25 Cheap destinations in 2023 with great weather in September

September is one of the best months to travel since you can get great summer-like weather in great cities around the world, and far smaller crowds than in August. In fact, so many places have oppressive heat in August that the September weather tends to be even better. Fortunately, many cheap places around the world have really nice September weather and we’ve got a long list of the best of them below.

If you are sure you want to go to Europe you might be better off with our best places to go in Europe in September list, which will give you more options. Another thing to consider is moving your trip up a few weeks. Many places are crowded in August, but not all of them. Have a look at our list of cheap destinations with great August weather for your best options.

This article was last updated in March, 2023.

Important September 2023 Holidays

  • September 4 – Labor Day in the United States and Canada
  • September 7 – Brazil Independence Day (major public holiday)
  • September 11 – Catalunya National Day (major holiday in Barcelona)
  • September 9 and 10 – Open Monuments Day in Netherlands (free entry to many sights)
  • September 16 to October 3 – Oktoberfest in Munich
  • September 17 – Federal Thanksgiving Day in Switzerland (major public holiday)
  • September 21 – Feast Day of St. Matthew in Spain (major public holiday)
  • September 24 to 25 – Yom Kippur (major public holiday for Jews worldwide)
  • September 26 and 27 – Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (major public holiday in some Muslim countries)
  • September 29 – Mid-Autumn Festival in China

The Americas

While more cheap destinations have better weather in September on a global scale, the Americas are still in an in-between phase, with chilly temperatures in most of South America, and the rainy season in full effect in Central America.

The Caribbean

It’s true that September is the busiest month of the Tropical Storm season in the Caribbean, but the chances of a trip being interrupted by a storm are extremely low. Many savvy travelers take advantage of the cheap hotels and airfares to stay in a place they might not be able to afford any other time of the year.


Cancun, Mexico

  • September avg high: 91°F/33°C
  • September avg low: 76°F/24°C
  • September avg precip: 8.9″/22.3cm

Cancun highlights

  • Gorgeous sandy beaches with turquoise water in certain Cancun areas
  • The Caribbean’s best nightlife (for those who want it)
  • A wide range of all-inclusive resorts in all price ranges
  • Every imaginable activity, water sport, and golf, plus famous ruins
  • Cenotes, which are semi-enclosed sea caves that are unique to this area

While it’s true that September is one of the more active months for potential hurricanes in Cancun, they’ve only hit the area about once every 10 years, and only one of those in the last 40 years was in September. In other words, the chance of being affected are extremely slim, and the resort and airfare discounts are HUGE.

Most likely you’ll get a handful of quick downpours each week, and you can get 4-star beach hotels for well under US$100 per night for two people. Even all-inclusive resorts only cost a bit more. It’s not for everyone, but savvy travelers flock to these sorts of places when the general public massively overestimate the potential risks.

It’s worth noting that Cancun is a huge area with many different options within 90 minutes or so of the busy airport there. The Cancun Hotel Zone consists mostly of large beach hotels and timeshares that are spread apart along a long L-shaped peninsula. Playa del Carmen is a charming tourist town filled with restaurants, bars, and shops where you’ll actually feel like you are in Mexico (in a good way. It’s about an hour south of Cancun Airport.

Cozumel is a small island just across a straight from Playa del Carmen with a mix of beach resorts and small hotels. You can get there by a regular ferry from Playa del Carmen or fly directly in. Tulum is a smaller and more artsy town south of Playa del Carmen and it’s the trendiest of probably most interesting of the bunch.

Hotel prices are similar in all of them and there are all-inclusive resorts scattered around the whole area. If you want big and loud nightlife then Cancun’s Hotel Zone is your best choice. If you want to sample local culture then Playa del Carmen is probably your best choice.

