Best destinations to visit in September in Asia
Best destinations to visit in September in Asia
September brings a slow transition across Asia, with the wet season easing in some regions while others stay firmly within it.
India's monsoon typically begins retreating in September, though rain can still linger into the first half of the month depending on the region. Mainland Southeast Asia stays wet too, with its wet season not fully ending until October or November in most places. East Asia deals with the tail end of typhoon season, particularly across Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, though conditions generally start improving as the month goes on. Mountain regions across the continent remain a reliable, drier option throughout September, a good alternative to the lingering rain still affecting the lowlands in several countries this time of year.
The destinations on our list for Asia lean into that drier side of the split, from mountain regions to areas where the rains have already eased.
Lists by region
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
Giant lanterns shaped like animals and flowers light Chinatown and Gardens by the Bay for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Mooncakes sell in hotels and bakeries. Weather is hot and humid with short showers. Haze from Indonesian fires can appear, so check the air quality before you head out.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
Boats carrying guests float on Osawa Pond at Daikakuji temple for a moon viewing festival in September or October. Red spider lilies bloom around Arashiyama in late September. Heat fades by the end of the month. Crowds stay small before autumn leaf season arrives in November.
Country
Georgia
Wine country, mountain villages and old Tbilisi
Families in Kakheti pick grapes by hand during the harvest festival called rtveli. Wine is made in clay jars called qvevri, a method UNESCO lists as cultural heritage. Hot days and cool nights in September make the vineyards comfortable. Village feasts end with toasts and songs.
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Autumn color starts early in Daisetsuzan National Park, where red and gold leaves appear on the high slopes in early September. Hikers climb Asahidake, 7,516 feet, in cool clear air with crisp mornings while farm stands in Furano sell melons and sweet corn at the end of summer.
City in Japan
Takayama
Old town, morning markets and Hida beef
Like a small version of old Kyoto in the mountains, Takayama has Sanmachi Suji, lanes of dark wooden merchant houses and sake breweries marked by cedar balls hung from the eaves. September days are warm but cooler than on the plains, so strollers browse the morning market along the Miyagawa River.
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
Monsoon rains fade in September and the valleys turn deep green. Dzongs, hilltop fortress monasteries, glow white and red against clearing skies. Autumn festivals called tshechus begin in some districts with masked dances. Tourist numbers are low, so trails to Tiger's Nest Monastery are quiet.
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