September Leave List
Summer without the crowds.
Where to travel in September ?
September is the month for late-summer sunshine and new-season adventures.
While much of Europe is still warm and inviting, the intensity of peak summer is beginning to ease. Further afield, September brings excellent conditions for everything from safari and road trips to tropical island escapes and spectacular autumn landscapes.
You can sail through the Mediterranean, explore vineyards and historic cities, go on safari, chase autumn colours or dive into warm tropical waters. It’s also a great month to experience destinations that can feel very different from their peak-season selves.
Whether you want to hold on to summer for a little longer or embrace the first signs of autumn, September gives you plenty of ways to make your annual leave count.
Best Places to Visit in September
Late-summer sunshine & Mediterranean escapes
Greece
Perfect for: Islands, beaches, sailing & Greek food
Average temperature: Around 24–30°C
Season: Late summer
September is one of the sweet spots for a Greek island escape. The sea has had all summer to warm up, the days remain sunny and the temperatures are generally more comfortable for exploring.
It’s also a fantastic time to combine island hopping, swimming, great food and ancient history without the intensity of the peak summer season.
Best things to do: Island hop around the Cyclades, explore Santorini, swim around Naxos or Paros, discover Crete, take a sailing trip or explore Athens and its ancient landmarks.
Croatia
Perfect for: Sailing, beaches, islands & historic towns
Average temperature: Around 20–27°C
Season: Late summer
Croatia’s Adriatic coastline remains warm and inviting in September, making it an excellent time to explore by boat. The combination of clear water, historic towns and hundreds of islands makes it particularly suited to an active coastal escape.
September also brings a more relaxed atmosphere to places that can feel extremely busy in the height of summer.
Best things to do: Sail around the Dalmatian Islands, explore Dubrovnik and Split, swim around Hvar, visit Korčula, discover hidden coves or explore Croatia’s national parks.
Italy
Perfect for: Food, wine, culture & road trips
Average temperature: Around 20–28°C depending on region
Season: Late summer / early autumn
September brings a different rhythm to Italy. The summer heat begins to soften, making long days of sightseeing more comfortable, while the countryside starts preparing for the grape harvest.
It’s an ideal month to combine Italy’s famous cities with its food and wine regions.
Best things to do: Explore Rome, Florence and Venice, road trip through Tuscany, visit vineyards during harvest season, discover the Tuscan countryside or head south towards the Amalfi Coast.
Portugal
Perfect for: Surfing, beaches, food & city breaks
Average temperature: Around 20–28°C
Season: Late summer
Portugal remains warm in September, but temperatures are generally much easier for exploring than during the height of summer. The Atlantic coastline also starts to deliver excellent surfing conditions as the season picks up.
It’s a great month for combining Lisbon, the coast and some time in the water.
Best things to do: Explore Lisbon, surf around Ericeira or Peniche, visit Porto, road trip through the Algarve, hike along the Atlantic coast or discover Portugal’s food and wine.
Spain
Perfect for: Beaches, islands, food & culture
Average temperature: Around 23–30°C depending on region
Season: Late summer
September is an excellent time to enjoy Spain’s coastline and islands. The Mediterranean remains warm, while the milder temperatures make it easier to combine beach time with sightseeing and exploring.
From the Balearic Islands to the Costa Brava, Spain offers plenty of ways to hold on to summer for a little longer.
Best things to do: Explore Mallorca or Menorca, swim around the Balearic Islands, discover Barcelona, road trip along the Costa Brava or explore Andalusia.
Wildlife, culture & adventure
South Africa
Perfect for: Safari, road trips, wildlife & wildflowers
Average temperature: Around 15–25°C depending on region
Season: Dry season / early spring
September brings together two very different South African experiences. The dry season continues to create excellent safari conditions, while spring brings spectacular wildflower displays to parts of the Western and Northern Cape.
It’s a fantastic time to combine wildlife with a road trip through some of the country’s most varied landscapes.
Best things to do: Go on safari in Kruger National Park, explore Cape Town, see the spring wildflowers, drive the Garden Route, visit the Cape Winelands or explore the coast.
Morocco
Perfect for: Culture, markets, mountains & desert adventures
Average temperature: Around 20–32°C depending on region
Season: Early autumn
After the intense heat of summer, Morocco starts becoming much more comfortable in September. Days can still be warm, but exploring the medinas, mountains and desert is considerably more manageable.
This is a great month for a trip that combines culture, landscapes and adventure.
Best things to do: Explore Marrakech, wander through the souks, visit the Atlas Mountains, spend a night in the Sahara, discover Aït Benhaddou or explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen.
Canada
Perfect for: Autumn colours, road trips, mountains & wildlife
Average temperature: Around 10–22°C depending on region
Season: Early autumn
September marks the beginning of one of Canada’s most spectacular transformations. In the east, forests gradually turn shades of red, orange and gold, while cooler temperatures make it a comfortable time for exploring.
For travellers who love road trips, mountains and dramatic scenery, Canada offers an enormous amount to discover.
Best things to do: Road trip through Quebec and Ontario, explore Banff and Jasper, hike through the Rockies, see Niagara Falls, spot wildlife or chase autumn colours through eastern Canada.
North Macedonia
Perfect for: Lakes, mountains, culture & swimming
Average temperature: Around 20–27°C
Season: Late summer / early autumn
Lake Ohrid is still warm enough for swimming in September, while the surrounding mountains and historic towns are particularly pleasant to explore. The result is a destination that combines lake life, outdoor adventure and Balkan culture in one compact trip.
It’s also an excellent option if you’re looking for somewhere a little less obvious.
Best things to do: Swim in Lake Ohrid, explore Ohrid’s historic old town, hike in Galicica National Park, visit the Monastery of Saint Naum or explore Skopje.
Tropical islands & underwater adventures
Fiji
Perfect for: Beaches, diving, snorkelling & island hopping
Average temperature: Around 23–28°C
Season: Dry season
September falls within Fiji’s dry season, bringing warm temperatures, low rainfall and excellent conditions for exploring the islands. The surrounding waters are particularly inviting, with good visibility making it a fantastic time for diving and snorkelling.
For a tropical escape that goes beyond simply lying on a beach, Fiji offers reefs, lagoons, jungle, waterfalls and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.
Best things to do: Dive or snorkel around coral reefs, explore the Mamanuca or Yasawa Islands, swim in turquoise lagoons, hike through tropical landscapes, visit traditional villages or take a sunset cruise.
Why travel in September ?
September is the month for late-summer sunshine, incredible wildlife and changing landscapes. With the intensity of peak summer beginning to ease, some destinations become particularly rewarding to explore.
You can:
- Enjoy the Mediterranean while the sea is still warm
- Explore cities and countryside in more comfortable temperatures
- Go on safari during excellent wildlife-viewing conditions
- Chase autumn colours as the northern hemisphere starts changing season
- Escape to tropical islands for warm water and underwater adventures
And with the peak of summer behind you, September can be an especially rewarding time to travel somewhere you’ve been considering all summer, but experience it at a more relaxed pace.