September: 86 places at their best

Slovenia, Europe

Lake Bled in September

The sweet spot: warm days, cool mornings, early autumn color, and far thinner crowds. The Cows' Ball in Bohinj marks the herds coming down.

BestMild, highs near 69F (20C), often settled
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake BledPhoto: Abrget47j, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Lake Bled. The sweet spot: warm days, cool mornings, early autumn color, and far thinner crowds. The Cows' Ball in Bohinj marks the herds coming down.

Weather
Mild, highs near 69F (20C), often settled
Crowds
3 of 5
Prices
3 of 5

What September is like in Lake Bled

September is the sweet spot. Highs sit near 69F (20C), mornings are cool, and the weather is often settled. Early autumn color starts to show, and crowds thin out after the summer. Prices soften. In Bohinj, the Cows' Ball celebrates the herds coming down from the high pastures with music, food, and folk costume.

It suits nearly everyone, from hikers to couples and families with young kids. The lake can still be warm enough for a swim early in the month. If you want warmer water, come in July or August, but with much bigger crowds.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Lake Bled this month.

01

Cows' Ball in Bohinj

A traditional festival for the return of the herds, with music, food, and folk costume.

02

Settled hiking weather

Clear days and cool mornings make September great for trails in Triglav National Park.

03

Calmer lake

The walk around the lake and the island boats are much quieter than in August.

What to pack for September

  • Light layers for cool mornings
  • Hiking shoes
  • A swimsuit for early month swims
  • A light rain jacket

Our timing tip

Check the Cows' Ball date in Bohinj before you book September, and stay in Bohinj that weekend to join in.

Book Lake Bled for September.

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What's on in September

Cows' Ball (Kravji Bal), Bohinj

September

A traditional festival celebrating the return of the herds from the high pastures, with music, food, and folk costume.

Things to do in Lake Bled

Full guide
01

Bled Island by pletna

The boats leave from several points around the lake; the ride is part of the experience. Rowing boats can also be rented in season.

Tickets and tours →

02

Bled Castle

The clifftop castle has a museum, a printing workshop, and the best view of the lake. Go at opening in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

Vintgar Gorge

Wooden walkways over a turquoise river canyon a few miles from town. Timed tickets are required in season, and it closes in winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica viewpoints

Short, steep hikes from the lake's west end to the classic view over the island and castle. Sunrise is the time.

Tickets and tours →

05

Walk around the lake

About 3.7 miles (6 km) on a mostly flat path. Early morning is peaceful; midday in summer is crowded.

Tickets and tours →

06

Lake Bohinj and Savica waterfall

A bigger, quieter lake inside Triglav National Park, about 30 minutes away, with the Vogel cable car above it.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Walk the lake and climb to Ojstrica before 8am. The coaches from Ljubljana start arriving mid-morning.
  • Stay overnight in Bled or Bohinj rather than doing a day trip; the evening and early morning hours are the calm ones.
  • Book Vintgar Gorge's timed entry for the first slot of the day in summer.
  • On peak summer days, move to Lake Bohinj, which gets a fraction of Bled's visitors and has better swimming.

Know before you go

  • Bled does not close for winter. Hotels, restaurants, the castle, and the Advent events operate year-round.
  • Vintgar Gorge closes for winter, typically from late autumn until spring, depending on conditions. Check before you go.
  • Pletna boats run most of the year but can pause in bad weather or if the lake freezes.
  • High mountain trails in Triglav National Park are usually snow-bound until June and after October.

Lake Bled in September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Lake Bled?

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Lake Bled. The sweet spot: warm days, cool mornings, early autumn color, and far thinner crowds. The Cows' Ball in Bohinj marks the herds coming down.

What is the weather like in Lake Bled in September?

Mild, highs near 69F (20C), often settled.

Is Lake Bled crowded in September?

Crowds in Lake Bled are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Lake Bled in September?

Cows' Ball (Kravji Bal), Bohinj (september).

Keep planning Lake Bled.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Lake Bled in AugustThe month before: Warm, highs near 77F (25C), stormsTradeoffs
  2. 02Lake Bled in OctoberThe month after: Cool, highs near 59F (15C), fall colorGood
  3. 03Lake Bled in JuneThe next best month: Warm, highs near 74F (23C), afternoon storms possibleBest

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