Where’s Hot in September? Best Late Summer Sun Destinations
September is one of the best months of the year for a holiday in the sun. The peak summer crowds begin to disappear, temperatures remain warm across the Mediterranean and the sea is often at its most comfortable for swimming.
While August is dominated by school holidays and peak prices, September offers a more relaxed experience with many destinations still enjoying genuine summer weather. Countries such as Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Tunisia and Spain continue to offer excellent beach conditions, while flight and accommodation prices often become more attractive after the summer rush.
If you’re looking for the best all round September destination, Dalaman in Turkey is our top recommendation. It combines hot weather, warm seas, excellent beaches and some of the best value all inclusive holidays available from the UK. Other excellent choices include Costa Brava, Tunisia, Kos, Cyprus and the Balearic Islands, each offering something different depending on the type of holiday you want.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach break, an affordable all inclusive holiday or a quieter Mediterranean escape, September offers some of the best conditions of the year.
We compared destinations using average daytime temperatures, sunshine hours, average rain days, sea temperatures, flight times from the UK and how suitable each destination is for a September holiday.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit in September based on weather, value for money and the type of holiday each destination offers.
If you’re still deciding when to travel rather than just where, see our Where’s Hot by Month guide to compare temperatures and destinations throughout the year.
Quick Answer: Where’s Hot in September?
If you’re looking for the best September holiday destination, Dalaman in Turkey is our top choice. Temperatures average around 31°C, the sea remains warm at around 27°C and resorts such as Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye and Sarigerme offer excellent beaches and some of the best value all inclusive holidays in the Mediterranean.
For a Spanish late summer escape, Costa Brava offers warm weather, beautiful coastal scenery and fewer crowds than July and August. Tunisia, particularly Port El Kantaoui, is another excellent option for travellers wanting guaranteed sunshine and affordable all inclusive resorts.
Greek islands such as Kos remain warm and relaxed, while Cyprus continues to offer some of the longest lasting summer weather in Europe.
September Weather Comparison
| Destination | Avg Temp | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Avg. Rain Days | Sea Temp | Flight Time | Beach Weather? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalaman (Turkey) | 31°C | 11 | 2 | 27°C | 4h | ✓ |
| Tunisia (Port El Kantaoui) | 31°C | 10 | 3 | 26°C | 3h | ✓ |
| Cyprus | 31°C | 10 | 1 | 27°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Kos | 29°C | 10 | 2 | 26°C | 4h | ✓ |
| Majorca | 29°C | 9 | 4 | 25°C | 2h 30m | ✓ |
| Costa Brava | 27°C | 8 | 5 | 24°C | 2h | ✓ |
| Algarve | 27°C | 8 | 3 | 21°C | 3h | ✓ |
| Rhodes | 30°C | 10 | 1 | 26°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Crete | 29°C | 10 | 2 | 25°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Malta | 30°C | 9 | 2 | 26°C | 3h 30m | ✓ |
| Tenerife | 28°C | 8 | 1 | 24°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Egypt | 35°C | 11 | 0 | 28°C | 5h | ✓ |
Best Places That Are Hot in September
Dalaman, Turkey – Best Overall
For most UK travellers, Dalaman is the strongest all round September destination.
Temperatures average around 31°C, rainfall remains low and the Mediterranean stays beautifully warm at around 27°C.
The region includes some of Turkey’s most popular holiday resorts, including Marmaris, Icmeler and Fethiye. Visitors can enjoy long sandy beaches, boat trips, turquoise bays and excellent all inclusive hotels.
September is arguably one of the best times to visit Turkey. The weather remains hot, but the intense heat of July and August has eased slightly, making sightseeing and excursions more comfortable.
Compared with Greece and Spain, Turkey often provides larger hotels, more facilities and better value for money, especially for families and couples looking for all inclusive holidays.
Best for: All inclusive holidays, families, couples and deal hunters.
Tunisia (Port El Kantaoui) – Best All Inclusive
Tunisia is one of the strongest September choices for travellers wanting sunshine, warm seas and affordable holidays.
The resort of Port El Kantaoui is particularly popular with UK visitors thanks to its marina, sandy beaches, restaurants and wide choice of hotels.
