✈️ Velvet season 2026: where to swim in September with few tourists

Many people think that when summer ends, vacation season ends too. That is not true. In September the heat subsides, while the sea in southern Europe stays warm. Lines at monuments get shorter, hotel prices drop, and festival season begins in cities.

We picked six destinations worth visiting in September 2026 and listed the main sight, weather, and what you will get from the trip for each one. We checked the events and figures in this article against official sources.

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Where to go in September: in short

💡 In short:

Sea and swimming: Croatia and Malta.
Cities and food: Italy with truffle autumn in Piedmont.
Fall colors and festivals: Belgium, Ireland, and Hannover.
Season, weather, and events: 09/2026, as of the Hannover tourism office and the Tourism Ireland festival calendar.

1. Croatia: Dubrovnik without the August heat

In September, the velvet season begins on the Croatian coast. The heat subsides, there are fewer tourists, and prices drop everywhere from hotels to restaurants. You can still swim.

The main stop on this route is Dubrovnik. You will walk through old streets, step into palaces and churches, and see the tiled roofs and the whole Adriatic from the city walls. The autumn forests around the city are also worth a separate walk.

Panorama of old Dubrovnik with city walls and the sea

Look for a hotel in the Old Town or a couple of blocks away from it: then your evening walk will not require a taxi. Check out hotels in Dubrovnik on Trip.com.

Who it's for: for those who want to combine the sea and an old town in one trip.

2. Italy: comfortable weather and truffle autumn in Piedmont

In autumn, Italy is neither too cold nor too hot. This weather is good for sightseeing. Especially if you are tired of heat but do not like cold.

In September, festival season begins in Italy. The main food event of autumn in the Piedmont region is the white truffle fair in Alba. In 2026 it will run from October 10 to December 6 (as of 09/2026, the fair's official website). In September the fair is still closed, but Piedmont is already welcoming visitors.

Besides truffles, Piedmont hosts nut festivals and wine weekends in autumn, and having a car makes this route noticeably more convenient.

Rome sees fewer visitors in September than in August: locals return from vacation, the center gets calmer, and sightseeing goes at a relaxed pace.

Barolo village with a castle among vineyards

If you want to stay in central Rome, book early: demand remains high in the fall. Check Rome hotels on Trip.com.

Who it's for: those tired of the summer heat but not ready for cold weather.

3. Belgium: medieval Bruges and canal romance

If you're planning a fall trip to Belgium, start with Bruges. The medieval city looks more composed in autumn: canals, old facades, and wet stone make for atmospheric photos. Couples often choose it for leisurely walks because the embankments are nearly free of tour groups in the evening.

Sort out the weather in advance: September in Bruges is already cool and often rainy. Bring a warm jacket, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes.

Markt square in Bruges with Flemish facades

A hotel in the center saves you from commuting: cathedrals, museums, and the market are nearby. See Bruges hotels on Trip.com.

Who it's for: couples who value a relaxed pace: there's nowhere to rush in Bruges.

4. Malta: sea, ancient cities, and Gozo

September in Malta is considered one of the most pleasant months for a vacation. This option suits those who want to swim in the sea but can't stand the heat. The water stays warm, and the air no longer scorches by midday.

Beaches aren't the only reason to go here. Set aside a day for walks through ancient cities and temples. On the neighboring island of Gozo, symphony and opera performances take place in the fall, and people travel there specifically for them.

Another plus: the island is small, so you can combine swimming with sightseeing without long transfers.

Bastions and domes of Valletta seen from the sea

Book accommodation near bus hubs: that way you can reach both the beaches and Gozo. Check out Malta hotels on Trip.com.

Who it's for: those who want to swim but can't tolerate intense heat.

5. Ireland: autumn colors and September festivals

Ireland's autumn colors win over almost everyone, and nature isn't the only reason to go. In September, Dublin hosts the Fringe Festival and Culture Night (as of 09/2026, Tourism Ireland calendar).

Add to that a walking festival, horse racing, and music gatherings in various counties. In the fall, Dublin also hosts the Bram Stoker Festival, dedicated to the Irish author of the novel "Dracula."

Ireland often scares people off with rain. In practice, you need a waterproof jacket and a backup plan for the day: a pub, a museum, or a concert. If you love nature, set aside separate days for the west coast.

Aerial view of Dublin with the River Liffey and a bridge

In Dublin, book a hotel within walking distance of the center: the city is easier to explore on foot in the evening. See Dublin hotels on Trip.com.

Who it's for: those who love nature and city events.

6. Germany: Hanover and the Eilenriede city forest

In Germany, take a look at Hanover. The Eilenriede forest spreads right inside the city, covering about 640 hectares. For comparison, that's larger than Central Park in New York (as of 09/2026, Hanover tourist office).

The forest looks especially beautiful in autumn, and there are enough trails for a full day of walking. Then head down to the old town: it will introduce you to Gothic architecture.

If you're going for a weekend, pick a hotel between the train station and the forest. See hotels in Hannover on Trip.com.

Who it's for: for those who like walking: the forest lies right within the city limits.

Where it's warmer in September and where it's calmer

Destination	Sea	Tourist flow	The main thing in September
Croatia	still warm, swimming is possible	lower than in August	Dubrovnik, city walls
Italy	warm in the south	lower than in August	Piedmont, food festivals
Malta	warm until the end of the month	moderate	swimming, ancient cities, Gozo
Belgium	not worth swimming	low	Bruges, canals, museums
Ireland	cold	low	Dublin, festivals, nature
Germany	cold	low	Hannover, Eilenriede forest

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to go in September if you want to swim?

Croatia and Malta are the best choices for swimming. On the Croatian coast, the sea stays warm while the heat already eases off. In Malta, September is considered one of the most pleasant months: the water is warm, but the air doesn't get scorching. Belgium, Ireland, and Germany won't work for a beach holiday.

Where are there already few tourists in September?

The drop is most noticeable in Bruges, Dublin, and Hannover. In Dubrovnik and Malta, the flow also decreases, but the Old Town is still crowded in the evening. Plan your sightseeing for the morning: there are almost no lines at opening time, and you'll get to the ticket offices without stress.

When does the truffle fair in Alba start?

The International White Truffle Fair in Alba will run from October 10 to December 6 in 2026 (as of 09/2026, fair calendar).

What should you bring to Bruges in September?

A warm jacket, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes. Set aside some of your time for museums and pubs: that's your backup plan for bad weather. Bring light summer clothes only as an addition to your warm layer.

Are there festivals in Ireland in September?

Yes. In Dublin, the Fringe Festival and Culture Night take place in September, and across the country there are also horse races and music gatherings.

In short: what's worth booking

If you have a week and want the sea, go for Croatia or Malta. If cities and food matter more, choose Italy with its hazelnut festivals and wine weekends in Piedmont. If you're after quiet and fall colors, consider Bruges, Ireland, or Hanover.

You can book a hotel for any of the six destinations using the links in the sections above. Check the forecast a couple of days before you leave: in September the weather changes quickly, and a warm jacket will come in handy even in the south.

Where to go in September 2026: 6 destinations without heat and crowds