The dispersion of crowds means availability and lower prices across many popular destinations. So if you’re wondering where to go, here are some of the best places you can visit this September.

Where is warm in September

1. Wengen, Switzerland

Experience the breathtaking scenery of Switzerland with a trip to the Bernese Oberland region. Nestled in the very heart of this picturesque landscape is the tiny Swiss Alpine village of Wengen, accessible only by train. Imagine towering snow-capped mountains, emerald glacier lakes, stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen valley, quaint timber chalets, and the clean, crisp air of the Swiss Alps filling your lungs. 

Start with long hikes to Kleine Scheidegg, Männlichen, and Eigergletscher. Or, for something a little less bucolic with equally commanding views, whiz down from Schreckfeld to Bort in a mountain cart. Of course, this picture-perfect getaway would not be complete without… Swiss cheese. And you’re in luck; here the end of summer is marked by the annual Wengen Chästeilet, a cheese festival at the end of September that brings local producers and turophiles to the village for an all-day cheese celebration that includes entertainment, games, and competitions.

Stay at Hotel Alpenruhe, a vintage-design hotel whose balconies open to stunning mountain panoramas. Or if you’re looking for spa amenities and swimming pools with a view, opt for the Beausite Park Hotel at the foothills of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain ranges.

2. Cincinnati, Ohio 

When it comes to celebrating Oktoberfest in the US, Cincinnati is the city to be in. Held toward the end of September, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is America’s largest beer festival, complete with a 300-foot fest tent to accommodate beer enthusiasts from near and far. Apart from a wide variety of craft beers (with lots of limited releases) from local and regional breweries, the festival’s signature events include the Stein Hoisting Competition, the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, and the Running of the Wieners, a race with adorable dachshunds decked out in hot dog costumes. 

Expect live music and entertainment on multiple stages, plus games, workshops, and the chance to pair your suds with traditional German goodies, like fried sauerkraut balls, jumbo pickles, sausages, potato pancakes, Limburger cheese, and soft pretzels. Just make sure to save room for cream puffs and strudel. 

Stay at the stylish Lytle Park Hotel, but if you want an affordable and comfortable place to crash after a long day of beer-fueled festivities, a room at the Quality Inn & Suites Cincinnati Downtown is a solid choice.

3. Hurghada, Egypt 

Located on the Red Sea, Hurghada has everything you want in a coastal city. There are golden sands that stretch for more than 20 miles, warm turquoise waters, abundant water activities, delicious food, cultural sights, and exciting nightlife. You can easily spend your days lounging on the beach with nightly outings to local bars and clubs or leisurely strolls in the plaza at Old Town Sahl Hasheesh and along Marina Hurghada, lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

For a change of scenery, explore the El Dahar old town, with its traditional markets, mosques, and historic buildings. Then take a boat out to Giftun Island, making stops in Orange Bay and Mahmya Island (technically a beach), where you can explore the seabed, which is teeming with colorful coral reefs, fish, and friendly dolphins. If you’re traveling with family, there are several water parks; the Hurghada Marine Museum & Aquarium; Sand City, filled with imaginative sand sculptures; and the Mini Egypt Park, where you can see miniatures of famous Egyptian attractions. 

There is no shortage of great stays in Hurghada for every traveler and budget. Spanning 48 acres on the shores of the Red Sea, the Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh, checks all the boxes of an all-suite spa resort, with the added bonus of a certified PADI dive center. For something a little more budget-friendly, stay at the Hurghada Marriott Red Sea Beach Resort.

Final thoughts: Where is warm in September

September is the perfect travel sweet spot, with the summer crowds gone, lower prices, and ideal weather in many parts of the world. Whether you're ready to raise a mug at the largest Oktoberfest in America, hike through the crisp air of the Swiss Alps, or plunge into the warm waters of the Red Sea, the time to book is now. Grab those off-peak deals and start planning your unforgettable September escape.