Destinations that aren’t overcrowded in August and September

The best time to travel is not always found in the classic holiday calendar. Those who leave familiar seasonal logic behind often find more tranquillity, surprising encounters with nature and, at times, better availability.

In August, Indonesia’s island world beckons with dry days; in September, Iceland reveals itself between autumn colours and the first northern lights.

Asia in midsummer? At first, that sounds like monsoon rain, high humidity and cities turning into ovens. But the continent is vast — and south of the equator, different rules apply. In large parts of Indonesia, including Java and Bali, August falls in the middle of the dry season, which usually lasts from April to October. Ideal conditions, then, for discovering some of the lesser-known island worlds of this vast archipelago. A good starting point is Karimunjawa, an archipelago of 27 islands in the Java Sea north of Central Java. Around the forested islands, pale beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs alternate. Between April and October, the sea is usually calmer and weather conditions more favourable — the best prerequisites for boat trips, snorkelling excursions and relaxed days away from the better-known holiday islands.

Further east, Sumba awaits with an entirely different landscape. During the dry season, the rolling hills turn golden brown, while traditional villages lie between savannahs, rice terraces and spectacular coastlines. From July to September, this is high season — though on a far more restrained scale than in Bali. In addition to secluded bays and waterfalls, the turquoise Weekuri Lagoon is one of the island’s most beautiful swimming spots. On many open beaches, however, the sea is rough; not every photogenic bay is also suitable for swimming. An additional reason to travel in August 2026 is the West Sumba Cultural Arts Festival, which from 25 to 29 August places traditional music, dance, crafts and regional cuisine centre stage. As tempting as the idea of island hopping may sound, Indonesia does not have a uniform climate. Rainy and dry seasons can shift significantly from region to region. Anyone travelling far east to the Moluccas should therefore plan the route not only according to the map, but also according to regional weather conditions.

In September, Iceland becomes quieter. The summer crowds begin to thin out, yet the days are still long enough for extended drives, hikes and horseback rides. At the same time, the landscape begins to change colour: mosses, grasses and low shrubs glow in shades of red, orange, violet and gold, while snow may already lie on the first mountain peaks. The puffins that populate Iceland’s cliffs in summer have, by this point, mostly returned to the sea. At Látrabjarg, June to mid-August is considered the best time for sightings. In September, however, there are still good chances of whale watching, for example off Húsavík or Reykjavík; various operators continue their tours until the end of September or beyond.

The special appeal of this month lies in the balance between light and darkness. During the day, there is still enough time to explore waterfalls, lava fields, geysers and coastal roads. At night, the sky is already dark enough for the aurora borealis: the northern lights season begins at the end of August and lasts into spring. There is, of course, no guarantee — clear nights and a little patience are always part of the experience.

Culturally, too, Iceland shows a special side in September. During the traditional Réttir, sheep and horses are driven down from the mountains back to the farms. These gatherings take place throughout the country from early September to mid-October and combine agricultural work with a festive atmosphere, hearty food and a strong sense of community.

Yet travelling at this time of year still requires caution. Autumn storms and the first signs of winter can occur as early as the beginning of September; in the highlands, snow and short-notice road closures are possible. Weather and road conditions should therefore be checked before every stage of the journey.

A stylish starting point for the south of the island is the Black Sand Hotel in the Ölfus region, which opened in spring 2026. Located around 40 minutes from Reykjavík, the hotel reflects the volcanic landscape of its surroundings with large window fronts, natural materials and understated Scandinavian design. Its 79 rooms look, depending on their location, towards the Atlantic, the mountains or the Ölfusá river.

September in Iceland is therefore neither summer nor winter, but the best of both worlds: enough light for adventure, enough darkness for northern lights — and enough distance from the next tour bus.

Don’t miss a thing — we’ll keep you up to date!

Sign up for our newsletter.