Wondering where to go for your September getaway? Enter our monthly destination guide.
With tourists packing up their swimsuits and sunhats in the Med, US national parks quietening down after the summer rush and the arrival of spring breathing new life into the southern hemisphere, September is an excellent month to visit many corners of the globe.
From hiking through the USA’s Wild West to squeezing the last drops of summer on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, here are seven destinations to consider this September.
1. The Galapagos Islands
- Why go: See penguin courting rituals, sea lion pups and migrating marine life
- Season: Cool and dry
- Temperature: 27°C (80°F) high, 19°C (66°F) low
June to September is considered the off-season in the Galapagos, but it’s best to take this with a (large) pinch of salt. Why? Because the Galapagos doesn’t really have an ‘off’ season. Yes, it’s slightly windier and the ocean is a tad cooler at 22°C (72°F), but lower humidity makes it easier to hike through the lush highlands and look for terrestrial wildlife, and underwater action is at its prime.
The arrival of the Humbolt Current brings rich nutrients and a slew of hungry marine life to the Galapagos, including fur seals, reef sharks, dolphins and whales. And don’t forget to look out for adorable sea lion pups when you come up for air.
Over on Isla Bartolome, penguins begin searching for a mate, providing a rare opportunity to watch their impressive courtship rituals. You may also see the archipelago’s most famous birds, the blue and red-footed boobies, during their nesting season.
2. Iceland
- Why go: Darker skies offer a chance to see the Northern Lights
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 11°C (52°F) high, 6°C (43°F) low
Nicknamed the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, Iceland is chock full of intriguing natural landmarks from gurgling geysers to active volcanoes. September marks the start of autumn, and while this usually brings more rain and cooler temps, we think the moody skies make the scenery even more dramatic. But perhaps the biggest reason to visit is the Northern Lights which are visible again thanks to dark night skies. While you’re never guaranteed to see them, low cloud cover in September boosts your chances.
As a shoulder month, there’s also a sizeable drop in tourist numbers. See and hear the power of the Gullfoss (Golden) double waterfall on the Hvita River, march across the mottled ice cap of Vatnajokull, and soak in the milky-blue waters of the famous Blue Lagoon – all without the peak season crowds.
3. Western USA
- Why go: Hit the trails in less-crowded national parks
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 33°C (91°F) high, 11°C (54°F) low
Western USA isn’t short of a national park or two – Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree, to name a few. Summer crowds thin out by September, but the days are still long, making it an excellent month to go hiking at your own pace. Cooler daytime temperatures are also safer for tackling more strenuous trails which are too dangerous during the peak summer heat. Oh, and did we mention the stunning autumn colours that arrive at the end of the month?
Feel spellbound as you stroll the rim of the Grand Canyon, weave through towering sandstone buttes in Monument Valley with a Navajo guide, or walk beneath Yosemite’s giant granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and ancient redwood trees.
4. South Africa
- Why go: See whales off the coast and go on safari
- Season: Spring
- Temperature: 25°C (77°F) high, 10°C (50°F) low
Home to golden beaches, wine regions and national parks teeming with wildlife, there’s no denying that South Africa is a year-round destination. However, the main reason for visiting in September is the Hermanus Whale Festival, which celebrates the return of southern right whales. The cliffs of Hermanus and the surrounding Cape Whale Coast are also blanketed in spring blooms, providing a dreamy backdrop to watch them breaching close to the shore.
After your phone is filled with whale snaps, journey along the Garden Route to trek the Lesotho Highlands and track down the four-legged residents of Addo Elephant National Park. Or, go further on an overland adventure through Botswana and Zimbabwe where you’ll scout for rhinos on foot, learn about the ancient culture of the Venda people at a homestay and go bushwalking with the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Why go: Enjoy la dolce vita minus the summer crowds
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 26°C (79°F) high, 20°C (68°F) low
If you’ve always dreamed of sitting down with a glass of wine and a big bowl of pasta to watch the sunset over the Amalfi, but don’t fancy frantic summer crowds cramping your style, the shoulder month of September could be just the ticket. It’ll still be busy, but there’ll be less noise and more space on the beach than in July and August. The temperature cools as the month ticks on, but it’s still balmy enough to bathe in the sea.
Work up an appetite for the region’s culinary delights on a hiking and kayaking adventure along Amalfi’s coastline, stopping off at secluded beaches and ancient sites. Or admire the rugged coastline from afar as you sail to the pastel-coloured islands of Sorrento, Capri and Procida.
6. Lombok, Indonesia
- Why go: Enjoy everything Lombok has to offer with a balance of great weather and small crowds
- Season: Dry/shoulder
- Temperature: 29°C (84°F) high, 21°C (70°F) low
Lombok offers everything from tropical rainforests and epic volcanic peaks to yoga studios and beach bars. September is the last month to enjoy dry weather – and activities like hiking Mt Rinjani and snorkelling – before the monsoon arrives in late October. Plus, the crowds are usually on the quieter side.
Visit a local village to learn about the local coffee trade and traditional weaving techniques, snorkel at secluded islands in search of sea turtles, or trek through monkey-filled forests to Mt Rinjani where you’ll be rewarded with epic views across Bali, the Gili Islands and Mt Agung.
7. The Balkans
- Why go: Set sail along the coast or experience the season changing in the countryside
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 25°C (77°F) high, 15°C (59°F) low
September in the Western Balkans offers a sweet balance of good weather, smaller crowds and lower prices. Hotspots in Croatia are emptying out, allowing you to enjoy the whitewashed villages of the Dalmatian Coast and amble around Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Now that most big ships have dropped anchor for the season, it’s also an excellent time for a sailing or cruising trip.
Lesser-known destinations like Albania, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have a fascinating mix of Eastern and Western cultural influences, with minarets, mosques and medieval churches. Outside the cities, you’ll find dense forests, lakes, wine regions and mountains. Come September, the foliage in the countryside starts to turn, providing a stunning backdrop for a hike or a spot of winetasting.
Not set on September?
Check out our recommendations on where to travel in and October and November. Or explore our last minute deals.