>>>New: Guide to choosing where to stay in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cozumel

  • 3-star hotels from: US$34 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$82 per night for two people

>>>Check current Cancun resort and package deals


Los Cabos, Mexico

  • September avg high: 91°F/33°C
  • September avg low: 75°F/24°C
  • September avg precip: 3.2″/8.2cm

Los Cabos highlights

  • Fast and easy to reach for many Americans and Canadians
  • Excellent and fun marina area with great shopping, restaurants, and bars
  • A great mix of traditional and all-inclusive beach resorts
  • Mild evenings in winter so you aren’t sweating day AND night
  • Excellent sandy beaches at most hotels and resorts

Anyone starting in the western half of the US or Canada and looking for a beach destination should consider Los Cabos, which is at the southern tip of Baja California. While Puerto Vallarta has its wettest month of the year in September, Los Cabos is basically a desert so the potential rainfall this month is welcome and refreshing. It’s warm day and night this time of year, but the ocean breezes make it comfortable.

Los Cabos is actually the name for the twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The former is centered around a stunning marina lined with restaurants and shops, while the latter is a more spread out area close to the airport with a calm town center. There are also large hotels along the beaches in between, including some places where Hollywood celebrities famously relax in winter.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$84 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$205 per night for two people

>>>Check current Cabo resort and package deals


Montego Bay, Jamaica

  • September avg high: 89°F/32°C
  • September avg low: 76°F/24°C
  • September avg precip: 2.3″/5.8cm

Montego Bay highlights

  • Sandy beaches at most resorts
  • Jamaica has a distinct (sometimes spicy) cuisine and beachy drinks
  • Excellent sunsets in Negril and other west-facing beaches
  • Music and nightlife for those willing to leave the resorts
  • The only large Caribbean island where all the locals speak English

If Cancun isn’t your cup of tea, then Montego Bay just might be. On the northern coast of Jamaica, it tends to have a limited exposure to any possible hurricanes, and they only get near the place on average every 11 years. In most years, they don’t even get much rain in September, much less a tropical storm. Jamaica is probably the best place in the Caribbean for those who prefer a place where pretty much everybody speaks English, even if you might not understand every word of it.

But because so many members of the public overestimate the risks, resort prices hit their rock-bottom levels this time of year. You can get a room in a luxury all-inclusive resort for under US$200 per night for two people, and airfares tend to be cheap as well. Travelers with a bit of a risk-taking spirit won’t find many better choices of where to go in September, and you can always buy trip insurance.

You’ll notice a big difference in the price between 3-star hotels and 4-star hotels in Jamaica. Basically, there are many locally owned and often family-run 3-star hotels that can vary in quality, while the 4-star places are generally the big beach resorts run by international chains. You pretty much get what you pay for, so don’t expect a US$99 3-star hotel to remind you of a Marriott.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$160 per night for two people

>>>Check current Montego Bay resort and package deals


Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

  • September avg high: 91°F/33°C
  • September avg low: 74°F/23°C
  • September avg precip: 1.5″/3.8cm

Puerto Plata highlights

  • Great all-inclusive beach resorts at shocking prices in low season
  • A mix of modern and traditional beach hotels and resorts
  • White, sandy beaches at most every resort
  • Fishing, sailing, water sports, and other adventure excursions available
  • Family-friendly resorts are plentiful for families with kids

While it’s still technically the rainy season in most of the Caribbean, Puerto Plata rarely sees much moisture in September. This beach area along the Dominican Republic’s northern coast will be quite warm all month but it won’t be unbearable, especially since you’ll be spending most of your time on or near the beach, or in your air conditioned hotel room.

This is low season in Puerto Plata so the room rates at the resorts can be shockingly low. The normal hotels offer good value but it’s really the all-inclusive resorts that offer deals that seem like mistakes when you look at the listings. If your main goal is just to relax in the sunshine and perhaps eat and drink all you want, Puerto Plata should be high on your list in September. You’ll find a much larger resort scene in the southeastern corner of the DR in Punta Cana. The deals this time of year are shocking, and again, the risks of being in the path of a big storm are extremely low for any given week. Getting travel insurance isn’t a terrible idea though.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$50 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$145 per night for two people

>>>Check current Puerto Plata resort and package deals


New Orleans, USA

  • September avg high: 87°F/31°C
  • September avg low: 71°F/22°C
  • September avg precip: 5.6″/14cm

New Orleans highlights

  • A never-ending party on Bourbon Street
  • Amazing local food at often great prices
  • Some of America’s most interesting historic architecture mixed culture
  • Many diverse and interesting neighborhoods, many of them walkable
  • Swamp tours and other adventures nearby

Especially during the second half of September, New Orleans starts getting over the muggy summer sizzle, with temperatures becoming quite nice most of the time. There’s definitely the threat of a bit of rainfall, but that’s actually true in every month of the year in New Orleans.

