Although the weather here in the UK hasn’t been the worst, you may still be dreaming of a late summer getaway.
July and August are of course peak season for breaks, with school holidays allowing families to get away, and balmy temperatures in most popular destinations.
But if you want to wait until the main travel season has passed – whether to save money or beat the crowds – it’s worth booking a trip in September instead.
The good news is that it’s a great month to get away, with many resorts and cities still enjoying plenty of hot weather and sunshine as autumn approaches.
Nice
Temperature: 25°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Two hours, five minutes
If you don’t want to travel too far in search of sun then Nice in France is an excellent option, one which still offers plenty of warm temperatures at this time of year.
If it’s sunbathing you’re after, there’s no shortage of places to top up your tan – check out La Reserve with its diving board, or nearby Villefranche Sur Mer, which served as the location for Julia Stiles’ glitzy drama Riviera.
There are a wealth of tourist attractions too: marvel at the Matisse artwork collection at the Musee Matisse, snap up some bargains in the bustling Cours Saleya, or just take a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais, the famous beachfront walkway which stretches for 7km through town.
Fuerteventura
Temperature: 25°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Four hours 15 minutes
The second largest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is a great option for those looking for a sunny getaway, given it boasts around 150km worth of white sandy beaches and a moderate climate all year round.
Although you’re spoiled for choice on the beach front, Sotavento and Corralejo beaches are among the best – the latter boasting sand dunes and a stunning national park. It’s also adjacent to the town of Corralejo, with its shopping, activities for younger family members and vibrant nightlife.
Away from the beaches, you can take a walk up the Calderon Hondo volcano – either unaccompanied or with a guide. The 525ft trek is worth it for the breathtaking views you’ll get of both Fuerteventura and neighbouring Lanzarote.
Cape Verde
Temperature: 28°C
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Six hours
With warm temperatures all year round – reaching pleasant highs of 28°C in September – the West African nation of Cape Verde is a great choice for those looking for a beach break, with Santa Maria Beach on the island of Sal offering plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
Kitesurfing is another activity to try, as the winds on the coastlines of Sal and Boa Vista make for perfect conditions.
The town of Santa Maria is also a picturesque spot to visit if you want a break from the beach, featuring pretty pastel-coloured buildings and some of the archipelago’s best bars and restaurants.
Halkidiki, Greece
Temperature: 26°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Three hours 15 minutes
One of the lesser-known regions of Greece, Halkidiki is a mainland peninsula which is growing in popularity, as more and more people flock to its gorgeous beaches, pine forests and other stunning scenery.
The best-known part of the peninsula is Kassandra, with white sandy beaches including Sani, Kallithea, Paleochori and Hanioti that are ideal for chilling out by the Aegean Sea and catching some late summer rays.
For a more family-orientated region, check out the beaches in the Sithonia peninsula, around the town of Neos Marmaras.
And if you’re looking to throw a bit of history into the mix, there are a wealth of archaeological sites to explore, including Aristotle’s birthplace Stageira, or the ancient city of Olynthus, which boasts gorgeous mosaic floors.
Bora Bora
Temperature: 26°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: 19 hours (or longer)
It’s certainly not be the easiest place in the world to get to, as there are no direct flights from the UK, and you’re potentially looking at two stopovers, in locations such as Los Angeles and Tahiti, all of which can add several hours to the estimated 19 hour flying time.
However it’s worth the effort once you arrive, as this French Polynesian Island is ideal for a visually stunning, luxurious holiday.
The island is famous for being in the shadow of volcanic Mount Otemanu, as well as for its overwater bungalow accommodation, allowing holidaymakers to literally stay their own turquoise blue lagoon.
Florence, Italy
Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine hours: Ten hours
Flight time: Two hours 10 minutes
If you’re after more of a city break, the Italian city of Florence should definitely be on your radar. Just over two hours on the plane from London, it’s steeped in history, and the weather’s still pretty decent if you go at this time of year.
The city is home to the iconic Duomo – a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome and a bell tower designed by the Italian painter Giotto – while the Uffizi Gallery is the place to go if you want to see Botticelli’s world-famous painting The Birth Of Venus, as well as works by the likes of Michaelangelo, Caravaggio and Da Vinci.
