Autumn in Serbia is the season when trees turn gold and orange, the air feels cooler, and everything slows down. Big cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad become calmer, and places like Zlatibor and Tara become peaceful hideaways. If you plan to visit in September or October, this is the perfect time to go on one of the best autumn road trips in Serbia.
Consider renting a car in Serbia to enjoy the views and quiet spots. With your ride, you can stop at small towns, mountain roads, and cozy cafes that you might miss by bus or train. Our guide will show you how to make the most of the season, with tips that help you drive, explore, and enjoy the country’s autumn beauty at your own pace.
Autumn in Serbia only lasts about two months. September starts with warm days and cooler nights. Daytime temperatures stay between 20°C and 26°C, while nights can drop to 10°C or 15°C. The weather is mild, which makes it great for hiking, walking tours, and autumn road trips in Serbia. Rain is light, but it becomes more common toward the end of the month, so bring a light jacket or umbrella.
By October, the real signs of fall show up. The air gets cooler, with daytime temperatures around 17°C, and the summer crowds are gone. You will see bright red and yellow leaves covering the parks, forests, and mountain roads.November feels colder and marks the end of autumn. Temperatures drop to about 11°C, and the strong koshava wind begins. If you plan to travel during late autumn, wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes to enjoy the outdoors without discomfort.
If you love quiet roads and colorful trees and want to stop wherever you want, autumn is the perfect time to explore Serbia by car. These scenic drives in Serbia show you hills, rivers, villages, and historic places.
The drive from Belgrade to Uvac takes about 4 hours. It heads southwest between Sjenica and Nova Varoš. Uvac is famous for its meanders, sharp curves in the river that create dramatic shapes when viewed from above. The Molitva viewpoint is where you’ll want to stop for photos. It overlooks the Uvac River as it winds between steep cliffs.
This area is also home to the griffon vulture, one of Europe’s largest birds. Autumn is a calm time to visit, with fewer people and cooler weather for hiking. You can also take a boat ride through the canyon or explore Ledena Pećina, also called the Ice Cave, known for its natural rock formations. Because the roads can be narrow in places, a family SUV is the best vehicle to rent for comfort and space.
Studenica Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Serbia during autumn. It is located near the town of Kraljevo, about a 3-hour drive south of Belgrade. As you move through the rolling hills and approach Golija Mountain, the scenery begins to change. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its well-preserved white marble churches, quiet monastery complex, and extraordinary Byzantine-stle frescoes, which date back to the 13th century.
Aside from the main Church of the Virgin, there are smaller chapels and monastic buildings around the courtyard. You can also visit the guesthouse, which offers basic accommodation, or ask for a local guide to explain the monastery's historical and religious importance. Nearby, you’ll find other monasteries and natural spots worth visiting if you want to extend your stay there.
Sirogojno is a small village located on Zlatibor Mountain, about 3 hours from Belgrade. This village is best known for its open-air museum, the “Old Village,” which showcases life in the 19th-century Serbian countryside. You’ll walk through a collection of original wooden houses preserved in their natural setting. Each home is filled with tools, furniture, and clothing from the past.
After exploring the museum, you can enjoy local dishes in the village. Many travelers stop to try Zlatibor prosciutto, which is smoked using traditional methods, or sample homemade white cheese made by local families. These mountain delicacies are delightful outdoors with a view of the hills. Just a short drive from Sirogojno is Drvengrad, also known as Küstendorf, a wooden town built on Mecavnik Hill. The town is shaped like a rectangle and includes a church, a hotel, a cinema, a restaurant, and cafés made of wood. A ride on the nearby Šargan Eight railway takes you through tunnels and over bridges on one of the most unique rail lines in the Balkans.
In the south of Serbia, on Mount Radan, there’s a place called Đavolja Varoš, or Devil’s Town. The road from Belgrade takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. The main attraction is a group of 202 stone towers, shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years. In autumn, fog sometimes covers the tops of the formations. Legend says the stones were once a wedding party turned to stone by magic. You can walk among the figures on marked trails. Nearby, you’ll find Prolom Banja and Crveno Vrelo, known for mineral springs and natural beauty. This is a unique spot for people who enjoy hiking and strange landscapes.
About a 2-hour drive from Belgrade, Bela Crkva is known for its seven lakes. These lakes are surrounded by trees, making them a great place to visit in September or October. Some of the most visited are Glavno Lake, Šaransko Lake, and Vračevgajsko Lake. The area is flat, so it's perfect for cycling or slow walks. You’ll see Austro-Hungarian-stle buildings, calm parks, and friendly people in the town. A bit further out is the Deliblato Sands, a dry area often called the “European Sahara.” It’s full of tall grasses and dunes.
