1. Rovinj, Croatia

 

The old town of Rovinj is one of the most enchanting places in Istria. In late summer, warm temperatures still abound. © Anna Church

Weather: 25° C
Water temperature: 22° C
Sunshine hours: 9 h/day
How to get there: Pula airport (PUY), 30 km away

Up to 25 degrees and nine hours of sun per day make the beautiful region the ideal destination for those who want to fill up on vitamin D before the fall. Active travelers can explore nature in various ways while those who like to swim can enjoy the emptier beaches and refreshing water temperatures of about 22 degrees, especially at the beginning of the month. The old town, the waterfront and the city beach Baluota are always worth a visit. 

Where to stay

Grand Park Rovinj
Smareglijeva ulica 1A, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia
Web: maistra.com
Tel.: +385 52 800 250
Price: Doubles from approx. €568

The hotel of the Maistra Collection opened just a few years ago directly on the harbor. Modern architecture, utmost luxury and breathtaking views of the old town of Rovinj and the harbor abound. The in-house Albaro Wellness & Spa is the largest of its kind in all of Istria. Seven restaurants and bars provide guests and locals with excellent drinks and the flavors of Istria. Many of the luxurious rooms and suites have private pools.

2. Monte-Carlo, Monaco

 

Enjoy the warm rays of the sun and golden light on the terrace of the legendary Coya, a Peruvian restaurant. © SBM

Weather: 24° C
Water temperature: 22° C
Sunshine hours: 8 h/day
How to get there: Nice Airport (NCE), 20 km away.

This special place on the Côte d'Azur is blessed with 300 days of sunshine all year round and September offers plenty of warmth. Visitors can also enjoy the unique autumn atmosphere by the Mediterranean Sea. It's also much quieter, allowing you to enjoy many sights, beaches and countless terraces without the hustle and bustle. The hip party locations and trendy bars entice guests with a relaxed mood on balmy late summer nights.

Where to stay

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco
Web: montecarlosbm.com
Tel.: +377 98 06 30 00
Price: doubles from € 1,100 per night

In the middle of town, right on the Place du Casino, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is one of the most legendary hotels in the entire region. It combines tradition with luxury. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, it offers guests new suites and rooms following renovations in 2019. Dine at a variety of restaurants. These include the Alain Ducasse at Hôtel de Paris, which has three Michelin stars, and Le Grill, which has one.

 

3. sardinia, italy

 

Crystal clear water and beaches all to yourself: September marks the beginning of the quieter season in Sardinia. © Luca Cassani

Weather: 28° C
Water temperature: 23° C
Sunshine hours: 8 h/day
How to get there: Cagliari (CAG), Alghero (AHO) or Olbia (OLB) airports.

July and August are the busiest months of the year, but many travelers consider September the most beautiful time on the island. The sun shines eight hours a day, most tourists are gone and the island glows in a magical light. Temperatures up to 28 degrees are perfect for water sports, often even until mid-October. For wine lovers, Sardinia is top a destination in September as well – it's grape harvest season, which is celebrated with village festivals.

Where to stay

Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia
Viale dei Fenicotteri, 52, 09010 Domus De Maria SU, Italy
Web: chialagunaresort.com
Tel.: +39 070 9239 3000
Price: doubles from €480

The hotel on the south coast of Sardinia is nestled in Chia Bay, just an hour from the historic town of Cagliari. Golden sandy beaches, exclusive service, the hotel's own beach club and a fine spa are available to guests. But that's far from all: the Hilton Hotels member also offers fine dining, a wide variety of activities, a gym, and a tennis court.

 

4. marrakech, morocco

 

The souk isn't only a traditional shopping area, it's where the whole city gets together. © Calin Stan

Weather: 33° C
Water temperature: 24° C
Sunshine hours: 8 h/day
How to get there: Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK), 7 km away.

The lively city is an experience for all the senses. While a light breeze from the souk carries the scent of spices and loud soundbites, temperatures go up to 33 degrees. On both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, the weather is still perfect for swimming. However, the hottest days of summer are in the past, while winter cold from the desert is still a while away. It's the perfect time if you want to explore the medieval city of Fez, its secret gardens, mausoleums and historic sites.

Continue reading: Tips and Tricks for Your First Time at a Souk

Where to stay

Amanjena
Route de Ouarzazate km 12, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Web: aman.com
Tel.: +212 5243-99000
Price: doubles from €790 per night

Shaded courtyards, pools and pavilions inspired by the Red City: the luxurious Amanjena is a stunningly authentic hideaway. Guests stay in stand-alone villas with private gardens – most of them even come with a private pool. With views over olive groves and palm trees to the Atlas Mountains, a tennis court, a gym, wonderful restaurants and a golf course next door, you'll want for nothing.

 

5. New York City, New York/USA

 

Autumn in New York, there's nothing quite like it. © Andy Orin

Weather: 24° C
Rainy days: 7 /month
Sunshine hours: 9 h/day
How to get there: JFK Airport, 22 km away and Newark Airport (EWR), 43 km away.

There is probably no wrong season to visit New York. The city is always worth the trip due to its incredible diversity. From mid-September, however, autumn moves into Central Park and the leaves change color. So if you want to experience the city that never sleeps at its dreamiest, this is the time to go. 

