September. The month of transition. The monsoon rains begin to recede in India, leaving behind a fresh, green landscape. The festive season is just around the corner, but before the whirlwind of celebrations begins, there lies a perfect, golden window for travel. September is the travel world’s best-kept secret- a time when the earth seems to exhale after a busy summer, offering pleasant weather, thinner crowds, and often, more affordable prices.
If you’re looking to stamp your passport this year, September is your month. But where to go? From the sun-drenched islands of Europe to the vibrant landscapes of Asia and the budding autumn of North America, the world is your oyster.
Why is September the Perfect Month for International Travel?
Before we dive into our list, let’s talk about why September is the “shoulder season” champion for travellers, especially from India:
- The Shoulder Season Sweet Spot: The peak summer holiday season for North America and Europe concludes in August. This means fewer tourists, shorter queues at major attractions, and a more authentic, relaxed travel experience.
- Pleasant Weather Paradise: The scorching summer heat in many destinations mellows into a comfortable warmth. It’s the ideal weather for sightseeing – not too hot, not too cold. Whether you want to swim in the Mediterranean or hike in a national park, the climate is on your side.
- Budget-Friendly Bliss: With the peak season over, airlines and hotels often drop their prices. This means you can get more value for your money, perhaps affording a longer stay or a more luxurious experience than you could in July or August.
So, pack your bags! Here are the top 10 international destinations to visit in September 2025, complete with what to do and how to get there from India.
Top International Destinations to Visit in September:
1. The Greek Isles, Greece: Sun-Kissed Serenity 🌇
The intense summer heat has mellowed, leaving behind perfectly warm days and pleasant evenings. The Aegean Sea remains wonderfully warm for swimming, and the legendary sunsets in Santorini are yours to enjoy without the massive crowds of July. It’s the romantic, picturesque Greece you’ve always dreamed of.
What to Do in Greece? 🤩
- Santorini: Watch the iconic sunset from Oia, explore the red and black sand beaches, and take a boat tour to the volcanic caldera.
- Crete: Hike the Samaria Gorge, discover ancient Minoan history at the Palace of Knossos, and relax on the stunning pink-sand beaches of Elafonisi.
- Mykonos: Enjoy the vibrant (but less crowded) nightlife, wander through the charming Little Venice, and see the famous windmills.
- Island Hopping: Use the efficient ferry system to explore smaller, quieter islands like Naxos or Paros for a more authentic Greek experience.
How to Reach Greece from India? ✈️
There are no direct flights from India to the Greek islands. The most common route is to fly from major Indian cities like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), or Bengaluru (BLR) to Athens (ATH). Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines offer one-stop flights via their hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul). From Athens, you can take a short domestic flight or a scenic ferry to the islands.
2. Italy: A Feast for the Senses 🏖️
La Dolce Vita (the sweet life) is truly at its peak in September. The weather is glorious across the country, perfect for exploring ancient Roman ruins or wandering through Tuscan vineyards. It’s also the beginning of the vendemmia (grape harvest), making it a magical time for food and wine lovers.
What to Do in Italy? 🤩
- Rome: Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City with more breathing room. Enjoy long, leisurely dinners at outdoor trattorias.
- Tuscany: Base yourself in Florence and take day trips to Siena and San Gimignano. Participate in a wine-tasting tour during the grape harvest season.
- Amalfi Coast: Drive the stunning coastal roads, visit the picturesque towns of Positano and Amalfi, and take a boat trip to the island of Capri.
- Venice: Enjoy a gondola ride through the canals with fewer boats clogging the waterways.
How to Reach Italy from India? ✈️
Major international airports in Italy include Rome (FCO) and Milan (MXP). Airlines like Air India offer direct flights from Delhi to Rome and Milan. Alternatively, numerous one-stop options are available on carriers like Lufthansa, Emirates, and Qatar Airways from all major Indian metros.