If you’re planning autumn road trips in Serbia, Tara National Park should be high on your list. The drive from Belgrade to Tara takes around 4 hours. During autumn, the park’s beech and fir forests light up in brilliant shades of red, yellow, and gold. The park is well maintained, and the main roads are in good condition.
As you arrive, one of the must-see stops is the Banjska Stena viewpoint. From here, you get an open view of the Drina River Canyon, with its calm, deep-blue waters winding between tall cliffs. In the cooler months, mist often rises from the river. The park offers a network of hiking trails, many starting from Banjska Stena or nearby entrances. These trails vary in difficulty so you can choose a short walk or a longer day hike depending on your comfort. If walking isn’t your thing, river cruises are also available along the Drina. You can enjoy the cliffs and forested banks from the water with these slow, guided boat rides, especially in September and early October.
In southern Serbia, one of the most rewarding autumn road trips in Serbia begins in Niš and takes you through the highlands of Kopaonik National Park and Novi Pazar. Starting in Niš, you’ll drive through a region full of open fields, river valleys, and rising forested hills. Niš itself is one of Europe’s oldest cities, known for its Roman ruins, Skull Tower, and layered history.
As you drive out of Niš toward Kopaonik, the road climbs steadily, and the scenery becomes more alpine. By late September, the dense forests covering the mountain's lower slopes start to shift in color. Deep green trees mix with bursts of yellow and orange. The higher you go, the cooler the air becomes. Kopaonik National Park is Serbia’s most famous ski resort in winter, but in autumn, it transforms into a peaceful mountain retreat. The trails are quieter, and the views are wide open.
The road from Kopaonik to Novi Pazar takes about an hour. Novi Pazar is a town with Eastern and Western influences. You’ll see mosques, Orthodox churches, Ottoman-stle markets, and restaurants serving dishes that reflect the town’s diverse heritage.
North of Belgrade, in the Vojvodina region, is Fruska Gora, a small mountain known for its wineries and monasteries. The roads here are easy and gentle. You can visit Sremski Karlovci, a town filled with wine cellars and baroque buildings. The air smells like grapes during the September harvest. If you like wine, try Bermet, a sweet, spiced drink made in the region. The area is also home to many old Orthodox monasteries hidden in the forest.
Autumn is the season of flavor in Serbia. In rural villages, red peppers are roasted over open flames. You’ll smell them in towns across Šumadija. These peppers are used to make ajvar, a thick red spread that’s cooked slowly in oil until soft. People serve it with white cheese, smoked ham, and homemade bread.
In southern Serbia, around Leskovac, you’ll see houses decorated with strings of drying peppers. The Rostiljijada, or grill festival, happens in Leskovac each September. Over 200 food stalls line the streets, and the air is full of smoke and the smell of grilled meat. Try pljeskavica or ćevapi, cooked right before you while folk music plays. In Aleksandrovac, the Parish Harvest Festival brings winemakers together to celebrate the grape season. This event has taken place since the 12th century and continues to be one of the region’s proudest traditions.
Belgrade's streets feel less crowded, and it’s more enjoyable to walk in the cooler air. Start your day at Knez Mihailova Street, which is lined with shops and cafés. Walk all the way to Kalemegdan Park, where the Belgrade Fortress sits high above the river.
For a local experience, sit outside and enjoy Serbian coffee as people pass by. In the evening, explore Savamala, the nightlife area where you’ll find clubs, art galleries, and splavs—floating bars on the Sava River. Events like the Belgrade Jazz Festival and the International Book Fair fill the city with music and stories every October.
In Novi Sad, a smaller city by the Danube, the Festival of Street Musicians takes over the town in early September. Musicians, dancers, and performers fill the streets with color and sound. The vibe is friendly, creative, and perfect for exploring on foot. This is a great time to book a stay near Petrovaradin Fortress, where you can enjoy river views and walks into the old town.
In Niš, you’ll find history at every corner. Walk through the Niš Fortress, visit the Skull Tower, and learn about local stories from Roman times to modern-day Serbia. The cooler temperatures in autumn make it easier to walk long distances and visit museums without the summer heat.
If you're wondering where to go in Serbia in autumn, follow the roads. Every drive offers something different from the golden forests of Tara to the peaceful lakes of Bela Crkva. You’ll taste warm food in mountain villages, walk through ancient monasteries, and stop at viewpoints.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service in Serbia with pick-up locations at major airports in Belgrade and Niš. We offer reliable vehicles with instant booking and no hidden fees if you need a compact car for city streets or a spacious SUV for the hills. Book your ride today and explore Serbia your way.