Compared to nearly every other major American tourist city, New Orleans remains a bargain. Hotels usually have lower prices through summer, and that includes September at many places, so this is an ideal month to take advantage of lower prices and some rather nice weather at the same time. This city is easily one of the finest in North America for new visitors with an amazing mix of culture, food, and interesting architecture. The fact that it’s also relatively cheap is just a bonus. The city will be crowded on the first weekend of the month for Labor Day in the United States.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$128 per night for two people

>>>New Orleans prices
>>>Check current New Orleans hotel and package deals


Mexico City, Mexico

  • September avg high: 72°F/22°C
  • September avg low: 53°F/12°C
  • September avg precip: 5.7″/14.3cm

Mexico City highlights

  • Historic and very impressive colonial city center
  • Modern culture and shopping districts that are surprisingly posh
  • Excellent and varied food at modest prices
  • Pyramids and other nearby Aztec ruins that are easy to reach
  • Very affordable hotels at good standards for the price

If you are tired of the scorching summer weather, Mexico City is an excellent option to consider because its altitude keeps the temperatures mild. There could be a bit of rain to contend with, but it’s very unlikely to be problematic. Mexico City has a wide variety of museums and other indoor attractions, so even if it does rain you’ll have endless choices.

It’s also important to note that Mexico City is FAR nicer than you probably think it is, with a large, safe, and friendly city center that is one of the most impressive in North America. Better still, it’s quite inexpensive, even at 3-star and 4-star hotels. Speaking Spanish at least a bit is helpful, but not really necessary. If you book a nice hotel in one of the more upscale neighborhoods, you’ll feel very safe and you’ll be getting excellent value in the process.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$33 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$53 per night for two people

>>>Mexico City prices
>>>Check current hotel deals in Mexico City


Cartagena, Colombia

  • September avg high: 87°F/31°C
  • September avg low: 78°F/26°C
  • September avg precip: 5.2″/13.0cm

Cartagena highlights

  • Historic walled city that is extremely photogenic
  • Good beaches and other interesting nearby sights
  • Great food and drinks at very affordable prices, especially street food
  • A unique look and feel that is unlike the large Caribbean islands
  • Nearby islands and abundant water sports

If you are looking for a bargain destination that will be warm but not scorching in September, think about Cartagena. Cultural visitors will want to stay in the gorgeous walled colonial city to enjoy excellent restaurants and nightlife at surprisingly affordable prices. Sunshine tourists will probably want to stay near the beach, in the newer part of town, just beyond the walled city.

Colombia is now a very hot destination for international travelers, partly due to the fact that the country now has a reputation as being safe and friendly after years of trouble. Even so, the trouble was never in Cartagena, as this has always been a tourist area first and foremost. This is one of the hot countries in September that is also cheap and safe, and Cartagena is the easiest destination to reach. Check the headlines and plan on staying within the downtown and resort areas just to be safest.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$38 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$69 per night for two people

>>>Cartagena prices
>>>Cartagena hotel and resort deals


Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • September avg high: 81°F/27°C
  • September avg low: 64°F/18°C
  • September avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm

Rio de Janeiro highlights

  • Copacabana and Ipanema beach areas are world-class and huge
  • Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf cable car are amazing in person
  • Famous beach culture where locals far outnumber tourists, even in high season
  • Great food and drink culture at affordable prices
  • Surprisingly cheap hotels in the nicer beach areas

September is yet another excellent month in Rio de Janeiro, still a few months before the rainy season kicks in that is also accompanied by the hotter summer temperatures. Every day in September should be pleasantly warm and every night should be cool enough to be enjoyable as well.

