Where's hot in September?

September is a time of change around the globe. For the Northern Hemisphere, summer officially ends in late September, but you can still find sunny, dry weather across much of North America, the Middle East, and Mediterranean, as well as Japan. Looking south, spring is starting to warm up in Africa and South America.

September at a glance

Destination	Max. temp.	Sunshine hours	Average flight time
Zambia	Max. temp.	94 °F	Sunshine hours	9 hours	Average flight time	19 hours (New York to Lusaka)
Greece	Max. temp.	82 °F	Sunshine hours	10 hours	Average flight time	9 hours 30 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Athens)
Bolivia	Max. temp.	85 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	11 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to La Paz)
Japan	Max. temp.	89 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	14 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to Tokyo)
USA	Max. temp.	94 °F	Sunshine hours	12 hours	Average flight time

Zambia

This is one of the best months for a Zambia safari. Water sources are starting dry up, so animals congregate around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot. A sunset river cruise along the Zambezi offers a relaxing way to spot hippo, elephant, crocodile, and myriad birds.

Type of heat in Zambia in September: Rain is very unlikely and you’ll mostly enjoy dry, sunny days with clear blue skies, maximum temperatures can reach 95°F.

Average temperature in Zambia in September: 90°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Zambia in September: 9 hours

Average flight time to Zambia: 19 hours (New York to Lusaka)

• Sunset on the Zambezi River, Zambia
• leopard, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
• Elephant, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
• Hippo, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
• Victoria Falls, Zambia

Greece

With its clear skies, balmy blue waters, and hot days, Greece is an ideal destination in September. Summer crowds thin considerably, giving you a better chance to enjoy the beaches and ancient sights. For even more seclusion, explore Santorini’s hidden coves and rocky shores by private boat.

Type of heat in Greece in September: Rain is vanishingly rare this month — mostly you’ll enjoy abundant sunshine and a dry Mediterranean climate, ideal for hiking, swimming, sunbathing, or dining outside. Maximum temperatures in Greece during September are 82°F.

Average temperature in Greece in September: 79°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Greece in September: 10 hours

Average flight time to Greece: 9 hours 30 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Athens)

• Santorini, Greece
• Acropolis, Athens, Greece
• Theatre at Epidavros, Greece
• Naousa, Paros, Greece
• Delphi, Greece

Bolivia

On average, Bolivia only gets rain for about five days during the whole month of September, making it an excellent time for hiking and other outdoor adventures. You might go hiking around Sun Island for views of Lake Titicaca, or visit the lakes of the high Altiplano, which throng with bright-pink flamingos this month.

Type of heat in Bolivia in September: Warm and dry with maximum temperatures of 86°F, and little chance of rain.

Average temperature in Bolivia in September: 73°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Bolivia in September: 8 hours

Average flight time to Bolivia: 11 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to La Paz)

• La Paz, Bolivia
• flamingoes, Altiplano, Bolivia
• Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
• Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
• Sun Island, Bolivia

Japan

Japan in September brings summery heat and blue skies, without the domestic crowds of August. From the neon-lit bustle of Tokyo to an intimate tea ceremony in Kyoto, this is a great time to explore the country’s complex culture. Towards the end of the month, the foliage starts to turn in Hokkaido.

Type of heat in Japan in September: Rain is unlikely, but the weather will be hot and sometimes humid, maximum temperatures can reach 85°F.

Average temperature in Japan in September: 81°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Japan in September: 7 hours

Average flight time to Japan: 14 hours upwards dependent on airline (New York to Tokyo)

• Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido, Japan
• Geisha in Kyoto, Japan
• Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa, Japan
• Tokyo, Japan
• Tsumago, Japan

The US

Across the country, you can expect warm, summer-like weather without the thick crowds of August. Rains are more likely along the East and Gulf Coasts, but in the West, the weather is usually hot, dry, and sunny.

You might take a road trip through the canyons of Arizona and Utah, or along California’s coast.

Type of heat in the US in September: In the South and along the East Coast, you can expect sticky, humid heat with slightly cooler nights. In the West, the air is drier, especially in the desert regions with maximum temperatures reaching 95°F in some areas.

Average temperature in the US in September: 82°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in the US in September: 12 hours

• Arizona, USA
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Utah, USA
• Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur, California, USA
• Grand Canyon National Park, USA
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA