Where to travel in September

Fiji

Fiji is usually quite cool in September – relatively speaking. The country is coming to the end of its high season, with average highs of 26°C and relatively little rain. If you're happy flying long-haul for perfect beach weather, you'll love this tropical paradise.

And as a bonus, Fiji is one of the top risers on our Good Trip Index for 2024, climbing 12 places from last year to 67th place. Scores improved for press freedom, human freedom and women's rights, so now's as good a time as ever to visit.

Given it's dry season, hotels will be fairly expensive and the archipelago will be at its busiest. But look beyond Denarau Island, Fiji's most popular spot, and you'll likely find somewhere peaceful to lay out your beach towel.

This is the best time to hit the water. Catch a wave at popular surf spots like Cloudbreak, or leave it to the pros. Speaking of surf, it's Fiji Regatta Week from 11th to 15th September if you fancy a bit of sailing.

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Bayan-Ölgii | Mongolia

Go for a proper adventure and head out into the wilds of Mongolia to see the Golden Eagle Hunting Festival.

This annual spectacle takes place in Bayan-Ölgii province, about a thousand miles from the capital Ulaanbaatar. It's held at the very end of September and the first few days of October, but since it takes a fair bit of planning to get there plus at least a day's travel, we'll tell you about it now.

The festival celebrates the traditional Kazakh culture of golden eagle hunting, where falconry experts on horseback use eagles to hunt for foxes and hares during winter months when they're easier to see against the snowy landscape. It takes place just before hunting season itself, so you won't ordinarily see any actual hunting. Instead the participants showcase their skills and the bond between hunter and bird, and visitors are unlikely to have to watch any animals come to harm during a hunt.

Eagle hunting is generally considered a relatively responsible use of captured animals – the eagles themselves are kept very well. They're released within breeding age so the captive population doesn't threaten the wild, and the popularity of the festival appears to have even increased local eagle populations as hunters can make a comfortable living through the festival itself.

Since the festival takes place in autumn after a long summer of idleness for the eagles when there's no hunting to do, the first few days often involve the eagles simply ignoring the commands of the hunters as the bonds are re-established, to the hilarity of both locals and tourists.

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Munich | Germany

Despite the name, Oktoberfest happens in September, making this the perfect time to head down to Bavaria and get your oom-pah on.

The world-famous beer halls will be packed to the rafters – around 6 million people head to Munich every year, so you'll be in good company of people looking to sample some of the best lagers in the world. Just mind how you go, as at upwards of 6% Oktoberfest beers might be stronger than you're used to.

Oktoberfest is about more than just the beer, of course. It's a folk festival, a travelling fairground and a chance for everyone to dress up in traditional costumes and sing their hearts out.

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Olbia | Sardinia, Italy

A huge and beautiful Mediterranean island, it's not obvious why Sardinia hasn't been a top UK holiday destination all this time – but it's shot up the ranks in the last couple of years as more people have been heading out there, so it's our pick for autumn sun this September.

Reliable weather, stunning scenery and 1,500 miles of coastline, it's dotted with mysterious beehive-shaped ruins from the Nuragic Age that pop up everywhere. The mountainous interior, winding alleyways and the famous cuisine all combine to make for a great week away, no matter how you want to spend it. As summer turns to autumn the weather's just right to head out here now while it's quiet.

Historically planes have landed in Cagliari, but now Jet2holidays are flying to the opposite end of the island – which means Olbia is really taking off. It's authentic, affordable and every bit as beautiful as Cagliari.

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Oslo | Norway

After somewhere mild to cool off after a scorching summer across Europe? Oslo's the one. With temperatures in the high teens to low 20s, it makes the ideal spot to bookend the summer season, or kick off the autumn.

Any why not do it in style with one of the festivals that energise the city this month? Oslo Fringe occupies the cool harbour area and showcases some of the best young theatrical talent from the city's performing arts scene. Or there's the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival which lasts for 12 whole days in the middle of the month, so chances are you'll be able to catch some of it. It boasts everything from modern dance and rock, to opera and puppet theatre.

The city is surrounded by dense forests and tranquil fjords, making it easy to switch from exploring trendy cafes and modern art galleries to hiking trails with breathtaking views. If history and culture are more your speed, Oslo won't disappoint. The city offers plenty to explore, from the stunning architecture of the Oslo Opera House to the unique exhibits at the Munch Museum – it's a Scream.

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Albuquerque | USA

Arrive at the end of September for the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival at the start of October, a uniquely American spectacle in which more than 500 balloons take off in New Mexico to sail over the desert.

If you watched Breaking Bad or it's prequel Better Call Saul, you may have a hankering to head out to New Mexico and trace the footsteps of crimelords and lawyers alike. Just don't throw pizza on the roof of Walt's old house, apparently the homeowners are pretty sick of it.

And this is the perfect time to go. The weather settles down from the summer heat to become pleasant and hospitable, the city is ready to receive visitors (more than a million come to watch the balloons in a normal year) and the spectacle is like nothing else on Earth.

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Seoul | South Korea

Seoul's a city of contrasts, where futuristic shopping malls and museums neighbour palaces, temples and breathtaking mountain trails – all to the thumping beat of catchy K-pop tunes.

After the blistering heat and torrential summer rains in July and August die down, September in Seoul brings perfect conditions to soak up the city's outdoor sights. Get lost in the maze that is Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the changing of the Royal Guard, or head to Bukhansan National Park – the world's most visited national park for the size – for a break from the bustling city.

For something completely different, head to the glamorous Gangnam district and take a stroll down K-Star Road. It's K-pop's answer to Hollywood's Hall of Fame, adorned with adorable cartoon bears called GangnamDols decorated to represent K-pop icons like BTS. And when night falls, you'll want to blast out a song or two at a noraebang (singing room) with a cocktail in hand.