When we think of September travel, we think of fewer crowds as kids head back to school and the summer travel season wanes. We think of milder temperatures and lower prices as the autumn season approaches. We also think of trying to squeeze every last bit of warmth and sunshine out of the summer sun while it’s still here.
To help you make the most of your September travel, we’ve crunched our data and done our homework to come up with a handful of recommendations for those Canadians looking for a late summer getaway. If you’re looking for an up-and-coming destination, a budget-friendly option, a spot with great weather or a happy medium between budget and climate, we’ve got the spots for you. And in case you’re looking ahead already and thinking about a vacay you might book in September, we’ve given you a bonus pick for that too. And when you’re ready to get booking, Cheapflights.ca can help you find the best prices around.
For budget travellers: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
If the cooling temperatures of September leave you missing sweltering August, why not take a flight to Phoenix, Arizona? The temperatures will still be mid-summer hot, and the savings are even hotter — flights from Canada to Phoenix are down 16 per cent below average for the month of September. How should you spend your time in Arizona’s capital city? There are plenty of options for both indoor and outdoor entertainment. Stop by the Phoenix Zoo, which is home to more than 1,200 animals, go for a kayak on the Salt River or crack open a cold one at the Four Peak Brewery.
For weather watchers: China
September is the perfect time of year to take a few extra days out of the office and cross a big trip off your bucket list. September may mark the beginning of autumn in China, but summer temperatures remain, ranging between the mid-teens and lower 30s Celsius, depending on where in the massive country you choose to visit. And while a destination this far might require a bit of a budget stretch, there are relatively good deals to be had for Canadians looking to visit China. Compared to average prices, flights to Beijing are down 19 per cent, flights to Shanghai are down 22 per cent and flights to Guangzhou are down 23 per cent. September also marks Ghost Month in China, a time when ghosts are said to be allowed to roam free among people. The month is celebrated with feasts, festivals and Halloween-like games, making it a fun and festive time to visit.
For the best of both: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
The East Coast of the United States is often an affordable getaway for Canadian travellers, and with mild September temperatures bringing out a variety of festivals and foodie favourites, you can be assured a mix of both friendly prices and friendly skies with a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. Flights from Canada to Atlanta are down 14 per cent below average for the month of September, and the calendar of events is chock-full. Foodies might be interested in the Atlanta Cheese Festival or one of the many wine, craft beer or ethnic food-focused events. Music lovers can bring along their dancing shoes for nights and weekends spent appreciating a range of genres, including jazz, bluegrass and R&B. And those looking for general entertainment might be drawn in by the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival or one of the two Georgia State Fairs taking place during the month. Need more ideas? Check out our guide to cheap and free things to do in Atlanta.
For trendsetters: Sydney, Australia
While September in the Northern Hemisphere means approaching cooler weather, September down under means a return to warm sunny weather, which is one reason flight searches from Canada to Sydney, Australia, are up more than 165 per cent above average for the month. Sydney is a trending destination, thanks in part to airlines from both Australia and Canada joining in new initiatives ramping up access between the two countries. And while beating the crowds and being on the front end of a travel trend is incentive enough for considering a September trip to Sydney, prices are also around 19 per cent lower than average, giving you all the more reason to book a flight.
For advanced planners: Johannesburg, South Africa
Not ready to pack your bags in September? Not to worry: We have a suggestion for those looking ahead to a winter escape. September is the perfect time to start planning a late January or early February trip to Johannesburg, South Africa. Even though the South African summer will be in full force then, airfares from Canada are at a low point, especially if you get booking in the second half of September.
This data is based on averages from departure points across Canada and is intended as a guideline only. Check the latest up-to-date prices and search for flights at Cheapflights.ca. Want to find out our picks for months other than September? Check out July, August or October.
*Just so you know, this data is based on averages from departure points across Canada and is intended as a guideline only.
