Where to Travel in September

September combines peak wildlife with shoulder-season comfort. In Kenya, the herds are typically still in the Maasai Mara. In South Africa’s Kruger and Sabi Sand and in Botswana, dry bush and shrinking waterholes make game viewing excellent.

It’s spring in Cape Town, and southern right whales typically visit Walker Bay off Hermanus, roughly two hours’ drive away, from about June to November, with September and October usually best. In Europe, the August rush ends but the sea stays warm, a sweet spot for the Amalfi Coast and Santorini.

A few storms and events are worth planning around.

September is back-to-work month and one of the busiest for corporate travel. The UN General Assembly’s high-level week typically takes place in late September, when Midtown Manhattan hotels fill and traffic slows; avoid New York that week if you can. IFA typically brings the consumer electronics industry to Berlin in early September, and the Toronto International Film Festival typically runs in early-to-mid September.

Oktoberfest also makes Munich one of the most expensive places in Europe to hold a meeting from late September into early October.

Safari camps in September are still at peak demand, so 9–12 months is ideal. French Polynesia is a little less crowded than in July and August, so 6–9 months usually works. For New York during UNGA week or Munich during Oktoberfest, book as early as you can or plan around them.