Another key detail here is that this is part of the low season for hotels, so you should be able to get some of the nicer places overlooking Copacabana or Ipanema beaches for surprisingly good rates. These are some of the best beaches in September and actually any month of the year because it’s always warm or hot. Brazil had been getting somewhat expensive a few years ago, but its currency has dropped quite a bit and it’s back into the bargain category. Independence Day for Brazil is on September 7, so expect many closures and parties around that date.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$35 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$40 per night for two people

>>>Rio de Janeiro prices
>>>Check current Rio de Janeiro hotel and package deals


Europe

September might be the best month of the year to visit Europe for the budget traveler. Most of the cheaper cities in the south have great weather, and crowds have already thinned out from the August peaks.

For a late sunshine holiday check out the cheapest beach destinations in Europe.

If you are more interested in an all-inclusive resort, you won’t believe some of the bargains available in Turkey, Greece, and Egypt. Have a look at our list of the cheapest all-inclusive resort destinations in and near Europe.


Lisbon, Portugal

  • September avg high: 79°F/26°C
  • September avg low: 63°F/17°C
  • September avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm

Lisbon highlights

  • Castles, towers, and cathedrals, all clustered in the historic center
  • Tram 28, which connects many of Lisbon’s tourist sights in style for €3
  • Elevador de Santa Justa – the famous outdoor elevator
  • Great food and nice restaurants at surprisingly good prices
  • Fado (local folk music) shows to go along with great meals

September is the perfect month to visit Lisbon, with warm days, pleasant evenings, and still almost no rainfall. The crowds of summer have eased off as well, so sightseeing becomes far more pleasant as temperatures cool off. Starting in October the risk of wet weather increases a bit, although honestly Lisbon has perhaps the finest year-round climate in all of Europe, so there’s really no bad time to go.

Hotel prices are still near their peak during September in Lisbon, so this is a perfect time and place to consider a hostel, even a private room in a hostel. There’s an unusual hostel culture in this city that has somehow spawned several of the world’s highest rated backpacker places, so there’s no better place to give it a try yourself.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$97 per night for two people

>>>Lisbon travel guide
>>>Check current Lisbon hotel and package deals


Madrid, Spain

  • September avg high: 79°F/26°C
  • September avg low: 59°F/15°C
  • September avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm

Madrid highlights

  • Literal center of Spain and best place to experience Spanish cultural highlights in one place
  • Royal Palace complex is one of Europe’s finest
  • Prado Museum, which is one of the world’s best art museums and a gorgeous building
  • Tapas bars (free snacks with each drink ordered)
  • Excellent and famous nightlife that draws people from all over the world

With a location in the center of Spain, Madrid can get insanely hot during the peak of summer, so September is when tourists begin arriving en masse again. The weather this month is nearly perfect, with warm days, pleasant nights, and virtually no rainfall to worry about. By the end of the month things begin cooling off a bit, so the perfect season doesn’t last long in autumn.

Interestingly, Madrid is one of the few cities where hotel prices actually fall in July and August, and start rising again in September, so booking early is recommended if you want a good bargain at a well located place. Hostels here can be great value, though some can be a bit shabby so it’s best to research before booking. Be prepared for the daily siesta where nearly all shops and businesses close between 2 PM and 6 PM. Shifting your shopping and sightseeing into the evening is surprisingly pleasant once you get used to it.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$50 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people

>>>Madrid travel guide
>>>Check current Madrid hotel deals


Barcelona, Spain

  • September avg high: 78°F/26°C
  • September avg low: 62°F/17°C
  • September avg precip: 3.4″/8.5cm

Barcelona highlights

  • Sagrada Familia cathedral and other quirky Gaudi architectural highlights
  • La Rambla pedestrian zone is one of Europe’s best
  • Sandy beaches that are actually located within the city
  • Marina complex with great food, shopping, and activities, in the city center
  • Nightlife that rivals Madrid and draws people from all over Europe and the world

Barcelona is a city that really fills up during the peak summer months, so a trip in September is a much better idea if you have the time off. It’s still plenty warm enough both day and night, although rainfall does become a bit of an issue so it’s not all good news. The beaches should still be crowded through most of the month as well, and the parties never seem to stop.

