The best holiday destinations in September: late summer, fewer crowds, more enjoyment

Contents:

• Destination #1: Santorini, Greece – white villages & late-summer sunsets
• Destination #2: Amalfi Coast, Italy – coastal scenery, days on a boat & indulgence
• Destination #3: San Sebastián, Spain – beach town, pintxos & film festival atmosphere
• Destination #4: France – vineyards, villages & late-summer ‘art de vivre’
• Destination #5: Munich, Germany – late summer in the city & the start of Oktoberfest
• Destination #6: Scotland – Highlands, islands & crisp late-summer air
• Destination #7: Iceland – Autumnal light, natural wonders & crisp air to breathe deeply
• Destination #8: Indonesia – a mix of islands offering beach vibes, temples and nature
• Destination #9: Tanzania – Safari thrills plus beaches on Zanzibar
• Destination #10: Aruba – Caribbean beaches & Dutch Caribbean vibes
• September highlights: 23 dream destinations for the perfect autumn break
• Conclusion: The perfect September: discover, experience, enjoy

Destination #1: Santorini (Greece) – Whitewashed villages & late-summer sunsets

• Why visit in September: Santorini is ideal in September because the island retains its iconic summer charm – yet often feels noticeably more relaxed than in August. The sea remains pleasantly warm, the evenings are long, and you can experience Oia and Fira at their best during the ‘golden hours’: in the morning when it’s peaceful, and in the evening with that famous light that makes the caldera look almost unreal.
• Highlights: Oia sunset, caldera views, Fira & Imerovigli, boat trip (caldera/hot springs), volcanic sand beaches, wine tastings.
• Ideal for: couples, honeymoons, relaxation & photo spots, a short island getaway with that ‘wow’ factor.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Seasonal direct flights or via Athens to Santorini (JTR); alternatively by ferry from Piraeus or other Cyclades islands.
• Event 2026: Santorini International Music Festival (September 2026; dates to be announced) – classical concerts against a unique island backdrop (programme varies each year).

Destination #2: Amalfi Coast (Italy) – coastal scenery, days out on the water & late-summer delights

• Why visit in September: The Amalfi Coast is ideal in September because summer often still feels ‘in full swing’ – the sea remains pleasantly warm in many places, the evenings are long, and the pace is noticeably more relaxed than in August. It’s precisely this late-summer mix that’s perfect for beach breaks between sightseeing: a bay or a day out on a boat in the morning, a stroll through a village in the afternoon – and an aperitivo in the evening with a view of the lights along the coast.
• Highlights: Positano & Amalfi charm, Ravello’s viewing terraces, a day out on a boat along the coast, a day trip to Capri, the ‘Path of the Gods’ (panoramic walk), small beaches & coves.
• Ideal for: Late-summer beach holidays in style, couples, leisure trips, ‘sea + villages + boat’.
• Getting there from Switzerland: The easiest way is to fly to Naples (subject to flight schedules), then take a transfer or train to Sorrento or Salerno, and continue by ferry, bus or private transfer to the coast.
• Event 2026: Festa di San Matteo in Salerno (21 September 2026) – patron saint’s festival with church services and a traditional procession through the town; a highlight of late summer if you combine the Amalfi Coast with a side trip to Salerno.

Destination #3: San Sebastián, Spain – Beach City, pintxos & film festival atmosphere

• Why visit in September: The city is ideal in September if you want to combine a beach holiday with fine dining and culture: during the day, head to the city beaches and stroll along the promenade; in the late afternoon, head into the old town for a pintxos tour – and in the evening, that special festival atmosphere is in the air. September here often feels like ‘late summer at its best’: still bustling with life, but with a more relaxed pace than in the height of summer.
• Highlights: City beach (La Concha/Zurriola), pintxos culture, old town alleyways, viewpoints (e.g. Monte Igueldo), relaxed evenings in bars and by the water.
• Ideal for: a leisurely holiday, a city break by the sea, a weekend away for an event.
• Getting there from Switzerland: flight connections usually involve a stopover, depending on the season; alternatively, via Bilbao with onward travel (bus/train/hire car).

• Event 2026: San Sebastián International Film Festival (18–26 September 2026) – nine days of premieres, international guests and screenings throughout the city; many restaurants and bars get into the festival spirit, allowing you to perfectly combine cinema and fine dining.

