6 best places to go cycling in September

1. Porto (and the North), Portugal

Best for climbs through vineyard country during harvest season.

Why cycle in September

With its vineyard-strewn hillsides, winding river roads and UNESCO-listed landscapes, the Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most rewarding places to cycle.

September is arguably the most atmospheric time to visit. It’s harvest season in the region’s famous wine estates, and the valley hums with activity. Temperatures stay around 23 to 26°C, ideal for long rides without the midsummer heat.

The riding here is demanding but stunning, with plenty of climbing and tight switchbacks that deliver far-reaching views across the Douro.

September adds a layer of cultural energy, from traditional harvest festivals to vineyard tours, especially near Peso da Régua and Pinhão. Mix that with Porto’s coastal cycling and historic centre, and you have a unique blend of rural adventure and lively urban discovery.

Other times to consider

Spring (April to early June) brings cooler mornings and green, flower-filled hillsides.

October often offers warm, dry days too, but rain becomes more likely as the month goes on.

July and August are best avoided inland; heat and crowds can make riding uncomfortable, though the coast stays more manageable.

More information

• Check out our in-depth guide to cycling the Viana do Castelo region of Northern Portugal.
• Read the 5 reasons you should try off-peak cycling in Portugal.
• Our guide to cycling Porto to Lisbon via the Atlantic Ring Route offers an excellent route option for your September cycling break.
• Make sure to read our insider’s guide to the best cycling in Portugal for more advice on what to expect.
• And we have a list of 14 things to know before you book any cycling tour in Portugal as well.

Top view of the Douro River and vineyards

2. Sardinia

Best for quiet coastal and mountain rides with a late-summer Mediterranean feel.

Why cycle in September

Sardinia in September is a delight for cyclists seeking sun without summer’s intensity. Temperatures average around 25°C, the sea stays warm, and the crowds found in high season have thinned.

The roads, especially inland, are quiet and smooth, and the island’s scenery is uniquely varied, from wild woodlands to dramatic coastlines and rolling farmland.

It’s also harvest time for grapes, so villages come alive with food festivals and local events.

Head to the Gennargentu mountains and test yourself on the climbs or trace the winding coastal roads of the Costa Smeralda; the island will reward you with uninterrupted views, peaceful riding, and an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

Other times to consider

April to early June is another excellent window, when wildflowers blanket the hills and the weather is cooler.

October can still bring dry, mild conditions, though rain is more likely.

July and August are less ideal for cycling, with heat and tourist traffic (especially on the coast) making things more challenging.

More information

• Our detailed guide to cycling Sardinia is packed with essential information for holidays on this idyllic island.
• Sardinia also features on our list of the best Mediterranean bike tours.

The coast near Buggerru on the Costa Verde (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)

3. Nice, France

Best for warm-weather mountain climbs and coastal rides without the crowds.

Why cycle in September

September is arguably the ideal time to ride in and around Nice. The heat of high summer fades, but the days remain long and sunny, with temperatures around 25°C and little rain.

With tourists thinning out, the roads and restaurants become calmer, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Nice offers a rare mix of experiences. You can spin along the beautiful coastal roads one day, then climb into the Alpes-Maritimes the next, tackling legendary routes like Col de la Madone and Col de Braus.

Pro riders train here for a reason: excellent road surfaces, technical terrain, and reliable weather. Yet it’s still accessible for recreational riders, and the glamour and tasty food of Nice add the perfect post-ride indulgence.

Other times to consider

April to early June brings spring colour and mild temperatures, while March offers good riding and the chance to catch Paris–Nice.

Autumn stretches into October with warm days, though mountain passes may close from November.

Again, July and August are best avoided,  coastal roads are busy and conditions can be uncomfortably hot.

More information

• Our ultimate guide to cycling Nice and the Côte d’Azur is packed with useful information.
• We also have 15 must-read tips for cycling Nice that include more advice on the best time of year to visit.
• Check out the challenging Col de Braus loop and the Col de La Madone loop.

Col de Braus (French Alps, Alpes Maritimes, France) with its winding road, at late spring

4. Girona, Spain

Best for laid-back roads, gravel routes and a town steeped in cycling culture.

Why cycle in September

Girona in September is about as close to cycling nirvana as it gets. Summer’s intensity fades, but the days are still warm, dry and golden: perfect for riding.

Expect average highs around 25°C, with fewer tourists and a relaxed atmosphere both in town and on the roads.

Girona is a city with cycling in its DNA. Professionals and amateurs alike flock here for the mix of quiet asphalt, scenic gravel, and iconic climbs like Rocacorba and Els Àngels. The surrounding countryside, with its pine forests, sunflower fields and medieval villages, is both peaceful and picturesque.

