School’s back! So what better time to get out and hit the top spots for autumn weather without the crowds. I list 16 of my top picks in this post, and some key events in each location you might want to get to.
September/October is known as shoulder season – meaning off-peak. The seasons are changing, schools are back and they are my favourite months to travel – pretty much anywhere, but especially in Europe and the United States.
With the enormous summer crowds thinning, hotel prices begin to settle down (except around some of the big events, which I list below) and the weather is often still warm enough to eat outdoors without slowly melting into a puddle.
Of course “fewer crowds” does not mean you’ll have the Eiffel Tower or Times Square to yourself. Big festivals can fill hotels for a weekend. But compared with July and August, many destinations feel calmer, certainly cooler and considerably easier to explore in September and October.
They are also brilliant months for empty nesters, retirees and anyone who is no longer tied to school holiday dates. You can linger over lunch, visit major attractions after the summer rush and even find a hotel room that doesn’t require selling an arm for.
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Here are my top picks for 15 of the best places to travel in September and October, including what the weather is typically like, what to see with smaller crowds and the events worth planning your trip around.
The temperatures below are typical averages rather than forecasts, so check conditions before you pack. I usually start looking at the weather apps about 10 days out.
Table of Contents
1. New York City
September is a lovely time to visit New York. The sticky heat of midsummer begins to ease, New Yorkers return from their own summer holidays and the city launches into a new season of theatre, exhibitions, sport and rooftop cocktails.
Central Park will still be mostly green early in the month, with the first hints of autumn appearing towards the end of September and becoming super photogenic in October.
It is warm enough to walk the High Line, take a harbor cruise for some amazing skyline photos, or sit outside in Bryant Park without needing three layers.
September weather in New York
Expect daytime temperatures of around 75°F to 81°F (24°C to 27°C) early in the month, becoming cooler towards October. Evenings are usually comfortable, although humidity and an occasional hot day can linger.
Why visit New York in September?
Family holiday crowds drop once Labor Day weekend is over, although New York is never exactly quiet. Enjoy walking between neighbourhoods, visiting observation decks and taking day trips without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
But be warned, it’s very easy to cover 20,000 steps a day in this city! In fact I wrote a whole blog post about which footwear I recommend for every season. No one likes a blister!
What’s on in NYC in September?
The US Open tennis finals take place in early September at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Even without match tickets, the tournament brings a lively atmosphere to the city.
September is also one of the months when NYC Broadway Week is traditionally held, offering two-for-one tickets to participating shows. Dates and availability vary, so book quickly when tickets are released.
You could also catch a Yankees or Mets baseball game before the regular season finishes, see a new Broadway production or spend an evening at one of New York’s fabulous rooftop bars.
October weather in New York
Daytime temperatures usually sit around 61°F to 68°F (16°C to 20°C), cooling steadily through the month. Evenings need a jacket, and by the last week you’ll want a proper coat, but these day time temps are great for walking I find.
Why October?
This is the month Central Park really earns its reputation. Foliage generally peaks in the second half of October, and the walk from Bethesda Terrace up to the Ramble is worth doing twice. The city is busy but in a different way to summer — more theatre-goers and conference badges, fewer families with strollers.
What’s on in NYC in October?
Open House New York Weekend, opening more than 300 buildings across all five boroughs — infrastructure sites, private collections, performance spaces and buildings you’d otherwise only ever walk past. Some sites need advance reservations, released a couple of weeks beforehand, and the good ones go in minutes.
The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is exactly as ridiculous and wonderful as it sounds.
The Village Halloween Parade takes place on Saturday 31 October at 7pm, running up Sixth Avenue through Greenwich Village. It’s free to watch, anyone in costume can join, and it draws tens of thousands of participants. Being a Saturday this year, expect it to be enormous.
Basketball and ice hockey seasons both begin in October, so you can catch the Knicks or Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Read next:
I have written many posts on New York here on the blog. Some of the best ones are how to do New York on the cheap – and even a bunch of must-do free stuff.
Where to find the most affordable, yet nice, New York hotels in the heart of everything.
The best places to stay in New York to see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve.
2. Washington, DC
I lived just a stone’s throw from the nation’s capital for a year as a student, and I know that after the fierce heat and humidity of July and August, Washington, DC becomes far more civilised in September/October.
