The end of summer in the northern hemisphere marks the start of one of the best seasons to travel. It’s back-to-school season which means less crowds at many touristic destinations and temperatures are milder than in the hot summer months. Whether you’re looking for a mountain escape, a city break or a beach holiday, we’ve got you covered with the best places to travel during September, October and November!

September

Where to go in Africa:

September is one of the best months to visit Zimbabwe as the temperatures are not too extreme and malaria risk is low. Also, this is when the wildlife gathers around the waterholes.

The best wildlife viewing months in the Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania are during the dry season from late June to October. Spoil yourself at the luxury Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. 

From May until October conditions are optimal in Zambia and Botswana to watch animals gathering around rivers and waterholes.

The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December when the weather is cool, dry and sunny.

June to October is the dry season in Mozambique, with often perfect tropical weather: clear skies, plenty of sun and almost no rain.

 

Where to go in Europe:

Why not head to one of Southern Europe’s islands which are much calmer now and still have warm temperatures. The Balearic Islands and Sicily are very sunny, even in autumn, and receive less visitors than in the busy summer months. Enjoy our beautiful island, Menorca, without the crowds at the incredible Agroturismo Son Vives.

Turkey and Crete are also excellent destinations where temperatures are still nice at the end of summer.

 

Where to go in North America:

A city trip to New York never disappoints but traveling in autumn will make it even more pleasant. The fresh air and new season bring an excellent vibe to the city.

Get a car in San Francisco and head to Napa Valley. This is a great time to visit California’s wine regions during grape harvest time.

From September to November is also perfect to visit Washington DC. In autumn, temperatures have dropped and the scorching heat has gone as well as the many tourists.

The high prices from the summer months have dropped and many tourists have gone home which makes September ideal for a holiday in Canada. Weather is still nice although nights can get colder. It’s that time of the year to experience the so-called Indian Summer.

 

Where to go in South America:

Peru is entering its winter season which is always dry and sunny with the coast enjoying warm temperatures. In midsummer, the weather is dry and the light is perfect. Beat the tour groups by getting up early to see the sunrise.

Where to go in Asia:

The monsoon season is coming to an end although it’s still not the best period to travel to Asia. China and Japan start to cool down pleasantly. The north east of China for example is very attractive in autumn.

Get your chance to win a free stay (Sep, 4-8) at a custom-designed house on the Great Wall of China via this Airbnb contest.

As of late September, weather is clear and dry in India. The monsoon rains have washed away the pollution and dust and the mountains have a high visibility now, ideal for trekking.

While the southern states of Australia are cold, Darwin in North Australia is getting warm with pleasant temperatures that are more enjoyable than other, hotter months in the year.

 

October

Where to go in Africa:

From May until October conditions are optimal in Zambia and Botswana to watch animals gathering around rivers and waterholes.

In North Africa, the scorching temperatures have disappeared and it’s a perfect time to visit Morocco and Tunisia and maybe go on a desert safari. In the Delta Nile region of Egypt, winter season (from October to February) is much cooler so a good time if you want to avoid the heat.

Summer is approaching South Africa. Daytime temperatures are rising and the springtime is bursting Cape Town with colour. Accommodation rates are starting to increase in preparation for the summer months but are still much lower than in high season. Don’t miss your chance to visit Table Mountain, one of the new nature wonders of the world! Besides, if you travel from Europe, you don’t even have to worry about a jet lag by the time you’re home as there’s only one hour of difference.

Where to go in Europe:

The beginning of autumn makes the Mediterranean countries popular destinations with sunny weather. Temperatures are very pleasant in southern Spain, Italy, the Greek Islands and Cyprus.

Tip: Stay at this gorgeous glamping site in Mirano, for a relaxing experience with easy access into the hustle of Venice. 

Indulge in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands where you can enjoy an amazing scenery with a wide array of autumn colours.

This is also a great time for a romantic city break to some of Europe’s most beautiful cities in fall: the colours reflected in the canals of Bruges, the view of the Prague castle from the banks of the river or the sunset from the City Walls of Dubrovnik. These are just the perfect excuse for a romantic getaway in autumn.

Where to go in North America:

While the ski resort town of Aspen in Colorado is the place to be in winter, it also very enjoyable during the autumn months.

The Great Smoky Mountains – US’s most popular national park – offer plenty of scenic roads and hiking trails, which is great to spend a few days exploring these stunning forests and even better in fall.