Temperatures average around 31°C, while the Mediterranean remains warm enough for swimming throughout the month.
Compared with many European destinations, Tunisia often offers excellent value for money, particularly for all inclusive breaks. The combination of sunshine, beaches and cultural experiences makes it a great alternative to the more familiar Mediterranean resorts.
Visitors can also explore nearby Sousse, traditional markets and historic sites while still enjoying a relaxing beach holiday.
Best for: Affordable all inclusive holidays, couples and guaranteed sunshine.
Cyprus – Best Late Summer Sunshine
Cyprus is one of the best destinations in Europe for extending summer into September.
Temperatures average around 31°C, rainfall is rare and the sea remains warm at approximately 27°C.
Resorts including Paphos, Ayia Napa and Protaras offer excellent beaches, restaurants and activities, while the island’s history and mountain villages provide plenty to explore away from the coast.
Compared with Greece and Spain, Cyprus tends to stay hotter later into the year, making it a reliable choice for a late summer escape.
Best for: Couples, families and travellers wanting guaranteed warmth.
Kos – Best Greek Island for September
Kos is an excellent choice for travellers wanting a quieter Greek island holiday after the peak summer crowds.
Temperatures average around 29°C, the sea remains warm and the island’s relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for couples and families.
The island offers long sandy beaches, waterfront restaurants and easy cycling routes between resorts and villages. Popular areas include Kos Town, Kardamena and Tigaki.
Compared with larger Greek islands such as Crete and Rhodes, Kos feels more manageable and relaxed while still offering plenty of beaches and activities.
Best for: Relaxed Greek island holidays, couples and families.
Costa Brava – Best Spanish Late Summer Escape
The Costa Brava is one of Spain’s best September destinations, offering warm weather, beautiful coastline and a more relaxed atmosphere after the busy summer months.
Temperatures average around 27°C, making it slightly cooler than Turkey, Cyprus and Tunisia but still excellent for beach holidays. The sea remains comfortable for swimming, while the region’s dramatic coastline, hidden coves and traditional fishing villages make it one of Spain’s most scenic holiday areas.
Popular resorts including Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell and Begur offer a mix of beaches, restaurants and activities. September is an especially good time to visit because the busiest summer crowds have reduced while restaurants, attractions and nightlife remain open.
Compared with the Costa Dorada, the Costa Brava feels more scenic and traditional, with a stronger focus on coastal beauty and charming towns.
Best for: Couples, scenic holidays, beach lovers and travellers wanting Spain without peak summer crowds.
Majorca – Best Balearic Island
Majorca remains an excellent September choice thanks to warm weather, beautiful beaches and a huge range of resorts.
Temperatures average around 29°C, while the sea stays warm at approximately 25°C, making it ideal for swimming and boat trips.
Resorts such as Alcudia, Cala d’Or and Port de Soller offer something for every type of traveller, from family friendly beaches to romantic coastal villages and excellent restaurants.
Compared with August, September brings fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere while still offering genuine summer conditions.
Best for: Families, couples and all round Mediterranean holidays.
Rhodes – Best for Guaranteed Greek Sunshine
Rhodes continues to deliver some of the most reliable weather in Europe during September.
Temperatures average around 30°C, rainfall is minimal and the Aegean Sea remains warm enough for swimming throughout the month.
The island combines excellent beaches with history and sightseeing, from the medieval Old Town of Rhodes to the beautiful village of Lindos and the beaches around Faliraki.
Compared with July and August, September feels noticeably calmer while retaining the hot, sunny conditions that make Rhodes so popular.
Best for: Sunshine seekers, couples and travellers wanting a classic Greek island holiday.
Crete – Best for Longer September Holidays
Crete is one of the best destinations for travellers wanting to extend the summer season.
Temperatures average around 29°C, with plenty of sunshine and warm seas throughout September.
The island offers far more than beaches, with historic towns, mountain villages, hiking routes and some of Greece’s most impressive scenery. Chania, Heraklion and Rethymnon all offer excellent bases for exploring.
