Oregon’s wild and beautiful coast isn’t like the beaches you’ll find in Florida or southern California – the landscape is rugged and the water is fairly chilly even in the summer months. September visitors will beat the Pacific Northwest’s famous rainy season, while also avoiding the summer crowds at Cannon Beach or on the coastal highway that links together the coast’s small communities. September is also a great time to do some whale watching, before the grey whales head to Mexico in December.
As one of America’s most legendary theme parks, Disneyland is always busy, but the best time to avoid monstrous queues is September. The California weather is nice and warm in early autumn, but even more importantly, most children are back in school and parents aren’t likely to pull them out for a holiday so early in the school year. If a quieter Disney experience is your aim, be sure to avoid the days surrounding the D23 Expo, which does bring unusually large September crowds.
As a classic American East Coast vacation getaway, New Jersey’s Cape May is typically associated with the summer months, but September offers a more laid-back version of the old-school holiday experience. Seasonal shops and restaurants are still open in early autumn and the weather is perfectly comfortable. Communities in the area even have September-specific festivals and events, including the Harvest Brew Fest and the annual Tomato Festival in West Cape May.
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One of North America’s top destinations in terms of pure national beauty, Banff National Park is ideal for September adventurers who want to hike or bike through the mountains before the snow starts to fall. Those looking for a special natural experience should focus on the last two weeks of the month when the larch trees turn a bright yellow for a very short window. The larch hikes are very popular, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to trek up to Larch Valley via Moraine Lake.
Sedona is known for its beautiful desert landscapes and dynamic arts scene, but it’s also one of the top spa destinations in the country. Those looking to experience autumn in all its glory should pay a visit in September to take in world-class facilities at spas like Los Abrigados, Amara, or L’Auberge. In between treatments visitors can take advantage of the cooling weather with breathtaking hikes, rock climbing and Jeep tours or to learn about Arizona’s wine scene with a trip to the Sedona Winefest.
The white sand beaches of the communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are one of the best parts of Alabama. Right on the Gulf of Mexico, the weather is as beautiful in September as it is in August (though with less oppressive humidity), plus the beaches aren't so busy. In addition to getting in some early autumn beach time, visitors can feast on fresh seafood, enjoy concerts at the Wharf Amphitheatre or check out local festivals like the Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach competition.
September is the ideal time to visit America’s capital city: the weather is at its very best and famous sites like the Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian Museums tend to be less packed than they would be during spring and summer. It’s also a key time for local events. DC comes alive in autumn, with family-friendly occasions like the DC Bike Ride and Walkingtown DC, which give people a unique opportunity to see the city’s attractions by bike or foot, respectively.
Utah is rich with otherworldly national parks and while they’re all incredible, Zion has a reputation for being one of the best when it comes to hiking. The park can become overrun with people during spring and summer, but September is much more low-key, giving trekkers a chance to experience Utah’s gorgeous rock formations up close and personal. It’s still warm enough to camp in September and sleeping under the vast Utah skies makes a trip to Zion even more memorable.
Many travellers save Mexican beach holidays to warm up in the dead of winter, which makes inland Mexico City a perfect choice for a September trip. The city’s rainy season starts to wane by late September and it’s less likely to be affected by hurricanes than coastal areas. As far as food scenes go, Mexico's capital is one of the most exciting cities on Earth, boasting plenty of celebrated restaurants. The area's extraordinary architecture and art are also huge draws.
This idyllic area on Vancouver Island is full of classic BC forests and wildlife as well as fertile farmland, including picturesque wineries and fruit orchards. September marks the beginning of harvest season and visitors can fill their baskets at the Duncan Farmers' Market. Don’t miss the Malahat Skywalk, a 1,968-foot (600m) tower that you can climb (and take a spiral slide down) to get a bird’s-eye view of the entire valley.
The City of Brotherly Love is great to visit at any time of the year, especially if you love learning about American history, but September is the ideal way to include special events and festivals in your trip. The month kicks off with the Made in America music festival, headlined this year by Bad Bunny and Tyler, The Creator. Sports fans may also want to catch the end of the Philadelphia Phillies’ season or a Philadelphia Union or Eagles game.
One of the most unique places to visit in all of America, this park in Alaska is a perfect picture of pristine glaciers, jagged mountain peaks and icy ocean waters. The warmer months, including September, are the best time to see the full vista, including the Harding Icefield, which contains almost 40 glaciers. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some truly spectacular wildlife, including mountain goats, bears, moose, several kinds of whales and 191 species of birds.
Hawaii may seem like a winter destination for sun seekers, but the islands’ climate is quite consistent, so the weather is a dream year-round. Maui is a little more laid-back than the bright lights of Oahu, but is still packed with restaurants, spas and fun things to do, making it the ultimate beach destination for both families and adults just looking for some hardcore downtime. Since most North Americans aren’t looking to escape winter yet, you may even be able to find some deals.
Another sandy spot that is good to hit in September, Miami Beach is nice and warm but fairly uncrowded in early autumn. Hurricane season does stretch into November, so plan accordingly. Food lovers can take in the Miami Spice Festival, a dine-around event that features special fixed-price menus at restaurants in Greater Miami and Miami Beach right through to the end of September.
The stifling Texas heat keeps some people away from San Antonio over the summer, but cooler winds blow in September, making it a much more comfortable time to take in all that this bustling city has to offer. Beyond must-sees like The Alamo and Missions National Historic Park, September’s calendar is chock-full of arts events, cultural festivals and opportunities to enjoy the city’s ultra-hot culinary scene.
