Where to head this September for a memorable trip

Where to go in September 2025

Want to visit somewhere new in September? There's a roster of events and celebrations taking place across the world, from free heritage days in Berlin and sumo tournaments in Tokyo, to Dublin's lively Fringe Festival.

Read on to see where you'll be going this September (or plan ahead for next year)...

Munich, Germany

Despite its name, the 190th Oktoberfest actually starts in September (it's on from 20 September to 5 October in 2025). You’ll find Oktoberfest events all over the world but there’s nowhere like Munich for the quintessential Bavarian experience; don your best lederhosen and head to the beer tents.

Washington DC, USA

September marks the start of the changing seasons in the Capitol Region of the US. Head to Rock Creek Park in Washington DC for 32 miles (51km) of hiking trails.

The bountiful park is also the district’s largest, stretching 30 miles (48km) from Montgomery County in Maryland to downtown Washington DC. Plus, it’s free to enter, making it a great budget-friendly option. 

SalzburgerLand, Austria

Enjoy a month of celebrations in Austria’s SalzburgerLand region this September. The month marks the start of Bauernherbst – roughly translating as harvest season – where you’ll come across villages showing off their traditions and customs through artisan pop-up stalls, festivals and even farm visits to see cheesemaking.

If there’s only time for one thing, visit Salzburg between 19 and 24 September in 2025 when the city celebrates St Rupert’s Day and locals will be dressed in lederhosen and dirndls.

Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK

Guernsey’s Autumn Walking Festival takes place from 13-28 September in 2025 and gives visitors the chance to ramble along short coastal walks, challenging clifftops or through ancient towns like St Peter Port.

There are 30 morning, afternoon and evening guided walks to choose from and you’ll learn more about the island’s history and attractions. The walks vary in difficulty and length – ranging from one to five hours – and you can also visit the two smaller Channel Islands of Herm and Sark.

The Hague, Netherlands

If you’re a big fan of the 1950s experimental art movement, you can't miss The New Hague School exhibition at Kunstmuseum den Haag, open until 7 December. Inspired by the motto ‘Freedom above all', the artists' exuberant use of colour characterises their works and allows them to express themselves using abstract, non-figurative and modern figurative art.

Held to coincide with the release of the publication of the same name by Saskia Gras, the exhibit aims to draw renewed attention to this dynamic period in art history. 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

One of the most idyllic autumnal spots in North America is Vancouver. Welcome in the new season with a visit to British Columbia’s wilderness by weaving your way through walking trails winding through parks and along coastlines.

Make a pitstop on Vancouver Island to witness the emerging foliage in all its beauty. You'll need your camera fully charged.

Galway, Ireland

Celebrate all things seafood at Galway’s International Oyster and Seafood Festival. The festival takes place 22-28 September in 2025 and the whole family can watch competitions, live music and cooking demonstrations.

On the Saturday night there’s an extravagant Mardi Gras Gala dinner and across the whole weekend there are plenty of chances to tuck into native oysters, organic smoked salmon, lobster rolls and more.

Santiago, Chile

While Chile celebrates its Independence Day on 18 September, the whole weekend is taken up with festivities. Head to a fonda, a type of party held in larger areas or parks, to make the most of the jubilant atmosphere.

Parque O’Higgins is a popular fonda where you can tuck into empanadas, sip chicha (fermented grape juice) and watch people strutting their stuff to the cueca, Chile's national dance.

Malta

Join the party until 14 September at Malta Pride 2025. Most of the events take place in Valletta, although the smaller, neighbouring island of Gozo had its own procession earlier in September.

The main Pride parade takes place on 13 September, starting at the stately Triton Fountain and through the historic streets of the capital. On the other days there are pool parties, street performers and more events to check out.

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Québec, Canada

For four weekends starting on 20 September, Québec's stunning Mont-Sainte-Anne shows off the most spectacular autumn colours in the Great Color Adventure festival. But it's not just a feast for the eyes (and cameras), there's also plenty of family fun to be had.

Sports events (such as hiking and mountain biking, and lawn games), outdoor shows and more activities take place at the base and summit of this breathtaking ski resort that's part of the Laurentian mountain chain.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney Fringe is the largest independent arts festival in New South Wales with 500 events taking place in over 70 venues in Greater Sydney. Throughout the month you’ll watch local artists expressing the vibrancy, playfulness and diversity of the area.

While here, you’ll want to check out the comedy galas, drag brunch clubs and evenings of live performances by music legends.

Fort Myers, Florida, USA

Fort Myers’ Island Hopper Songwriter Festival is nothing short of guaranteed fun this September. You can enjoy hundreds of (mostly) free performances at intimate venues, discovering your next favourite artist and listening to some of the country’s best singer-songwriters from Nashville and beyond.

The first weekend (19-21 September) takes place on Captiva Island, moves to downtown Fort Myers (24-25 September) and culminates on Estero Island’s Fort Myers Beach (26-28 September).

Tokyo, Japan

Japan has always fascinated international tourists, so why not pay a visit to super-cool capital Tokyo? The SUMO Tokyo Basho is the penultimate round in the annual Grand Tournament, held every other month throughout the year across the country.

See this traditional sport in person at the mega Kokugikan venue until 28 September 2025. 

Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

The colourful Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers bursts in full bloom across the city’s parks and private gardens. Although the event lasts the whole month, the street parade takes place on 20 September in 2025.

There are street performers, carnival characters and vivid floral floats, plus plenty of mouth-watering foodie experiences too. Plus, it’s worth letting the kids stay up past their bedtime for the enchanted Twilight Tours held at Laurel Bank Park.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s Heritage Day gives locals and visitors a chance to take a sneak peek inside architectural and archaeological buildings and garden monuments that are usually closed to the public (bonus: they're all free to enter). These ‘open monument’ days are common across Europe but Berlin's occurs on the second weekend every September, falling on the 13-14th in 2025.

Guided tours allow you to widen your understanding of Berlin’s cultural heritage and there are also bus and cycling tours, along with children’s programmes.

New Zealand

Hit the slopes in New Zealand where epic skiing adventures await in September. While most resorts close by the end of October, the mountains stay snowy enough for you to enjoy some skiing when it's less busy. 

On the South Island head to Cardrona or Coronet Peak, while on the North Island you can tackle the runs at Whakapapa or Mount Ruapehu, the country’s largest commercial ski field.

Dublin, Ireland

While the lively Irish capital is a hit all year round, if you head there in September, you'll experience the unique Dublin Fringe Festival. On until 21 September in 2025, the event champions upcoming Irish artists who showcase their wares in the form of singing, comedy, spoken word, dance and theatre. 

Combine your festival visit with a stop-off at Dublin's famous Temple Bar area and snap a selfie at the iconic Ha'penny Bridge (pictured).

Disneyland, Anaheim, California, USA

It might not work if the kids are back at school, but for Disney lovers who can travel in September, America's legendary theme park this month is a perfect trip if you want to avoid long queues.

The California weather is nice and warm in early autumn too, so make the most of it before the Halloween crowds pour back in for extravagant celebrations.

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Now discover North America's best places to visit in September