When you’re done with the sightseeing and al fresco meals in the piazzas, you can still pop to the beach to soak up some rays. Consider a day trip to Viareggio, about an hour away by train, or Forte del Marmi, known for its luxury resorts and designer boutiques.
Corsica
Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Two hours
The Mediterranean island of Corsica might have been owned by the French since 1768, but its historical ties to Tuscany also give it an Italian feel, so visitors can combine the best of both cultures.
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches, with over 200 along a coastline stretching for 1000km. Check out the stunning Calvi beach which offers 6km of white sand and translucent water, or the popular Palombaggia Beach on the south of the island.
There’s plenty to do away from the beaches as well – walkers will discover a number of hiking trails and hilltop villages to explore. Or you could try paying a visit to a wine estate, or one of the island’s historic towns such as Calvi or Bonifacio.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Temperature: 26°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Two hours 40 minutes
Croatia has been growing in popularity as a holiday destination in recent years, and Dubrovnik is a great option for a short break, with its mix of sea, scenery, and temperatures that are still high in late summer/early autumn,
Many of the beaches in the region are pebbled rather than sandy, but still a great place to relax. At Copacabana Beach, hire a sun lounger and chill out overlooking the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, but Sunj Beach on the island of Lopud – close to Dubrovnik Port – is a great option if you do prefer sand.
Away from the beaches you can check out the historic walls of Dubrovnik – it was a medieval city after all. Visit the Old Town or even take one of the many walking tours of the sites where Game of Thrones was filmed.
Valletta, Malta
Temperature: 28°C
Sunshine hours: 10 hours
Flight time: Three hours 10 minutes
Malta’s tiny capital city is perfect for history buffs, but also has great beaches and is still warm enough in September to be an ideal ‘fly and flop’ spot.
If it’s sights you’re after, St John’s Co-Cathedral – probably the country’s most famous attraction – is a must-visit, as is the Grandmaster’s Palace, which formerly housed Parliament and was the house of the Governor when the country was ruled by the British.
There’s sunbathing to be had too, with best beaches including Mellieha Bay or Golden Bay. Or, if you want to see a bit more of the surrounding area you can hop on the ferry from Valletta to Gozo, a stunning archipelago which is great for a day trip.
Madagascar
Temperature: 28°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: 13 hours 15 minutes
The island nation of Madagascar has more than its fair share to offer tourists, with plenty of attractions centred around the local flora and fauna – the striking baobab trees which are everywhere, for example – alongside plentiful beaches and resorts for when you just want to chill out and soak up the sunshine.
If you’re a fan of lemurs you’ve come to the right place, as there are more than 100 different species of this cute little creature on the island. Alternatively, get up close and personal with sharks on one of the swimming experiences available from September to December off the island of Nosy Be.
It’s not all wildlife on Madagascar though, as Anjanavy offers 400m of white sand, turquoise waters and coral reefs, plus the best spots for sunbathing.
Azores, Portugal
Temperature: 24°C
Sunshine hours: Six hours
Flight time: Five hours six minutes
An autonomous region of Portugal, the Azores is a tropical archipelago of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, located around 930 miles from the Portuguese capital Lisbon.
While summer is peak season for the region, September is also a great time to visit. Expect gorgeous beaches and unspoiled nature, not to mention one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world.
Sao Miguel is a good starting point, as the largest of the islands; its vibrant capital Ponta Delgada is the main city in the Azores, with plenty of historic buildings, cobbled streets and squares to explore. And be sure to book yourself on a whale and dolphin watching tour – the season runs from April to October, so it’s perfect timing.
Tanzania
Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: 11 hours 45 minutes
A holiday in Tanzania will give you some genuinely amazing experiences, not least the chance to go on safari and see some of the world’s most famous national parks. But the natural beauty doesn’t end there.
A visit to Serengeti national park is a must if you take a trip here – June to September are the best months for viewing wildlife, so you can spot everything from big cats to hundreds of species of birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro should also be on your to-do list if you don’t mind a challenge, with climbing and hiking tours available for those seeking breathtaking views from the historic peak.
But if it’s relaxation you’re after, beaches galore can be found here. Head out to the island of Zanzibar for some R&R, where you’ll find the famous Nungwi and Kendwa beaches, among others.
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This article was first published on May 17, 2023.
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