This city is relatively expensive compared to most on this list, so the backpacker crowd really has to plan ahead in order to keep within their budgets. Fortunately, the main sights are mostly free or cheap, so it’s mainly a matter of finding a well located hotel or hostel and booking early.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$60 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$69 per night for two people

>>>Barcelona travel guide
>>>Check current Barcelona hotel and package deals


Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

  • September avg high: 82°F/28°C
  • September avg low: 70°F/21°C
  • September avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm

Tenerife highlights

  • Sandy beaches and abundant hotel pools
  • A pleasant and very relaxed vibe with cheap food and drinks
  • Interesting and mellow nightlife with no mega clubs or loud parties
  • Teide volcano and national park
  • Comfortable for English speakers who don’t speak much Spanish

If you are looking for a place to relax in the sun, rather than shuffle through museums and city squares, Tenerife is a great choice. This is the largest of the Canary Islands, and the one most popular with English-speaking visitors. The weather is pretty much dry and perfect all through September, with every single day warm enough to sit in the sun until the sun sets.

You might take a day to see the volcano or do another day trip or two, but nearly everyone here just comes to sit in the sun during the day. You’ll find large groups of British, Swedish, and German visitors, primarily in the cluster of resort towns in the southwest of Tenerife. Los Cristianos is the most interesting town, but Playa de las Americas is more modern with larger hotels to choose from.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$48 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$84 per night for two people

>>>Tenerife travel guide
>>>Check current Tenerife hotel deals


Athens, Greece

  • September avg high: 85°F/29°C
  • September avg low: 63°F/17°C
  • September avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm

Athens highlights

  • The Acropolis in the city center, topped by the Parthenon ruins
  • Acropolis Museum, which is new and very impressive
  • Great food and drinks at affordable prices, mostly outdoor
  • Syntagma Square and its unusual guard-changing ceremony
  • Great shopping with a variety of unusual markets

The peak of summer can be brutal in Athens, so a trip in September makes a lot of sense, even though the city will still be crowded and hotels are still charging their peak rates. The weather in September, especially the second half, is very pleasant day and night, and crowds have thinned out at least a bit after August.

Since Athens can be visited effectively in only a few days, many people choose to spend the balance of their trip out of one of the islands. The weather at the popular islands will be perfect in September as well, with crowds and hotel prices well off their peaks, so a combination trip like this is strongly advised, and ferries are easy to reach from the heart of Athens.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$65 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$81 per night for two people

>>>Athens travel guide
>>>Check current Athens hotel and package deals


Prague, Czech Republic

  • September avg high: 67°F/19°C
  • September avg low: 50°F/10°C
  • September avg precip: 1.6″/4.0cm

Prague highlights

  • Prague Castle complex, which is one of Europe’s most impressive
  • Charles Bridge with its statues and Old Town Square & astronomical clock
  • Eastern Europe’s most interesting architecture that survived WWII
  • Hearty food at great prices (except in tourist zones)
  • Arguably the world’s best beer that is also very cheap (although not always in tourist zones)

Another city where “great weather” might be a stretch during September, Prague is so unbelievably crowded during the warmer months that it’s far better to pack a light jacket and come after summer than deal with the herds. The first half of September is actually quite nice, with very little rainfall, so it’s the perfect time of year to visit unless you like to bundle up during the day.

