15 Best Tropical Places to Visit in September

Updated: June 22, 2022 | Bucketlist

When the weather starts to get colder, it’s time for a tropical getaway.

Most people travel during spring and winter, leaving fewer crowds in September. There are quite a few places to travel in September.

Let’s start with…

1. Aruba

Average Sept. Air Temp
80°F – 90°F

flamingos on beach in aruba
MasterPhoto / ShutterStock

Aruba is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela. Known for its beautiful blonde beaches, vibrant wreck diving, and desert landscapes. Its average temperatures in September range from 80° to 90° Fahrenheit.

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Aruba. September in particular is a great time to visit if you don’t mind higher average temps. Be aware that this is the month that most people avoid because the trade winds die, making it hotter than normal. But, it’s a great time to visit since the crowds are a lot less. This Caribbean island is easily one of the best tropical destinations in September.

2. Zanzibar

Average Sept. Air Temp:
70°F – 85°F

zanzibar beach
tan4ikk / DepositPhotos

Zanzibar sits off the coast of Tanzania, Africa. Well-known for its stunning tropical beaches, 19th-century architecture, and diverse spices (yes, spices!)

Average temperatures in September are around 70° to 85° Fahrenheit. You’ll be able to sunbathe and explore the island comfortably.

3. Belize

Average Sept. Air Temp
75°F – 90°F

tropical beach in belize
Wollertz / DepositPhotos

Belize sits on the eastern side of Central America, bordering Guatemala and Mexico. While Belize itself is not an island, there are several off its coast. Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, or even Cayo Espanto are beautiful ones to visit.

Belize is very popular among diving enthusiasts because of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. It’s the second-largest coral reef in the world. Belize’s average temperatures in September range from 75° to 90° Fahrenheit. Perfect temps to spend in the stunning waters and on the beach.

4. Oahu, Hawaii

Average September Temp
70°F – 85°F

Waikiki Beach in Oahu, Hawaii
Tomasfoto / DepositPhotos

Oahu is one of Hawaii’s most visited islands, along with Maui and Kauai. Its capital, Honolulu, is home to one of the most famous beaches – Waikiki beach. Oahu can be the most affordable since their main airport is there.

Known for its beaches, history, nightlife, and cuisine, Oahu is a tropical vacation that has it all. Temperatures in September average around 70° to 85° Fahrenheit. If you’re looking to vacation in the United States, this is a great tropical destination.

5. Barbados

Average Sept. Air Temp
75°F – 90°F

Tropical beach in Barbados
phb.cz / DepositPhotos

Barbados is an independent British Commonwealth nation located in the eastern Caribbean. It’s a popular tropical vacation destination, common to watch a game of cricket. Even more, it has beautiful beaches and waters, as well as a lot of history and culture.

September temperatures average from 75° to 90° Fahrenheit. While it can be rainy, the rain comes in short spurts and will make prices cheaper.

6. Seychelles

Average Sept. Air Temp
75°F – 90°F

La Digue, Seychelles
Christian Cacciamani / Unsplash

Seychelles sits in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. Known for its beaches, unique coral reefs, nature reserves, and various rare animals. If you’re lucky, you may spot the giant Aldabra tortoise or white fairy tern!

In September temperatures average 75° to 90° Fahrenheit, so you can get your tropical on.

7. Bali

Average Sept. Air Temp
70°F – 90°F

Alfiano Sutianto / Unsplash

Bali is one of Indonesia’s most well-known and highly-visited islands, year-round. Known for its special forested volcanic mountains, rice paddies, beaches, coral reefs, and Balinese culture, Bali truly is the island that has it all.

Whether you want to spend your days hiking, soaking up the sun, or embracing the food scene, Bali is never the wrong answer. Its average temperatures range from 70°to 90° Fahrenheit in September, so pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes so you’re ready to take on whatever activities the day brings you.

8. Fiji

Average Sept. Air Temp
70°F – 80°F

mvaligursky / DepositPhotos

Located in the South Pacific Ocean is Fiji, a country to the northeast of Australia. Fiji is an archipelago comprised of over 333 picture-perfect islands. While each island has so much to offer, our favorites are Mamanuca Islands, Qalito Islands, and Mana Island.

