Early autumn brings milder temperatures and thinning crowds, making this a popular shoulder season for many travelers. Wine regions and cultural cities are especially pleasant as the weather cools but remains comfortable.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Europe in September.
Where to Go in Europe in September
Iberia
Spain & Portugal, including the Balearics and Canary influence
January’s cooler Atlantic storms make Galicia and northern Portugal unsettled and windy, while Madrid and inland Spain feel sharply cold at dawn but bright by midday. The south maintains comparatively mild conditions and seaside walks in regions like the Costa de la Luz are still comfortable. Early-year cultural events like Three Kings’ Day draw locals to city centres, so expect good public-transport service and crowded plazas on festival days.
The British Isles & Atlantic France
United Kingdom, Ireland, northern/Atlantic France, Benelux coasts
September brings relief: cooling temperatures and thinner crowds make it an excellent month for city breaks across London, Amsterdam and Paris, with typically pleasant daytime highs in the mid-teens to low 20s°C. Atlantic fringe locations see more changeable weather as storm season approaches, so coastal walks can be blustery. Vineyards in Champagne and Loire are busy with harvest activity - a great time for food-and-wine travel.
Early autumn in September cools the valleys and often produces clear, stable weather for hiking, cycling and scenic drives; alpine larch begins to colour, especially in the Dolomites and Austrian Tyrol. Lower-elevation vineyards in Austria and Slovenia are busy with harvest activity, adding cultural interest to outdoor pursuits. This is a top month for combining cities with mountain scenery - still warm by day, cool at night.
The Mediterranean & Adriatic Coast
Italy south of the Po, southern France’s Riviera, Croatia, Greece, Malta
September cools gradually: sea temperatures stay warm in the Aegean and the Adriatic, making it a superb month for swimming and sailing with fewer crowds and milder heat. Southern Italy and Greece often preserve summer weather well into the month, while northern parts of the Riviera become more comfortable for walking. Harvest festivals on rural islands and in wine regions add cultural interest; bring a light jacket for evenings.
Northern & Eastern Europe
Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland and the western edge of Russia’s European plain
September’s crisp mornings and clear light create outstanding conditions for city walks and early leaf colour in parks, while Poland and the Baltics see comfortable daytime temperatures in the low to mid-teens. Tourist crowds fall off and prices moderate; ferry services remain regular. Be prepared for sudden rain spells and cooler nights, so pack a light down jacket for evening outings.
Events & Festivals in September
Oktoberfest begins
Munich beer festival usually starts in late Sep and runs into Oct.
Planning a trip to Europe?
See how September compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
