Mexico

The state of Oaxaca and its eponymous capital city fizz with energy all year round, but it’s only when its summer rains subside that this region gears up for a joyous celebration. From late October to early November, Día de Muertos honours those who have departed with exuberant parades and colourful festivities. Towns and villages are decorated in heady, sunburst blooms of marigolds (pictured above) by families in their loved ones’ memory—for respectful visitors, witnessing these special moments is uplifting, invigorating and frequently moving. What’s more, those who venture away from the crowds to the region’s coast will find a dramatic, near-empty shoreline with long golden beaches, cinematic sunsets and lagoons full of wildlife.

Japan

There are times in the autumn when Japan’s massive, mercurial capital can feel curiously calm. Perhaps it’s turning a corner to see a street draped in a carpet of golden ginkgo leaves, or sinking into a hot-spring bath to offset the season’s approaching chill? Or perhaps it’s enjoying a meditative moment free from peak-season tour groups at Meiji Jingū shrine (pictured above), a sacred site encased by forestry somehow just a few minutes’ walk from the hubbub of Harajuku Station.

France

The eyes of the world were on Paris as the city celebrated its spectacular summer of sport, but now’s the time to see the City of Light at its absolute best. The crowds have dispersed, and the results of a once-in-a-generation citywide makeover—perfectly manicured parks, immaculate public squares, a cleaner Seine, spruced-up public transport—are still firmly evident. And then there’s all the grandeur and glamour that’s so integral to this incomparably chic city at any time of the year—take it all in from the riverside and you’ll see Paris is looking better than ever.

England

Londoners might lament their autumn and winter (and spring and summer) weather, but the truth is that there’s no bad time to visit what is one of the world’s greatest cities. London’s cultural calendar is unrivalled—whenever you come, there are invariably new blockbuster exhibitions opening in the capital’s many museums and galleries, complementing exceptional permanent collections that always offer free entry. Meanwhile, fresh West End shows debut frequently: stellar new productions this autumn cater to every taste, from Macbeth and Oedipus to a musical take on The Devil Wears Prada. Still, given that this metropolis is populated by 3,000 or so parks, locals will readily concede that autumnal visits—when dazzles of ruby reds (echoing those iconic buses) and warm golds have spread over the city’s plentiful treetop canopies—hold an undeniable majesty.

USA

It’s telling that so many New Yorkers leave the city at the height of summer—New York humidity definitely isn’t for everybody. But autumn, almost everyone agrees, is fabulous. Obviously, there’s the fabled, cinematic beauty of Central Park, but this is also a prime time to immerse yourself in the city’s incredible culinary offerings (don’t miss October’s New York City Wine & Food Festival). And you’ll have front-row (and free) seats for the world’s most eclectic fashion show if you take to the streets on Halloween. Costumes are as good as mandatory.

Greece

For all its deserved popularity, Santorini’s age-old charm shines most brightly when appreciated quietly, and at a slower pace. At this idyllic Greek island, the last of the season’s cruise ships sets sail and room rates lower just as the summer sun loses its intensity. All of a sudden, the languid rhythm of this long isolated caldera becomes almost tangible on walks through centuries-old whitewashed villages—or during lazy morning swims in still-warm Mediterranean waters—or simply from the terrace of your uncrowded hotel. Plus, many locals say that when the summer’s haze has dissipated, Santorini’s famed sunsets look even better.