The Smithsonian museums remain blissfully free, the monuments are beautiful in the softer evening light and you can walk around the National Mall without feeling as though you’ve entered a steam room. Again, shoes!
September weather in Washington, DC
Daytime temperatures are commonly around 79°F to 84°F (26°C to 29°C) at the beginning of September, cooling later in the month. Warm, humid days are still possible, so pack light clothing, comfortable shoes and a small umbrella.
Why visit in September?
School groups and family holidaymakers thin out after Labor Day. You may still encounter conferences and political events, but lines at museums and attractions are generally more manageable than during peak summer.
September is also a good month to sit at an outside bar at The Wharf, walk through Georgetown, visit some gardens or take an evening monuments tour and see the city in literally a whole new light.
What’s on?
The 2026 DC JazzFest has with performances around the city, including at The Wharf. The 2026 festival is also part of Washington’s programme marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Other September favourites include the DC State Fair, Adams Morgan Day and Art All Night, when neighbourhoods around the city host late-night performances, exhibitions and activities.
Baseball and soccer seasons are also still under way, so check for Washington Nationals, DC United and Washington Spirit home games.
Read next:
I wrote about my top picks for things to do in Washington DC for first-timers in this post. These cover all my faves, and how to tackle them.
But if you’ve been before, then you might like to dive deeper read about the best hidden gems in Washington DC.
October weather in Washington, DC
Daytime temperatures are commonly around 66°F to 73°F (19°C to 23°C), dropping later in the month. The humidity finally, mercifully, gives up.
Why October?
Honestly, this might be a better month than September in DC. The monuments look their best in autumn light, the Tidal Basin walk is a pleasure rather than an endurance event, and the Smithsonians are still free.
October is also peak “walk everywhere” weather, which is what this city rewards.
What’s on?
Oktoberfest at The Wharf is free, and includes the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, a stein-hoisting championship and Polka on the Pier. There is also a broader Oktoberfest programme across the District from mid-September into October.
The DC Coffee Festival runs 3 to 4 October at Dock 5 in Union Market, with samples included in the ticket.
Snallygaster on 10 October brings 450 craft beers and ciders to Pennsylvania Avenue, with two music stages and a makers’ market. Over-21s only.
The Army Ten-Miler on 11 October brings 35,000 runners through the city — great to watch, but check your hotel isn’t inside a road closure.
Out at Mount Vernon, there’s a Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour from 9 to 11 October, a Fall Harvest Festival with an 18th-century corn maze, and Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon on 31 October.
At the museums: the Hirshhorn opens Carlotta Corpron: Light Is a Plastic Medium on 16 October, the Folger Shakespeare Library opens To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare the same day, and the National Air and Space Museum opens At Home in Space on 30 October. All free.
3. Boston
What a beautiful city! Boston is one of those cities that looks so right in early fall. Early September will still be leafy green, but go later in the month and into October and you’ll see the turning of its famous autumnal trees.
The brick buildings, old pubs and leafy streets around Beacon Hill seem designed for cooler days. September is warm enough for a harbour cruise, yet comfortable enough to walk the Freedom Trail without stopping every ten minutes to find air conditioning.
September weather in Boston
Expect daytime temperatures of around 70°F to 77°F (21°C to 25°C), with cooler evenings. By the end of the month you may need a light jacket, especially near the harbor.
Why visit in September?
The summer family crowds begin to subside, but the city is still lively as university students return. Early September can remain busy around college move-in weekends, so compare hotel rates before choosing your dates.
I like to use this clever tip to ensure I get the very best rate on a room.
What’s on?
The Boston Film Festival will celebrate its 42nd anniversary from 17 to 21 September 2026, with screenings and events at venues around Greater Boston.
You can also catch a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park during the final weeks of the regular baseball season.
For an easy day trip, Salem begins warming up for its huge October Halloween season, but in September you can see its historic sites before the pointy hats and enormous crowds arrive.
October weather in Boston
Expect daytime temperatures of around 59°F to 64°F (15°C to 18°C), with cool evenings. A proper jacket, not a light one.
Why October?
This is Boston’s month. The Public Garden, the Common and the streets around Beacon Hill turn genuinely spectacular, usually peaking in the second half of October. The Freedom Trail in crisp autumn air is one of the great American city walks.
One warning, though. The third weekend of October is not a quiet weekend in Boston.
What’s on?
