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Home » THE BEST COUNTRIES TO VISIT IN SEPTEMBER

THE BEST COUNTRIES TO VISIT IN SEPTEMBER

    People raising glasses of wine in a toast during a vineyard visit in Italy, surrounded by rustic countryside and warm light.

    Explore the world at its most vibrant, just before the crowds return and prices rise.

    September is a golden month for travel. Peak summer crowds are gone, the weather is still warm in many destinations, and shoulder-season pricing makes it more affordable to visit some of the world’s most stunning locations. Whether you’re chasing adventure, culture, or epic natural beauty, these destinations—offered by Finisterra Travel—are especially magical in September.

    Morocco – A Cultural Mosaic After the Summer Heat

    While Morocco bakes in the peak summer months, September offers a sweet reprieve. With cooler breezes in the Atlas Mountains and manageable temperatures in cities like Marrakech and Fes, it’s the perfect time to explore souks, riads, and the Sahara.

    Why Visit Morocco in September?

    Traveling to Morocco in September means enjoying pleasant weather in the desert, especially in regions like Merzouga and the Draa Valley. With summer’s scorching heat beginning to fade, daytime exploration becomes far more comfortable. There are also fewer tourists in major cities, allowing for a more authentic experience in the medinas and markets. For those seeking adventure, this is an ideal month for trekking in the Atlas Mountains, where the air is fresh, the views are clear, and the trails are alive with color.

    Finisterra Experience: Our Morocco tours include authentic cultural immersion—from spice-laden markets to Berber villages and nights under the stars in desert camps. Contact us to book the Best of Morocco experience today.

    Sunset over Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech, Morocco, with the Koutoubia Mosque silhouetted against a glowing sky and people bustling through the vibrant plaza.
    The Koutoubia Mosque stands tall at sunset as locals and visitors gather in Marrakech’s iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square—one of Morocco’s most atmospheric destinations in September.

    Peru – Lush Landscapes and Epic Treks

    September marks the tail end of Peru’s dry season, making it an ideal time to visit Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and beyond. With clear skies and fewer crowds, it’s a prime time for hikers and history lovers alike.

    Why Visit Peru in September?

    This month offers prime time for Inca Trail and alternative treks like Salkantay or Lares. Trails are dry, views are clear, and campsites aren’t overcrowded. Thanks to lingering moisture from the previous months, the valleys and jungles burst with green landscapes after the rains, providing a stunning backdrop for photography and exploration. In the Amazon, September also brings excellent wildlife viewing, with animals gathering near rivers and increased chances of spotting exotic birds, monkeys, and pink dolphins.

    Finisterra Experience: Join our Peru itineraries for breathtaking hikes, expert-guided cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Contact us to book your Peru Family Adventure today.

    Panoramic view of Machu Picchu, Peru’s ancient Incan citadel, surrounded by lush green mountains under a clear sky.
    September is one of the best times to visit Machu Picchu, Peru, when the weather is mild, and the iconic ruins are framed by vivid greenery and fewer crowds.

    Portugal – Sun, Surf & Culture Without the Crowds

    Portugal still basks in sunshine during September, but without the summer crowds. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Lisbon, sipping wine in the Douro Valley, or catching waves in Nazaré, this coastal gem is a joy to explore.

    Why Visit Portugal in September?

    In September, you’ll find beach weather with fewer tourists, especially in the Algarve and central coast. The sun still shines bright, but the lines are shorter and the beaches less packed. It’s also the ideal wine harvest season in the Douro, where you can witness grape picking, wine stomping, and cellar tastings. With mild evenings perfect for alfresco dining, you can indulge in fresh seafood and local wines while watching the sunset over tiled rooftops or golden beaches.

    Finisterra Experience: We offer custom Portugal trips that balance food, wine, culture, and relaxation—tailored just for you.

    Elevated view of a traditional Portuguese town with whitewashed buildings, terracotta rooftops, and a prominent church tower beneath a clear blue sky.
    September is an ideal time to explore Portugal’s historic towns, where sun-drenched rooftops and rich cultural heritage await under bright autumn skies.

    Tanzania – Safari Season in Full Swing

    In Tanzania, September is prime safari time. Animals gather around waterholes in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, offering unmatched wildlife viewing. Plus, the Great Migration is still underway in parts of the north.

    Why Visit Tanzania in September?

    It’s a month of peak wildlife viewing, with animals in concentrated areas due to the dry season. Photographers and nature lovers will be thrilled by the abundance of lions, elephants, wildebeest, and more. Thanks to dry weather and clear skies, game drives are smooth and scenic, with golden light perfect for epic safari shots. September is also ideal if you want to combine your safari with Zanzibar—great conditions for combining safari and Zanzibar beach time make it a versatile, once-in-a-lifetime trip.

    Finisterra Experience: Our Tanzania safaris are fully customizable, offering game drives, luxury lodges, and cultural exchanges with Maasai communities. Contact us to book your East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania tour today.

    Golden sunset over the savannah at Entim Mara Camp in Kenya, with silhouetted trees and the vast landscape glowing under the warm evening light.
    September is a prime time to visit Kenya’s Masai Mara, where stunning sunsets like this one at Entim Mara Camp follow days filled with dramatic wildlife encounters during the Great Migration.

    Italy – Fall Flavors & Festival Vibes

    September ushers in harvest season across Italy, and the country bursts with local festivals celebrating food, wine, and music. From the Amalfi Coast to Tuscany, it’s a feast for the senses.

    Why Visit Italy in September?

    Italy in September is all about indulgence. The grape and olive harvests begin, making it the perfect time for wine tastings, truffle hunts, and vineyard visits. Across the country, you’ll find food festivals in small towns and cities, where you can sample regional specialties like porcini mushrooms, cheeses, and local wines. The cooler temps ideal for sightseeing mean you can comfortably roam historical ruins, art museums, and picturesque piazzas without the heat exhaustion of high summer.

    Finisterra Experience: Whether it’s a romantic escape or a group journey through Italy’s iconic regions, our Italy experiences are handcrafted for your travel style. Contact us to book your Italian Culinary Tour today.

    Colorful cliffside buildings of a Cinque Terre village in Italy overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with bright sunlight highlighting the coastal charm.
    With warm weather and fewer tourists, September is the perfect time to explore Italy’s Cinque Terre, where pastel-hued villages cling to the cliffs above the sparkling sea.

    Bonus Picks:

    • Vietnam – September is the start of drier weather in the north and the central coast. It’s a great time to explore Hanoi, Hue, and Ha Long Bay.
    • Spain – From beach towns in Andalusia to the lively tapas bars of Barcelona, Spain in September is electric yet relaxed.
    • Croatia – The summer crowds have dispersed, but the Adriatic is still warm for swimming and sailing.

    Ready to Plan Your September Getaway?

    September is one of the most rewarding times of year to travel—and Finisterra Travel is here to help you experience it in full color. Whether you’re dreaming of desert dunes, jungle treks, vineyard feasts, or coastal sunsets, we’ll craft a meaningful, customized journey that brings your travel dreams to life.

    Contact us today to begin your September travel planning. Your next adventure is closer than you think.

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