The dramatic New England fall foliage starts in the northern New England states typically in late September and moves down to the southern New England states around late October.

Fall is the best time to visit New Mexico when the hot summer gets to an end and school holidays are over.

If you want to avoid the crowds and save on accommodation, then October and November are the perfect months for a relaxed holiday in Cancún.

 

Where to go in South America:

Spring is a good time to travel to Argentina and to avoid the crowds during the busy summer months (from December to January).

Chile is a very extensive country so weathers varies according to the area but October to March is a good time to travel to Patagonia in the south of Chile. You should definitely combine it with a visit to Santiago and the Atacama desert in this month.

 

Where to go in Asia:

Autumn as well as spring is the best time to visit Jordan as it’s not too hot for hiking in the nature reserves and both flora and fauna are abundant.

Northern Vietnam is generally warm and sunny from October to December, after which cold winter weather sets in, accompanied by a fine mist which can last for several days.

Between October and December is the best time to visit Nepal as the skies are generally clear and the views are spectacular. Stay at the stunning Baber Mahal Villas to start or end your trip in Kathmandu. 

Autumn (October and November) is great to visit Hong Kong too: nice breeze and a perfect amount of sunshine.

The best time to visit Fiji is from late October to early November before the peak of the high season. The weather is dry and warm and the beaches and resorts are less crowded as kids are still at school at this time of the year.

 

November

Where to go in Africa:

In North Africa, the scorching temperatures have disappeared and it’s a perfect time to visit Morocco and Tunisia and maybe go on a desert safari.

In the Delta Nile region of Egypt, winter season (from October to February) is much cooler so a good time if you want to avoid the heat.

Summer is approaching South Africa. Daytime temperatures are rising and the springtime is bursting Cape Town with colour. Accommodation rates are starting to increase in preparation for the summer months but are still much lower than in high season. Don’t miss your chance to visit Table Mountain, one of the new nature wonders of the world! Besides, if you travel from Europe, you don’t even have to worry about a jet lag by the time you’re home as there’s only one hour of difference.

 

Where to go in Europe:

Winter is about to set in in many European countries so if you still want to take in some vitamin D before the cold and grey winter months arrive, you should head to the Canary Islands or south Spain for some sunny and warm days.

Italy is not only a paradise for foodies but also for art lovers. November is a little bit more chilly and wet but you can expect less crowds in cities like Rome and Florence and no cueing at the entrance of some world-renowned museums.

Where to go in North America:

New York, is wonderful in November, but especially when it’s getting ready for Christmas and it’s not as cold as in December.

November in Florida might be a bit too cold to head to the beaches but it makes it ideal for more inland activities like theme parks.

Shoulder season makes Texas also a great destination as weather is not as intense as in the summer months while many attractions remain open.

If you want to avoid the crowds and save on accommodation, then October and November are the perfect months for a relaxed holiday in Cancún.

Where to go in Central America & the Caribbean:

Hawaii has great weather, year-round, and while November through March is Hawaii’s so-called rainy season, showers only last for a few hours which makes Hawaii a great vacation spot for visitors who want to escape the cold in Northern US.

November is the last month of the official hurricane season in the Caribbean but late-season hurricanes are rare at this time of the year. This being said, expect to find some great deals on flights and accommodation before the holiday season kicks in.  

 

Where to go in South America:

Spring is a good time to travel to Argentina and to avoid the crowds during the busy summer months (December and January).

Nicaragua‘s dry season starts in November, when the majority of places enjoy dry, sunny days and mild temperatures.

A lovely month to visit Uruguay. Montevideo is pleasantly warm and the beaches are quieter than in December.

Chile is a very extensive country so weathers varies according to the area but October to March is a good time to travel to Patagonia in the south of Chile. You should definitely combine it with a visit to Santiago and the Atacama desert.

 

Where to go in Asia:

Northern Vietnam is generally warm and sunny from October to December, after which cold winter weather sets in, accompanied by a fine mist which can last for several days

November is probably the best month for trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal: it’s not too hot, the sky is clear enough to see where you’re going and the peaks and high passes are clear enough for trekking. Stay at the stunning Baber Mahal Villas in Kathmandu right before or after your trek. 

Autumn is great to visit Hong Kong too: nice breeze and a perfect amount of sunshine.

The best time to visit Bangkok is from late October to March, when the heat and humidity are at their lowest.

 

 

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