Probably America’s best-known national park, Yellowstone is a wonderland for nature lovers, with its geysers and other amazing geological features, rugged landscape and vast array of wildlife. In September, Yellowstone offers mild weather without any snow and space from the summer roadtripper crowds. It’s also prime time to see some (but not all) of the park’s wildlife, including bears, elk and raptors.
Check out these incredible historic images of Yellowstone through the decades
Autumn is one of the best times to visit NYC – the weather has gone from stinking hot to perfectly pleasant and New Yorkers have returned from holiday, putting the city back in full swing. A stroll through Central Park amid beautiful fall foliage is a must, but there are also a lot of cool events going on. Watch the West Indian Day parade (5 September) or participate in Museum Day (17 September), or simply hit the tourist attractions, which will be less busy now summer is over.
Canada’s biggest city also puts its best foot forward in September. Most Torontonians are in good cheer and it’s still warm enough to eat on one of the city’s many restaurant patios and comfortably shop in the open-air Kensington Market. For a break from the urban intensity, the start of autumn is also a good time to take a road trip to cottage country (Muskoka, around a two-drive north of Toronto) or nearby Niagara Falls.
The Mexican state of Oaxaca is huge and has become extremely popular in recent years. The optimal time to visit is September, largely because of the moderate autumn temperature. Oaxaca City is particularly known for its bright colours, the Templo de Santo Domingo, street markets and delicious food. Head out to the ancient ruins at Monte Albán, where smaller crowds make them easier to experience.
Many people wouldn’t put Omaha on the top of their North America wish-list, but this little city is full of history, fantastic craft beer, cute neighbourhoods and tasty food. It hosts Septemberfest early on in the month and various harvest celebrations also start to roll out this time of year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the bounty of the American heartland in a fun and authentic way.
As the ultimate road trip spot in the USA, the Grand Canyon is a must-see for many North American travellers, but making the most out of a visit here requires some strategic timing. Whether you’re on a cross-country road trip or going directly to the canyon from Phoenix or Las Vegas, September is an ideal time to visit. The crowds are more manageable as are the sunset and sunrise times, should you want to get a photo of the geological wonder in the most magical light.
This mountainous area in upstate New York is so synonymous with relaxing vibes that it has a type of deck chair named after it. The air may be cooler in September (be sure to dress in layers) than it is in the summer in the Adirondacks, but it’s a good time to hike up peaks or chill out in a cabin or lodge, likely at a more affordable rate. Autumn colours also start to change around mid-September, giving leaf peepers a chance to see some spectacular views.
It doesn’t get more Southern California than San Diego, located at the bottom of the state, not far from the Mexican border. Crowds tend to thin after Labor Day but the weather is still deliciously warm. Autumn is considered one of the best times for surfing in San Diego and even if you’re not a surfer yourself, it’s a great chance to experience the city’s famous surf culture. Be sure to sample some fish tacos near the beach too.
This beautiful stretch of beach in South Carolina is a favourite of summer holidaymakers in the eastern part of the US, but it’s worth looking at as a September destination as well. The changing of the seasons means that hotels are easier to book, even as it stays warm enough to take a swim. Golf courses are also still open in September and visitors can take in special events like the annual Mustang show and the Irish Italian Festival.
There is no such thing as a 'slow season' in Las Vegas, a city that is buzzing all year round. However, September is perfect because it’s warm enough to sit by the pool but cool enough to stroll down The Strip without instantly yearning for air conditioning. Beyond that, Vegas is still that place where you can forget what time of year it is or whatever else is going on in your life and dive into the fantasy of casinos, high-end restaurants and Cirque du Soleil shows.
Vermont is known for being a relatively quiet state as well as for having some of the best fall foliage in the US. Leaves start to change to vibrant orange and gold colours towards the end of September, reaching their peak in the northern part of the state first. Stowe is a northern town that acts as a good home base for leaf viewing with lots of access to restaurants, shops and a historical town centre.
Pretty much all of Nova Scotia is worth visiting in autumn, but Cape Breton Island is a particularly sought-after destination, both for the natural wonder and the friendliness of the people. The cool weather suits the island's craggy cliffs and ocean views, all of which are best experienced through a drive down the famed Cabot Trail. You don’t have to stay in the car though – September is also time for the annual Hike the Highlands trekking festival.
While there’s never a quiet month in Nashville, Music City thrives in September. Similar to Las Vegas, the early autumn weather makes the city more comfortable to spend time in, with plenty of fun things to do and attractions to enjoy. Catching some live music, be it at the Bluebird Café, Grand Ole Opry or at a honky tonk on Lower Broadway, is an absolute must – as is eating some hot chicken and real Southern barbecue.
Adventurous travellers will love the vibe of Colorado Springs, a particularly pristine area marked by the state’s famous mountain terrain. This is where you’ll find the Garden of the Gods Park with its awe-inspiring red rock formations, as well as the Rocky Mountains’ mighty Pikes Peak. September offers the perfect conditions for hiking fans.
As the undisputed capital of maple syrup, Québec is all about the electric autumn colours and there’s no better place to see them than on the rolling hills of La Mauricie National Park in the Laurentian Mountains near Shawinigan. The weather can definitely be brisk in September, but it’s more than moderate enough for forest strolls, canoeing on the lakes and rivers, biking and even staying a night or two in a tent.