While summer is typically the peak tourist season in Austria, September is also a fantastic month to explore the country.
Here is why September is a great month to travel around Austria.
Not too warm
In September, the weather usually cools down, and gone are the 30-plus-degree days – emphasis on usually, since global warming has made 30-plus temperatures less of a rarity during summer shoulder months.
The weather in Austria becomes much more comfortable for exploring different places without wanting to take a cooling swim or a cold shower every second hour.
Without heavy sweating, you can wander around Vienna’s historic streets, go hiking in Salzkammergut, or explore Tyrol’s cute villages and impressive mountains.
The cooler weather is also perfect for outdoor activities, and you do not need to seek shade or drink litres of water constantly. Without feeling like complaining about the heat, you can enjoy bike rides, hikes, city walks, or strolling around markets.
Less crowded at the hot spots
If you want to visit some of Austria’s most popular tourist hotspots without the large crowds, now is the time.
During the summer, places like Hallstatt, Salzburg, Vienna’s Old Town, and the Salzkammergut region are crowded with tourists and sometimes locals who are frustrated by the large number of visitors.
The crowds can make it difficult to enjoy the surroundings, take photos without strangers in the frame, or find a peaceful moment to appreciate a place’s history and charm.
In September, most of this has calmed down significantly, and you can enjoy quieter streets, hiking paths, lakes, and views without having to elbow your way through a crowd to see what you want.
READ MORE: Five overrated Austrian tourist hotspots, and where to visit instead
Many wine harvest events
September marks the beginning of the grape harvest season in many of Austria’s wine regions, such as the Wachau, Kamptal, and Burgenland.
This month is perfect for tasting freshly harvested grapes and new wines.
September also hosts many different wine festivals and open cellar events, where you can taste the new flavours directly from the producers.
Many of the festivals and happenings also offer live music, dancing events and different performances.
READ ALSO: Wiener Weinwandertag: Everything you need to know about Vienna’s ‘Wine Hiking Day’
In Vienna, the annual Wiener Weinwandertag, Vienna Wine Hiking Day takes place on the last weekend of the month. Here, you can enjoy Vienna’s 600 hectares of vineyards and about 170 vintners around Kahlenberg, Nussberg, Bisamberg, and Mauer.
During these days, you can choose from different hiking paths, each taking you by the many Heurigen (wine taverns) in the area. These taverns offer wine tastings, various dishes, and often live music.
READ ALSO: 9 unmissable events in Vienna this September
No school holidays
In September, Austria’s school holidays are over. With kids back in school, fewer families travel, so you can experience a more relaxed atmosphere.
Popular attractions, restaurants, and hotels are less crowded in September, making reservations and finding good deals easier.
Plus, with fewer tourists around, you have a better chance to experience local life and participate in autumn events like harvest festivals.
Beautiful scenery
In September, summer’s green turns into the warm colours of fall.
You can enjoy different shades of red, orange, and yellow when exploring nature.
Another great thing about September is that the cooler air often means clearer skies and better visibility. This makes September a great month to appreciate the mountains and landscape views.
READ NEXT: What’s on in Austria: 9 events not to miss this September
What is your favourite month to travel around Austria? Let us know in the comments below.
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