The secret of Prague’s charms hasn’t been a secret for over a decade now, and prices keep rising to meet the increased demand. Yet, it’s still quite cheap compared to other European cities that aren’t half as lovely or charming. Hotels in particular can be expensive so it’s best to book early to lock in something in a good neighborhood if you can.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$49 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people

>>>Prague travel guide
>>>Check current Prague hotel and package deals


Split, Croatia

  • September avg high: 77°F/25°C
  • September avg low: 65°F/18°C
  • September avg precip: 2.7″/6.8cm

Split highlights

  • Stunning white-marble historic center dating back over 1,000 years
  • Gorgeous and fun port area with ferries going to nearby islands
  • Diocletian’s Palace and many other easily accessible historic sights
  • Pleasant seaside summer weather with sea breezes
  • Much cheaper and less crowded than nearby Italy or even Dubrovnik

While Croatia is generally pretty good value, we had to replace Dubrovnik on this list with Split, because Dubrovnik is now almost as expensive (and crowded) as Italy, especially when cruise ships are in town. Fortunately, Split is very similar, actually a bit older, much easier to reach for most people, and much cheaper.

Split is one of Europe’s best destinations to combine culture with a comfortable beach stay. The historic city center is gorgeous and interesting, yet there are good beaches just on the edge of town, as well as on some of the nearby islands. Pretty much everyone who visits Split and Dubrovnik agrees that Split is the better of the two, although Dubrovnik is certainly nice and worth a quick look if you can manage it.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$64 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$98 per night for two people

>>Split travel guide
>>>Check current Split hotel deals


Krakow, Poland

  • September avg high: 67°F/19°C
  • September avg low: 50°F/10°C
  • September avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm

Krakow highlights

  • Gorgeous old town district surrounded by a green park
  • Wawel Castle complex
  • Great food and hotels that can be shockingly cheap for Europe
  • Very good shopping at great prices on most things
  • An easy day trip by bus or car to Auschwitz is unforgettable

It might also be a bit of a stretch to say that Krakow has “great weather” in September, especially in the second half of the month, but we’ll keep it on the list one last time because it’s still very pleasant this time of year, and crowds are much more reasonable after the August rush as well.

Krakow is a long way from any coast so it has a good 5 to 6 months of frigid weather each year, making a visit during the warmer months pretty much mandatory. This continues to be one of the cheapest and most charming cities in all of Europe, becoming very popular with stag parties and such as well, so if you are in the area it would be wise to plan at least a short stay.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$63 per night for two people

>>>Krakow travel guide
>>>Check current Krakow hotel and package deals


Budapest, Hungary

  • September avg high: 72°F/22°C
  • September avg low: 53°F/12°C
  • September avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm

Budapest highlights

  • Parliament building alongside the Danube makes for great photos
  • Some of Europe’s best government architecture fitting of a capital
  • Very cheap food and drinks (except in the main tourist zone)
  • Natural hot spring complexes right in the city that are easy and cheap to visit
  • “Ruin pubs” set in courtyards of old apartment complexes with live entertainment

September is the perfect month to visit Budapest since days are almost all warm but never out of control, and it’s one of the drier months as well. This city continues to get more popular and more expensive each year, so avoiding the July and August crush is ideal if at all possible.

Availability at hotels can still be tight, so it’s best to book in advance if you can, but at least you know you’ll be able to find something decent and in your price range if you just show up in September. This is another of Europe’s best travel bargains for the budget traveler, and by October it cools off quite a bit, so now is the time to go.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$48 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people

>>>Budapest travel guide
>>>Check current Budapest hotel and package deals


Istanbul, Turkey

  • September avg high: 77°F/25°C
  • September avg low: 60°F/16°C
  • September avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm

Istanbul highlights

  • Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are both amazing and right next to each other
  • Grand Bazaar and general shopping is world class
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Great food at very reasonable prices, especially breakfast
  • Bargain hotels in prime tourist locations

Combining the massive crowds of August with the muggy days, a visit to Istanbul during the peak months might not be wise, but during September things get quite a bit better. Days are warm but rarely too hot, and there’s still not much rain to worry about. Better yet, the insane summer crowds definitely start to ease up a bit, making shopping and sightseeing much more pleasurable.