Destination #4: France – Vineyards, villages & late-summer ‘art de vivre’

• Why visit in September: France is ideal in September because the wine regions are at their very best at this time of year: a harvest-time atmosphere, mild temperatures, golden evenings – and often noticeably fewer crowds than in the height of summer. Perfect if you want to combine fine dining, beautiful scenery and charming little villages without it feeling like peak season.

• Highlights: Wine routes and villages in Alsace, Burgundy and Champagne; the romantic charm of the Loire Valley; wine tastings at the vineyards; markets; and long dinners ‘al fresco’.

• Ideal for: culinary holidays, couples, groups of friends, road trip enthusiasts.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Depending on the region, quickly by train or car (e.g. Alsace/Burgundy) or by a combination of flight and train (e.g. Loire/Atlantic).

• Event 2026: Fête des vendanges au château de Saumur (13 September 2026) in Saumur – an atmospheric harvest festival set against the backdrop of the château.

Destination #5: Munich, Germany – Late summer in the city & the start of Oktoberfest with a spine-tingling moment

• Why visit in September: Munich is a classic choice in September because the city still feels very much like summer: plenty of outdoor life, long evenings in beer gardens and parks – and at the same time, there’s already that special sense of anticipation in the air. Then comes the big change in atmosphere: with Oktoberfest, Munich is transformed into one huge festival setting. Ideal if you’re planning a weekend that feels like an ‘event and city break’ all in one.
• Highlights: beer gardens, walks along the Isar, the English Garden, markets and neighbourhoods to stroll through, day trips to the surrounding area (lakes/the foothills of the Alps) – plus the Oktoberfest atmosphere if you’re there for the start of the festival. You’ll find more tips in our blog post about Munich – perfect for neighbourhoods, sights and culinary stops.
• Ideal for: a weekend event, groups of friends, a short break without a long journey.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Very easy by train (e.g. via Zurich–Munich) or by direct flight.
• Event 2026: Oktoberfest (19 September–4 October 2026) – the start in September is particularly atmospheric: the opening ceremony, festival tents, lights, traditional dress and that ‘once experienced, never forgotten’ atmosphere on the Theresienwiese.

Destination #6: Scotland – the Highlands, the islands & crisp late-summer air

• Why visit in September: Scotland is particularly charming in September because the landscape still looks ‘summer-green’, the days are often surprisingly pleasant – and many popular spots are much less crowded than in August. Ideal for road trips: You’ll drive along scenic routes without constant traffic jams, find accommodation more easily and enjoy that quintessentially Scottish mix of dramatic coastlines, lochs and cosy evenings in the pub.
• Highlights: Highland routes (Glencoe/Cairngorms), island vibes (e.g. the Isle of Skye or the Hebrides), lochs & viewpoints, whisky distilleries, coastal walks.
• Ideal for: road trips, nature lovers, photography, a ‘different kind of summer’ without the heat.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Direct flights, e.g. to Edinburgh or Glasgow, or alternatively with a connecting flight; once there, it’s worth hiring a car or using a train and bus combination, depending on your route.

• Event 2026: Braemar Gathering (5 September 2026) – the most famous Highland Games event, featuring sport, bagpipes and dancing against a spectacular mountain backdrop.

Destination #7: Iceland – autumn light, natural wonders & crisp air to breathe deeply

• Why visit in September: Iceland is ideal in September because summer is slowly giving way to autumn – often with pleasantly cool temperatures, fewer crowds than in the height of summer, and a landscape that is already taking on a more dramatic appearance. It’s a great time for road trips: long days for excursions, fresh air for hikes – and towards the end of the month, the chances of seeing the first Northern Lights increase (never guaranteed, but more likely than in summer).
• Highlights: Waterfalls and black sand beaches on the south coast, geysers and hot springs, natural pools, scenic drives – plus Reykjavík as a relaxed starting or finishing point with cafés, design and harbour atmosphere.
• Ideal for: nature lovers, road trips, photography, a ‘summer without the heat’.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Flights to Keflavík, then onwards by hire car or organised tour (very straightforward for the south coast and the Golden Circle).

• Event 2026: Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) 24 September–4 October 2026 – a perfect cultural addition if you’re planning your trip for late September.

Destination #8: Indonesia – a mix of islands offering beach vibes, temples and nature

• Why visit in September: September is a particularly good time to visit many parts of Indonesia, as you can often still enjoy the drier season – with plenty of sunshine and, at the same time, often fewer crowds than in the height of summer. This makes island-hopping, temple visits and days on the beach noticeably more relaxing.