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3. Canada: The First Whisper of Autumn 🌇
September in Canada is simply breathtaking. In the eastern provinces, it marks the beginning of the fall foliage season, where forests explode into a riot of red, orange, and yellow. In the west, the weather is crisp and ideal for hiking in the Rockies, and the summer crowds have dispersed.
What to Do in Canada? 🤩
- Canadian Rockies (Alberta): Drive the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives. Hike around the turquoise lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks, like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- Eastern Canada (Ontario & Quebec): Witness the start of the “fall colours” in Algonquin Provincial Park. Explore the charming, European-like streets of Old Montreal and Quebec City.
- Vancouver (British Columbia): Enjoy the city’s outdoor lifestyle, visit Stanley Park, and take a day trip to Whistler.
How to Reach Canada from India? ✈️
Air Canada and Air India operate direct flights from Delhi to Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR). There are also direct flights from Mumbai to Toronto. One-stop flights are available from other Indian cities to major Canadian hubs like Montreal (YUL) and Calgary (YYC).
4. Bali, Indonesia: Island of the Gods 🎭
September falls right in the middle of Bali’s dry season. This means low humidity, plenty of sunshine, and minimal rainfall – perfect conditions for beach hopping, surfing, and exploring the island’s lush interior. It’s the ideal time before the shoulder season ends in October.
What to Do in Bali? 🤩
- Ubud: Immerse yourself in Balinese culture, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and practice yoga at a world-class retreat.
- Seminyak & Canggu: Enjoy chic beach clubs, fine-dining restaurants, and fantastic surfing spots.
- Nusa Islands: Take a short boat ride to Nusa Penida for dramatic coastal cliffs (like Kelingking Beach) or Nusa Lembongan for snorkelling and diving with manta rays.
- Spiritual Healing: Visit ancient temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, and experience a traditional Balinese purification ceremony.
How to Reach Bali from India? ✈️
There are no direct flights to Denpasar (DPS), Bali’s international airport. However, several airlines offer excellent one-stop connectivity from Indian cities via Southeast Asian hubs. Fly with Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur), or Thai Airways (via Bangkok). The journey is smooth and relatively short.
5. Spain: Fiery Passion and Siestas ⛰️
The relentless heat of a Spanish summer finally breaks in September, making it the perfect month for sightseeing. The sea is still warm enough for a swim on the Costa del Sol, and cities like Seville and Madrid are alive with energy but comfortable to explore on foot.
What to Do in Spain? 🤩
- Andalusia (Seville, Granada, Cordoba): Discover the heart of Flamenco culture, visit the magnificent Alhambra in Granada, and explore the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.
- Barcelona: Marvel at Gaudi’s architectural wonders like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, and get lost in the Gothic Quarter’s winding streets.
- Madrid: Explore world-class art museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia, and indulge in the city’s legendary tapas culture.
- Ibiza: Experience the closing parties of the superclubs in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the peak summer months.
How to Reach Spain from India? ✈️
Fly into Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN). While direct flights are rare, top-tier airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and KLM offer convenient one-stop flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other major cities.
6. Turkey: Where East Meets West 😄
September offers a sweet spot for visiting Turkey. The summer crowds have thinned, and the weather is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the bustling bazaars of Istanbul or floating in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia.
What to Do in Turkey? 🤩
- Istanbul: Visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Shop for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar and take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.
- Cappadocia: Take a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the surreal “fairy chimney” rock formations. Stay in a unique cave hotel.
- Pamukkale: Bathe in the thermal waters of the stunning white travertine terraces.
- Turquoise Coast: Relax on the beautiful beaches of coastal towns like Fethiye or Antalya.
How to Reach Turkey from India? ✈️
Turkish Airlines offers direct flights from both Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul (IST), making it one of the most accessible destinations on this list. This direct connectivity is a huge advantage for Indian travellers.
7. Portugal: Coastal Charms and Historic Cities 🚣♂️
Portugal in September is a dream. The Atlantic coastline is still sunny and warm, but the peak tourist rush is over. It’s the perfect time to explore Lisbon’s hilly streets on a vintage tram or relax on the golden beaches of the Algarve.
