Where to travel in September

Greece

Summer sails through September in Greece, with balmy temperatures hovering between 68-84 degrees Fahrenheit. Just past the busy summer peak of July and August, there will be fewer other visitors soaking up the sunshine and marveling at the many historical treasures. If the Acropolis time slots are all booked up, no bother, simply enjoy the views from afar with a roof terrace sundowner, then opt for visiting some of Greece’s less crowd-packed UNESCO sites. Journey inland to the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora perched high on sandstone pinnacles above spectacular landscapes, or nip across to the Cyclades island of Delos to explore the sunbaked Sanctuary of Apollo. For a beachy island break, ask one of our local experts about Greece’s quieter islands, such as Paros with its slow-paced villages and gorgeous coves, or the cypress-clad hills of Ithaca lapped by crystalline Ionian waters.

Turkey

Known as the crossroads between East and West, Turkey is rich in history, culture and cuisine. It also holds a wonderful diversity of landscapes, with Mediterranean beaches, forested mountains, the Black Sea coast and the desert. If you’ve set your heart on extending the summer, Turkey is one of the best destinations to visit in September. The summer crowds and high heat will have subsided a little, but it will still be warm enough for sea dips and al fresco dining. The endlessly enthralling city of Istanbul ramps up its cultural calendar in September and October, so stay a few days and join the locals in jubilant celebrations of music and art. By all means, hit the crowd-pleasing beaches and towns of the Turkish Riviera, but for something different, swing east along the less-developed Black Sea coast. The mountains and desert steppe of the interior hold more treasures, with ancient underground cities to explore, sculpted rock formations to hike through, and ethnically diverse towns and villages to welcome you with traditional hospitality.

Italy

Blessed with a temperate climate, Italy is one of the best places to vacation in September. The north will be mild to warm, with temperatures hovering between 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit and up to around 82.5 in the central regions. This makes it a not-too-sticky time of year for city breaks in Milan, Venice and Rome. In the balmy south, temperatures will be around 75-84 degrees Fahrenheit, with sea temperatures in the low 68s, making it comfortable beach weather. September is the harvest time in Italy, so ideal for visiting rural areas and wine regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont. For sun-kissed southern jaunts, consider lovely Puglia, the Mediterranean heel of Italy’s boot, or Capri’s quieter island neighbor Ischia, in the Bay of Naples. September in Sicily is always sublime, with a calendar of festivals and beaches galore to choose between.

India

India is a giant of a country with its head in the Himalayas and its toes in the tropics. As such, the climate varies considerably from region to region. September heralds the end of the monsoon, so there’s a shift in the weather across the country. Temperatures come down a touch, and the rains ease off, especially in the north. Technically, September is also the travel shoulder season, before the sun-seeking Northern Hemisphere dwellers flood in. This makes culturally-rich Rajasthan one of the best places to travel in September – there will be fewer crowds, and the weather will be more settled. If you have your heart set on Kerala, then you could roll the dice on September. Yes, there will be downpours, but with the monsoon subsiding, they will be fewer and less intense, and the whole region will be gloriously, vibrantly, brilliantly green.

Sri Lanka

Similarly to India, Sri Lanka is emerging from the heights of its monsoon season in September. The country is beautifully green, the temperatures are comfortable for outdoor pursuits, and there are pleasantly few crowds. You’ll need to stow a raincoat in your daypack, but the payoff of a September vacation is that you’ll experience the highlights of Sri Lanka without the high footfall. Many of the locals you meet will be in a different gear than in the vacation high season, and your trip will likely feel more authentic and relaxed.

Indonesia

Indonesia is hot and humid year-round, but that’s part of what we love about it. With a visit in September, you’ll skip the busier summer season and be on your way before the monsoon rains sweep through. If you’re seeking guaranteed sunshine on wildlife-rich tropical islands with diverse cultures and cuisine, Indonesia is one of the best places to travel to in September. There are 17,000 islands to choose between, so consider venturing beyond beautiful (but busy) Bali to explore some of the lesser-known paradise isles. Sumba stands out with its lighter-touch take on tourism and interesting cultural heritage. Sulawesi is another less-visited island with a dramatic mountainous interior giving way to beach-clad peninsulas with palm-fringed sands and some top dive sites. For a real back-to-nature vibe, the neighboring islands of Flores and Komodo are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts (yes, there be dragons), and there are pristine volcanic landscapes to hike through.

Canada

With its vast wilderness of snowy mountains, Alpine lakes and rushing rivers, Canada is a country in which to commune with nature. Despite its colossal size (this is the second-largest country in the world), Canada still has its high seasons. From June to August, hikers flock to the Rockies to follow its summer trails through wildflower meadows and around glinting lakes. When winter rolls in, snow sports enthusiasts rock up to play in the epic mountain snows. These are the busiest times in Canada, and with good reason. But then there’s September: this in-between month hits that sweet spot between sunny days, quieter trails, and the turning of the season bringing the fiery colors of fall. If you can, then Canada is one of the best places to vacation in September.

Namibia

The September weather in Namibia is nigh on perfect, with pleasant daytime temperatures of 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit and refreshingly cool evenings. At this time of year, the country is just emerging into spring, so it’s ideal for spending time outdoors without the fierce heat of summer beating down. September in Namibia is characterized by dry weather, so not only will you experience sunny days, but it is also prime wildlife-watching season. With water scarce, Namibia’s majestic wildlife gather around busy watering holes in the Namib and Kalahari deserts, and the cooler evenings are ideal for stargazing.

Morocco

From exploring culture-packed cities to roaming mountain trails, breezy coast and desert terrain, traveling in Morocco is a treat for the senses. Come September, the high summer temperatures have dipped a little, making it much more pleasant for city breaks to Fes and Marrakech and for hiking in the High Atlas Mountains. The Saharan Berber camps close during the intense summer heat, but they will be back to welcome guests in September before the chilly winter season starts around November. In September, the days are long, sunny and warm, with low rainfall – this makes it ideal for getting out and about in the city, mountains, beach, and desert alike.