Those following the news will know that Turkey has had some challenges and has been struggling to draw in many tourists in the past few years. That combined with the declining value of the Turkish Lira has made the place a bargain again. So far there has been no trouble for tourists in quite a few years, though it’s still worth watching the news.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$29 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$41 per night for two people

>>>Istanbul travel guide
>>>Check current Istanbul hotel deals


Antalya, Turkey

  • September avg high: 89°F/32°C
  • September avg low: 66°F/19°C
  • September avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm

Antalya highlights

  • Fascinating historic town center overlooking the Mediterranean
  • Quite a bit cheaper than Istanbul
  • Great beaches east and west of the city center
  • All-inclusive beach hotels ranging from amazingly cheap to rather affordable
  • Easy place to experience Turkish and Mediterranean cultures without Istanbul crowds

The beginning of September can still be a bit scorching in Antalya, but by the middle of the month it’s usually wonderful and still perfectly sunny. The beach resorts outside of the city are much cheaper and less crowded after the August crush, so those looking for an all-inclusive package holiday will find excellent value this month.

The city of Antalya itself has only a few hostels and none are as cheap as they probably should be, so the city comes up as a bit pricey on the Backpacker Index, but the cheap hotels through the historic city center more than make up for it. This city is an excellent bargain for those looking for sunny weather on the Mediterranean, and cheap flights are usually easy to find as well.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$31 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people

>>>Antalya travel guide
>>>Check current Antalya hotel and package deals


Africa

Most of the African cities that we cover are either too hot or still too cold at this time of year, with one exception. But we only cover a few countries so this list is very incomplete.

Fez, Morocco

  • September avg high: 84°F/29°C
  • September avg low: 63°F/17°C
  • September avg precip: 0.7″/1.8cm

While nearby Marrakech, remains quite hot through the whole month, Fez is usually quite nice in September. If you are coming from any great distance you’ll want to visit both anyway, or you could spend some time on one of Morocco’s newer beach resort areas instead.

Really, Fez and Marrakech are quite similar so it’s probably best to just spend more time in one and skip the other, and since Fez has nicer weather it should be an easy choice. September is still part of low season for hotels as well, so you’ll often find very good value at some of the normally pricey places in the New City area.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$35 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$41 per night for two people

>>Fez travel guide
>>>Check current Fez hotel deals


Middle East

Much of the Middle East is still hot during September, but there are still a few good choices to consider.

Amman, Jordan

  • September avg high: 87°F/31°C
  • September avg low: 64°F/18°C
  • September avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm

Amman highlights

  • Gateway to Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum
  • The Citadel
  • Roman Theatre
  • Cafes, bars, modern malls and art galleries provide an interesting mix of new and old
  • Great value hotels in good locations

July and August can be blazing hot in Jordan, but by early September things have cooled down to a very reasonable level, especially at night. Better still, there’s pretty much zero chance of rainfall this time of year so you can safely leave the umbrella at home.

Even though Amman is generally only used as a staging area for further trips to Wadi Rum and Petra, it remains one of the better bargains in the Middle East for the budget traveler. Hotel prices are very reasonable, especially through the 3-star range, although September starts the beginning of high season so it’s best to book well ahead.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$39 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$78 per night for two people

>>>Amman travel guide
>>>Check current Amman hotel deals


Beirut, Lebanon

  • September avg high: 83°F/28°C
  • September avg low: 72°F/22°C
  • September avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

Beirut highlights

  • National Museum of Beirut
  • Beirut Corniche (waterfront pedestrian area)
  • Souks (market areas) and bargains to be found
  • Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
  • Lebanese food is one of the best in the Middle East

Even though this is the final month of high season for Beirut hotels, this is still a fairly reasonable destination for budget travelers when compared to Europe or the Americas. The weather will be warm around the clock still in September, but at least the days are rarely sizzling.

Hotels in general seem to be surprisingly expensive in Beirut any time of the year, so finding a good one well in advance is probably the way to go, or risk having to pay a very high price for a sub-standard place at the last minute. At least food is available cheaply if you eat what the locals eat, and it’s very filling as well.

