The Best Places to Visit in September

September

By September, the summer crowds have mostly dispersed and it’s a wonderful time to be in Europe. Destinations like Malta and Italy have cooled down somewhat, making them more pleasant for exploring. You’ll also get the best of everything with balmy beach vacations, cultural immersions and world-class cuisine all available to you.

For a real adventure, consider Namibia or Peru. Both are in their dry seasons, providing optimum conditions for wildlife spotting and exploring the many sights. There’s also the unique with an intrepid quest to the Arctic or the hidden gem of Malta.

Here’s where to travel in September.

Best Places to Visit in Europe in September

Europe offers many of the best vacation spots in September. From June to August, places like Italy and Greece are overwhelmed with travelers, but become some of the best places to visit in September.

With peak season ending, along with the school breaks, there’s a brief period where the days are still long and sunny, but there are fewer crowds – making it the best place to travel in September.

Ephesus, Turkey
Turkey

With the scorching heat settling down, September is the best time to visit Turkey. The Tourquoise Coast still sees days in the 80s, for those seeking hot September vacation destinations. Take in the cobalt Aegean Sea and visit world wonders like the ancient city of Ephesus. For hiking, hot air ballooning, and visually stunning landscapes, head to Cappadocia, and for those seeking a slightly cooler beach trip, Bodrum offers a more temperate Mediterranean sea, with its seaside shops and restaurants.

Venice Italy Gondola
Italy

After the heat of the summer has died down, visiting the Italian cities becomes one of the best trips in September. Explore the streets of Rome by bicycle, stopping to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and sip an Aperol Spritz looking down over the Spanish Steps. Meander along picturesque canals in true Venetian style, on board a private gondola. Step back in time to the golden era of the Renaissance in Florence’s incredible museums and art galleries. Pick a city and pair it with a stay in the stunning countryside or on the coast for the ultimate Italian experience.

Ruins at Delphi, Greece
Greece

Beat the post-summer blues and discover Greece's wonderful coastline while it's still hot. While away your days discovering this cultural melting pot where you can spend your days perusing colorful markets in Kos, ogling at spectacular scenery at Delphi, and sampling mouthwatering cuisine wherever you go. Then settle by the turquoise seas of the Aegean, where lazy days by the ocean await, this is one of the best places to visit in September for couples and perfect for a fall break.

Best Beach Vacations in September

If it's the best tropical vacations in September you’re after, then you’re in luck. Summer doesn’t have to end with these beach destinations bursting with marine life, sparkling waters, and cultural highlights – depending on where you go.

Especially with peak season ending, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the best beach vacations in September.

Desroches Island
Seychelles

Peppering the Indian Ocean with a smattering of white sandy beaches, overwater stilted villas, and five-star resorts, the Seychelles has always been a castaway's paradise. It's still warm and sunny in September so you can stretch out on sugar-white beaches or explore oceans teaming with kaleidoscopic fish and all manner of marine life. This destination is simply brilliant and utterly romantic, making the Seychelles one of the best places to vacation in September.

Vamizi Island Mozambique
Mozambique

The exquisite coastline of Mozambique offers the chance to experience deserted golden sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters rich in coral and marine life, as well as clusters of castaway islands. Days can be spent exploring the surrounding islands, picnics on private beaches, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, and diving with manatees. Humpback whales can be seen off the coast at this time of year, making your vacation extra special. Mozambique is also close to safari hotspots so you can easily combine this tropical paradise with a thrilling safari.

Komodo Islands Indonesia Rascal Boat
Komodo & Bali, Indonesia

With peak season coming to an end and families returning to school, visiting Indonesia in September is ideal if you’re looking to beat the crowds and for the best September vacations. Dreamy beaches, inspiring sunsets, diverse culture, and the friendliest locals – Bali plays out all levels of life and captivates the hearts of all travelers who visit. Venture east of this beautiful island and visit the mighty Komodo Dragons in the only place to visit them in the wild, visit pink sandy beaches, and dive through blue waters teeming with marine life.

Best Hot Vacations in September

September is the best month to seek out hot destinations, like Morocco, since during their actual summer it’s too hot to enjoy, with the oppressive heat making venturing outside for the day less than enjoyable.

But September is that perfect sweet spot, when the heat slightly wanes, leaving you with gorgeous warm, dry days to adventure away. Here are the best places to visit in September.

Namibia

Let the landscapes do the talking in Namibia. Scale mighty sand dunes, have fun in the perspective-skewing salt pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, or take a helicopter over the Skeleton Coast for a spine-tingling view of the shipwrecks and whale skeletons that line this treacherous stretch of sea. Or if you want a cultural immersion, visit the Himba tribe in Damaraland and learn about a way of life unchanged in generations. September is the peak of the dry season, making Namibia one of the best places to travel in September for spotting animals on safari.

South Africa

Temperatures are starting to warm up in South Africa so now's the time to head out for a spot of adventure. This iconic country is home to mountain ranges, stunning beaches, national parks with amazing game viewing, the Winelands, and of course, the vibrant city of Cape Town; this destination is a brilliant mix of cosmopolitan city life and a big five safari adventure. It’s ideal for those looking to make the most of the hot September vacation destinations.

Marrakech souks and spices
Morocco

From June through August, Morocco sees sweltering temperatures of 90˚ F+, but by mid-September, enjoy summerlike days with sunny weather in the 80’s, making it a much nicer temperature to explore its bustling souks. Explore all the different regions this country has to offer and delve into Marrakech, cozy up in the Atlas Mountains for hiking and Bedouin culture, and escape to Essaouira for ancient architecture and water sports.

Where to Travel in September for Unique Vacations

For those still wondering where to travel in September, do something truly unique with these September vacation destinations. Whether unique to you means a bold adventure to lands seldom seen, or somewhere closer by with its sleepy charm often overlooked, here’s where to go in September.

Iceberg, Svalbard
The Arctic

The epic landscapes of the Arctic are truly breathtaking; towering icebergs, tranquil fjords, and untouched landscapes along with ancient communities and incredible wildlife. It's the ultimate bucket list destination for the adventure seeker, with ocean voyages taking you from Greenland to Alaska (and everywhere in between). It’s one of the best September vacations, and in some areas, you can enjoy almost 24 hours of daylight.

Amazon River, Peru
Peru

From the magnificent Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to the puzzling Nazca Lines, Peru is a land of wonder. Add to this towering Andean peaks, lush Amazon rainforest and eclectic cities and there is nothing this captivating country lacks. September is an ideal time to visit Peru when conditions are dry and warm across the whole country and you can really soak up all the highlights. In the Amazon, the drier weather lends itself to a wilderness adventure. Get back to nature in this vast jungle, and you may even be lucky enough to spot caiman and tapirs.

View of Valletta from the water
Malta

Malta is a rising star on the luxury travel scene, with the emergence over recent years of high-end gastronomy, sophisticated hotels and exclusive private experiences. Stroll the lively streets of Valletta flanked by chic cafés and bars. Explore the ‘silent city’ of Mdina, with its elaborate architecture and sleepy atmosphere. Soak up the island’s rugged coastline, where cobalt blue seas play host to a range of colorful marine life, or head out into the countryside for a rural adventure. Malta is one of the best places to visit in Europe in September, as temps have cooled slightly and are more pleasant for exploring.

Explore the Best Places to Visit in September with Scott Dunn

Go in search of hidden gems or tick off iconic destinations on your travel wish list. Scott Dunn can craft the perfect September vacation for you. Choose from the countries here or get in touch to explore more places.

Regardless of where you are in your planning process, call us on the number below or fill out our online inquiry form to get started.

Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday

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