Compared with smaller Greek islands, Crete provides more variety and works particularly well for longer holidays.
Best for: Longer stays, couples, families and exploring.
Malta – Best for Culture and Swimming
Malta remains hot and sunny throughout September, making it a strong choice for late summer travel.
Temperatures average around 30°C, while sea temperatures remain close to 26°C, creating excellent conditions for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.
Visitors can combine beach time around areas such as St Paul’s Bay with exploring Valletta’s historic streets, ancient sites and traditional villages.
Compared with many Mediterranean islands, Malta offers one of the best combinations of history, culture and warm weather in a compact destination.
Best for: Couples, history lovers, diving and beach breaks.
Egypt – Hottest Destination
If your priority is guaranteed heat, Egypt remains one of the hottest destinations within a relatively short flight from the UK.
Red Sea resorts including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh regularly reach around 35°C in September, while sea temperatures can reach approximately 28°C.
The Red Sea offers some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving conditions, while large all inclusive resorts provide everything needed for a relaxing sunshine holiday.
Compared with Mediterranean destinations, Egypt is hotter, drier and more reliable for pure sunshine.
Best for: Guaranteed heat, diving, snorkelling and luxury all inclusive holidays.
Is September a Good Time to Travel?
September is one of the best months of the year for a Mediterranean holiday.
The weather remains warm, the sea is at its most comfortable and many destinations become noticeably quieter after the August rush. It is particularly popular with couples, families with younger children and travellers looking for better value.
Reasons to travel in September
- Hot weather continues across southern Europe.
- Sea temperatures are at their annual peak.
- Fewer crowds compared with July and August.
- Better value accommodation and package holidays.
- Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and excursions.
- Excellent conditions for swimming and boat trips.
Things to consider
- Some smaller resorts become quieter later in the month.
- Northern Mediterranean destinations can become more changeable.
- School holiday dates can still affect prices during early September.
- Popular destinations may still require early booking.
Our Top September Picks
| Holiday Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Dalaman (Turkey) |
| Best all inclusive holiday | Tunisia (Port El Kantaoui) |
| Best late summer sunshine | Cyprus |
| Best Greek island | Kos |
| Best Spanish destination | Costa Brava |
| Best Balearic Island | Majorca |
| Best for culture and swimming | Malta |
| Hottest destination | Egypt |
For most UK travellers, Dalaman in Turkey offers the best balance of weather, value and holiday choice in September.
Those looking for affordable sunshine should consider Tunisia, while Cyprus is ideal for travellers wanting guaranteed late summer warmth. For a European escape, Costa Brava and Majorca provide excellent beaches with fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
September is arguably one of the best months of the year for a sunshine holiday. The Mediterranean remains warm, the sea is at its most comfortable and destinations are generally quieter than during the peak summer season.
For most UK travellers, Dalaman in Turkey is the strongest all round choice thanks to its combination of hot weather, warm seas, excellent beaches and great value holidays. Tunisia offers outstanding value for all inclusive breaks, while Cyprus is one of the most reliable destinations for late summer sunshine.
If you prefer Europe, Costa Brava, Majorca and the Greek Islands all offer excellent September conditions without the crowds of July and August.
In simple terms:
- Choose Dalaman for the best overall September holiday.
- Choose Tunisia for affordable all inclusive sunshine.
- Choose Cyprus for guaranteed late summer warmth.
- Choose Kos for a relaxed Greek island escape.
- Choose Costa Brava for scenic Spanish beaches.
- Choose Egypt for maximum heat.
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Dawn - Travel Expert
Dawn Morwood, who is based in Belfast, is our top deal finder! She has a passion for helping people see the world without overspending. At Cheap Deals Away UK, she shares great value holiday deals, travel tips and articles about affordable destinations.
She has been widely featured in the UK press. You can find articles published in The Sun, Express, Daily Mail, Mirror UK, Belfast Live, Liverpool Echo, Wales Online, Daily Record and many more publications.
Dawn's current favourite holiday destinations are Cascais, near Lisbon and Prague. Cascais for its charming old town streets with great quality Portuguese restaurants and Prague for its medieval castles and churches and of course the beer!
