Where to go on holiday In September

With summer drawing to a close, the stunning Italian Lakes get some reprieve from the touristy holiday crowds and the Greek islands are ideal for a peaceful beach break. Days are still long, sunny and warm – swim in perfect-temperature seas or catch those breathtaking sunsets in Santorini. For nature lovers, game viewing at Kruger National Park is at its best as the animals congregate around water holes and river banks, and whales can be spotted around the Western Cape and Hermanus. It’s also spring in Western Australia so Shark Bay is carpeted in pretty wildflowers.

South Africa

It’s dry season in South Africa, so game viewing at Kruger National Park is at its best as the animals flock to river banks and water holes. September is a peak time for spotting southern right whales on the Western Cape and in Hermanus – pick the right hotel and you could watch them from your room. Humpback whales also visit between June and November, alongside the resident Bryde’s whale. Warm weather means it’s comfortable to be outside but not as cool as high summer.

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Greece

Beaches are much less busy but the hot weather lingers with pleasing temperatures of 24°C. Long days filled with sunshine mean waters are pleasantly warm and ideal for swimming, and the touristy crowds have dispersed so peaceful breaks by the beach are achievable. But with film, music and wine festivals taking place this month there’s still lots to see and do, as well as the many sites and attractions of the islands and mainland.

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Western Australia

September marks the beginning of spring in Western Australia and a good time to head to Shark Bay, where wildflowers carpet the World Heritage Site. There’s also a good chance to spot humpback whales migrating up the coast. Perth bursts into colour; the capital experiences endless sunshine and there’s little chance of rainfall. Temperatures routinely reach the high 20s ahead of the scorching heat of high summer and there tends to be fewer crowds.  

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Northern Italy

The lakes, historic towns and coasts of Northern Italy enchant with culture, cuisine and colour, and with the summer crowds now gone, September is a more peaceful time to visit. The good weather still remains but with pleasant daytime temperatures of around 25°C, sightseeing is much more comfortable than in the heat of summer. It’s also harvest season, so there are plenty of food and wine festivals, and the Regata Storica (historic boat race) is a must-see if you’re visiting Venice.

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Singapore

Long days and warm weather mean Singapore is ideal for an end of season sightseeing break without the crowds and high prices, and it still feels like summer with daily temperatures averaging 27°C. Breezes from the Java Sea cool the evenings down, though an evening drink can still be enjoyed in a balmy 24°C. Rain showers are more common in September and clouds are likely to appear, but with nine hours of sunshine there’s still plenty of time to soak up those rays.

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