Known for its coral reefs, clear lagoons, and rugged palm-lined landscapes, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Fiji. Average temperatures in September range from 70° to 80° Fahrenheit, so you’ll be more than comfortable spending all day outside.

9. Tahiti

Average Sept. Air Temp
65°F – 80°F

Maridav / Shutterstock

Located in between Australia and South America is Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. Tahiti is divided into two islands: Tahiti Nui (western side) and Tahiti Iti (eastern side). As Tahiti Nui is larger, it tends to attract more tourists year-round. Tahiti has unique black-sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls, and not one, but two extinct volcanoes.

It is the perfect tropical destination for adventurers who also like to relax in the sun. September is a perfect time to visit, as temperatures range from 65° to 80° Fahrenheit, so you can spend time exploring the landscape and swimming on the beach.

10. Gran Canaria, Spain

Average Sept. Air Temp
60°F – 70°F

Bareta / DepositPhotos

One of Spain’s beautiful Canary Islands is Gran Canaria, an island located to the northwest of Africa. Gran Canaria is a unique island, and it is well-known for its black lava and white-sand beaches.

It is a popular tourist destination for Europeans in the summer, so if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, check it out in September. The average temperatures range from 60° to 70° Fahrenheit, so expect to spend some time doing activities on this tropical island.

11. Sardinia, Italy

Average Sept. Air Temp
70°F – 80°F

Massimo Virgilio / Unsplash

Just west of Italy’s mainland is Sardinia, an Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea. This large, stunning island has a beautiful coast, with turquoise waters and sandy beaches.

If you wander inwards, you’ll find mountainous landscapes perfect for hiking. Sardinia is filled with both culture and beauty, making it the perfect place for a September tropical vacation. Even more, September temperatures are usually around 70° to 80° Fahrenheit!

12. Bora Bora

Average Sept. Air Temp
70°F – 80°F

Juancat / ShutterStock

If French Polynesia is calling your name, consider heading to Bora Bora, a unique island north of Tahiti. If you want to scuba dive in stunning turquoise lagoons protected by a coral reef, book your trip immediately.

Bora Bora is a great option for those of you who want to get a little fancy at a luxury resort. You can definitely spend your time at the beach (or by the pool!), as September temperatures range from 70° to 80° Fahrenheit.

13. Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Average Sept. Air Temp
70°F – 75°F

mvaligursky / DepositPhotos

The Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. Consider heading to the largest one, Rarotonga, for your September tropical vacation.

Popular for scuba diving and snorkeling in its lagoons and coral reefs, Rarotonga is also home to volcanoes and rainforests for those of you who want to hike. The island that has it all? Yep, Rarotonga. Even better, September temperatures average at 70° to 75° Fahrenheit, so you can be fairly confident that you’ll get the sun you need.

14. Perhentian Islands

Average Sept. Air Temp
75°F – 90°F

Nur Athirah Hamzah / Unsplash

Located off the eastern coast of Malaysia are the Perhentian Islands, with two main islands (Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil). We’d recommend checking one of those two out if you’ve never been, as they are great starting points to experiencing the islands!

These islands are known for snorkeling and diving, as they are home to amazing marine life such as the clownfish, giant sea turtles, and more. September can get hot in the Perhentian Islands, with temperatures ranging from 75° to 90° Fahrenheit.

15. Whitsunday Islands

Average Sept. Air Temp
65°F – 80°F

Marcel Wiemers / Unsplash

Last but not least are Australia’s beautiful Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 islands located between northeast Australia (Queensland) and the Great Barrier Reef.

Access to the Great Barrier Reef gives the Whitsunday Islands amazing marine wildlife and stunning views. And, between the 74 islands, you can surely find a spot that fits the vacation you’re looking for! September is Australia’s springtime, so temperatures range from 65° to 80° Fahrenheit.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there is no shortage of tropical vacation options for your September getaway.

Whether you venture to the South Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, or the Mediterranean, you really can’t go wrong. There is no bad time to take a tropical vacation.

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