Apsley Travel · Bespoke Luxury Travel

Where to go on a luxury holiday in September

September is widely regarded — alongside May — as the best month of the year for luxury travel. The Mediterranean remains warm into late September, but the August crowds have lifted. East African safari is at its peak. Botswana is exceptional. The Maldives and Seychelles emerge from monsoon. Japan and Bhutan enter their best autumn windows. School holidays are finished. Pricing is sharply better than August.

September is the year's second sweet spot — warm Mediterranean without August crowds, peak safari, opening Indian Ocean.

Speak to a specialist: 020 8142 6099 · hello@apsley.travel

Frequently asked questions

Is the sea warm in September?

Yes — Mediterranean sea is 23–25°C and warmer than in early summer. Swimming is comfortable across Italy, Greece and Croatia all month.

Is safari good in September?

Yes — peak dry season in Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. Migration is still in the Mara. Many specialists rate September as the single best safari month.

When does the Maldives reopen?

Dry season returns from mid-to-late September. Late month is reliable; book early to avoid the lingering monsoon weeks.