Where's hot in September?

Known for its epic natural beauty, South Africa is our first pick for a September holiday. Here, you’ll find vibrant cities, wildlife-filled parks and reserves, glorious, sandy beaches, and so much more. You can climb up towering mountains, taste wine from world-renowned regions, and go in search of the iconic ‘Big Five’. As it’s a Southern Hemisphere destination, in South Africa, September marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Although, don’t let the word ‘winter’ put you off. During this month, the country’s blessed with warm, sunny weather, with temperatures averaging between 19°C to 29°C. And, along the west coast, wildflowers are out in full force.  

A Southern US state that’s perched just on top of Mexico, Arizona is also a fantastic spot for a September holiday. Boasting a quintessential ‘cowboy’ landscape, it’s home to a sprawling desert – punctuated with orange-toned mountains and mighty canyons. The most famous of which is the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Although, Antelope Canyon is definitely worth a visit, too. During your Arizona holiday, you’ve got an endless list of activities to choose from, think golfing, hiking, horse-back riding and rock-climbing. And, in terms of weather, it’s hot. Temperatures sit anywhere between 26°C and 38°C, perfect if you want to squeeze in some sunbathing time in between exploring.

When it comes to wildlife, few places can rival Costa Rica. Brightly-coloured toucans, backwards-flying hummingbirds, steely-eyed Jaguars, and black-handed spider monkeys call this country home. Bursting with colour, from the land and out to the ocean, it’s hailed as being one of the happiest places in the world. Enjoy yoga classes, surfing lessons, and meditation workshops – or venture into the jungle for some next-level adventure. A holiday in September lands you at the tail end of Costa Rica’s rainy season, but this is when the Caribbean Coast really shines, with plenty of sun and temperatures of around 25°C.

Hailed for its stunning scenery and scrumptious cuisine, there’s a reason why Italy is a favourite holiday destination for so many people. Art and history buffs have a wealth of places to discover. But, equally, it also caters to anyone wanting a week or two of uninterrupted relaxation by the beach. And, you guessed it, September is an amazing time to go. The crowds won’t be quite as full-on as they are between June and August. Plus, the weather is near-on perfect, with highs of 24°C in the north, and 27°C is the south. If you’re after something a little different, why not take a look at our Italy river cruises?