The Head of the Charles Regatta runs 16 to 18 October 2026 — the world’s largest three-day rowing event, with more than 11,000 athletes and hundreds of thousands of spectators along the river. The Weeks Footbridge is the classic viewing spot; the Eliot Bridge stretch is calmer.
It is a wonderful thing to watch. It also fills Boston and Cambridge hotels solid and pushes rates up sharply, so either book early and embrace it, or pick a different weekend.
Out in Salem, Haunted Happenings runs the entire month and the town becomes genuinely overwhelmed on October weekends. If you want Salem’s historic sites without the crush, go midweek and early in the month — or do what I suggested for September and go before it all begins.
Read next:
I wrote this list about all the wonderful things we loved in Boston and the best things to do in the city.
We also stayed at three hotels, but this one in Beacon Hill was a stand out – in a former prison!
4. Chicago
Chicago in September delivers the lakefront, architecture and still the outdoor dining of summer, but with fewer families and slightly less chance of your hair declaring independence in the humidity.
The beaches and waterfront paths are still enjoyable, boat tours continue to run, even a kayaking tour on the river is a fun way to look around and burn a few calories at the same time, and the city’s festival calendar remains packed.
September weather in Chicago
Typical daytime temperatures sit around 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) although early September can still be warm. Evenings beside Lake Michigan may be cooler, so bring a light layer.
Why visit in September?
After Labor Day, the number of summer holidaymakers drops and the city becomes easier to navigate. This is one of the best times of year to take the architecture river cruise, walk the Lakefront Trail and visit Millennium Park.
September is also an excellent eating month in a city that takes food very seriously.
What’s on?
The free Chicago Jazz Festival runs from 3 to 6 September 2026, while Chicago Gourmet takes place from 24 to 27 September.
The World Music Festival Chicago follows from 25 September to 4 October 2026, presenting free performances at venues around the city.
For Polish food, music and beer, the Taste of Polonia Festival is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, from 4 to 7 September 2026.
October weather in Chicago
Typical daytime temperatures are around 59°F to 66°F (15°C to 19°C). The lake breeze has opinions, so bring a windproof layer.
Why October?
The Lakefront Trail in autumn is glorious, the architecture cruises are still running (though usually wrapping up in November, so don’t leave it too late), and this is a fantastic month for the city’s museums and restaurants.
What’s on?
The World Music Festival Chicago carries over from September and finishes on 4 October, with free performances around the city.
Chicago Fashion Week runs 8 to 18 October, with more than 50 events and runway shows.
The Historic Pullman House Tour on 10 to 11 October gives rare access to the mansions and workers’ cottages of the Pullman district — one of the more interesting things you can do in Chicago and largely unknown to visitors.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is on Sunday 11 October, with around 53,000 finishers expected. Spectacular to watch, but it’s the single biggest hotel-demand weekend of the Chicago autumn, so book well ahead or avoid it. (Read this post on where to find the best marathons in the world).
The Chicago International Film Festival, the longest-running film festival in the country, runs 14 to 25 October.
Read next: I wrote this Chicago itinerary covering 30 of the best things to do in Chi Town.
5. San Francisco
Here is the odd thing about San Francisco: September is often warmer and sunnier than the middle of summer.
While July visitors stand beside the Golden Gate Bridge wondering why nobody warned them to bring a puffer jacket, September can deliver some of the city’s clearest and most pleasant weather.
September weather in San Francisco
Expect daytime temperatures of approximately 68°F to 73°F (20°C to 23°C) with cooler mornings and evenings. San Francisco has dozens of microclimates, so you may experience sunshine, fog and a chilly wind all within the same afternoon. Layers are not optional, they are the city uniform!
Why visit in September?
Summer holiday crowds ease and the weather is often nicer. September is ideal for cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting Alcatraz, wandering through Chinatown and North Beach or taking a day trip to Muir Woods.
What’s on?
A new immersive Grateful Dead exhibition, Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park, opens on 5 September 2026 and runs until 25 October. A free concert by Grahame Lesh (son of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh) is planned in Golden Gate Park on 7 September.
September also traditionally brings the opening of the San Francisco Opera and Symphony seasons, along with neighborhood festivals and food events.
Baseball fans can check for San Francisco Giants games at Oracle Park, one of the loveliest ballparks in America, on the edge of the harbor, and how I wish the planners in Auckland, New Zealand would copy it!
