Where Is Hot in September? Late-Summer Sun With Lower Prices
Where is hot in September: Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Portugal and more, with temperatures, warm sea, quieter resorts and better-value hotel deals.
Key takeaways
- September is one of the best months for the Mediterranean: hot days, the warmest seas of the year and fewer crowds.
- Hotel prices fall once school holidays end, especially from the second week.
- Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, southern Turkey and Sicily stay in the high 20s or low 30s Celsius.
- It is peak hurricane season in the Caribbean and Florida; travel insurance and flexible rates are wise.
In this guide
September is the secret favourite of seasoned travellers. Schools are back, the crowds thin out, hotel prices fall, and yet the weather in southern Europe is still summery and the sea is at its warmest. It is ideal for couples, honeymooners and families with pre-school children.
Temperatures are approximate average daytime highs.
September sun at a glance
| Destination | Avg high (°C / °F) | Sea temp (°C) | Good from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus | 31–32 / 88–90 | 27 | UK |
| Southern Turkey | 31–32 / 88–90 | 26–27 | UK |
| Crete and Rhodes | 28–29 / 82–84 | 25–26 | UK |
| Sicily and Malta | 28–29 / 82–84 | 25–26 | UK, US |
| Mallorca | 28 / 82 | 25 | UK |
| Costa del Sol | 28 / 82 | 22–23 | UK |
| Algarve | 27 / 81 | 21–22 | UK |
| Croatia | 26 / 79 | 23 | UK, US |
| Canary Islands | 27–28 / 81–82 | 23 | UK |
| Bali | 31 / 88 | 27 | AU |
| Cairns | 29 / 84 | 24 | AU |
| California coast | 24–26 / 75–79 | Cool | US |
Why September is so good
- Warmest sea: the Mediterranean has absorbed a whole summer of heat.
- Fewer crowds: famous sights and beaches are calmer.
- Lower prices: especially from the second week, when UK schools return.
- Comfortable sightseeing: less extreme heat than July and August.
- Harvest season: wine harvests and food festivals in Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal.
Best destinations
Greece
Island hopping is ideal. Ferries still run summer timetables in early September, and smaller islands become peaceful.
Cyprus and Turkey
Still very hot, with excellent value at all-inclusive resorts after school holidays.
Italy, Malta and Croatia
Perfect for combining coast and culture. See where to stay in Rome.
Spain and Portugal
Pleasant heat for city breaks combined with beaches. See where to stay in Barcelona and where to stay in Lisbon.
Canary Islands
Warm and stable, a good choice if you prefer moderate heat.
Long-haul in September
- Bali: still in the dry season, and quieter after Australian school holidays end in some states.
- Southern California: often hot and sunny, with warmer weather than early summer.
- Caribbean and Florida: peak hurricane season. Prices are low but risk is higher.
- East Africa: dry season, great for safaris.
For Australian travellers
September is spring at home, with warm weather returning to Queensland. Overseas, Bali, Europe (especially the Mediterranean) and Japan's early autumn are popular. Many state school holidays fall in late September and early October.
Hotel tips for September
- Look for "late summer" offers and free upgrades.
- Check if hotels close at the end of September in smaller Greek islands and seasonal resorts.
- Ask about shoulder-season pricing for longer stays.
- Book honeymoon perks: September is a popular wedding month. See best honeymoon destinations.
Which September destination suits you?
| If you want... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Hottest guaranteed sun | Cyprus or southern Turkey |
| Island hopping | Greek Cyclades or Dodecanese |
| Food and wine harvest | Italy, Spain or Portugal |
| Calm, warm swimming | Mallorca, Sicily or Malta |
| Long-haul dry season | Bali |
| Wildlife | East Africa safari |
Sample September trips
| Trip | Plan |
|---|---|
| Island hopping | 4 nights Naxos + 3 nights Paros |
| Easy sun | 7 nights Paphos or Ayia Napa, Cyprus |
| Food and coast | 3 nights Rome + 4 nights Amalfi Coast |
| Family value | 7 nights all inclusive in southern Turkey |
| Long-haul dry season | 10 nights Bali |
September events to know
- Munich's Oktoberfest starts in late September (hotels in Munich book out).
- Wine harvests across Europe, with festivals in many regions.
- Ryder Cup and other major sports in some years.
- US Labor Day weekend (early September) ends the summer season.
Hotel deals in September
Look for "shoulder season" offers, kids-stay-free deals once schools return, and longer-stay discounts. Many hotels in Greece and Turkey keep prices high in early September and drop them later in the month.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking the first week of September expecting lower prices; school holidays may still be on in some areas.
- Not checking ferry schedules late in the season.
- Ignoring hurricane season in the Caribbean.
- Missing harvest-season events that push up hotel prices locally.
The bottom line
September offers summer heat, the warmest seas and lower prices. Choose Cyprus or Turkey for guaranteed heat, the Greek islands or Italy for culture and coast, and Bali for long-haul sunshine. Next: where is hot in October.
Frequently asked questions
Is September a good month for a beach holiday in Europe?
Yes. It is one of the best months: sea temperatures are at their warmest, days are still hot, and resorts are quieter and cheaper once schools return.
Where is hot in late September?
Cyprus, southern Turkey, Crete, Rhodes, the Canary Islands, Sicily and Malta stay reliably warm through late September.
Should I avoid the Caribbean in September?
September is the peak of hurricane season. Many trips go ahead without issues and prices are low, but buy travel insurance, choose flexible bookings and monitor forecasts.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
