Where to go in September

Nice, France

Catch the last of France’s summer sun in September, when the crowds are dispersing and the city takes on a more peaceful atmosphere.

Weather

Temperature: min. 18°C, max. 25°C
Sunny, with occasional rainfall that generally passes quickly.

Season

End of the summer season, just off peak.

Good for

Kids of all ages, those wanting a quieter French Riviera experience.

What’s there

The famous Promenade des Anglais, stretching between a milky-blue sea and a sun-kissed old town. Cannes, Antibes and Monaco are just short train rides away.

What’s on

Septembre de la Photo photography exhibitions, Journées du Patrimoine (when historic buildings open their doors to the public), plus regular markets.

Flight time from UK: 2 hours

Istanbul, Turkey

With the holiday season coming to a close, September is a quieter time to catch Istanbul’s warm weather. With several previous rulers, this ancient city is a jigsaw of history and culture.

Weather

Temperature: min. 16°C, max. 25°C
Mostly sunny and dry, particularly at the start of the month.

Season

Beginning of the off-peak season.

Good for

All ages, history and culture fans, foodies.

What’s there

An old city, dotted with ornate palaces and Byzantine churches, bustling with merchants and decorated with historic monuments. Restaurants serve up traditional Turkish cuisine, and the sea lies in the south.

What’s on

International Istanbul Biennial art festival (odd years only), the Akbank Jazz Festival, the Istanbul Coffee Festival.

Flight time from UK: 3h 50m

Los Angeles, California

There are plenty of outdoor sports and activities in health-conscious LA. Sandwiched between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this beachside city offers more than just celebrity spotting.

Weather

Temperature: min. 14°C, max. 27°C
Warm and dry.

Season

Off-peak.

Good for

Kids of all ages, cinema and film buffs, wellness seekers.

What’s there

The Hollywood Hills and city parks offer amazing hotels, plus easy hiking that even young kids can undertake. Kayak down the LA River, pedal boat through Echo Park Lake, roadtrip down Highway 1, or become cowboys at the Sunset Ranch.

What’s on

Tailgate Fest Labor Day country music festival, open-air movies at the Silver Lake Picture Show, the Emmy Awards, Surf City Surf Dog event, and more.

Flight time from UK: 11h 15m

Sardinia

Sardinia, the Mediterranean’s second largest island, is filled with rugged mountains, hiking trails and almost 2,000 km of coastline. Explore the island this month while the crowds are away.

Weather

Temperature: min. 17°C, max. 26°C
Cooler than the midsummer months, September’s weather is dry and sunny

Season

Just after the peak season.

Good for

All ages, families wanting a variety of activities and landscapes.

What’s there

The island is a natural playground with mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, cycling and kayaking opportunities.
Surrounded by the ocean, there’s also a variety of watersports, from windsurfing to sailing.

What’s on

Sant Miquel – a celebration of Alghero’s patron saint, Autunno in Barbagia folk festival, Corsa degli Scalzi barefoot race

Flight time from UK: 2h 25m

Arizona

The Southwest is brimming with family friendly activities, from national parks, aquariums, zoos, theme parks, hiking and riding. Take yours to the Grand Canyon and saguaros outside Tucson.

Weather

Temperature: min. 24°C, max. 38°C
Heat becomes a little more bearable again, with little rain and clear skies.

Season

High season runs from October to mid-May

Good for

Arizona lends itself best to teens who can deal with the long drives, harsh desert landscape and occasionally oppressive heat.

What’s there

Water parks will keep your kids entertained for hours, or for the horse-mad dude ranches are the perfect place to get some equestrian experience and live out your Wild West dreams.

What’s on

Pleasant temperatures make September the perfect month for making the most of the National Parks, rent your own car to explore on your own terms.

Flight time from UK: 11 hours

Zanzibar

Explore the popular beachy break and immerse yourself in culture whilst seeing wildlife and experiencing the best weather the year has to offer.

Weather

Temperature: min. 22°C, max. 27°C
Sea temperature is an average 26 degrees.
Only 2 inches of raining falling through the whole month.

Season

Peak – June to October is Spring in Zanzibar, making the weather is just about as perfect as it can be in September.

Good for

Zanzibar island boasts gentle waters, swimming pools in many of the resorts and amazing wildlife that all ages will love.

What’s there

Don’t leave the island without experiencing the Jozani Forest in the national park, see if you can spot the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey – not found anywhere else in the world! Lose yourself in the historic quarter of Zanzibar town and relax for hours on the stunning white sand beaches.

What’s on

Visit a traditional Swahili village to help support local communities and see some culture. Enjoy water sports by kite surfing on the Indian Ocean or dive and snorkel around the pristine coral reefs.

Flight time from UK: 11 hours

Menorca

The small but perfectly formed Balearic Island of Menorca offers families a chance to slow down and get back to nature.

Weather

Temperature: min. 19°C, max. 26°C
There’s an average of 12 hours of daylight with eight hours of sunshine in September.
Menorca is known as the Windy Island, keeping you cool in September and lending the seas well to watersports.

Season

Peak season is mid-July to mid-September. Prices drop dramatically after this but many businesses may be shut after this time.

Good for

Those who want an active holiday, the island is perfect for cycling around and the flat roads mean it is suitable even for the less fit.

What’s there

It might not have the glamour of Ibiza or fame of Majorca, but the untouched landscape and home-grown flavours of Menorca make it the perfect family destination. From the barren cliffs of Cap de Cavalleria to the calm, azure waters of Cala Mitjana, with such varied vistas on offer, the island is easily explorable from both road or foot.

What’s on

Fly and flop on one of the many beaches or make a beeline for the shallow lagoon Es Grau if you’re a family with younger kids. Older kids will enjoy the wilder water of the Cala Tirant.

Flight time from UK: 2h 20m

Switzerland

Switzerland is much more than exclusive ski-resorts and fondue as any family smart enough to go in summer will be happy to tell you.

Weather

Temperature: min. 10°C, max. 21°C
Temperatures begin to drop in September and cloud cover increases but the impressive landscapes and architectural masterpieces will be enough to keep you entertained in themselves.

Season

September is a shoulder month for Switzerland, get the best of good weather but few tourists.

Good for

Switzerland’s expensive reputation may precede it, but there are less expensive options for families wanting to make the most of their stay there. Self-cater or stay in a family hostel to get the best value for your money.

What’s there

The country’s small enough to tour around, but to make the most of your stay, you might want to focus on a single region. Visit some of the 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Old City of Bern, the Jungfrau Aletsch Region and the medieval Castles of Bellinzona.

What’s on

If you’re wanting to travel around, take a scenic journey over one of the highest rail journeys in Europe on the Bernina Express. Visit Zurich and it’s sensational zoo and make your way around their interactive museums that cater especially well for children.

Flight time from UK: 1h 30m

Where to go in September