October weather in San Francisco
Expect daytime temperatures of approximately 68°F to 71°F (20°C to 22°C). Oddly, October is frequently San Francisco’s warmest, clearest month — better than July, and I will die on this hill.
Why October?
Everything I said about September, but more so. The fog retreats, the light is beautiful, and this is the best month of the year for photographs of the bridge.
Ride on the top of the Hop On Hop Off bus to get amazing pics of the bay and the bridge (like my pic below!)
What’s on?
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass takes over Golden Gate Park from 2 to 4 October, entirely free, across multiple stages, with more than 750,000 people over three days. Bring a picnic blanket and low expectations about phone signal.
San Francisco Fleet Week runs 4 to 12 October, with the Blue Angels performing over the bay on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The northern waterfront gets extremely busy on air show days — you’ll hear them long before you see them. If crowds aren’t your thing, watch from a distance; the whole city is the viewing gallery.
Pro tip: Between Hardly Strictly and Fleet Week, the first ten days of October are the busiest stretch of the San Francisco autumn. Mid-to-late October is much calmer and the weather is still lovely.
Read next:
I wrote this post of 16 really fun things to do in San Francisco, some you may not have heard of.
Or if you don’t plan to be there for long, this was our 36-hours in San Francisco itinerary we did to cover the highlights.
6. New Orleans
New Orleans is still hot in September, but it is one of the least expensive and least crowded periods to visit.
This is not the month for people who require perfectly arranged hair at all times. Humidity remains high, and September falls within hurricane season. However, flexible travellers can find excellent hotel rates and a city that feels much more local than it does during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest.
September weather in New Orleans
Expect daytime temperatures of around 86°F to 90°F (30°C to 32°C), warm evenings and high humidity. Afternoon showers are possible.
September is part of Atlantic hurricane season, so choose flexible bookings (read my tip for exactly how to do that to ensure you get the best price) and ensure your travel insurance covers weather-related disruption.
Why visit in September?
There are fewer tourists, shorter restaurant queues and often good-value luxury hotel stays. I have visited 10 times and have reviewed these 8 hotels that I really like in the French Quarter.
You can hear live music on Frenchmen Street, eat your way around the French Quarter and visit the National WWII Museum without peak-season crowds. Or check out these five jazz venues with live music closer to the Quarter in this post – including my new all-time favorite: 208 Bourbon (in the pic below).
Pro tip: Avoid Labor Day weekend when Southern Decadence brings a huge and wonderfully colorful celebration to the French Quarter. Unless you like crowds!
What’s on?
Southern Decadence begins on 3 September 2026, while NOLAxNOLA, a citywide celebration of New Orleans music and venues, begins on 24 September. BlackAmericana Fest follows on 25 September.
The New Orleans Saints are also back in action, with a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders scheduled for 27 September 2026.
October weather in New Orleans
Expect daytime temperatures of around 79°F to 84°F (26°C to 29°C), with the humidity easing meaningfully compared with September. Evenings become genuinely pleasant. Hurricane season officially runs to 30 November, but October risk is lower than September.
Why October?
This is arguably the best weather month of the New Orleans year, and the first half of the month is still excellent value. You can walk the Quarter at midday without regretting your life choices.
But Halloween in New Orleans is enormous. French Quarter hotel rates in the final week of October can run two to three times normal and sell out weeks ahead. Plan for it or plan around it.
Here are 8 wonderful hotels in the French Quarter I love, and my reviews of each >
What’s on?
The National Fried Chicken Festival runs 2 to 4 October on the Lakefront.
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival takes place 9 to 11 October in Lafayette Square Park — free admission, two stages, and a lineup that includes Samantha Fish, Booker T. Jones and Little Freddie King. This is one of my favourite free things in the city. Gentilly Fest runs the same weekend.
Oktoberfest at Deutsches Haus runs across three weekends: 9 to 10, 16 to 17 and 23 to 24 October.
NOLA Funk Fest is on 16 to 18 October, alongside Praise Fest, and the free Crescent City Chamber Music Festival runs throughout the month.
The Krewe of Boo Halloween parade rolls on the Saturday before Halloween, and Frenchmen and Bourbon Streets are packed every weekend of the month. Costumes are encouraged more or less everywhere.
Read next:
I wrote this comprehensive city guide to New Orleans with 25 of my favorite things in this post.
Plus I was on a mardi gras float, so this is my behind the scenes info on where to be to catch all the things during mardi gras!
