It’s been a long looooong winter guys. And if, like me, you’re pretty last minute when it comes to booking a trip, keep reading. September is a rocking month to head overseas: the weather is still pretty good, there's festivals galore, and some sweet shoulder-season bargains up for grabs.
Whether you’re seeking warmer weather or just need to forget your boss, these are some of the best places for travel in September.
Buenos Aires
Average temp: 18 degrees
A little cooler, but September is still a great time to visit Buenos Aires. With the winter weather easing off, crowds are significantly smaller—most people you meet will be fun-loving locals. Buenos Aires is a creative hub too, where rich history has been mixed with on-trend design. Cool bars are on every corner, but our pick is Uptown BA, a New-York-themed speakeasy.
Zanzibar
Average temp: 30 degrees
The water here is so blue guys. Like really friggin’ blue. A Zanzibar beach snap pretty much guarantees you career-high likes on Instagram. Rains can hit around October-November, so September is the perfect time to visit, given it’s still ‘dry’ season. Where to sleep? Kilindi Zanzibar is pretty sweet. Alternatively, if you’ve got a cheeky $1700 (per night), sleep with the fishes at the new partly-submerged hotel suite, Mantra Underwater Room.
Milan
Average temp: 24 degrees
With the fewest rainy days in the year, September is a great month to check out Milan in northern Italy. Once seen as being the ‘wrong side of the tracks’, Zona Tortona is Milan’s coolest new hood. Artists and creatives have transformed this part of the city into a must-visit destination. Spend the afternoon checking out Armani/Silos, Giorgio Armani's fashion and art museum, and then grab a bite at Al Fresco.
Lisbon
Average temp: 26 degrees
Lax open-container laws make Lisbon a pretty easy place to have a great time, and the city’s centre becomes a party district after dark. Spend your days climbing the seven hills and taking in some incredible views, and spend your nights enjoying some seriously fresh seafood—we recommend booking a table at Prado.
San Francisco
Average temp: 21 degrees
Known for its Melbourne-like weather (aka blowing a gale in the middle of Summer) San Fran’s atmosphere can be a tricky beast. But September is when the blue skies hit, sun comes out and you’re well and truly living the Californian dream. Soak up the rays across the bridge at Napa and Sonoma, enjoy a few vinos and take in the view. Or stay in the city and check out the Museum of Ice Cream.
Budapest
Average temp: 23 degrees
With stunning architecture and a romantic vibe, September is the driest month in Budapest. There's warm days and cooler nights, and you can soak up the vibes in pop-up bars in crumbling buildings, known as ‘ruin bars'. Lit up by fairy lights, they're usually humming with locals—the perfect Budapest blend of old world and new. Make sure you visit the thermal baths too for some R&R.
Barcelona
Average temp: 25 degrees
With warm averages of 25 degrees and cooler nights of 19 degrees, Barcelona should be on your list for September. The locals are back from holidays, but the partying doesn’t stop. The 11 September marks Catalonia’s national holiday, and the city closes for parades, concerts and celebrations all over the place. It also shuts down for Fiestas de la Mercè, a week-long festival (biggest of the year, guys), with hundreds of musicians, gigs and performances. Make the most of the warm weather and wander to Jezsek Cukraszda, a traditional patisserie and ice-cream parlour, for some sweet treats. Roll on from there and check out Soho House’s rooftop bar, complete with a pool and views over Port Vell marina.
Feeling the Mexico vibes instead? Make sure you check out these sweet designer hotels.
Image credit: Toa Heftiba