With travel open once again around the world, the summer holiday season has been pretty much normal for the first time in two years.
July and August are of course peak season for breaks, with school holidays allowing families to get away, and balmy temperatures to look forward to at many popular destinations.
But if you want to wait until the main holiday season has passed – once the new school term has started, for example – and beat the crowds, you might consider booking a break in September instead.
The good news is that’s a great month to get away, with many resorts and cities still offering plenty of hot weather and sunshine as summer becomes autumn.
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.
However there’s no shortage of tourist attractions either – check out 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 sunshine break, 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 – as 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 the island of Sal – and its Santa Maria Beach – offering plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
Kitesurfing is another activity to try – with the winds on the coastlines of Sal and Boa Vista making the conditions perfect for it.
The town of Santa Maria on the island of Sal is also a picturesque spot to visit if you want a break from the beach, offering pretty pastel-coloured buildings and some of the archipelago’s best bars and restaurants.
Bodrum, Turkey
Temperature: 31°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Four hours
With its balmy late summer/early autumn climate and its mix of picturesque beaches and tourist attractions, the Turkish resort of Bodrum is a great choice for those seeking a September break.
If you’re looking to top up your tan you’ll be spoiled for choice with beaches running along the peninsula, from the golden sands of Bitez Beach through to Gumbet Beach – where you can indulge in water sports or simply relax on a beanbag or sunlounger, or at one of the many restaurants and bars nearby.
If it’s something more touristy you’re after then be sure to check out Bodrum Castle – which dates back to the 15th Century – or the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, dedicated to finds from the Aegean Sea.
Bora Bora
Temperature: 26°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: 19 hours (or longer)
It might not be the easiest place in the world to get to – 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 the French Polynesian Island is ideal for a visually stunning, luxurious break.
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 in the waters of its surrounding turquoise blue lagoon.
Fiji
Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine hours: Five hours
Flight time: 24 hours 25 minutes
Fiji is another island which requires a very long journey from the UK – with the flight time from London over a day – but the effort is worth it.
The country – actually an archipelago of over 300 islands – is known for its white-sand, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs, as well as the sort of year-round climate which makes it a popular choice for sunseekers.
Visitors can chill on the beautiful beaches – including the picturesque Natadola Beach, on main island Viti Levu – or for those looking for something more active check out the beaches on Manamuca Island, with their snorkelling, scuba diving and other pursuits.
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 – allowing visitors to combine the best of both cultures.
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches, with over 200 beaches 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 plenty of hiking trails and hilltop villages to explore – or you could try paying a visit to a wine estate, or checking out one of the island’s historic towns such as Calvi or Bonifacio.
Budapest
Temperature: 23°C
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Two hours 25 minutes
Hungary isn’t normally a place you would associate with a beach break, but there are still places to catch some sun in its capital city – and the temperature is more than agreeable in September.
If you’re looking for a city break or a shorter break such as a long weekend Budapest has plenty to offer – visit the historic Buda Castle, or take a walk from the West side of the city (Buda) to the East (Pest) via the famous Chain Bridge, taking in the scenery along the way.
If you do want some sun and relaxation though, you can take advantage of the spas around the city – the most famous being the Szechenyi Spa baths, where you can enjoy some serious pampering, or simply soak in its thermal bath.
Valletta
Temperature: 28°C
Sunshine hours: 10 hours
Flight time: Three hours 10 minutes
Malta’s tiny capital city is steeped in history – but also has great beaches and is still warm enough in September to be a good candidate for a late summer break.
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 – as well as some great beaches and resorts for when you just want to chill out and soak up the rays.
If you’re a fan of lemurs you’ve come to the right place, as there are more than 100 different species of the cute little creatures on the island – or you can get up close and personal with sharks, as from September to December you can spin with them off the island of Nosy Be.
There’s no shortage of beach life in Madagascar either, with Anjanavy, offering 400m of white sand, turquoise waters and coral reefs, among the best spots for sunbathing.
Barcelona
Temperature: 26°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Two hours 10 minutes
The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona offers a mix of vibrant city culture and nightlife together with some pretty balmy temperatures for the time of year – making it a good choice for a late beach holiday or even a long weekend.
Obviously no trip to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to some of the most famous attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia – the world’s tallest church building – or Las Ramblas, the tree-lined promenade through the centre of town that’s home to numerous shops, bars and restaurants.
Of course there’s no shortage of beaches there either – Barceloneta Beach is among the best but it can get crowded – so get there early to ensure you nab a top spot on the sand.
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 – offering the chance to go on safari and see some of the world’s most famous national parks – and 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 and you’ll be spoiled for choice here, with everything from big cats to hundreds of species of birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro should also be on your to-do list – with climbing and hiking tours available for those seeking breathtaking views from the historic peak.
But if it’s relaxation you’re after there’s beaches too – head out to the island of Zanzibar for some R&R, where you’ll find the famous Nungwi and Kendwa beaches, among others.
Keep in mind
While Covid travel restrictions might seem to be a thing of the past, that might not be the case – as some countries still have rules in place, and of course things can change at any time.
All the destinations on this list are visitable at the time of writing, but you should keep in mind that if a country’s travel rules change while you’re already there, you could be subject to quarantine.
It’s wise to keep a close eye on the country’s individual entry requirements – which will be subject to change. Some countries may only require a negative test while others may require travellers to be fully vaccinated, with unvaccinated passengers having to quarantine on arrival.
Before you book, it’s advisable to check the Foreign Office Travel Advice to ensure the place you plan to visit is open to UK tourists, and what the conditions of entry might be.
You should also ensure you have top-tier travel insurance in place that will cover you in the event you test positive while you are abroad and may need to extend your stay or seek medical treatment.
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