And I wrote about my 5 favourite live music venues in New Orleans
7. Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains
September is a clever time to visit Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains.
The huge summer family crowds ease once schools return, but the full October leaf-peeping invasion has not yet begun. Days are warm, nights become cooler and Dollywood begins dressing itself for fall.
You may not see peak fall foliage in September, but you will have a much better chance of finding somewhere to park.
September weather in the Smoky Mountains
Daytime temperatures around Pigeon Forge are commonly 25°C to 29°C/77°F to 84°F early in the month, cooling later. Higher elevations inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be noticeably cooler.
Afternoon showers are possible, so keep a light rain jacket in the car.
Why visit in September?
The period after Labor Day and before the October foliage peak is one of the best windows for fewer crowds.
It is a good time to drive the scenic roads, hike to a waterfall, look for black bears from a very respectful distance and visit Dollywood without peak summer queues.
What’s on?
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival runs from 14 September to 31 October 2026. The park is decorated with autumn flowers and thousands of pumpkins, while Great Pumpkin LumiNights illuminates the park after dark.
September is also a lovely month for live country and bluegrass music, moonshine tasting and exploring the quieter corners of the Smokies.
October weather in the Smoky Mountains
Daytime temperatures around Pigeon Forge are commonly 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C), with cool nights. Higher elevations inside the national park are considerably colder — bring a warm layer for Newfound Gap even on a mild day.
Why October? (And an honest warning)
I said above that September is the clever choice. October is the beautiful choice, BUT I want to be straight with you: October is the busiest and most expensive month of the year in the Smokies.
Peak foliage at lower elevations usually lands around 15 to 25 October, and Parkway traffic in that window is the worst it gets all year. Higher elevations turn earlier in the month.
If you want the color, October is unbeatable and worth every bit of the hassle. Book accommodation months ahead, do Parkway activities before 10am or after 7pm, and arrive at Dollywood at opening.
What’s on?
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival runs 14 September to 31 October 2026, with Great Pumpkin LumiNights after dark, dozens of southern gospel, country and bluegrass performers, and the 40-foot pumpkin tree.
Harvey’s Boo Bash, Dollywood’s new limited-capacity after-hours event, runs on 16, 23 and 30 October — treat trails, themed snacks and rides under the stars. Limited capacity means it sells out.
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair runs 8 to 28 October at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, with 200-plus juried artisans and daily demonstrations.
Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain runs from 2 October to 1 November, up the mountain by aerial tram from downtown Gatlinburg.
Read next:
My guide to things to do in Pigeon Forge – aside from Dollywood
All the tips you need to know for visiting Dollywood, I’ve been twice in two years.
8. Waikiki, Hawaii
Once American schools return, Waikiki becomes a little less hectic while retaining its warm sea, long beach days and dependable supply of mai tais with tiny umbrellas.
September is generally less crowded than the peak summer holiday period and the Christmas season. It can also be a good month to compare resort prices, particularly after Labor Day.
September weather in Waikiki
Expect gorgeous daytime temperatures of around 84°F to 88°F (29°C to 31°C), warm nights and sea temperatures that are extremely inviting.
Short tropical showers are possible, but September is generally warm and sunny. Apply more sunscreen than you think you need, especially if you are arriving from a wintery clime!
Why visit in September?
The summer rush fades, but the beach weather remains excellent. It is a lovely time to learn to surf, climb Diamond Head early in the morning, visit Pearl Harbor or spend a day exploring Oahu’s North Shore.
Families will still be around, but generally in smaller numbers once US schools resume.
What’s on?
September is traditionally the month of the Aloha Festivals, celebrating Hawaiian music, dance and culture. The programme commonly includes performances and street events in Waikiki and Honolulu.
Check the final event calendar before booking, as parade dates and individual performances can change.
October weather in Waikiki
Expect daytime temperatures of around 86°F to 88°F (30°C to 31°C), warm nights and sea temperatures that remain thoroughly inviting. Short tropical showers are possible.
Why October?
October sits in the sweet spot between the summer families and the Christmas rush. Water is warm, lodging availability is good, and the events calendar is full without the peak-season squeeze on prices.
What’s on?
The Molokaʻi Hoe, the long-distance outrigger canoe race from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu, finishes on Waikīkī sand on 11 October. Watching the canoes come in is a genuinely moving thing and costs nothing.