As of 2023, Lebanon has been going through some really hard times with insane inflation and political unrest. We will leave it on the list for right now and hopefully we can recommend considering the country again in 2024.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$44 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people

>>>Beirut travel guide
>>>Check current Beirut hotel deals


Asia

September is not an ideal time in most of Asia, with the peak of the rainy season in Southeast Asia and India, making visiting most of the cheaper cities not recommended. There are a few good ones that have nice weather in September though.

>>>See also: 11 Best Asia destinations in September

Pokhara, Nepal

  • September avg high: 79°F/26°C
  • September avg low: 66°F/19°C
  • September avg precip: 7.4″/18.5cm

Pokhara highlights

  • Gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and trekking
  • Devi’s Fall
  • Phewa Lake
  • Pleasant and quiet town along a like
  • Very cheap food and drinks as well as hotels

While the first part of September can still be rainy and steamy in Pokhara, the last half of the month might be one of the best times of the year to come to this trekking paradise. There are generally only 4 good months in Pokhara, but the latter part of September is similar to October, so it’s a bit of a bonus with smaller crowds and lower prices.

There are so many hotels in this city that finding one even during peak season isn’t difficult, so if you come in the shoulder season like this you’ll have your pick of places at low prices. Food and drinks are quite cheap year round, so this is a nice place to just hang around if you’ve got time in your schedule.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$21 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$63 per night for two people

>>>Pokhara travel guide
>>>Check current Pokhara hotel deals


Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

  • September avg high: 85°F/29°C
  • September avg low: 76°F/24°C
  • September avg precip: 1.6″/4.0cm

Bali highlights

  • Great beaches and surfing in many areas around the island
  • Stunning temples and monuments, including in tourist zones and towns
  • Amazingly cheap hotels with fancy and ornate decorations and furniture (locally made)
  • Fascinating Hindu culture and music, with frequent concerts and exhibitions
  • Excellent resorts in secluded areas for those who prefer quiet

September is yet another fabulous month in Bali for the weather, with warm temperatures that never really get out of hand, though it certainly will feel humid when you first arrive. Many Australians fill Bali up during July and August, but those crowds ease off a bit this month, making it a bit easier to get around.

Hotels start dropping their rates around the middle of the month, so some great bargains are possible even though the climate is still ideal. Look for bargains at some of the fancier places in September and you might find that they are cheaper than some of the lower-rated places nearby. We also rate Bali as one of the best unusual vacation destinations in the world.

Bali was completely closed to tourists during most of the first two years of the pandemic, and now that it’s open again they are anxious for visitors and prices should be unusually appealing.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$14 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$24 per night for two people

>>>Kuta, Bali travel guide
>>>Check current Bali hotel and resort deals


Beijing, China

  • September avg high: 86°F/30°C
  • September avg low: 66°F/19°C
  • September avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm

Beijing highlights

  • Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in the middle of the city
  • Nearby sections of the Great Wall are easy day trips
  • Palace Museum
  • World-class food and drink culture with good prices
  • Hutongs (ancient alleyways)

Strangely enough, Beijing gets very hot, very rainy, and very polluted during the heart of summer, so September is an ideal time to visit to keep away from all of those things. Days are warm, nights are pleasant, and there’s very little rainfall to deal with.

Beijing is very affordable, even though it’s among the more expensive large cities in this part of Asia. Hotels tend to be of higher standards than you get in Southeast Asia, and street food is available at extremely reasonable prices. Many arrive on package tours of China, and getting a visa on your own isn’t always easy, but independent travelers can find excellent value here. We normally recommend independent travel, except in China here is why a package tour is the better choice for most people.

In late 2022, China got rid of its Zero-COVID policy, and now it’s open to tourism again in 2023. You’ll have to decide whether it’s a good option for you based on current events.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$78 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$82 per night for two people

>>>Beijing travel guide
>>>Check current Beijing hotel deals

Can you take your trip a bit later? You'll have more great options

September is a popular month for travel, and crowds are smaller in most places than in the summer, but if you can do your trip in October you’ll have some other interesting choices that might make it worthwhile. Check our list of cheap destinations with great October weather for the best options.

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