As the fever pitch of the peak season has broken, the crowds have thinned, the world’s most beautiful islands seem to put on their comfortable shoes. You get more beach for your buck, a better chance at that coveted seaside table, and a more authentic connection to the place itself.
From the emerald cliffs of Hawaii to the chic shores of the Mediterranean, September offers the perfect moment to find your paradise. So, pack your swimsuit and your sense of adventure because here are some incredible islands that are at their absolute best in September.
10. Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai’s beauty is legendary, and in September, it’s simply sublime. This month sits in a perfect climate window and the result is an island that is incredibly lush and vibrant from the summer rains but with plenty of sunshine for exploring.
The waterfalls, like Wailua Falls, are still flowing beautifully. This is the ideal time to tackle the world-famous Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast or take a helicopter tour for jaw-dropping views of its dramatic, emerald-green cliffs and deep valleys. You’ll find more space to lay your towel on the golden sands of Poipu Beach and a more relaxed atmosphere in the charming town of Hanalei. It’s paradise, perfected.
9. Santorini, Greece
Imagine the iconic, blue-domed, cliffside villages of Santorini without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of July and August. That is the magic of visiting in September. The intense summer heat has mellowed into perfectly warm, sun-drenched days, and the Aegean Sea is at its absolute warmest, making a dip at the Red Beach or Perissa Beach a heavenly experience.
You can wander the beautiful, winding pathways of Oia and Fira without feeling rushed, and actually snag a prime sunset-viewing table at a cliffside taverna. September also marks the beginning of the grape harvest (vendema), a fantastic time to tour the island’s unique wineries and taste the crisp, mineral-rich Assyrtiko wine right at the source. It’s all the beauty, with none of the hassle.
8. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
For those seeking a postcard-perfect tropical escape with some of the world’s clearest turquoise water, September is the golden window for visiting Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands. This is the tail end of the dry season, just before the monsoon rolls in and closes most resorts.
Spend your days snorkeling or diving right off the beach, where you’re almost guaranteed to swim alongside sea turtles and friendly blacktip reef sharks among the vibrant coral. The vibe is incredibly laid-back; life revolves around beach-hopping, fresh seafood barbecues, and swinging in a hammock. It’s the ultimate “last hurrah” before the season ends, a truly idyllic and unplugged escape.
7. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar has a reputation as Croatia’s glamorous party island, but in September, it reveals its more sophisticated and charming side. The mega-yachts are still anchored in the historic harbor, but the frenetic energy of summer has calmed, replaced by a chic, relaxed ambiance. The Adriatic Sea is wonderfully warm and inviting, perfect for exploring the hidden coves and secluded beaches of the nearby Pakleni Islands.
The weather is ideal for wandering the beautiful, marble-paved streets of Hvar Town, climbing up to the Fortica for panoramic views, and enjoying the island’s celebrated wineries. You can still find a lively beach club, but you can also find peace, quiet, and a more authentic taste of this Dalmatian gem.
6. Corfu, Greece
While Santorini stuns with its dramatic caldera, Corfu, the “Emerald Isle of Greece,” enchants with its lush landscapes and Venetian charm. In September, the island is at its most beautiful. The countryside is a tapestry of silvery-green olive groves and dark green cypresses, a stunning contrast against the brilliant blue of the Ionian Sea.
The sea is still warm enough for lazy days spent on the dramatic beaches of Paleokastritsa or the sandy shores of Glyfada. It’s an island that beautifully marries history, culture, and stunning natural beauty, all of which is best enjoyed in the tranquil month of September.
5. Reunion
For the traveler who craves adventure over beach lounging, the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean is a spectacular choice for September. This is the heart of the dry season, offering the best possible conditions for exploring the island’s mind-blowing volcanic landscapes.
Known as the “Hawaii of the Indian Ocean,” Reunion is dominated by the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano and three massive calderas, or “cirques,” which offer some of the most dramatic hiking on the planet. You can trek through lunar-like landscapes, discover hidden villages, and rappel down countless waterfalls. While there are beautiful beaches on the west coast, the real draw is the rugged, jaw-dropping interior, and September provides the clear skies and safe conditions to experience its full, untamed glory.
4. Golden Isles, Georgia, USA
This cluster of barrier islands off the coast of Georgia a uniquely serene and beautiful escape in September. The heavy, oppressive humidity of the Southern summer finally begins to break, leaving behind warm days and pleasant evenings. This is the perfect time to explore the area’s distinct landscape of vast salt marshes, ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and quiet, windswept beaches like the otherworldly Driftwood Beach.
The summer family crowds have gone, making it ideal for peaceful bike rides along Jekyll Island’s 20 miles of paths or kayaking through the tranquil marshlands to spot local birdlife. It’s a dose of pure Southern coastal charm at its most comfortable and peaceful.
3. Gozo, Malta
Just a short ferry ride from the main island of Malta lies Gozo, its more rustic, green, and tranquil sister. In September, this already peaceful island becomes a true sanctuary. The Mediterranean Sea is bathtub-warm, and the world-class diving sites, like the famous Blue Hole, are less crowded, offering a more serene underwater experience.
The weather is perfect for exploring the island’s rugged coastline on foot, discovering hidden beaches like Ramla Bay with its unique red-gold sand. You can wander through the ancient, UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples or the fortified Cittadella in Victoria without the intense summer heat. Gozo in September is a step back in time, a place to slow down and savor the authentic rhythms of Mediterranean life.
2. Siargao, Philippines
For surf enthusiasts, September in Siargao is legendary. This teardrop-shaped island is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, and September marks the start of the peak season for waves, thanks to the incoming Pacific swells. This is when the world-famous “Cloud 9” break comes alive, drawing pro surfers from around the globe.
But you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the island. There are plenty of calmer spots for beginners to learn, and the island’s vibe is irresistibly cool and laid-back. Beyond surfing, you can explore the stunning tidal rock pools, kayak through mangrove forests, or go island-hopping to pristine, uninhabited sandbars. It’s a rugged, beautiful, and adventurous paradise that’s buzzing with energy this month.
1. Elba, Italy
Escape to the island of Napoleon’s exile and discover a slice of Tuscany surrounded by the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. In September, Elba is an absolute dream. The Italian summer crowds have returned to the mainland, leaving behind empty beaches and open roads. The sea is wonderfully warm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the island’s many beautiful coves.
This is also the beginning of the vendemmia (grape harvest), and the island’s small, family-run vineyards are alive with activity, offering a fantastic opportunity for tastings. You can explore charming fishing villages like Porto Azzurro, hike the trails of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, and delve into the island’s rich history, all while enjoying the delicious food and wine of the region at a wonderfully relaxed pace.