September is travel gold: the high-season rush thins, prices dip, and many popular places keep summer’s warmth while dropping the worst of the crowds. Whether you want island beaches that still feel private, alpine lakes with clear light, or high-altitude deserts that are finally cool enough to explore, the shoulder month delivers. Below are seven well-timed picks for September 2025 – a mix of European islands, continental gems and one spectacular Himalayan plateau – with practical weather notes, crowd expectations, top things to do, and travel tips so you can plan a calm, sunlit escape.
1. São Miguel — The Azores, Portugal
Why September: São Miguel keeps mild, stable weather into September, but summer crowds fall off and accommodation prices ease. Expect comfortable daytime highs and lush landscapes after occasional showers.
Average weather: Daytime highs ~22–24°C (71–75°F); nights mid to high teens. Some rain days, but plenty of mild, sunny windows.
What to do: Furnas hot springs, Sete Cidades viewpoints, whale-watching from Ponta Delgada, tea plantations at Gorreana, coastal hikes.
Crowds & why it’s quiet: Tourism eases after August; day tours still run but with fewer people on trails and viewpoints. Book whale-watching and popular hikes a few days ahead.
Practical tips: Bring a light waterproof, layered clothing (microclimates are common). Car hire is the easiest way to explore the island.
2. Madeira, Portugal
Why September: Late summer warmth with lower humidity and far fewer day-trippers than July/August; great for hiking, sea swimming and local festivals.
Average weather: Around 22–26°C (72–79°F), sea temps pleasantly warm for swimming. Light rain is possible but usually brief.
What to do: Levada walks (e.g., Levada do Caldeirão Verde), Funchal markets and cable car, whale/dolphin trips, tasting Madeira wine and late-season festivals.
Crowds & why it’s quiet: Summer school holidays wind down – trails and viewpoints are noticeably less busy, but services remain fully operational.
Practical tips: Pack good walking shoes for levadas; Funchal has excellent ferry and flight links to mainland Portugal and the Azores if you’re island-hopping.
3. Lake Bled & Triglav Region, Slovenia
Why September: Crisp early-autumn light, cooler but pleasant days for hiking and boating, and tourist numbers drop from peak summer levels – perfect for photography and alpine walks.
Average weather: Day highs typically in the mid-teens to low-20s °C (60s–70s °F) early in the month; nights get cooler.
What to do: Row to Bled island, hike Mala Osojnica viewpoint, explore Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley for emerald rivers and waterfalls.
Crowds & why it’s quiet: Schools are back across much of Europe; popular sites feel calmer but still lively enough for full tourist services.
Practical tips: Bring a warm layer for evening, and consider renting a car to reach alpine trailheads outside Bled.
4. Milos (and the quieter Cyclades), Greece
Why September: Sea and air temperatures remain very pleasant, but the intense August crowds dissipate – beaches and boat trips feel far more relaxed.
Average weather: Daytime highs often mid to high 20s °C; evenings comfortably cool. Sea temps remain warm for swimming.
What to do: Explore dramatic volcanic beaches (Sarakiniko), take boat trips to sea caves, and sample fresh seafood in small tavernas. Consider Milos or lesser-visited islands like Sifnos or Serifos to avoid crowds further.
Crowds & why it’s quiet: Most charter holidaymakers return home after August; ferries and island services still run but with shorter queues and easier restaurant seating.
Practical tips: Ferry timetables shift into shoulder season – plan transfers carefully and keep one flexible day for island hopping.
5. Canary Islands — Tenerife & La Gomera (Spain)
Why September: Canary Islands still offer summer warmth but are much less frenetic than August; excellent for hiking Mount Teide, coastal walks and beach days.
Average weather: Daytime highs generally mid-20s to high-20s °C (mid-70s to low-80s°F); very low rainfall on most islands.
What to do: Teide National Park sunrise trips, laurel-forest hikes on La Gomera, whale-watching off Tenerife, and quieter beach time on lesser-visited coasts.
Crowds & why it’s quiet: European autumn starts in September; visitor numbers drop off, giving you better access to trails and viewpoints.
Practical tips: Inland microclimates vary widely – bring layers for cooler high-altitude hikes and sunscreen for beaches.
6. Croatia — Istria & the Dalmatian Coast (Split, Hvar Alternatives)
Why September: Sea remains warm, towns are less packed, ferry timetables continue but with reduced congestion – ideal for island hopping, wine tasting and medieval towns.
Average weather: Expect 20–26°C (68–79°F) comfortably warm days; evenings cooler but pleasant.
What to do: Stroll Rovinj and Pula (Istria), explore Split’s Diocletian Palace early in the day, or choose quieter islands like Vis and Brac to avoid peak-season crowds. National parks (Plitvice, Krka) are far more enjoyable with smaller visitor numbers.
Crowds & why it’s quiet: Tourist traffic declines after summer; restaurants and ferries continue but at friendlier prices and with more space.
Practical tips: Book Plitvice/Krka entries early in the day for best light; car + ferry combos give greatest flexibility for off-beat spots.
7. Leh & Nubra Valley — Ladakh, India
Why September: It’s still the end of the high season (May–end September) when roads (Manali/Leh highways) are typically open, but the blistering summer sun has mellowed and crowds thin as schools resume – ideal for biking, trekking and high-altitude sightseeing.
Average weather: Daytime in Leh ~20–25°C (68–77°F); nights drop sharply (single digits °C). Very low rainfall in the rain shadow regions.
What to do: Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley and the Hunder sand dunes, Hemis monastery, high-altitude treks and bike routes.
Crowds & why it’s quiet: September sees fewer families and fewer bikers than July/August; you’ll still have full services (guesthouses, tours) but with more breathing room.
Practical tips: Nights are cold – pack a warm sleeping layer. If driving the Manali–Leh road, confirm passes are open beforehand; permits and acclimatisation remain essential.
Quick Comparison Table (At A Glance)
- Warmer beach + low crowds: Milos, Canary Islands, Madeira.
- Cool, scenic hiking + fewer people: Lake Bled (Slovenia), Azores.
- Warm sea + easy island hopping: Croatia (Istria / Dalmatia).
- Adventure + high-altitude clarity: Ladakh (Leh & Nubra).
Planning Notes & Safety Tips
- Book flexible travel: Many places reduce flights/ferries in shoulder season; choose refundable or changeable tickets where possible.
- Check local timetables: Ferry and inter-island schedules shift in September—double-check one week before travel.
- Layer up: Shoreline days can be warm while mornings/evenings are cool – especially in alpine and island microclimates.
- Local events: September can host harvest festivals (wine regions, island fiestas) – great for culture but sometimes busier on event dates.
- Health & permits: For high-altitude trips (Ladakh), factor in acclimatisation days; carry altitude-appropriate meds and permits if needed.
Summing Up
September 2025 is one of the most travel-efficient months: warm seas, pleasant hiking, thinning crowds, and easier logistics than mid-summer. If you want blue water without shoulder-to-shoulder beaches pick Milos, the Canaries or Madeira. Choose the Azores or Slovenia if you prefer greenery, lakes and hiking light. For a mix of culture, medieval towns and island hopping with warm seas, Croatia is hard to beat. And for stark, high-altitude landscapes and open roads, Ladakh in September offers unforgettable skies and solitude. Ready to pick one? I can build a 7–10 day sample itinerary for any of these.
