Where to go on holiday in September
For value, September is the best month of the year to travel in the northern hemisphere. Here's why, and where.
Why September wins
Mediterranean water is at its annual peak, because it has absorbed a whole summer of heat. At the same time, accommodation prices fall 30 to 50 percent from August as soon as school starts. Same beach, half the money.
Spanish Mediterranean
Almería, Murcia, the Alicante coast and the Balearics are at their best in the first half. Water at 24 to 26 degrees, comfortable heat and empty beaches midweek.
Greece, Italy and Croatia
The Greek islands and the Croatian coast work the same way: September has better water than June and far fewer people than August. In the second half, prices are very low too.
European cities
One of the best months. Rome, Paris, Prague or Vienna without August heat and without peak-season queues.
Mountains
The Alps, the Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees are perfect: mild temperatures, huts still open and forests starting to turn.
What to avoid in September
The Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are at the peak of hurricane season. And much of Southeast Asia is still in monsoon.
The dates trick
The week after school starts is the sharpest price drop of the year. If you don't depend on the school calendar, that's when to book.
Keep reading
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