What to Do in Portugal? 🤩
- Lisbon: Ride the historic Tram 28, explore the Alfama district, and listen to soulful Fado music. Don’t forget a day trip to the fairy-tale castles of Sintra.
- Porto: Visit the Douro Valley, the birthplace of port wine, for tastings and stunning river views. Explore the Ribeira District’s colourful houses.
- The Algarve: Discover breathtaking beaches, dramatic cliffs, and sea caves. It’s ideal for surfing, sunbathing, and coastal hikes.
How to Reach Portugal from India? ✈️
There are no direct flights to Portugal. The best option is to take a one-stop flight to Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO) from major Indian cities on airlines like Emirates, Lufthansa, or SWISS via their European or Middle Eastern hubs.
8. Croatia: The Jewel of the Adriatic 🏖️
The Adriatic Sea is still beautifully warm in September, but the crowds that flock here after seeing Game of Thrones have significantly reduced. You can explore the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik and the idyllic islands without the summer rush.
What to Do in Croatia? 🤩
- Dubrovnik: Walk the ancient city walls, explore the filming locations for King’s Landing, and take a cable car up Mount Srđ for panoramic views.
- Split: Discover the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, a living Roman ruin that forms the heart of the city.
- Hvar Island: Enjoy the glamorous nightlife, beautiful beaches, and fragrant lavender fields.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Witness a stunning network of terraced lakes and waterfalls, especially beautiful with early autumn colours.
How to Reach Croatia from India? ✈️
Getting to Croatia involves a layover. Fly from major Indian metros to Zagreb (ZAG), Dubrovnik (DBV), or Split (SPU). Common one-stop carriers include Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines.
9. Peru: Ancient Wonders & Andean Adventures 🌆
September is at the tail end of the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. This means clear skies and excellent conditions for trekking, making it one of the best months to visit the legendary Machu Picchu.
What to Do in Peru? 🤩
- Machu Picchu: Hike the classic Inca Trail (book many months in advance!) or take the scenic train from Cusco to witness this Wonder of the World.
- Cusco: Acclimatise to the altitude in this beautiful colonial city, exploring its vibrant markets and Inca ruins.
- Sacred Valley: Discover other fascinating Inca sites like Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
- Lima: Explore the burgeoning culinary scene in Peru’s capital, consistently ranked among the world’s best for food.
How to Reach Peru from India? ✈️
The journey to Peru is long and requires at least two stops. A common route is to fly from India to a European hub (like Amsterdam or Paris) or a US hub, and then take a connecting flight to Lima (LIM).
10. Japan: A Prelude to Autumn’s Majesty 🎭
While October and November are famous for autumn leaves, September offers a unique advantage. The oppressive summer humidity subsides, the risk of typhoons begins to decrease towards the end of the month, and you get to experience the country with far fewer tourists before the fall foliage crowds arrive.
What to Do in Japan? 🤩
- Tokyo: Explore the vibrant districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku, find tranquillity at the Meiji Shrine, and indulge in world-class cuisine.
- Kyoto: Visit serene temples and shrines like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine without the peak season crowds.
- Hokkaido: In Japan’s northernmost island, you might even catch the very first autumn colours in Daisetsuzan National Park.
- Festivals: Look out for local autumn festivals (Aki Matsuri) that celebrate the harvest with parades and traditional performances.
How to Reach Japan from India? ✈️
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) offer direct flights from Delhi to Tokyo (HND or NRT). Air India also operates direct flights. From other Indian cities, one-stop flights via Singapore, Bangkok, or Hong Kong are readily available.
Conclusion: Your September Story Awaits
September is a month of golden opportunities for the avid traveller. It offers the perfect balance of great weather, fewer people, and better value. Whether you see yourself sipping wine in Tuscany, hiking to Machu Picchu, or watching a Santorini sunset, the world is ready for you. The memories you make on a September trip are different – they’re more relaxed, more intimate, and more personal.
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