Best places to visit in September

After the peak of summer temperatures throughout the northern hemisphere and with the children back at school, September is the perfect time to enjoy the good weather without the crowds or high season prices. Europe is ideal to visit on warm, dry days, while almost all of Africa is ready for safari adventures. Monsoon rains continue to affect much of Southeast Asia, but there are autumn festivals to tempt you to visit. It is also a good time to visit the Middle East, as temperatures drop to more bearable levels.

Whether you're a nature lover or a sun-seeker, there are a variety of destinations in September. To help you plan your September 2023 holiday, we've put together our recommended destinations and experiences, as well as our selection of beaches and natural attractions that are perfect for this time of year.

The best travel destinations and experiences for September

The best of both worlds in Egypt

In Egypt, the sweltering temperatures of July and August have cooled slightly, although it is still pleasantly warm. And with the children back to school, the country's old places are quieter than they were months ago. If you want to combine Egypt's cultural attractions with a Red Sea beach getaway, September is the ideal month to do so, with optimal weather conditions for sightseeing and beachside lounging.

Summer explosion in Europe

Summer is coming to an end in Europe, but temperatures in Greece, Turkey and Croatia remain warm and pleasant. Even better, schools are back, meaning most beaches and hotels are much quieter than the busy summer period from June to August. Prices are also lower, making September the perfect month to enjoy the last rays of European summer sunshine on a beach getaway or island cruise.

Making the most of Africa's dry season

September is one of the best months of the year to go on safari in Africa. The dry season in the southern countries of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana makes it an ideal time for animal watching, as vegetation is sparse and animals gather at the few remaining watering holes to drink. In East Africa, the Great Migration is in full swing in the Serengeti, with millions of prey animals moving to greener lands, and predators following their every move.

A Chinese adventure: Pleasant weather and fewer crowds

Like other destinations, China experiences a decline in visitors during the month of September as many people return to work and school. The cities are less crowded and the autumn leaves in the countryside make for wonderful photos. The temperatures are lower than summer, but warm enough that you don't need a sweatshirt, and it doesn't rain too much. The Chinese also celebrate the mid-autumn festival, so cities are illuminated with colorful lanterns.

The best city breaks in September

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The charming walled city of Dubrovnik can be a bit overwhelming in summer, attracting large crowds and sweltering temperatures. September is a much better month to visit the beloved city, with fewer travelers and more suitable temperatures. Game of Thrones filming locations will be much easier to capture on camera and quaint cafes will be cheaper and with better service.

Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

If you want to see Iguazú Falls at its peak, September is one of the best months of the year to visit them. Water levels aren't at their peak, but September's cooler temperatures usually mean clearer skies so you can get the perfect photo of the waterfalls against a blue backdrop. With a lower flow of water you can also see the rocky terrain over which the Iguazú Falls flow. September is also a good month to visit the Amazon or the Pantanal in neighboring Brazil, with lower accommodation prices in Rio and the south.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is hot and dry all year round, as you would expect from a desert city. In September there are fewer crowds and the temperatures, although still warm, are more bearable than in previous months. The humidity is also lower, making it an ideal month to visit. You can spend your time lounging on the beach or enjoying an exquisite meal in an air-conditioned restaurant.

Cairo, Egypt

After the intense heat of the summer months, September is a fantastic month to explore the Middle East, from the ancient wonders of Egypt to the lunar deserts of Jordan. Cairo is probably the best option, as incredible sites like the pyramids of Giza and Saqqara are much easier to explore in cooler weather. The Grand Egyptian Museum will open its doors in 2020, after a long wait, so it has never been a better time to start thinking about that trip to Egypt.

The best festivals in September

Each month of the year has its own offering of special events and festivals. If you're trying to decide where to go in September, why not coincide your trip with one of these great annual events?

Historic Regatta

Where? Venice Italy

The Regata Storica, one of the most anticipated events on the Venice calendar, takes place every first Sunday in September. Celebrating one of the city's best-known traditions, Venetian rowing, the event includes a parade of historic boats and a series of exciting races. The boat crews are dressed in 15th century costumes, allowing you to experience a piece of Venice history for a day.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Where? China

In September, the Chinese celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with lanterns, shrine worship, and plenty of delicious delicacies. The most popular is the mooncake, a round cake with red bean paste inside that is given as gifts to family and friends. The festival is celebrated on the full moon of the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, between the end of September and the beginning of October.

