July and August might be the high season for travel because school’s out, but often summer months mean muggy, almost unbearable heat and hordes of tourists. If you can, try delaying your trip a month or two until September. By this time, temperatures have cooled down just enough, more people are staying home, and the beautiful rich colors of fall have just started to set in. Here are some of the best places to go if you do decide to make a trip in September.
Plan A September Vacation In These Glorious Destinations!
1. Denver, Colorado
Most people either visit Colorado in the wintertime to hit the slopes, or during the summer. But, the best time to go, especially to the capital city, is early fall. Hotels are a little less expensive, temperatures are in the more comfortable 70s, and the leaves have begun to turn orange. There are also many festivals, including the Denver Food + Wine Festival and the city’s Oktoberfest.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
The humidity in Charleston can be stifling in July and August (as can the tourists), but in September the city begins to cool down a little bit, making it the perfect time to stroll around the waterfront, hear some ghost stories, and eat fried food. September is also the month the city has The BBQ & Bluegrass Festival as well as Southern Living’s Taste of Charleston.
3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Fall is a great time to visit the entire state of Wyoming, as the summer bustle begins to quiet down, but the temperatures stay warm — perfect for spending long days outside hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. And, the city’s Fall Arts Festival takes place at the end of the month.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known as the “Windy City” — but its extreme weather goes beyond just wind. Wintertimes are freezing, summer is hot and humid and must be spent next to a body of water. If you can, go in September and watch the Chicago Half Marathon, go to the Chicago Jazz Festival, or catch the Bears’ first game of the season.
5. San Francisco, California
Often in California the warm weather of summer doesn’t really get started until July but extends through September and sometimes even October. This is even more true in San Francisco, where September is often warmer than July and August and the fog disappears more often than not to reveal sunny skies. Events in September include Architecture and the City, the symphony and opera’s opening performances, and, of course, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival.
6. Washington D.C.
Spring might be famous for cherry blossoms, but fall in D.C. also means no middle schoolers on their spring break trip to the capital. The weather in September is also still nice enough to stay outdoors — though if it’s too cool or hot just step into one of the city’s dozens of world-class museums. Make sure you take a ride in a Tidal Basin Paddle Boat around the Jefferson Memorial before boat rentals close for the winter.
7. Boston, Massachusetts
Nothing says back-to-school like Boston in September when thousands of college kids flood in to their respective campuses. The mild weather will put you in a good mood, as will the fall foliage if you go toward the end of the month. Enjoy the weather as you stroll along the Freedom Trail and try to get tickets to the Patriots’ home opener.
8. Nashville, Tennessee
Fall is festival season, and there’s no better place to experience that than Nashville. September’s offerings include the Music City Food+Wine Festival, American Music Festival, Southern Artisan Cheese Festival, Nashville Whiskey Festival, and Cheekwood Harvest.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
September is a great time for bargain rates in Salt Lake City as the winter ski crowd hasn’t yet arrived. When you’re not at the Utah State Fair, which takes place in the middle of the month, visit the zoo, aquarium, and planetarium, and enjoy the mild weather on some hikes.
10. Minneapolis, Minnesota
For about five months each year, going outside in Minneapolis is not advisable, but the months before the temperature drops below zero are the city’s prettiest. Go to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and drive down River Road to fully appreciate the gorgeous fall colors.
This article was written by Isabella Sayyah.