A lot of tourists decide to visit tropical destinations in September not only because the rates are significantly lower but also because there are fewer crowds flocking to these magical places. Luckily for them, the best tropical places to travel in September are also the ones that are said to be the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world regardless of the season.

The tropics incorporate a great many countries whose climate, beaches, and lush vegetation make them desirable this time of year. Large portions of South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania are brimming with amazing destinations and awesome trip ideas. As you can imagine, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the locations but let’s see which ones are great to visit in September.

1. Aruba

Any word of praise about Aruba will probably be an understatement because this Carribean island is simply magical. Its powdery-white sand is home to some spectacular beaches and most notably, the Flamingo Beach where you can meet the lovely pink birds roaming around the island without restraints.

Aruba beach in September

On top of that, Aruba is conveniently located outside the hurricane belt so you can expect glorious weather this time of year. The daytime high is around 88°F and although there are slim chances of rain, you should be able to enjoy your Aruba holiday without getting wet unless you take a dip in the beautiful sea.

2. Kaua’i

Without a shadow of a doubt, September is the best time to visit this Hawaiian island. Not only are hotel rates significantly lower but you can also expect to enjoy some of the island’s highlights without too many people around. On top of that, the chances are you won’t have to make reservations in restaurants either and even the best beaches will be half-empty!

Formidable cliffs and sandy beaches in Kauai

September in Kaua’i also means there will be plenty of Hawaiian cultural events, music festivals, and hula hights. During the day you can go for enjoyable walks on some of the best hiking spots, including Kalalau Trail, Nounou Kuamoo, or Kukui Trail, only to name a few. As you do so, you’ll realize why this spectacular island is called the Garden Isle.

Read more: Which Caribbean Islands Should You Visit in Septemeber?

3. Fiji

Between volcanic Malenisia and the coral Polinesia lies an island so captivating it barely leaves any space for words. Of course, it’s Fiji – the colorful and dreamlike country whose white-sand beaches, rolling hills, and lush forests attract visitors year in, year out. What’s best about Fiji is that it’s superb in September and here’s why.

Transparent sea in Fiji

The transition between summer and winter in Fiji means warm temperatures and low humidity. The water is perfect for scuba diving and you can even grab the unique chance to swim with Manta Rays! There a lot of festivals taking place in September so make sure you catch at least one of them and get a taste of the local spirit of festivity.

4. The Maldives

Oh, the Maldives! A picture-perfect destination we often put on our desktop background and it’s definitely for a good reason. White-washed stretches of coast and palm trees swaying in the late summer breeze – does it get any better than that?

Other-worldly beach in the Maldives

In September, the Maldives stay away from the scorching temperatures and you can expect a pleasant average of around 81°F. If you have any rain-wise worries, the truth is that September is indeed the wet season here. Still, you can expect to have hours and hours of sunshine with only occasional torrents for no longer than a few minutes. What’s most important is that the temperature doesn’t drop even during these short bursts.

5. The Cook Islands

This idyllic tropical paradise comprises 15 islands scattered around 2.2 million square kilometers of the Pacific. Halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, the highlights of this archipelago are Aitutaki and Rarotonga – the two islands with the most developed infrastructure and the most luxurious resorts. Despite the fact that more than 100 000 vacationers visit these islands, they still remain largely intact and untarnished.

Amazing view of a beach in the Cook Islands

The mild dry season spans between April and November, which means that traveling to the Cook Islands in September is possibly the best time to experience this beautiful atol. The sea temperature in September is around 77°F, with very little to no rain throughout the day.

6. Bali

Even when you’ve run out of travel ideas, Bali is always a great solution and September is no exception. This Indonesian island is situated on the brim of the Indian Ocean and it is, by far, one of the most captivating islands in Asia. With tens of thousands of temples and palaces, lush tropical forests, terraced rice fields, and volcanos, Bali represents a one-of-a-kind destination.

Soft sand and palm trees in Bali beach

September in Bali marks the end of the dry season, with average temperatures around 87°F and as many as 12 hours of sunlight. There is very little humidity which makes up for perfect conditions to go exploring the island’s highlands. Of course, you mustn’t forget the mesmerizing beaches – Seminyak, Thomas Beach, Padang Padang, and many others.

7. Malawi

So far, the islands have dominated this list of the best tropical places to travel in September. It was about time something changed. We present you Malawi – an African country so unique and beautiful it’s possibly the greatest underrated holiday destination out there. It’s shaky reputation earned through political turmoil and economic unrest certainly played a part in making tourists stay away but with some common sense and information on what places to avoid, Malawi can make an unforgettable tropical destination.

Malawi beaches are stunning

September and October signify the end of the dry season in Malawi which means this is a great time to visit. Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay, the most popular beach towns, become epicenters of tourism in the country. Apart from the stunning beaches, Malawi is ideal for wildlife watching, snorkeling, and boat trips.

Read more: Affordable Holiday Destinations in South Africa

8. Belize

Yet another tropical country but on an entirely different continent is Belize – a little slice of tropical heaven right in the heart of coastal Central America. This small American country tucked in the shores of the Carribean Sea is nature’s best-kept secret. Majestic waterfalls, lagoons, tropical forests, and the turquoise sea are the greatest assets this country has and they all go a long way to make it so desirable for tourists.

Palm shades and white sand in Belize

May to September marks the hottest season in Belize which is why it’s so great to visit around this time. In Belize, it’s never too hot or too cold no matter the season. Rain does fall within reasonable limits but downpours and storms are very rare. Instead, what you get are brief showers while the days are predominantly sunny and bright.

9. Palau

Palau, or officially the Republic of Palau, is a secluded low-key archipelago in the Western Pacific. The atol encompasses lower coral islands in the south and higher, volcanic ones in the north. Of more than 300 islands the archipelago counts, only 8 are inhabited.

The islets of Palau archipelago

Heavenly beaches, tropical forests, turquoise sea, and sensational landscapes are what makes these islands an ideal holiday destination, and even more so in September. The busiest island is Koror and the daily temperatures focus around 87°F, sometimes dropping to 84°F or even climbing to 89°F.

Read more: Best Islands in Southeast Asia

10. Port Douglas

It probably comes as no surprise that we should draw this list to a close with the land down under, bringing you Port Douglas – a real gem of the Australian tropical north and possibly one of the best places to travel any time. This seaside town has easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, a balmy tropical climate, and some amazing beaches.

Heavenly beach in Port Douglas

The dry season lasts from May to October which means that you can expect glorious weather in September. The sea temperature is warm, the days are sunny, and there is virtually zero chances of rain.

So, there you have it – the best tropical places to travel to September offering you these 10 amazing locations around the globe. One thing is certain, there will be no room for disappointment as these corners of the earth are all glorious in their own right and they are guaranteed to provide you with life-long memories.