Jazz in the park

Where? Bogota Colombia

Since 1996, Jazz en el Parque, held in Bogotá in mid-September, celebrates the city's thriving jazz scene. Public parks such as Simón Bolívar and Parque de la Independencia are filled with the sounds of saxophones, trumpets and pianos as local musicians show off their best work. Plus, the festival is completely free, making it an ideal time to visit the Colombian capital.

Hermanus Whale Festival

Where? Hermanus, South Africa

Every year, the coastal town of Hermanus, South Africa, honors the southern right whale with three days of ocean-themed activities and exhibits. People gather to watch the migrating sea beasts and learn more about them. The event began in 1991 and remains the only marine ecological festival in the country. Visitors can also enjoy music, markets, good food and a Whales 'n' Wheels classic car exhibit.

The best beach destinations in September

The Mediterranean is still good in September, with temperatures starting to drop, but still warm enough for sailing and beach breaks. The east coast of Africa remains enchanting, with many destinations to choose from. The monsoon rains are coming to an end in Southeast Asia, but it is better to wait a few more months to enjoy the best weather in this region, while in Central America it is hurricane season, so it is best to avoid it at this time.

The Maldives

The monsoons that affect the Maldives between July and August have already passed, so the weather improves with clearer skies and less precipitation. As it is not the driest season of the year, prices will be reasonable and availability better. It is a good time for surfing and diving is also good on the western sides of the atoll (coral island), with more plankton and greater chances of finding dolphins and manta rays after the heavier rains.

Croatia

The peak holiday season in Croatia is over as children across Europe return to school, but the Mediterranean climate remains pleasant, with pleasant temperatures, warm waters and minimal rainfall. Prices drop a bit at this time of year, so you can enjoy a boat trip without breaking the bank, and there are still plenty of opportunities to relax on the sandy beaches and explore the historic coastal towns. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to relax on the sandy beaches and explore the historic coastal towns.

Morocco

Spanning a distance of 1,200 miles from the Mediterranean in the north to the Atlantic Ocean in the west, Morocco has plenty of coastline to plan the perfect beach getaway. From Tangier to Agadir, there are many accommodation options and September is the perfect time to visit, with warm but bearable temperatures and little rainfall. Additionally, the most popular resorts are well connected to international airports and there are many historic cities to explore.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's virgin coast, in the northeast of the island, experiences its last month of good weather in September, before the monsoons arrive in the region. Now is the time to plan a visit to Arugam Bay and the northern coast of Trincomalee, with warm weather and little rainfall. On the other side of the island it is still wet, but it is still possible to visit Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle and its many ancient wonders, as well as the national parks.

The best destinations for wildlife in September

The dry season continues across Africa, with minimal rainfall and warm temperatures. It's been a few months since the last rains so foliage is sparse, making it the perfect time to visit a wildlife safari. You can choose any destination from Kenya to South Africa, they are all excellent for wildlife this time of year. Elsewhere, it's a good time for jungle treks and fishing in the low-water Amazon, while Minneriya National Park hosts Sri Lanka's famous elephant gathering. Madagascar and the Galapagos are great this time of year, for those looking to get off the beaten track.

East africa

The annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle is a year-long journey, with September being one of the busiest months as thousands of animals cross from the northern Serengeti in Tanzania to the adjacent Masai Mara in Kenya. It is a journey fraught with danger, from the sheer drop on the river banks to the hungry crocodiles that stalk the waters of the Mara River. It is one of the best months to visit East Africa and witness the brutal spectacle.

South Africa

Animal watching is at its best in southern Africa, as wildlife congregates around the few remaining watering holes after months of hot, dry weather. It's an ideal time to visit South Africa, as southern right and humpback whales breed in the warm coastal waters, while herds of elephants begin to gather in Botswana. Namibia's national parks are also ideal this time of year, before temperatures soar.

The Galapagos

Between June and November, the Galapagos Islands experience a cool, dry season. Rougher seas are perfect for diving, as plankton and nutrients spread everywhere, attracting larger fish and seabirds such as albatrosses and penguins. In September, sea lions are also at their busiest, as females go into heat and males begin their battle for a mate.

Madagascar

Madagascar becomes a birdwatcher's dream in September, with the start of the breeding season and the arrival of many migratory species. In preparation for finding a mate, the birds become much louder, filling the forests with songs, and begin to display their most impressive movements and breeding finery. If it's birdwatching you're after, book early as lodges in top birdwatching spots tend to be small and fill up quickly.

How much do you want to SAVE on your trip?

When you find your ideal destination in this article, check out the best exclusive DISCOUNTS and OFFERS to organize it.

FLIGHTS

HOTELS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

TRAVEL GEAR

▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

If you want to read other articles similar to Best places to visit in September. You can visit the category September.