• Highlights: Bali (beaches, temples, rooftops/beach clubs, rice paddies), island excursions (e.g. Nusa Penida), and for a nature-filled experience: Komodo National Park (boat trips, snorkelling/diving, spectacular island panoramas – September is considered a very suitable time to visit. For anyone who’d like to experience Indonesia underwater too, we also recommend our blog post on diving in Indonesia – with tips on the best spots and conditions.

• Ideal for: beach holidays with a cultural twist, island hopping, couples, and a ‘beach + nature’ tour.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Long-haul flight (usually with one stopover) to Bali (Denpasar) or Jakarta; depending on your island itinerary, continue by domestic flight or ferry.
• Event 2026: Festival Payung Indonesia (4–6 September 2026) in Surakarta (Solo) – ‘Umbrella Festival’ featuring art installations and a cultural programme in public spaces.

Destination #9: Tanzania – Safari thrills plus beaches in Zanzibar

• Why visit in September: September falls during the dry season – ideal for safaris and beach holidays. On the mainland, wildlife is often easy to spot, whilst Zanzibar offers quieter, sunny beach weather.
• Highlights: Serengeti/Ngorongoro (safari), (seasonal) Great Migration in the north, followed by days on the beach in Zanzibar.
• Ideal for: a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip, couples, nature lovers, a combination of safari and beach.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Flight to Arusha/Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam (usually 1 stopover), then a domestic flight to Zanzibar.
• Event 2026: Seasonal highlight 2026: Great Migration (often in the north from August to September, chance of river crossings) – subject to nature, therefore never guaranteed.

Destination #10: Aruba (Netherlands) – Caribbean beaches & Dutch-Caribbean vibes

• Why visit in September: Aruba is a great place to visit in September because it’s often a bit quieter, yet the island still has that summery feel: days on the beach, warm water and a laid-back island pace. Practical info: According to the tourism website, Aruba lies well outside the hurricane belt, meaning the island usually remains a safe bet even during the Atlantic hurricane season.
• Highlights: Powder-soft beaches (Eagle Beach/Palm Beach), sunsets by the water, snorkelling spots, Oranjestad’s charm, short road trips (nature & coastline).
• Ideal for: Pure beach holidays, couples, groups of friends, a ‘stress-free Caribbean’.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Long-haul flight to Aruba (usually with a stopover, often via Europe or the USA); transfers on Aruba are straightforward, and a hire car is worth it for exploring the island.

• Event 2026: Aruba Art Fair (11–13 September 2026) – three days of art, installations and cultural programme against an island backdrop.

September highlights: 23 unforgettable destinations with perfect summer weather

• Egypt – Average temperature 29.9°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 28°C
• Balearic Islands – Average temperature 23°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 21.5°C
• Bulgaria – Average temperature 16.4°C, 12 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• France – Average temperature 16.3°C, 18 days of rain, water temperature 20°C
• Greece – Average temperature 24.2°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 21.2°C
• Great Britain – Average temperature 13°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 16°C
• Hawaii – Average temperature 28°C, 13 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Indonesia – Average temperature 27°C, rain on 2 days, water temperature 27°C
• Italy – Average temperature 24.1°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 21°C
• Canary Islands – Average temperature 24.4°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 23.3°C
• Croatia – Average temperature 21°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 22°C
• Malta – Average temperature 24.6°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 21.2°C
• Madeira – average temperature 23°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Monaco – Average temperature 20.7°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 21°C
• Montenegro – Average temperature 16.4°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 23°C
• Mauritius – Average temperature 19.5°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 23°C
• Portugal – Average temperature 22.2°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 20°C
• Scotland – Average temperature 12.7°C, 11 days of rain, water temperature 16°C
• Seychelles – Average temperature 26.9°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 26°C
• Spain – Average temperature 22°C, 10 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Turkey – Average temperature 25.2°C, rain on 2 days, water temperature 21°C
• Tunisia – Average temperature 25.4°C, 11 days of rain, water temperature 24°C
• Cyprus – Average temperature 25°C, rain on 1 day, water temperature 26°C

Conclusion: The perfect September: Discover, Experience, Enjoy

September is the ideal month to rediscover the world. With pleasant weather, fewer tourists and more attractive prices, this time of year is perfect for city breaks, long-haul holidays and culinary adventures. Pack your bags and let yourself be inspired by the diversity and beauty of the world. Whether you’re seeking adventure, discovering cultural treasures or simply want to relax – September offers you the perfect opportunity to do so. Start your journey now and experience the perfect September!