Fewer crowds, lower prices: The best places for a holiday in September

Shoulder seasons give travellers itchy feet, and September is the best shoulder-season month of all. Here are the countries and cities to visit for fewer crowds, lower prices and great weather.

Countries

NEPAL

Credit: iStock

Why you should go: For Himalayan trekking, the coolish temperatures and sunny skies of late September make this the sweet spot for trekking before the high season kicks in from October. There are endless trekking opportunities – plus white-water rafting and mountain biking too – but Nepal also provides medieval old towns, Buddhist temples, vivid cultural life and busy street markets.

Don’t miss: For those with the energy and time (you’ll need three weeks), the classic Annapurna Circuit trek offers some of Nepal’s best scenery, from lush foothills to huge snow peaks – though it’s slowly being encroached upon by road building. You’ll enjoy encounters with Tibetan and Nepalese villagers along the way. See ntb.gov.np

SOUTH KOREA

Jeju Island.Credit: iStock

Why you should go: Nice weather, and by month’s end the start of spectacular autumn foliage. The only two days to avoid are Chusoek, the (moveable) autumn festival when most of the country is down. While Korea is associated with throbbing urban life and pop culture, its national parks, mountains and islands such as Jeju should tempt you away from the bright lights and into nature.

Don’t miss: Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital, dotted with Buddhist monuments and royal burial mounds. The highlight is Bulguksa Temple on a hillside beyond town, whose glorious multi-coloured architecture is set against maple-draped hillsides that are particularly beautiful in autumn. See visitkorea.or.kr

AUSTRIA

Aggstein Castle on the Danube in Wachau.Credit: iStock

Why you should go: September has fewer people, generally good autumnal weather and some of the clearest alpine scenery of the year. Farmers drive their flower-decorated cows down from alpine pastures, and wine regions such as the Wachau Valley and Burgenland turn russet as harvest season arrives.

Don’t miss: Hohe Tauern, Austria’s largest national park and the biggest nature reserve in the European Alps. Glaciers, brilliant blue lakes, waterfalls, areas of forest and tundra are topped by peaks that culminate at the 3798-metres Grossglockner. Although farming occurs on the national park’s fringes, its core preserves untouched alpine scenery disturbed only by hiking trails. See austria.info

THAILAND

Why you should go: Though it’s rainy season in Thailand don’t be put off, as sudden downpours are generally short and bring welcome respite from humidity. East coast islands such as Koh Samui get far less rain than west coast counterparts. Hotels offer discounts, top sights are far less busy, and the countryside shimmers vivid green.

Don’t miss: Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest national park and a World Heritage site. Few overseas tourists come here, but it’s rightly popular among Thais, and well set up with hiking and biking trails and other soft-adventure options. Float down the Nakhon Nayok River in a rubber raft, and cycle under towering bamboo. See tourismthailand.org

CROATIA

Pula is home to an impressive Roman amphitheatre.Credit: iStock

Why you should go: Not too hot, far from cold and with summer crowds dispersed, this is a fine time to see one of the best coastlines on the Mediterranean, whose gorgeous islands are matched by glorious old cities such as Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik. September is also festival month: indulge at the Subotina Festival in Istria, which celebrates truffles, and get a dose of classical music at the Late Summer Music Festival and Stradun Festival in Dubrovnik.

Don’t miss: Somewhat overlooked northwest region Istria, a peninsula of green fields, red earth and ancient towns. Wonderful Roman ruins at Pula include a superb first-century amphitheatre. Photogenic Rovinj perches in a tangle of baroque alleys above a harbour of colourful fishing boats, but is filled with cocktail lounges and nightclubs that hum until the wee hours. See croatia.hr

CITIES

MUNICH, GERMANY

Despite the name, Oktoberfest actually kicks off in September.Credit: AP

Why you should go: One of the world’s biggest public festivals is confusingly called Oktoberfest, since it actually runs from mid-September. It sees 6000 revellers at a time down huge tankards of beer and arm-long sausages. Get in early for the nicest weather, and before Oktoberfest venues start looking worse for wear. You’ll also be able to see the opening parade, which features 7000 locals in folk costumes.

Don’t miss: The Viktualienmarkt in the old town, which has been running daily (except Sundays) for more than 200 years. Browse the stalls for Bavarian sausages, apples, smoked fish, cheese and of course beer, then park yourself at an outdoor table and enjoy your feast as oompah or folk bands play. See munich.travel

KYOTO, JAPAN

Kyoto’s famous Silver Temple.Credit: iStock

Why you should go: Japan’s ancient capital and Tokyo’s alter ego is filled with tranquil gardens and countless temples. The city farewells its summer humidity in September, and enjoys a spate of festivals and cultural events honouring harvest season. At night, wander Gion district, whose streets are lined with traditional restaurants, teahouses and antique shops.

Don’t miss: The Philosopher’s Path along the Biwa Canal, which passes so many temples it could take a day to complete. The walk begins near the famous Silver Temple (actually a wooden pavilion set in raked gardens), but Eikan-do is maybe the most charming temple, where monks snooze on verandas and birds twitter in the trees. See kyototourism.org

VANCOUVER, CANADA

Downtown Vancouver.Credit: iStock

Why you should go: Vancouver is splendidly located between ocean and mountains. The city has innumerable parks, green spaces and waterfront promenades. With summer crowds dwindling and the weather crisp but fine, September is a great month to visit, with the added bonus of the Vancouver Fringe Festival enlivening the city with nearly 100 theatre and comedy events.

Don’t miss: The University of British Colombia’s excellent Botanical Garden and Japanese-style Nitobe Memorial Garden have superb maple trees that start taking on autumn colours in September. The university’s Museum of Anthropology has an outstanding collection of First Nation totem poles, painted canoes, ceremonial masks and jewellery. The grounds showcase two Haida longhouses and more totem poles. See tourismvancouver.com

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

Why you should go: It might be early autumn elsewhere, but spring in our capital means the mid-month opening of the Floriade, which runs well into October. The world-class floral spectacular features over a million (mostly tulip) blooms, as well as gardening demonstrations and cultural celebrations. Sleek hotels, highly-regarded restaurants, absorbing museums and a thriving arts scene are other reasons to visit.

Don’t miss: A jaunt into the Canberra District wine region for its boutique wineries and rustic restaurants. The petite but pretty wine region is notable for its cool-climate wines such as Shiraz and interesting varietals including Vermentino, Tempanrillo and Viognier. See visitcanberra.com.au

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Why you should go: Maybe it’s the elevation (2250 metres) that makes you feel lightheaded in Mexico City, or the backstreet tequila bars, arty and youthful vibe, fantastic street food, or mariachi bands. In any case, you’ll feel the fun of this sprawling metropolis, and September means balmy temperatures, the tail end of the rainy season, and visitors numbers not yet at high-season levels.

Don’t miss: The Museum of Anthropology has indigenous artefacts that attest to 3000 years of Mexican history, and Templo Mayor relates the story of the Aztec city that once stood here. Spanish-era architecture is also impressive, especially around the huge main plaza, overlooked by palaces and a madly decorated cathedral. See mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx