September in Europe feels nothing like summer at all. 

Technically, if you’re following the autumnal equinox, Europe is in summer for most of September, but it’s hardly the same season. 

Fewer caravans of photo snapping tourists. 

Fewer Tik Tok dances at the world’s most revered sites.  

Cheaper prices at hotels, restaurants, and transportation hubs (like cheap train tickets). 

Warm, but not too warm, weather.  

The only thing summer-y about Europe in September is the carefree vibes you bring with your friends, your partner, or as a solo stunner repping the States in the most respectful of ways. Here’s where we think you should go on vacation in Europe this September. 

Image credits, Unsplash, Zihao Chen. Location, Snowdonia, Wales.

 

Where to go on vacation in Europe in September 

For the culture: France. Our pick is for Bordeaux via Paris, beyond the fact that the vineyards begin their harvest and the weather is still beach-friendly. Loads of festivals like the Bordeaux Open Air music festival and literal open air Montgolfiades de Rocamadour hot air balloon festival nearby give you a fine sampling of the region’s culture.

For the outdoor lover: Wales. While not as warm as other entries on the list (we’re talking temps around 50-60℉), the craggy peaks and rugged hiking paths through Snowdonia National Park make for a perfect swan song for your not-so-summer September vacation in Europe. 

For the foodie: Belgium. The Eat Festival takes over Brussels every year where chefs break out the latest culinary trends for your taste buds. It’s a four-day feast of cheese, beer, chocolate, and all of that other stuff that your mom considers an *actual* meal.  

For the beer drinker: Germany. Oktoberfest begins in September. You should need no further convincing.  

For the solo traveler: Czech Republic. Visit Prague, yes, but use your freedom to explore other cities like Brno. Neo-Renaissance architecture, lovely castles and squares, and a more “authentic” atmosphere make it much more than Diet Prague.  

Image Credits, Unsplash, Flora Hon. Location, Prague, Czech Republic.

Weather in Europe in September 

Backpackers, beware. If you’re a jetsetter who’s trying to tick off two or three countries spread across the continent, you’ll need to pack a few different outfits. Temperatures up in the UK and Northern Europe will warrant more than a jacket while you’ll be happy you brought a pair of shorts for the still-strong sun in Italy and Spain. 

  • Glasgow, Scotland: 53oF
  • Rotterdam, Netherlands: 60oF
  • Florence, Italy: 66oF
  • Lisbon, Portugal: 70oF
  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: 71oF
  • Palermo, Italy: 72oF

And these are averages, folks. You can expect highs to hit a few digits higher, and if the mercury is rising, then you’d better believe we’re turning September into Septanber.  

Image credits, Unsplash, Kevin Langlais. Location, Corsica, France.

 

Where is it hot in Europe in September?

Where is it hot in Europe, particularly in September? Down by the seven seas. Whether you’re headed to the Med or spending time in the waters of its nautical neighbors, don’t let the arrival of autumn make you forget your floaties. You can still soak up the rays in these seven sunny spots: 

      1. The French Riviera. Fact: it’s acceptable to have long summer nights on the sand in September so plan a jaunt between Cannes and Monaco where the beach clubs are still bumping. 
      2. The Balearic Islands. Speaking of parties, Ibiza’s clubs aren’t concerned with the calendar, and neither are its beachgoers. Do some rail and sail over to the Balearics from mainland Spain. 
      3. Sardinia and Sicily. Listen, your photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa is cool, but nothing will make your friends more envious than acting out The White Lotus scenes in Sicily or posing positively nonplussed on some of Italy’s finest beaches in Sardinia. 
      4. The Canary Islands. A holiday in the Canaries? How very British of you. Get a tan in Tenerife as golden as its sands and thank us later. 
      5. Corsica. A French island with Italian-like culture and the best mix of Mediterranean cuisine? Sign us up. Corsica lets you get your beach fix while still feeling like you learned something visiting the birthplace of Napoleon. 
      6. Evia. Forgive us for telling you to avoid dreamy Santorini, but Evia is underrated and offers a great alternative to Crete. Swim at the beach, or if the water is too chilled for your liking, hot springs in Edipsos will get your trunks wet all the same.  

Image credits, Unsplash, Geertje Caliguire. Location, Lucerne, Switzerland.

Best European cities to visit in September

Still a little shy to break out the passport in September? These cities will loosen you up:   

      1. Lucerne: Going anywhere in Switzerland in late September makes for an enjoyable visit, though Lucerne breaks out the strings for a classical music festival.   
      2. Rača: A new name to put on your map, this area of Slovakia close to Bratislava is ready to woo you with wine, folk dancing, and handicrafts during the harvest season.  
      3. Koerich: Luxembourg may be small, but it fits a bunch of family-friendly festivals into September, including the Tempus Mediaevale in Koerich. Envision a Renaissance Fair, but at an actual 12th century castle, not the county fairgrounds behind the Walmart.  

Header Image credits, Unsplash, Samuel Ferrara. Location, Sicily, Italy.

 


Download the Trainline app, ride the rails through Europe on your dream vacation, and we’ll wake you up when September ends.  

Ready to book your tickets?