12 Exotic Destinations in September That Will Make You Want To Pack Your Bags Now

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As September approaches, the sunny skies and hot weather of summer start to fade away in many places, especially if you live in the United Kingdom like me. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t still find somewhere warmer, cheerier, and more exotic to spend our time. If you want to escape the temperature drop and gloomy skies, you’ve come to the right place.

In today’s article, I share 12 exotic travel destinations in September that offer crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, hot temperatures, and many things to do. As someone who regularly escapes the UK in search of sunnier climates, I’m your go-to expert on this topic.

Bali, Indonesia

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Let’s start this list with Bali, one of the world’s best exotic travel destinations. Bali is only a tiny Indonesian island near Java, but it packs a punch with tropical rainforests, rich cultures, fascinating landmarks, and beautiful white sand beaches. Better yet, the average temperature in September ranges between 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C).

Our favorite thing about Bali is how it offers something for every kind of traveler. Beachgoers can relax on the beach in Kuta and Seminyak. Partygoers can dance the night away in Canggu. History buffs can learn more about the island at Uluwatu Temple, and artsy types can pick up souvenirs at one of Ubud’s arts and crafts markets. What’s not to like?

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Tropical islands Bora Bora — © Mike Liu / Adobe Stock

If you want to escape the colder weather in style, head to Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Famed for its lush rainforests, pristine white sand beaches, and luxury overwater villas, Bora Bora is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. In September, you can expect plenty of sun, too, with daily highs of 79°F (26°C).

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When you’re not sipping cocktails at the beach or sunbathing by the pool at your overwater villa, swim in the turquoise waters, enjoy world-class cuisine, and stroll along Matira Beach. Alternatively, head out on a boat tour, go snorkeling, or hike one of the island’s most scenic hiking trails. The Valley of The Kings is one of Bora Bora’s best hiking trails.

Maldives

The Maldives is another iconic exotic travel destination offering unparalleled luxury, world-class accommodation, and beautiful weather. Like Bora Bora, many tourists consider the Maldives one of the most luxurious travel destinations in the world. You can stay in 5-star overwater villas, island hop, swim in the sea with whale sharks, and much more.

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In the Maldives, you don’t need an excuse to do nothing. In fact, lazy days spent by the pool, eating delicious food, and swimming in the sea are encouraged. However, there are also many exhilarating activities for those who can’t keep still, including skydiving, scuba diving, jet skiing, and water skiing. You can also immerse yourself in cultural activities like learning local folk music, all while enjoying 86°F (30°C) temperatures.

Sardinia, Italy

Europe also has its fair share of exotic travel destinations, including Sardinia. Sardinia is a breathtaking island in the Mediterranean Sea best known for its vast coastline, impressive natural scenery, and charming seaside towns and villages. Along the island’s 1,242-mile (2,000-kilometer) coastline, you’ll find many tropical-esque beaches with white sand, sunny skies, and turquoise waters.

You’ll spend your time on the island drinking Aperol Spritz overlooking the sea, exploring beautiful cities like Cagliari, the island capital, and hiking along the island’s stunning coastline. Significant points of interest include Gola di Gorropu, Bastione di Saint Remy, Spiaggia La Pelosa, and Poetto. Meanwhile, you can expect daily high temperatures of 79°F (26°C).

St. Lucia

If you’re lucky enough to visit the Caribbean in September, I also recommend visiting St. Lucia. This tropical island nation is famed for its magnificent mountains, dense rainforest, white sand beaches with turquoise waters, and 5-star villas with private pools and mountain views. As such, the island’s a big hit with loved-up couples traveling for their honeymoon.

While you’ll likely spend most of your time in St. Lucia unwinding and relaxing, you won’t be short of things to do when you decide to explore, whether that be hiking the Pitons Mountains, visiting Castries, the island capital, swimming in the sea at Reduit Beach, or enjoying a stroll around Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths. The average high temperature in St. Lucia in September is 88°F (31°C).

Zakynthos, Greece

Places in Greece for Adventure Sports Base Jumping, Navagio Beach — © Igor Tichonow / Adobe Stock

As far as tropical beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and long sunny days go, exotic travel destinations don’t get much bigger or better than Greece, where there are over 6,000 islands and islets waiting for you to discover. Zakynthos, a picturesque island in the Ionian Sea, is one of the best. For starters, the island experiences average daily highs of 82°F (28°C) throughout September.

