Best Places to Visit in September: Top Warm and Sunny Destinations

September might be one of the most underrated months to travel. The kids are back at school, prices start to drop, and the weather across Europe and the Mediterranean is still warm enough to enjoy a beach day or an evening stroll without breaking a sweat. If you are wondering about the best places to visit in September, this guide covers the destinations worth booking, along with the weather you can expect.

If you are booking closer to the date, it is worth checking out last minute holidays, since September deals tend to appear right up until departure.

Where Is Hot in September?

If you are asking where is hot in September, the honest answer is most of the Mediterranean and southern Europe. Countries like Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and Malta hold onto their summer warmth well into the month, with sea temperatures still comfortable for swimming. These hot countries in September are popular precisely because you get the same sunshine as July or August, minus the school holiday rush. Many travellers also prefer booking an all inclusive holidays stay this time of year, since it takes the guesswork out of budgeting for meals and drinks while the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the pool all day.

Best Countries to Visit in September

When people ask where to go on holiday in September, a handful of countries come up again and again. These September holiday destinations balance great weather with fewer tourists, and often better prices too. If a longer trip is not on the cards, city breaks is another good way to make the most of the milder September temperatures without committing to a full week away.

Some of the best countries to visit in September include:

• Greece, for its islands and warm sea
• Italy, for a mix of culture and coastline
• Turkey, for value and long sunny days
• Malta, for a compact island break
• Croatia, for calmer beaches and old towns
• Cyprus, for reliably hot weather
• Portugal, for the Algarve coastline
• Spain, for both cities and beaches

These places make up some of the best September holiday destinations for anyone still deciding where to travel in September, and where to go in September more broadly.

Greece in September

Greece in September is arguably one of the best places to visit in September Europe has to offer. The islands cool down just slightly from the peak of summer, which actually makes exploring easier, while the sea stays warm enough to swim comfortably into October. Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes remain popular, but you will notice smaller crowds and shorter queues compared to July or August. If you fancy a proper holiday to Greece, September is one of the smartest months to book one.

Italy in September

Italy in September offers a gentler pace after the summer rush. The Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Sardinia still enjoy plenty of sunshine, while cities like Rome and Florence become far more pleasant to walk around once the intense summer heat eases. It is a great time for anyone who wants both a beach holiday and a bit of culture on the same trip. For beach lovers and city explorers alike, Italy holidays in September tend to offer the best of both worlds.

Turkey in September

Turkey in September stays warm and sunny, often with daytime temperatures still in the high twenties. Resorts along the Turkish Riviera, such as Antalya and Bodrum, remain lively but noticeably less packed than in peak summer. It is also one of the more affordable hot countries in September, making it a strong pick if value matters as much as the weather.

Malta in September

Malta in September keeps its Mediterranean warmth, and the sea temperature is often at its best for swimming this time of year. As a small island, it suits short trips well, with plenty to see in just a few days between beaches, historic sites, and its lively capital, Valletta.

Croatia in September

Croatia in September is a favourite for travellers who want a beautiful coastline without the summer crowds. The Dalmatian coast, including Dubrovnik and Split, cools slightly but stays warm enough for swimming and sightseeing. It is also one of the better choices among warm places to visit in September if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Cyprus in September

Cyprus in September remains one of the hottest destinations in the Mediterranean, often holding onto near summer temperatures. With consistently sunny days and warm evenings, it is a solid choice for anyone who wants guaranteed sunshine without gambling on the weather.

Portugal in September

Portugal in September, particularly along the Algarve, offers warm days and pleasant evenings that make it one of the best places for beach holidays in September. It is also slightly quieter than peak summer, giving beaches and restaurants a more relaxed feel while the weather remains excellent.

Spain in September

Spain in September continues to deliver reliable sunshine across the Costa del Sol, the Balearics, and the Canary Islands. Whether you are after a beach holiday or something with a bit more energy, Spain covers both, and prices often start to dip once the main summer season winds down.

Madeira in September

Madeira in September enjoys a mild, subtropical climate that barely changes throughout the year, which makes it a dependable choice if you want warm weather without the unpredictability of mainland Europe. It also suits travellers looking for scenery and walking trails alongside their beach time.

Santorini in September

Santorini in September is considered one of the best times to visit the island. The summer crowds thin out, sunset views over the caldera are just as spectacular, and the sea remains warm enough for a proper swim. It is one of the standout sunny destinations in September for couples and photographers alike.

What Is the Weather Like in Europe in September?

The best weather in Europe in September is generally found in the southern and Mediterranean countries. Expect daytime temperatures ranging from the low twenties in places like Croatia and Portugal, up to the high twenties or even low thirties in Cyprus, Turkey, and parts of Greece. Sea temperatures stay warm across most of these regions too, since the water takes longer to cool down than the air, which is why so many of these spots remain popular for one last proper beach trip before autumn sets in.

Rainfall also tends to stay low across most of the Mediterranean in September, so you are unlikely to lose beach days to bad weather. Evenings do cool down a little compared to peak summer, which many travellers actually prefer, since it makes dinners outdoors and evening walks far more comfortable than the sticky heat of July and August.

Best Beach Holidays in September

For anyone specifically after sea and sand, the best beach holidays in September tend to be found in Cyprus, Greece, and the Algarve, where warm water and quieter beaches make for a relaxed final summer trip. September sun holidays are also a smart choice for couples and older travellers who prefer avoiding the busiest and hottest weeks of the school summer holidays altogether.

When Should You Book Your September Holiday?

Prices for September holidays often start dropping once August ends, but the best deals still go early. If you already know roughly where you want to go, booking a month or two ahead usually secures better rates on flights and hotels.

Planning around the weather and timing is a big part of getting September right, and both are covered in more detail in our travel guide for 2026, which looks at the best months to travel and what to expect from each one.

If getting the best possible price matters just as much as picking the right destination, our guide on smart ways to book a cheap holiday is worth reading before you commit to dates.

September genuinely is one of the best months to travel, whether you are chasing sunshine, better prices, or simply fewer crowds. From the Greek islands to the Algarve coast, there is a destination on this list for almost every kind of traveller. Once you have picked where to go, Travelodeal can help you put the whole trip together, from flights to hotels, so you can book with confidence and start counting down the days.

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