s waterfront and visiting one of Shanghai’s many museums.
There’s also the Shanghai Tourism Festival, aimed at promoting the tourism resources and culture of Shanghai. Categories include sightseeing, leisure, entertainment, recreation, sports, exhibition, food and shopping.
8. Fort Collins, Colorado (USA)
| Average Temperature | 77°F high; 46°F low |
| September Events | Fortoberfest |
Only 60 miles north of Denver, Fort Collins is home to over twenty breweries. No wonder they’re called the “Craft Beer Capital of Colorado.” Definitely check out a couple of these breweries if you can.
Visit the Historic Old Town with restaurants, boutique and antique stores, candy shops and a vintage trolley. Embrace the city’s cultural arts scene by going to the theatre, a live musical performance, dance, galleries and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the hiking, fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting at nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, the Cache la Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir.
If you end up visiting in September, take a look at Fortoberfest where you can enjoy live music and seasonal microbrews at their last music festival for the year.
9. Santorini (Greece)
| Average Temperature | 79°F high; 68°F low |
| September Events | International Music Festival |
Very well known for being a beautiful destination to vacation to for their beaches and their cliff-side whitewashed buildings, Santorini has so much more to offer. The Greek island has beaches, quaint villages, wineries, restaurants, gorgeous views and friendly locals. Better yet, September offers the same great weather but without the Summer crowds.
Explore the coastline on a sunset boat tour, discover the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, and gorge on moussaka, salads, fresh cheese, seafood and lamb.
The International Music Festival of Santorini also occurs in September, featuring several concerts across different music genres.
10. Malta
| Average Temperature | 83°F high; 68°F low |
| September Events | Victory Day Independence Day |
With peak season gone in September, Malta remains a enjoyable experience with their Victory Day, which lies on September 8th and encompasses three different events: the birth of the Holy Virgin Mary, the day that the siege of 1565 ended, and the day when the Italian army was defeated by the British in WWII.
Independence Day is on September 21st and celebrates the day when Malta won political independence from Great Britain. Various activities are held every year to mark this special date in Maltese history.
When you’re not celebrating with the locals, take a stroll through the villages and indulge in local treats.
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Top Destinations By Month
To start accumulating more miles & points, below is a list of the top destinations for each month during the calendar year:
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in January
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in February
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in March
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in April
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in May
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in June
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in July
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in September
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in October
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in November
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in December
Bottom Line
Prepare for some great weather by planning a trip this September. Be sure to consider some of the spots we’ve mentioned if you want to head to one of the top travel destinations this September.
If you want to save even more money on your travels, then be sure to check out our Best Travel Credit Cards. Check our list on Discounted Gift Cards and get the best bang for your buck with the Best Cash Back Shopping Portals and our eBay Gift Cards list offered here at HMB!
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