The 10 Best Places to Visit in September

Rio is the second largest city in Brazil and is home to six million residents in the city proper. September marks the beginning of spring here, bringing mild temperatures and low rainfall. The humidity is manageable, which makes walking around the city much easier than in the sweltering summer months. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are less crowded now because the main tourist season has not started. You can explore the historic streets, which date back to the city's founding in 1565. The local cultural scene is highly active, and you can enjoy outdoor cafes without fighting for a table. However, the spring transition can bring sudden cloudy days. The famous views from the high peaks can get completely blocked by fog, meaning you might wait in line only to see white mist.

The Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is famous for the Cuillin hills, which are rocky slopes that offer some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. September is one of the best times to visit because the notorious highland midges start to die off as the temperature drops. The summer coach tours have mostly gone, leaving the narrow roads much quieter. The autumn colors begin to show on the hillsides, turning the grass gold and brown. You can walk the trails in relative peace. But the weather here is highly unpredictable. You must expect rain at some point during your stay, and the wind can be strong enough to shut down ferry services.

Rome is the capital of Italy and home to nearly three million people. In September, the fierce summer heat begins to break, making it much more comfortable to walk between the ancient ruins and monuments. The city is highly populated, but the rush of summer tourists starts to ease. You can walk along the Tiber Valley or visit the Vatican without the exhausting heat of July. Outdoor dining is excellent at this time because the evenings are cool but still warm enough for a light jacket. The main drawback is that September is still a highly popular month for conventions and events. Hotel prices remain high, and you still need to book museum entry weeks in advance.

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel built on a flat rock high above the city. It contains the ruins of several ancient buildings, including the Parthenon. September brings relief from the extreme heatwaves that regularly shut down the site during the summer. The marble steps can be very slippery, but walking up is much safer when the stone is not baking hot. The evening light at this time of year is excellent for photography. Despite the cooler weather, the site is still crowded in the mornings because cruise ship buses arrive early. You will still have to share the paths with large tour groups.

Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Turkey, centered around the province of Nevsehir. September is one of the best months to visit because the summer heat has faded, but the winter winds have not yet arrived. This means balloon flights are highly consistent and rarely cancelled. The dry valleys are perfect for hiking at this time of year. You can explore the ancient cave dwellings and underground cities without the summer dust and sweat. However, because this is the peak season for ballooning, prices for flights and cave hotels are at their highest. You must book your balloon ride months in advance to secure a spot.

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with over fifteen million people living across two continents. September is an ideal time to visit because the high humidity of the Bosphorus summer drops significantly. Walking through the historical markets and crossing between Europe and Asia by ferry is highly pleasant. The city has a massive population, so it is always busy, but the tourist crowds at the main mosques are smaller than in July. The evening breezes off the Sea of Marmara are cool and refreshing. Traffic in Istanbul is notoriously bad. Taxis can be difficult to secure, and drivers often try to overcharge tourists during the busy autumn season.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. September offers warm, sunny days with temperatures that are perfect for walking the steep, cobbled streets. The coastal breeze keeps the city from feeling too hot. You can easily take a day trip to the coast, as the Atlantic water is at its warmest of the year in September. The city is lively, but the long lines for the historic yellow trams are shorter than in summer. The cobblestones in Lisbon are polished smooth and can be incredibly slippery, even when dry. Walking up and down the steep hills requires shoes with excellent grip.

The Grand Canyon is a massive gorge carved by the Colorado River in Arizona. September is a transition month when the extreme summer heat on the canyon floor begins to drop to safer levels. The North Rim is still open, giving you access to both sides of the park. The summer thunderstorms, which can cause dangerous flash floods, start to clear out by mid September. This makes it a much safer time for long hikes down into the canyon. The main challenge is that lodging inside the park is still fully booked. You must plan your trip and reserve your campsite or lodge room up to a year in advance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a small tidal island and commune located off the coast of Normandy, France. In September, the massive summer crowds begin to clear, allowing you to walk the narrow medieval streets without being pushed. The weather is often clear and crisp. The island has a permanent population of only twenty-three people, but it receives millions of visitors. Visiting in September means you can actually hear the wind and the tide rather than just the noise of tour groups. The tide rises very quickly here, and the surrounding wet sand can act like quicksand. You should never walk out onto the flats without a registered guide.

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. September is the best month for swimming because the ocean water has been warmed by the summer sun. The island is famous for its levadas, which are historic irrigation channels that double as walking paths. The summer family crowds have returned home, leaving the mountain trails quiet. The subtropical climate remains warm and stable throughout the month. Madeira is highly mountainous, and driving here can be terrifying for some. The roads are incredibly steep, and you will need to navigate narrow tunnels and sharp cliffside turns.