Fewer crowds, lower prices and milder weather, autumn can offer a lot for travellers. Much of Europe is arguably better in September and October than the height of summer; a lot of the northern hemisphere enjoys vibrant autumn colours, and mountainous regions off-season can offer a real escape from crowds.
Here, travel experts share their recommendations.
Japan
Travellers have long flocked to Japan in spring to witness the magic of cherry blossom season, but in autumn the foliage is just as impressive, with leaves transforming into vibrant shades, like orange and red.
“The autumn colours in Japan are absolutely stunning, and you get to see them without the crowds of the cherry blossom season, which people forget is just as popular with domestic tourists as overseas,” says Emma Otter, from Travel Counsellors.
And the horticultural splendour doesn’t just end there, as on 9 September, Japan celebrates Chrysanthemum Day. “Across Japan there are flower shows and exhibitions until mid-November dedicated to the chrysanthemum, a bit like the Royal Chelsea Flower Show,” she explains. “So it’s wrong to assume that if you want to see all of Japan’s flora and fauna that you’ve got to go in the cherry blossom season.”
Malta
Though the summer season is winding down in Malta, parties, festivals and good times certainly don’t stop in the autumn, according to Otter. In mid-September, the Mediterranean archipelago, one of Europe’s most gay-friendly destinations, ramps up its LGBTQ+ celebrations with its epic annual Pride event.
“It’s so much fun; when I went, we even had the Red Arrows fly over,” Otter recalls. “What I love about Malta is that everybody’s welcomed with open arms.”
In the autumn, there are also significantly fewer crowds than during the peak summer months, and the temperature is pleasant, ranging from 14C to 28C depending on the month.
According to Otter, this makes Malta an underrated family beach destination, as she explains: “Malta’s not usually known for its beaches, but we stayed at Mellieha Bay which has this beautiful sandy beach, so it’s ideal for people who don’t have to go away in the school holidays, but still want to take children somewhere warm where the crowds are calming down.”
Chamonix, France
While Chamonix is best known as a skiing destination, with the season typically running from mid-December to mid-April, Alexander Blunt, co-founder at Heidi, urges travellers not to overlook the Alpine town in autumn as there are more activities than just hitting the slopes.
The pleasant weather makes it the perfect time for a hike, and numerous trails offer stunning views of Mont Blanc, including the famous trekking circuit, Tour du Mont Blanc.
Blunt explains: “There’s also so much to do for the non-hardcore hikers as the ski lifts are still running to take you up into the mountains. So, you can still access these beautiful trails whether you just want a casual 5km walk before having a nice lunch or want to hike 40km in a day.”
Austria
For a twist on the traditional festival circuit, experience Austria’s ceremonial cattle drive, Almabtrieb, which typically takes place from early September to mid-October. Blunt explains: “Farming communities take all the cows down from the summer pastures, clean and dress them up. There’s also food and music, and it’s this most incredible experience.”
If you’re looking for a base in Austria, he particularly recommends Zell am See, located on Lake Zell, as the autumn leaves cast a golden glow over the Alpine town.
He says: “It’s a beautiful town on a beautiful lake with forest wrapped around it. Even in September you can still swim in the lake, and they’ve got all these lidos along it.” He also notes that e-bikes are readily available in mountain towns, like Zell am See, opening up alpine access and picturesque trails for older or less active visitors.
Nepal
Though Nepal’s main tourist season is spring, Oliver Browne, CEO at True Summit Adventures, says he always advises travellers to visit in the autumn. “In the spring, the popular destinations, like Kathmandu and Annapurna, are very busy,” he says. “In the autumn it’s a little quieter, and there’s no downside. You could argue that the weather is slightly more reliable in the spring, but it’s marginal.”
In October, Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival, Dashain, celebrates the victory of good over evil and lasts for 15 days. While November sees the festival of lights and flowers, Tihar, a five-day festival where towns and villages burst with colour, it welcomes in prosperity and honours animals.
Albania
Albania has experienced a boom in tourism over the past few years, with the summer particularly drawing in large numbers. However, Browne, who lives in Tirana, says the peak season can be “chaos”, particularly as the main airport is unequipped for high volume.
For Browne, autumn is the best time to avoid the crowds, and it’s much kinder on the purse strings. “In October, for example, the pricing will be significantly cheaper for hotels than in the summer. Also, in the busy months, there will often be a several-night minimum stay, which is less likely, or not at all, in October,” he says.
Meanwhile, September welcomes the country’s first international film festival, the Tirana International Film Festival. This is a must-visit for cinephiles and culture travellers, as it’s been approved as an official Academy Awards and European Film Awards qualifying festival.
