Where to go on holiday in September

Though many travellers flock to Japan in April to enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms and booming festivities, Japan is a fantastic year-round destination. We think September is one of the best times to plan your trip. Why? Well, nestled firmly in the shoulder season, September often means fewer crowds than those peak Spring months, better value flights and decent temperatures too.

Now the peak months of July and August have passed and the weather is still excellent, September is a great time of year to visit this vast island. See orangutans swinging through the canopy and discover its rich cultural traditions, before swimming alongside turtles in its crystal clear waters.

September is a great month to visit this vast land, after the hot peak summer months and before the long winter returns. Not only perfect for exploring Canada’s cosmopolitan cities but great for venturing into its great outdoors with the autumnal colours emerging and its much-famed wildlife most active.

You’ve missed the Autumn trekking madness which means cooler temperatures and quieter trekking to Machu Picchu. It’s also a great time for wildlife with the drier weather starting to set in around the Amazon basin and an influx of migratory birds elsewhere. Foodies should head to Lima for the Mistura food festival.

For the most pleasant and mildest weather in China, September is a good bet. The sweltering summer heat in northern China is starting to wane and in the south, the dry season is fast approaching. The summer crowds have dissipated so head to gorgeous Yangshuo, grab an ice-cold beer and spend the evening overlooking the karst mountain scenery.

September is a fantastic month to visit Iceland, as visiting the country this time of year allows you to combine whale watching with the Northern Lights. There’s still plenty of daylight and snow can also come as early as September, making your holiday that little bit more special.

Heading to the east coast islands in early September is a dream, as the sun is still shining but the crowds are far fewer. Make the most of it and island-hop your way from picture-perfect Pulau Perhentian to deserted Pulau Lang Tengah. Why not experience some of the local culture too, with the chance of staying in a traditional Malaysian Kampung and trying your hand at Batik painting?

September marks the beginning of the tourist season with numbers picking up towards the end of the month. Days are crisp and clear with bright blue skies. It’s also the month of Tsechus (Bhutanese festivals) with one of the biggest in Thimphu, though this can also fall in October. For a smaller affair head out into the Bumthang valley for two consecutive Tsechus.

September is all about wildlife in Brazil, so make your way to the Amazon jungle or the Pantanal for starry nights and dry days. Rio remains mild, but it’s worth a visit for the International Film Festival later in the month. The south of the country remains cool, with the heat and crowds kicking in around December.

Greece is a great short-haul option for September. With milder temperatures and fewer crowds, tourist sites and beaches are quieter. Evenings are cooler, so pack layers, but it’s still warm enough for sunbathing, swimming, sightseeing, and hiking.