There’s something about September that signals the start of a new year. Whether it’s that back-to-school feeling or the inevitable wardrobe reshuffle, September deserves to be celebrated with a heat-drenched holiday. From the sunny sands along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast to the wildlife-filled plains of Botswana, there’s no shortage of warm places in September. So, grab your sunglasses, slather on some suncream and read on for our carefully curated list of where’s hot in September…
- Egypt (32°C)
- Croatia (22°C)
- Australia (22°C)
- Turkey (25°C)
- Greece (24°C)
- Morocco (26°C)
- United States (22°C)
- Botswana (30°C)
Egypt
Average September temperature: 32°C
Average daily sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time from the UK: four hours and 50 minutes (to Cairo)
Kicking off our list of where’s hot in September is Egypt. The month starts with toasty temperatures, reaching sizzling highs of 36°C in Cairo. To escape the capital’s bustling city centre, unwind in the peaceful Al-Azhar Park while soaking up the sun or enjoy al fresco dining on the historic Steam Ship Sudan during a scenic cruise along the Nile. Time to cool off? September is also a great time to snorkel or dive in the Red Sea. Head to the island of Umm Qamar and discover the colourful corals and myriad marine life beneath the water’s surface.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Egypt.
Image by boby
Croatia
Average September temperature: 22°C
Average daily sunshine hours: 12 hours
Flight time from the UK: two hours and 15 minutes (to Zagreb)
A holiday to Croatia in September is all about enjoying the great outdoors. While the summer crowds may have wound down, the sun sticks around this month, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 26°C. Head to the Dalmatian Coast, where you can enjoy the sunny sands without the summer bustle, or take a refreshing dip in the sparkling Adriatic Sea. For a change of scenery, visit Plitvice Lakes – Croatia’s oldest and largest national park – and stroll along its wooden walkways. All that sightseeing is thirsty work, so why not relax with a wine tasting under the September sun? Istria’s unfurling vineyards are calling your name – it is harvest season after all.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Croatia.
Image by Ana Kutija
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Australia
Average September temperature: 22°C
Average daily sunshine hours: eight hours
Flight time from the UK: 22 hours and 50 minutes (to Sydney)
Australia is next up on our roundup of warm places in September. A trip Down Under is the perfect way to stretch out your summer, with temperatures in some regions hovering around 24°C. Unleash your inner bohemian along the Sunshine Coast’s string of seaside towns (Noosa is the spot for top-notch food, rivers and rainforest), join swooping pelicans and gliding paddleboarders at the Northern Beaches or head to the Red Centre for a crash course in geology and breathtaking Outback sunsets. While the bushland can soar into the high 30s – even in spring – Australia offers the perfect antidote: the Lord Howe and Hayman islands. Or, for something a little more adventurous, dive into the Great Barrier Reef. Fun Fact – according to our Australia expert, the further north you go, the healthier the reef becomes.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Australia.
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Turkey
Average September temperature: 25°C
Average daily sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time from the UK: four hours (to Istanbul)
Turkey’s west coast sees the sun a whopping 300 days a year, making it a worthy contender for our September sun list. The Turkish Riviera draws Istanbulites in droves during the scorching summer months and beyond, with its sleepy, whitewashed villages and unspoiled natural beauty. Explore sunken cities in Kekova, abandoned villages in Kayakoy and primordial ports in Pamphylia, brimming with over 2,600 years of history. With temperatures often reaching 31°C, you can easily flip between sun loungers in Alacati and bohemian markets in Ephesus for a blend of downtime and discovery. And if it’s hiking trails you’re after, head to the towering peaks of Mount Taurus and the Pontic Mountains, where the warm weather and minimal rainfall provide perfect trekking conditions.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Turkey.
Image by Jackie Cole
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Greece
Average September temperature: 24°C
Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours
Flight time from the UK: three hours and 40 minutes (to Athens)
Greece is in the sun’s good books all year round and September is no exception. Once the summer heatwave has passed and the hordes of snap-happy travellers have trundled back to reality, this is a great month to bask in the sunshine. Head to the iconic Cyclades Islands, where daily highs of 25°C set the scene for all your Mamma Mia dreams, or visit the Peloponnese in southern Greece to admire ancient sites, rolling vineyards and gorgeous gorges. Step back in time with a stroll through archaeological Athens and enjoy balmy 29°C days, or sample some of the best feta in Epirus for a taste of the region’s rich flavours.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Greece.
Image by Olivier Romano
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Morocco
Average September temperature: 26°C
Average daily sunshine hours: nine hours
Flight time from the UK: three hours and 40 minutes (to Marrakech)
When it comes to hot places in September, Morocco takes the biscuit. Free from summer’s scorching days and chilly nights, September welcomes a refreshingly warm climate. Explore Marrakech’s spice-laden souqs and ancient mosques or run wild through the picturesque Azzaden Valley (top tip: visit earlier in the day to beat the midday heat). For a slice of serenity, cool off with a trip to the quaint town of Chefchaouen, famous for its azure-painted medina and unwind in a traditional, citrus-scented riad. The cities of Casablanca and Tangier offer the ideal coastal escape, while Morocco’s crimson deserts are the perfect setting to soak up the sun.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Morocco.
Image by Salva Lopez
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United States
Average September temperature: 22°C
Average daily sunshine hours: eight hours
Flight time from the UK: eight hours and ten minutes (to New York)
Marking the transition from summer to autumn, September sees temperatures vary across the USA. Make the most of the warm weather and head to the East Coast, where New York promises seriously cool city sightseeing and Washington’s historic monuments await. Or, for an outdoorsy holiday in the USA, hike through New England’s vibrant landscapes, where bright reds and oranges blanket the scenery. And for those who love live music and great food, our USA expert recommends Nashville, where September temperatures climb as high as 28°C.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to the USA.
Image by Kate Berry
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Botswana
Average September temperature: 30°C
Average daily sunshine hours: ten hours
Flight time from the UK: 16 hours and 15 minutes (to Gaborone)
Last up on our list of where’s hot in September is beautiful Botswana. With temperatures reaching highs of 33°C, September falls in the heart of the dry season – the ideal time to enjoy a scenic safari. Head to Chobe National Park where you can spot elephants and buffaloes gathering around waterholes or make your way to the Okavango Delta to spot hungry hippos wading through the wetlands. September also sees the sunny skies come alive with over 400 bird species, so be sure to pack your binoculars.
Find out more about our tailor-made tours to Botswana.
Image by Pie Aerts
Written by Amy Larsen | Header image by Olivier Romano
