September can be one of the best months to cruise. School holiday crowds begin to disappear, prices often become more attractive and temperatures remain pleasant in many parts of the world.
But it’s also a month when some destinations face their biggest weather challenges of the year.
From hurricane-prone islands to rough Atlantic crossings, there are a few itineraries that deserve a little extra thought before you hit the book button.
Here are the cruise destinations we’d avoid in September.
1. The Eastern Caribbean
If there’s one destination that stands out above all others in September, it’s the Eastern Caribbean.
September is typically the most active month of the Atlantic hurricane season. Islands across the region can experience tropical storms, heavy rainfall and periods of rough seas.
Cruise lines are experts at adapting. Ships will change course long before a storm becomes a safety concern. However, that often means altered itineraries and missed ports.
Read more: What Really Happens When You Cruise During a Hurricane
If you’ve got your heart set on visiting specific islands, September probably isn’t the month to take the risk.
2. The Western Caribbean And Gulf Of Mexico
The Western Caribbean faces many of the same challenges as the Eastern Caribbean during September.
Destinations in Mexico, Belize and Honduras can all be affected by tropical weather systems. The Gulf of Mexico is also particularly vulnerable during the peak of hurricane season.
Again, the main concern isn’t safety. It’s the increased likelihood that your carefully planned itinerary could look very different by the end of the week.
Some cruisers are happy to go wherever the captain points the ship. Others prefer a little more certainty.
3. Japan
September is one of the most active months of the Pacific typhoon season.
Typhoons are essentially the same type of weather system as hurricanes, just with a different regional name. While cruise lines monitor conditions carefully, storms can lead to itinerary changes and occasional port cancellations.
Japan remains an extraordinary cruise destination, with fascinating cities, beautiful scenery and outstanding food. But September isn’t always the easiest month to experience it.
Travellers seeking calmer conditions may find spring or late autumn more appealing.
4. Bay Of Biscay Crossings
Not every cruise challenge comes from tropical storms.
The Bay of Biscay, located between western France and northern Spain, has a reputation among experienced cruisers for producing some lively sea conditions.
September marks the start of a more unsettled weather pattern across parts of the North Atlantic. While plenty of crossings remain perfectly smooth, the chances of rough seas begin to increase compared with the height of summer.
If you’re prone to seasickness, this is one route that deserves careful consideration.
Read more: The 8 Roughest Seas In The World For Cruise Ships
5. Canada And New England
This might be the most controversial destination on the list.
September is actually a very popular time to cruise Canada and New England, particularly as autumn colours begin appearing across the region.
The issue is that Atlantic hurricane season doesn’t stop at the Caribbean. Occasionally, tropical systems move northwards and affect parts of the US and Canadian coastline.
Most sailings operate without any problems at all, but the risk of weather-related disruption is higher than many travellers realise.
6. Alaska In Late September
Alaska’s cruise season is drawing to a close by late September.
Temperatures are lower, daylight hours are noticeably shorter and rainfall becomes increasingly common. Wildlife remains active, but some shore excursions and seasonal attractions begin winding down as the season ends.
The scenery is still spectacular, but conditions are much less reliable than they are during midsummer.
For first-time visitors especially, earlier sailings usually provide a better introduction to Alaska.
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Final Word
September sits in an awkward position on the cruise calendar.
In some destinations it’s one of the best months to travel. In others, it’s right in the middle of storm season or the start of worsening weather conditions.
That doesn’t mean you should automatically avoid every destination on this list. Plenty of September cruises operate without a hitch. But understanding the seasonal risks before you book can help you choose an itinerary that’s more likely to deliver the holiday you’re hoping for.
Sometimes the best cruise decision isn’t choosing where to go – it’s choosing when.