Honolulu Pride brings its parade and festival to Waikīkī on Saturday 17 October — the parade starts at 3pm from Magic Island, and the free festival begins at 5pm at the Waikīkī Shell, with 70-plus community booths.
The Hawaiʻi International Film Festival typically opens in late October across venues on Oʻahu.
If your trip stretches into early November, the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival closes its 2026 run with an Oʻahu weekend from 5 to 8 November — ticketed dinners sell out early, so buy before you fly.
Read next:
Read my picks for 25 things to do in Waikiki and surrounds.
I also wrote this handy and very popular Hawaii Packing List, which has lots of items you can quickly grab.
9. Paris
There is a reason people write songs about Paris in September!
The intense summer heat begins to lift, Parisians return from their holidays and the city’s cultural calendar springs back to life. Café terraces are still busy, the gardens remain green and you may even get a photograph of the Louvre without 400 strangers standing in the way.
September weather in Paris
Typical daytime temperatures range from approximately 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C), dropping towards the end of the month. Evenings can be cool, and light rain is always a possibility.
Pack a light jacket, a small umbrella and shoes capable of handling several kilometres of accidental walking. Hokas for the win! They look rude, but are oh-so comfy.
Why visit in September?
The July and August tour groups begin to thin, although Paris remains popular throughout September. The Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Versailles still require advance bookings, but the city generally feels less frantic.
It is a wonderful time to cruise the Seine, explore Montmartre, walk the Promenade Plantée or take a day trip to Giverny before Monet’s garden closes for the season.
What’s on?
The European Heritage Days take place on 19 and 20 September 2026, opening the doors to historic buildings and spaces that are not normally accessible to the public. The 2026 theme is “Heritage in danger”.
The same month also brings exhibitions, the autumn arts season and sporting events, including the Alpine Paris Major Premier Padel tournament at Roland-Garros from 7 to 13 September.
Paris Fashion Week activity typically begins towards the end of September, bringing glamorous people, photographers and an increased possibility of being made to feel underdressed.
October weather in Paris
Typical daytime temperatures range from approximately 59°F to 66°F (15°C to 19°C), dropping through the month. Rain becomes more frequent — expect ten or so wet days.
Wet cobblestones and fallen leaves are genuinely slippery, particularly on Montmartre’s steep streets and the gravel paths of the Tuileries. Grip matters more than style. (Still Hokas.)
Why October?
Paris in October is more atmospheric than September and better value. The Tuileries and the Luxembourg Gardens turn gold, Père Lachaise is beautiful, and café terraces move indoors to somewhere warm and slightly steamy.
What’s on?
Nuit Blanche is scheduled for Saturday 3 October — free contemporary art across the city from evening until dawn, with museums, churches, swimming pools and car parks opening as venues. Around two million people take part, so pick two or three installations and plan the walk between them rather than trying to see everything.
The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runs at Longchamp on 3 and 4 October, France’s most prestigious race weekend.
The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre runs 7 to 11 October, celebrating the harvest of the Clos Montmartre, the last working vineyard in Paris. Around 500,000 visitors, it’s mostly free with parades, tastings and music around the Sacré-Cœur. This is one of the great Paris street parties and hardly any visitors know about it.
Art Basel Paris takes over the Grand Palais in the week of 22 to 25 October, with around 195 galleries, plus citywide off-site installations at Place Vendôme, the Tuileries and the Palais Royal gardens.
The Salon du Chocolat runs 28 October to 1 November at Porte de Versailles, complete with a daily fashion show of couture gowns made from chocolate. Yes, really.
Read next:
My comprehensive guide to Paris with 37 unforgettable things to look through to decide what you’d like to do.
I’ve also written up a post covering my picks for the best hotels in the 20 arrondissements and what highlights you’ll find in each one.
Plus the top 12 foods you really must try – drool!
One of the best things I did was explore Paris in a cute Citroen 2CV with a guide who’d stop for photos anywhere.
10. London
I lived in London for five years and the weather is usually great in September. The worst of the summer crowds have gone, the weather is often mild and the city fills its calendar with design, architecture, theatre and events along the Thames.
You may get sunshine. You may get rain. You will probably get both before lunch. The evenings are still long. I just love London in September.
September weather in London
Daytime temperatures are usually around 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C), with cooler evenings and the possibility of showers.
