10 Best Places To Visit September

Summer's swansong, September is a great time of year for a getaway, marking the end of peak tourist season in the northern hemisphere's most popular destinations, and thus, the end of astronomical prices and overcrowded attractions. With so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow it down, so, using all of our knowledge and experience, we've put together a list of the 10 BEST places to visit in September.

Greece

Dubbed ‘the cradle of western civilization’ due to the seismic influence that its ancient cultures had on the world, Greece is beautiful and tantalising, home to a wealth of historic treasures, structures and monuments, to spectacular rugged landscapes, and myriad paradisiacal islands which boast some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.

With such natural beauty, and an abundance of sun, it is unsurprising that Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe during the summer months, and therefore, during July and August prices often skyrocket and beaches and attractions are crowded. However, by September, the rush subsides, though the great weather remains, making it the perfect time to visit this Aegean paradise!

Peru

A beautiful and fascinating land, rich in culture, history and adventure, this South American gems a stunning blend of Amazonian jungles, vast lakes and canyons, Andean peaks and unspoilt coastlines.

September is a great time to visit Peru, the summer crowds have thinned and the weather remains dry, sunny and mild; perfect conditions for trekking the world-famous Inca Trail to reach the awe-inspiring Macchu Picchu; scaling 'Rainbow Mountain'; exploring the Amazon rainforest, or the many sights of cities such as Lima, Cusco and Arequipa.

Spain

Spain, a land of passion and incredible natural beauty, rich culture and storied history, and a world-class gastronomic scene to rival that of its Gallic neighbour.

A firm favourite amongst UK holidaymakers, Spain consistently ranks as the most visited destination by Brits, and, during July and August, popular destinations such as the Balearic Islands, the sun-soaked resorts of the South and Western coast, and coastal cities like Malaga and Valencia, are usually congested. September however, is a different story, the summer crowds have thinned dramatically, prices have plateaued, and the weather remains largely hot and sunny, with average temperatures in the high 20s in the Balearics, and the mid-20s in Barcelona.

China

More akin to a continent than a country, the world's largest and most populous nation is home to an incredible diversity of cultures and landscapes, from vast deserts in the north to verdant hills and mountains in the south, and lush, tropical rainforests on the island of Hainan.

Though due to its immense size the climate can vary dramatically across the country, generally speaking, September is mild and warm, with long, clear days and cool nights, perfect conditions for discovering the many treasures it has to offer. In addition, the crowds of tourists that the peak summer months bring, have thinned, making it a great time to visit iconic landmarks like the Terracotta Army, the Forbidden City, and of course, the awe-inspiring Great Wall!

Italy

Italy: land of delicious food and wine; luxury fashion, art and opera; impossibly beautiful countryside and picture-perfect cities, and some of the most iconic historic landmarks on the planet.

Though a hugely popular summer destination, by September, congestion has eased, the weather remains warm and sunny in much of the country and you might just grab yourself a great-value deal; so, whether perusing boutiques and galleries in Milan, marvelling at Rome's ancient treasures strolling through the Tuscan vineyards, or relaxing on a Sicilian beach, there is no better time to explore this uniquely beguiling nation!

Ethiopia

With diverse scenery that encompasses grassy plains, vast lakes, verdant peaks, valleys and plateaus; vibrant metropolitan cities, traditional tribal villages, and a wealth of fascinating historic monuments, not to mention, a diversity of amazing wildlife, Ethiopia is a true under the radar gem, that is just waiting to be explored!

September marks the end of the rainy season in the country and is arguably when its landscapes are most beautiful with the diversity of incredible flora in full bloom. It's also one of the best times of year for spotting wildlife, particularly in the northern highlands, which boast an array of rare animals, whilst the weather is usually warm and sunny, with average temperatures of around 20 °C.

France

With its cosmopolitan cities, quaint countryside villages, flower-carpeted meadows, Alpine peaks, and picturesque coastlines, France seems to embody the very essence of Europe, and it's no surprise that it is the most popular nation in the world for tourism.

Though undoubtedly a true year-round destination, the month of September with its warm sunny climate and relative lack of crowds, is a great time to visit and experience the depth of delights on offer. Wander the boulevards of Paris' and explore its boutiques, museums and iconic landmarks; go hiking and mountain biking in the Alps or the Pyrenees; sample the gastronomic delights of Lyon; wander through lush vineyards in the Rhone Valley, and relax on the scenic beaches of the French Riviera.

California, USA

The US' most famous state, California boasts some of the country's most iconic cities (namely, Los Angeles and San Francisco) along with some of its most beautiful scenery, from picture-perfect beaches to dense redwood forests, pastel-hued deserts and spectacular mountains.

California's steady climate means it's a great destination any time of year, but those who make the trip during September can expect plenty of sun and average daily highs of around 27°C. Combine this with the end of the peak tourist season. as well as the annual winegrape harvest, and there is no better time to experience the magic of 'The Golden State'.

Iceland

Verdant valleys, glassy fjords, snow-capped peaks, active volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers and much, much, more, Iceland's otherwordly scenery is truly awe-inspiring!

September marks the end of the summer in Iceland, and the beginning of the transition into winter, though temperatures remain relatively mild (with highs of around 15°c) and unlike later in the year, roads remain open, so even the most remote parts of the country are accessible. Such conditions, combined with ten hours of darkness, also makes September a great time to see the Northern Lights, and, it also marks the final month of peak whale-watching season!

Fiji

Comprised of over 300 stunning islands, the remote South Pacific archipelago of Fiji is renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, azure waters, tropical forests, and verdant mountains, as well as for the warmth and hospitality of its residents.

With the peak tourist season drawing to a close, prices beginning to fall, and some great deals to be had, along with perfect weather conditions, September is a great time to visit this paradisical nation, and whether you fancy hiking, zip-lining, scuba diving, or surfing, sampling delicious local cuisine, and culture, or simply relaxing on one of the many pristine beaches, there is an endless array of activities to suit all tastes.