Are you looking to explore in cooler weather or to swap the autumn temperatures for something a little warmer?

From whale watching and searching for grizzly bears in Canada to exploring the UNESCO sites of Uzbekistan and everything in between; our guide of where to travel in September and October has the inspiration you need to start planning your next adventure.

Bolivia

Uyuni Salt Flats, Altiplano, Bolivia

Bolivia is a rugged jewel nestled in the very heart of South America. With a wealth of indigenous culture, striking scenery and unique people, Bolivia is the place where you can completely immerse yourself into a culture. April to October is the dry, winter season where you can take advantage of the clearer skies in the Altiplano and slightly cooler temperatures in the lowlands. 

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Canada

Icefields Parkway, Banff and Jasper National Parks, Alberta, Canada
Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada

Canada is vast, varied and vibrant – a great destination for an adventure, whether in pursuit of bears, hurtling along an iconic railway line or soaking up city life. As autumn rolls in and temperatures lower, September is a great time to avoid the crowds and experience all the country has to offer in comfortable weather. September is also the beginning of the salmon run, a peak time to see the bears fishing, or visit between October and November when the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears congregates on the tundra around Churchill.

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Botswana

Herd of Elephants, Selinda, Botswana
Selinda Reserve, Botswana

Botswana safaris are undoubtedly the ultimate luxury safari experience in Africa, holding around 25% of Africa’s elephants. Its unique combination of wilderness landscapes and its variety of game make a Botswana safari a holiday that you will not forget. Visit in September when much of the country becomes dry and wildlife can be spotted easily around receding watering holes.

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Uzbekistan

View of mosque dome against blue sky.
Islamic architecture in Khiva

We would recommend a trip to Uzbekistan for anyone who wants to get to the heart of Central Asia. The buildings and architecture, much dating from the 13th and 15th centuries, are truly magnificent. You can only wonder at the skills of the craftsmen who laboured with such primitive tools. September and October are a great time to visit when the heat of the summer recedes and harvest time is in progress, meaning markets are awash with fresh produce. Why not extend your trip and journey through Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.

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Jordan

Ad Deir Monastery, Petra, Jordan
Ad Deir Monastery in Petra

Take the slow road, known as the King’s Highway, and explore Petra, prehistoric villages and Christian Byzantine mosaics. Excellent hotels, good roads and charming guides all go to make any holiday in Jordan a memorable experience. September to November is generally a very good time to visit as temperatures start to cool off. It is the perfect time to visit Aqaba, with warm waters accommodating turtles and eagle rays.

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Australia

Quokka, Rottnest Island, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Perth, Australia

Massive swathes of outback rub shoulders with tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, vibrant cities, remote islands and an indigenous population rich in ancient traditions and culture. A finely tuned holiday itinerary is needed to see the highlights as well as the lesser-known experiences and attractions. During September and October the humidity peaks before the rains arrive, but everywhere else is pleasantly warm. An ideal time for camping, relaxing at vineyards or hiking and wildlife viewing and visiting ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ in Bondi.

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Brazil

Capybara, Pantanal, Brazil
Capybara, Pantanal, Brazil

Brazil’s incredible landscapes, rich history and extraordinary wildlife are as diverse as the country is vast. Stretching from the Amazon basin in the north to the colossal Iguazu Falls in the south, and from the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Pantanal in the west to the 2,000 beaches along the coast, there is plenty to explore. Between August and October is possibly the best time to visit the Amazon and Pantanal. It is still fairly dry in the south, but it can be cool in the evenings in Rio. It dries up in the north, and remains warm.

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Thanks for reading

Author: Anna Souroullas