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Best holiday destinations in September
September is one of our most popular travelling months – the summer holiday crowds have departed, and temperatures are that little bit cooler (making walking and sightseeing a lot more comfortable). But where should you choose for a holiday in September? We could pick out dozens of fantastic destinations, but here are some of our top recommendations.
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Croatia
With its stunning Mediterranean coastline, speckled with more than a thousand pine-clad islands, Croatia is a stunning destination. From ancient walled cities and sparking sapphire seas to rich heritage and diverse cuisine, you can experience them all on our holidays and small ship cruises. September means fewer crowds and more festivals, so it’s the ideal time to explore the Adriatic coast, the Dalmatian Islands or the Kvarner islands of northern Croatia in the September sun.
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Armenia and Georgia
Armenia and Georgia aren’t your typical holiday destinations. They’re forging their own identities following the era of the Soviet Union, making it a fascinating time to explore these countries as they transition. Head there now and you’ll witness an incredible kaleidoscope of autumnal colours, as well as sampling the harvest haul of fresh produce and wines made here for millennia.
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Spain
Family favourite Spain is a great choice come September, when the kids go back to school and the crowds begin to die down. And while there’s less people to jostle with for space on beaches and in restaurants, the weather’s still beautiful, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures soaring into the late 20s. It’s a fantastic time for sightseeing in Valencia and Granada, or the warmer south around Seville as well as pretty Catalonia.
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Cyprus
The peak summer months of Cyprus can be unbearably hot, which makes September a great time to visit this fascinating Mediterranean isle. It’s still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing – average day time temperatures hover at around 30 degrees – but sightseeing the UNESCO-listed sites at Paphos is a lot more comfortable this month. Or head to northern Cyprus for Roman history, Crusader castles and spectacular scenery, as well as Europe’s last divided capital at Nicosia.
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Madeira
After the long hot subtropical summer, Madeira’s Atlantic shallows are the perfect temperature for swimming in September. It’s also a great month to walk the levadas, Madeira’s former irrigation channels turned walking trails, see the botanical gardens in capital Funchal and explore the villages of the north. Evenings are still mild – ideal for al fresco dining – there’s hardly any rain, and the locals are celebrating the grape harvest in readiness for producing the island’s most famous export, Madeira wine.
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Portugal
September’s an ideal time to visit Portugal. The kids have gone back to school – leaving the swimming pools less crowded – and summer temperatures are starting to dip. This means you can enjoy evening strolls accompanied by a cool breeze as well as comfortable city sightseeing in Lisbon and Porto, or on a cruise through the vineyards of the Douro Valley. Also, the sea’s warm along the Algarve coast but without the large waves associated with later in autumn.
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Italy
Italians tend to look towards their winter wardrobes in September. For travellers, however, you’ll find pleasant day-time temperatures creating ideal conditions for visiting Venice and Rome. Tuscany, too, is idyllic in September with industrious grape pickers working the vineyards and cyclists enjoying hill climbs in cooler climes. The weather is still lovely around the Italian lakes and the crowds have also shrunk at popular spots such as Lake Garda.
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Montenegro
The mountains, rivers and lakes of Montenegro sing to the sounds of activity lovers during September. This is one of the best months for hiking over wildflower-covered hillsides or through Lake Skadar National Park, and enjoying mouth-watering picnics packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh cucumbers and the sweetest of sticky figs. Head to the coast and you’ll find warm waves and fewer crowds, including at the dramatic Bay of Kotor and in the Venetian old town of Budvar.
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Turkey
If you can’t decide whether you want history, city sights or wonderful scenery on your holiday, Turkey has it all and September is the perfect month to discover it on a tour of the country. Explore Istanbul’s enticing old districts and Topkapı Palace without the searing heat of summer before walking the ancient streets of Ephesus and the site of Troy, touring Greek theatres and a Roman spa, along with poignant First World War battlefields at Gallipoli.
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Cantabria
Head to Cantabria on Spain’s north coast this month, and along with the usual attractions of walking and birdwatching, there’s a chance to see one of the little fishing villages transformed by its annual festival. Santoña is known for its delicious anchovies, which appear on almost every menu in town, but on September 7 and 8 there’s also the chance to enjoy Festivos Santona, with a Maritime Procession featuring the fishing fleet before festivities honouring the Virgin.
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South Africa
There’s so much to see in South Africa that one visit will never be enough. But as spring arrives in September, it’s one of the best months to explore the best of South Africa, from its cosmopolitan cities and dramatic coastlines to sun-dappled vineyards. Nearing the end of the dry season, it’s easier than ever to spot the wildlife on safari, plus there’s still great whale-watching on the Western Cape at Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, as well as milder temperatures in Cape Town.
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Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
The extraordinary wildlife of the Galapagos Islands means there’s always something new to discover, whenever you visit this part of Ecuador – and September is no exception, with the start of the penguin courtship season in the islands, as well as seal pups being born. There’s still a good chance of spotting humpback whales this month too. It’s the drier, cooler season this month too, so you’re unlikely to see much rain but temperatures are usually in the low 20Cs during the day.
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Bhutan
With the rainy season over and the weather getting increasingly dry and warm throughout September, there’s plenty to tempt you to Bhutan this month, including wonderful views and great conditions for hiking. This month also brings a series of festivals, including the three-day Thimphu Festival, a vibrant Buddhist celebration of culture, community and spirituality. It’s a wonderful glimpse of Bhutanese culture, along with the chance to spy the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and walk in the mountains and woods.
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Seychelles
The trade winds which blow across the Seychelles for much of the year die down in September, making it a great time to visit the islands, especially after the summer holiday crowds have left. Temperatures hover in the high 20Cs and the worst of the rains have yet to arrive, beyond a few welcome cooling showers. Discover the wonderful white sand beaches which the islands are famous for, enjoy a luxury island hop, spot giant tortoises and birds, or simply relax and enjoy the snorkelling.
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Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, see bottle-green rainforests and cloud forests shrouded in mist. Brooding volcanoes watching over hot springs and pineapple plantations. It is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, where the variety of wildlife is in endless. In Tortuguero, turtle hatching season runs until December. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see them. A real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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