A light raincoat is more useful than an umbrella when you need both hands free for navigating the Underground, holding a takeaway coffee, and dashing into shops.
Why visit in September?
The school holiday crowds decline, the West End theatre season restarts and London’s parks remain green. It is ideal weather for walking the South Bank, exploring local markets and taking a gorgeous day trip to Windsor, Bath or Oxford.
Major attractions are never deserted, but September generally feels less congested than July and August.
What’s on?
The month-long Totally Thames programme celebrates London’s river with installations, performances and events.
The London Design Festival and Open House London both run from 12 to 20 September 2026. Open House provides opportunities to enter fascinating buildings and spaces that are not usually open to visitors.
The Great River Race takes place on 12 September, while London Fashion Week runs from 17 to 21 September.
The London Proms season, which runs from July, culminates in the last night of the Proms on September 12th.
Buckingham Palace summer tours run from July and end in September, and then are only open by private arrangement. Get your tickets direct if you want to go into the biggest piece of history, home to the monarch for centuries.
October weather in London
Daytime temperatures are usually around 57°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C), with cool evenings and a solid chance of rain. The clocks go back at the end of the month, so the evenings shorten abruptly.
That raincoat advice from September applies double.
Why October?
The West End is in full swing, the parks are beautiful, and this is one of London’s strongest cultural months. It also feels considerably less congested than summer.
What’s on?
The BFI London Film Festival celebrates its 70th edition from 7 to 18 October 2026, across BFI Southbank and cinemas throughout London and the UK. The full programme is announced in September and the gala screenings sell out fast.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon runs through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and St James’s Park on 11 October.
Frieze London takes over Regent’s Park from 14 to 18 October, with Frieze Sculpture running free in the park for several weeks beforehand — worth a wander even if the fair itself isn’t your thing.
Read next:
My perfect shopping day itinerary of London
Where to go for delicious afternoon teas and high teas in London
My picks for fabulous – and some quirky – rooftop bars in London
11. Barcelona
This is a wonderful time to visit Barcelona after the intense heat and enormous visitor numbers of July and August.
The Mediterranean remains warm enough for swimming, evenings are perfect for tapas and rooftop bars, and the city hosts one of its biggest celebrations of the year.
September weather in Barcelona
Expect daytime temperatures of around 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F), early in September, becoming milder later. Humidity remains possible and the occasional heavy rainstorm can arrive as the season changes.
Why visit in September?
Note: Barcelona’s tourist tax increased on 1 April 2026 and is now charged per person per night at checkout, with under-17s exempt and a seven-night cap. Factor it into your budget.
Families return home, cruise traffic begins to ease and the temperature is better suited to exploring Gaudí’s architecture.
You will still need timed tickets for the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, but wandering the Gothic Quarter and climbing Montjuïc is generally more comfortable than during peak summer.
What’s on?
Visit earlier in the month for a quieter Barcelona or embrace the festival and book accommodation well ahead.
Barcelona’s major annual celebration, La Mercè, is scheduled for 23 to 27 September 2026. Most activities are free and the programme traditionally includes concerts, parades, fireworks, human towers and the spectacular correfoc fire run. It is enormous fun, but it also attracts crowds.
Barcelona Gallery Weekend takes place from 17 to 20 September, while the Extreme Barcelona Festival runs from 4 to 6 September with skateboarding, BMX, scooter and breakdancing competitions.
October weather in Barcelona
Expect daytime temperatures of around 21°C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F), cooling to 13°C to 17°C in the evenings. October is also one of Barcelona’s wettest months, so pack a small umbrella.
Why October?
October is genuinely the quiet reward month in Barcelona. La Mercè is over, the cruise traffic has thinned, hotel rates drop meaningfully from summer, and the Sagrada Família and Park Güell are finally walkable.
2026 is also the year Barcelona holds the title of UNESCO World Capital of Architecture, which gives the whole year some extra weight.
What’s on?
The Sitges Film Festival runs 8 to 18 October in the coastal town about 40 minutes down the line — the world’s leading fantasy and horror film festival, complete with the wonderfully daft Sitges Zombie Walk. You don’t need a festival pass to enjoy it. Go for a screening, stay for seafood on the front. Sitges accommodation fills up, though Barcelona’s barely moves.
