Show summary Hide summary
Autumn can be the smartest time to travel in Europe and beyond: cooler crowds, softer prices and colourful landscapes. From festival calendars to quieter mountain trails, travel experts say September and October unlock experiences that differ from peak summer and spring.
Japan: foliage and floral festivals
Many visitors think of cherry blossom season when planning a trip to Japan. Yet autumn brings its own spectacle as maples and ginkgo trees turn vivid shades of red and orange, often with far fewer tourists than in spring.
Funeral plans announced after Dublin gig death of Westlife fan
Search under way after air ambulance loses radar contact
Emma Otter of Travel Counsellors points out that domestic demand during cherry blossom season can be as strong as international interest, so autumn offers a more relaxed way to enjoy the country’s horticultural displays. She also highlights Chrysanthemum Day on 9 September and the series of chrysanthemum shows that run into November, events that showcase a different side of Japan’s flower culture.
Malta: late‑season warmth and Pride
Malta’s social calendar remains lively after the peak summer months. Mid‑September typically brings one of the island’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, when Pride events draw both locals and visitors.
Otter recalls a particularly festive edition that even featured a flypast by the Red Arrows. With temperatures easing into a comfortable range — roughly 14°C to 28°C depending on the month — fewer crowds make beaches and towns more pleasant for families and couples alike. She recommends Mellieha Bay for its sandy shore, noting it as a good option for those travelling outside school holiday periods.
Chamonix, France: hikes before the snow
Chamonix is synonymous with winter sports, but autumn is an appealing season for walkers and sightseers. Trails offer sweeping views of Mont Blanc, and quieter lifts still operate into the shoulder months.
Alexander Blunt, co‑founder of Heidi, says the area suits a wide range of visitors — from casual walkers seeking a short scenic route to serious trekkers tackling sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The availability of lift access in autumn makes mountain panoramas accessible without committing to high‑altitude hikes.
Austria: cattle parades and lake towns
For a traditional Alpine spectacle, autumn brings the ceremonial cattle descent known as the Almabtrieb. Between early September and mid‑October, communities lead livestock down from summer pastures, often accompanied by music, food and decorative regalia.
Blunt recommends basing yourself in towns such as Zell am See, where fall colours frame the lake and forests. He notes that swimming may still be possible in September and that e‑bikes are widely available, widening access to trails for less energetic visitors.
Nepal: trekking and major festivals
While spring is a popular season for trekking, Oliver Browne of True Summit Adventures advises visiting Nepal in autumn for a quieter experience. He says popular hubs such as Kathmandu and Annapurna are noticeably less crowded after the spring rush.
Autumn also coincides with important cultural observances. Dashain, Nepal’s largest Hindu festival, lasts about 15 days and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In November, the five‑day festival of lights and flowers, Tihar, transforms towns with colourful decorations and animal‑honouring rituals.
Albania: off‑peak value and film culture
Albania’s summer surge has exposed capacity limits in some places, including strains at the main airport, according to Browne, who lives in Tirana. For this reason, autumn can be a more relaxed and affordable time to visit.
Hotel rates frequently drop in October and minimum‑stay requirements common in high season often disappear. September also hosts the Tirana International Film Festival, an event recognised as qualifying for both the Academy Awards and the European Film Awards, making it a draw for cinema fans.