Off the bike, Girona’s food scene is exceptional, and the cafés around town buzz with post-ride energy. September delivers all of this without the intensity of peak season, just a steady rhythm of sunny rides and good company.

Other times to consider

April to June is another great time to visit, with fresh greenery and crisp mornings.

October often remains warm and quiet, although rain increases later in the month.

Avoid July and August if possible; high humidity and busy roads, especially near the coast, can dampen the experience.

More information

• With the city being so popular for pro and amateur cyclists, we’ve a ton of information in our ultimate guide to cycling Girona.
• Take a look at the 12 best cycling climbs in Girona that you can incorporate into your own trip.
• Or there are 10 easy cycling routes in and around Girona should you want a more relaxed getaway.
• If you prefer a guided tour, we’ve got a list of the best Girona bike tours for you to choose from.
• And our guide to where to stay in Girona for cyclists is packed with the best hotels, apartments and training camps.
• The Sea Otter Ciclobrava features in our guide to the best cycling challenges in Europe, perfect if you’re interested in cycling events in September.

Cycling through Girona city centre

5. Cyprus

Best for quiet, late-summer Mediterranean roads and big mountain climbs.

Why cycle in September

Cyprus in September offers warm, dry days and a sense of space that’s hard to match elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Temperatures dip just enough to make mountain climbs enjoyable, especially in the Troodos range, where pine-scented air and minimal traffic create ideal conditions for a big day out.

Coastal areas still hit the high 20s (°C), but early starts and sea breezes make for comfortable rides.

The roads are well-surfaced and largely quiet inland, taking you past ancient ruins, citrus orchards and sleepy villages. Base yourself in Paphos or Limassol and you can mix coastal spins with challenging inland loops.

Events like the Gran Fondo Cyprus and L’Étape Cyprus are helping to build the scene, but September remains a sweet spot – lively, but far from crowded. Post-ride, expect mezze, cool sea swims and memorable sunsets.

Other times to consider

March to May is another cycling sweet spot, with wildflowers, mild weather and greenery in the hills.

October and early November also work well, with fewer tourists and warm sea temperatures.

Winter can be mild at lower levels, but the highest peaks are often snow-covered between December and February.

More information

• Our main destination guide for cycling Cyprus has all the key information you need for the island.
• We also have a deeper dive into cycling Paphos, including tips on why it’s so popular and the best time of year to visit this region.
• Similarly, our guide to cycling Limassol tells you everything you need to know about this city and the surrounding area.

The ruins of ancient Kourion in the Limassol District

6. Hudson Valley, USA

Best for peaceful, food-fuelled countryside rides with early autumn colour.

Why cycle in September

September is when the Hudson Valley comes into its own. Crisp mornings and warm afternoons offer great conditions for long, unhurried rides. By mid-to-late September, the trees have begun to turn, hinting at the vibrant autumn show to come.

The riding here is relaxed and full of character. You’ll pass apple orchards, riverside trails, mountain foothills and historic towns. Cyclists can stop at roadside stands for cider and pastries or linger at local cafés and farmers’ markets.

Cycling infrastructure is expanding, with routes like the Ashokan Rail Trail and the Empire State Trail offering smooth, well-marked paths. Add in boutique hotels, emerging cycling services, and the charm of small-town America, and it’s easy to see why more riders are discovering this under-the-radar destination that’s just a short hop from New York City.

Other times to consider

Spring (April to early June) is lush and fresh, with quieter roads and mild weather.

Late September to early November is peak leaf-peeping season, with brilliant foliage and crisp air.

Summer can be steamy, while winter brings snow and ice – not ideal unless you’re fat biking or heading for the ski slopes.

More information

• We have a detailed guide to cycling the Hudson Valley with loads more information to help you plan your own trip.
• Looking for something more epic? Check out our guide to cycling across America.

Autumn foliage in the Hudson Valley (photo credit: Hudson Valley Detours)

What’s next?

Love the idea of September bike rides? Perhaps you have been on a cycling holiday in September before? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Looking for more inspiration? We’ve got some other seasonal cycling guides that you may find useful. Don’t miss:

• Check out more destinations you can enjoy for autumn cycling holidays.
• Looking for a getaway earlier in the year? Our spring cycling holidays guide offers plenty of suggestions.
• Check out some inspiration for winter cycling breaks that let you escape the cold and rain back home.
• And if you want to celebrate with a unique getaway, we’ve recommendations for Christmas and New Year cycling holidays too.
• Of course, there are also plenty of fantastic options for summer cycling breaks.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.