Secondly, there are many magical locations to explore, charming towns and cities to visit, and iconic landmarks to discover. However, most of the action on the island centers around Zakynthos City. You’ll find many exciting attractions here, including Paralia Krioneri, Saint Dionysios Zakynthos, and Port of Zakynthos. Navagio Beach, Agios Nikolaos, and Keri Caves are also worth visiting.

Santorini, Greece

Another excellent place to visit in Greece if you’re looking for postcard-perfect beaches, extraordinary natural landscapes, and many things to see and do is Santorini, one of the country’s most iconic islands. A big hit on Instagram, Santorini is recognized across the globe for its luxury villas with private pools, breathtaking coastline, and picturesque viewpoints.

Whether you’re staying in Fira or Oia, you’ll find traditional Cycladic architecture, authentic restaurants, and mesmerizing viewpoints. Noteworthy points of interest on the island include the Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center, the Ancient Thera, Red Beach, and the Three Bells of Fira. To top things off, Santorini experiences temperatures as high as 82°F (28°C) in September.

Ibiza, Spain

The following exotic travel destination on our list is Ibiza, one of Europe’s prime party locations. September is an excellent time to visit Ibiza because crowds start to dwindle. Therefore, you’ve got a better opportunity to find cheaper flights and accommodation. Don’t worry, though, there’s still plenty of partying to be done.

Although, you’ll also want to spend time exploring the island’s tropical landscape. Soak up the sun and swim in the sea on the tropical Playa d’en Bossa when you’re not partying hard on the Ibiza Strip. Alternatively, get lost exploring Dalt Vila, a stunning medieval Old Town topped by the imposing Puig de Vila. Other must-see attractions include Cala Xarraca, Es Vedra, and Las Dalias Night Market. Oh, and you can expect 81°F (27°C) temperatures.

Baja California Sur, Mexico

Baja California Sur is in northwest Mexico on the Baja California Peninsula. Traditionally, the area is best known for being one of Mexico’s largest fishing industries. However, tourists don’t care much for that. Instead, they visit Baja California Sur for its sun-kissed beaches, magical turquoise waters, rugged hills, and impressive rock formations.

Baja California Sur also features various towns and cities well worth exploring, including the picturesque Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. In La Paz, the state capital, you’ll find attractions like Playa El Coromuel, Malecón de La Paz, Baja California Sur Regional Museum, and Playa Balandra. As such, you’ll never struggle to find something to do. In September, this beautiful destination offers daily temperatures between 78°F (26°C) and 86°F (30°C).

Madagascar

Madagascar, officially known as the Republic of Madagascar, is an amazing September destination if you’re looking for a more unique experience. Criminally underrated, this breathtaking island off the east coast of Africa is home to dense rainforests teeming with wildlife, iconic baobab trees, and untouched white sand beaches. The island is also a toasty 86°F (30°C) in September.

During a trip to Madagascar, you’ll spend most of your time sunbathing on one of the beaches, exploring the rainforest in search of lemurs, discovering the towering baobab trees, and hiking in the national parks. Points of interest you seriously don’t want to miss include the Avenue of the Baobabs, Isalo National Park, Ranomafana National Park, and Ifaty Beach.

Bahamas

You’re probably not surprised to find the Caribbean on our list. After all, the region is recognized worldwide for offering exotic tropical island escapes. The Bahamas is one of the most spectacular countries in the Caribbean, offering tourists 5-star luxury resorts, year-round excellent weather, picture-perfect beaches, and magical natural scenery.

In September, the Bahamas and its 700 islands experience daily highs of 88°F (31°C). This delightful weather gives you the perfect excuse to sunbathe, lounge around in a swimming pool, and sip refreshing alcoholic beverages by the sea. However, there’s still much to see, including Queen’s Staircase, Clifton Heritage National Park, Pink Sands Beach, and Pig Beach.

Koh Samui, Thailand

The final exotic travel destination on our list is Koh Samui, the second-largest island in Thailand. A hugely popular tourist destination, this island in the Gulf of Thailand is much loved for its palm tree-lined tropical beaches, crystal-clear waters, 5-star resorts, and lush rainforest. We don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty awesome.

When you’re not sunbathing under the 84°F (29°C) sun or sipping cocktails at a beach bar, hunt down the most scenic viewpoints, visit the island’s temples, and discover the rainforest’s hidden gems. Some of the most impressive places you don’t want to miss during your trip include Wat Plai Laem, Hin Lat Waterfall, Lamai Beach, and Tarnim Magic Garden.