48H Open House Barcelona returns in late October, opening around 200 buildings normally closed to the public — Modernisme apartments, rooftops, architects’ studios, even civil-war air-raid shelters. It’s free, and queues for the marquee buildings can run to two hours. (Dates for 2026 are being reported inconsistently — confirm on 48hopenhousebarcelona.org before you publish.)
La Castanyada on 31 October is the Catalan chestnut and sweet-potato festival, followed by the Tots Sants public holiday on 1 November — expect a quiet long weekend and some closures.
Read next: My list of the best things to do in Barcelona
12. Rome
Rome is never exactly crowd-free, but it’s now considerably more pleasant than the hottest weeks of summer.
Temperatures begin to settle, restaurants reopen after the August holiday period and September evenings are ideal for sitting outside with pasta, wine and the growing realisation that you have ordered far too much food.
September weather in Rome
Expect daytime temperatures of around 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F), early in September, becoming milder towards October. Rain becomes slightly more likely as the month progresses.
Why visit in September?
The summer family crowds start to drop, but Rome remains busy with tour groups and cruise passengers. Book the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Borghese Gallery before you arrive.
September is an excellent month for evening walks, food tours and day trips to Tivoli, Ostia Antica or the hill towns around Rome like Frascati.
What’s on?
Rome’s summer programme of concerts, outdoor cinema and evening openings often continues into early September. In 2026, special nighttime access to the Baths of Caracalla is expected on selected dates, including 19 September.
Harvest season is also beginning in the wine regions surrounding Rome, making September a good time to add a vineyard or food-focused day trip.
October weather in Rome
Expect daytime temperatures of around 21°C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F), early in October, cooling towards November. Rain becomes more likely as the month goes on.
Why October?
Rome in October is close to ideal. The heat has broken, the evenings are long enough for a proper passeggiata, and the queues at the Colosseum and Vatican are shorter than at any point since March. Book a timed entry anyway.
Roasted chestnut vendors — caldarroste — appear across the city as the month goes on, which is the Roman way of announcing autumn has arrived.
What’s on?
The Rome Film Fest holds its 21st edition from 14 to 25 October 2026 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, with public screenings, one of the world’s longest red carpets, and side events across the city.
The Romaeuropa Festival runs from September through November — contemporary theatre, dance, music and digital arts at venues around Rome.
October is also harvest and truffle season in the surrounding countryside, which makes a Frascati or Castelli Romani trip a wonderful day out of the city.
Read next:
Great things to see off-the-beaten path in Rome
How not to get scammed in Rome and the tricks tourists fall for
My best tip for seeing the Colosseum and some fascinating facts about it!
A few things to know before booking an autumn trip
It is quieter than July and August as the schools are back, but there are a few exceptions.
Labor Day weekend can be very busy in the United States. In 2026, Labor Day falls on Monday, 7 September, so expect higher prices and more domestic travellers during the preceding weekend. Use my hotel hack for booking rooms and watching them for rate decreases to grab a better deal. I explain that in this post – and how I saved $500.
Big festivals can erase the shoulder-season savings. Chicago Gourmet, La Mercè in Barcelona, Fashion Week events and major concerts can fill hotel rooms, so check the relevant event calendars before you book your flights.
September is still hurricane season. This matters particularly in Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii and along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Flexible bookings and suitable travel insurance are important. If you’re using sites like Booking.com, go for refundable rooms to cover uninsured events.
Popular attractions still need reservations. Fewer crowds do not mean you can stroll up to the Anne Frank House, the Louvre, Alcatraz or the Sagrada Família and expect immediate entry. Book ahead so you don’t spend hours in lines.
Pack layers. The weather can behave like summer at lunchtime and autumn by dinner, particularly in Boston, London and Paris.
Other great places I love for an Autumn holiday are:
13 Ireland roadtrip – this is great from about April right through the pretty autumn colors. I did a 5-day road trip from Dublin around southern Ireland and am going back soon to drive in the north.
14 Amsterdam is delightful in the autumn when the trees are turning and it’s just so photogenic.
15 Las Vegas is so so hot in summer, I’d even avoid September. October would be ideal, but it depends what you’re going for. With amazing shows on every night (read my picks for the best ones) you may be time-restricted.
But whenever you go you’ll not run short of all these things to do there. I’ve picked over 30 to get you started!
It can be an expensive city, but I wrote this post about loads of free things to do in Las Vegas to give your wallet a break and save your budget for the things you really want to do.