Where to stay

The Mark Hotel
25 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075, United States
Web: themarkhotel.com
Tel.: +1 212-744-4300
Price: Doubles from €1,100

With its location on Madison Avenue, The Mark is located in one of the most prominent neighborhoods of the city. The stylish rooms and suites overlook Central Park. Each of the Upper East Side rooms is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Designed by Jacques Grange, each room is a statement. The Mark Restaurant features delicacies from French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

 

6. Mexico City, Mexico

 

Shopping, cafés, restaurants and lots of cool new corners: Mexico City is a colorful discovery. © Pyro Jenka

Weather: 25° C
Rainy days: 17 /month
Sunshine hours: 7 h/day
How to get there: Mexico City Airport (MEX), 8 km away.

In September, the tail-end of wet season determines the weather. But what many don't know: when it rains, it rains at night. The showers are rather short, but heavy. During the day, temperatures reach up to 25 degrees. The tourist crowds have not yet arrived, so it's the ideal time to discover the colorful cafés, chic brunch spots and local designers at your leisure. 

Where to stay

The Wild Oscar
Lamartine 516, Polanco, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
Web: thewildoscar.mx
Tel.: +52 55 6844
Price: doubles from €256 per night

The unconventional hotel combines lifestyle, business and luxury travel. It wants to be a home away from home for its guests. The Wild Oscar is located in the heart of the city, in the Polanco neighborhood. Some of the rooms and suites have private terraces. They are all united by industrial chic decor.

 

7. zanzibar, tanzania

 

Endless beaches, romantic resorts and exotic nature await visitors in Zanzibar. © Moses Londo

Weather: 30° C
Water temperature: 25° C
Sunshine hours: 10 h/day
How to get there: Unguja Airport (ZNZ), 6 km away.

With temperatures of up to 30 degrees, September is part of the cooler season. The exotic destination attracts with beautiful beaches, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Stone Town and influences of different cultures. You can wander through Gothic churches or visit mosques as well as bazaars and hammams. 

Where to stay

The One Resort Zanzibar
Makunduchi Kigaeni Zanzibar, Tanzania
Web: theonezanzibar.com
Tel: +255 620 819 537
Price: doubles from €275

This beach resort is the ideal retreat from everyday life. The tropical resort offers a spa, a pool area, an outdoor gym and spacious accommodations of different categories overlooking the pool and the sea. The restaurant boasts fusion cuisine with European and Swahili influences.

 

8. Utah, USA

 

Bring good hiking boots because Utah is full of spectacular sights! © Gautier Salles

Weather: 25° C
Rainy days: 3 /month
Sunshine hours: 10.6 h/day
How to get there: Salt Lake City Airport (SLC), 9 km from the city.

The famous rock formations of Zion National Park are legendary. If you want to marvel at the natural beauty without stepping on other travelers' toes, you should come after Labor Day. This year, the holiday falls on September 5. The summer heat is gone, but it's still pleasantly warm – around 25 degrees is the ideal temperature for hiking. Lovers of nature should also visit Goblin Valley and Antelope Island!

Where to stay

Under Canvas Zion
3955 Kolob Terrace Rd, Virgin, UT 84779, United States.
Web: undercanvas.com
Tel.: +1 888-496-1148
Price: Glamping tent from €433 per night

Even the best hotel can't offer this many stars: at Under Canvas Zion, guests sleep in cozy glamping tents, located in a breathtaking canyon very close to Zion National Park. There is no electricity, but you get rechargeable batteries. In lieu of modernity, you're treated to romantic moments by the fire, private bathrooms with a toilet and a shower and real beds in the tent.

 

9. seychelles

 

Why wait for a honeymoon? The Seychelles are a dream destination for everyone who doesn't want the summer to end. © Unsplash

Weather: 29° C
Water temperature: 26° C
Sunshine hours: 7 h/day
How to get there: Mahé Airport (SEZ), 45 km from the city center.

The Seychelles are a particularly romantic destination in September. Actually still part of the island winter, they beckon with off-season prices, little rain and temperatures up to 29 degrees. This time is especially good for sunbathing, sailing trips, surfing and hiking. And of course a trip to see the giant tortoises. 

Where to stay

Mango House Seychelles
Anse Aux Poules Bleues Baie Lazare Victoria Mahé, Seychelles
Web: hilton.com
Tel: +248 4 397 000
Price: doubles from €525 per night

South of Mahé, in Anse aux Poules Bleues, this oceanfront hotel welcomes guests with barefoot luxury and a focus on sustainability, modern architecture and interior design. The wellness and culinary experiences cater to every taste. All 41 rooms and suites offer majestic views of Anse aux Pouley Bleues and offer sun-drenched balconies and plenty of privacy.

 

10. expedition to the Arctic

 

Modern expedition ships take you up into the Far North, to the Inuit, polar bears and cities with near unpronounceable names. © Annie Spratt

Weather (Greenland): 6° C
Rainy days: 12 /month
Sunshine hours: 5 h/day
How to get there: Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ), central

What's the opposite to summer heat (and sightseeing in the city)? Boarding an expedition ship towards the Arctic. Many shipping companies set out for the High North at the beginning of September. One of them is Swan Hellenic, whose SH Minerva embarks on a 16-day journey from Kangerlussuaq in Greenland to Halifax in Canada , including spectacular shore excursions, educational lectures and unforgettable experiences. The fall is also the best time to spot the Northern Lights!