September might just be one of the most beautiful months for a holiday. While summer heat slowly recedes, beaches empty of summer crowds, and accommodation prices begin to drop, the sea remains pleasantly warm throughout the summer.
If you’re among the lucky ones who can enjoy a holiday after the main tourist season, a big bonus awaits you: more authentic experiences, more comfortable travel, and a wallet that won’t suffer as much. In this guide “September Holidays: 13 Best Places for Your Holiday” we’ve compiled 13 tips for you on where to go for a September holiday.
TL;DR
- Turkey and Greece still offer summer temperatures around 28-30°C in September, warm seas, and significantly fewer tourists than during peak season.
- The Canary Islands and Mallorca are ideal for those who want to combine beaches with active relaxation, offering temperatures around 25-28°C and minimal rainfall.
- Egypt and Tunisia offer reliable sunshine with temperatures of 31-35°C, perfect for heat lovers and all-inclusive stays.
- Croatia and Italy are accessible by car, have pleasant temperatures around 25°C, and offer a great combination of beaches and culture.
- Exotic destinations like Bali or Morocco are in their dry season in September, meaning ideal conditions for both exploration and seaside relaxation.
September Holidays: 13 Best Places for Your Holiday
We have a list of 13 tips for your September holiday.
Turkey
Turkey is still at its best in September. Air temperatures range between 24-32°C, the sea is a pleasant 27°C, and the worst of the summer heat is already behind you. September is even considered one of the best months to visit Turkey, offering a perfect combination of sunny weather and comfortable travel.
The Turkish Riviera in the Antalya region offers countless activities. You can enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches in Side, explore the ancient city of Perge, or take a trip to the thermal springs of Pamukkale. For adventurers, there’s the option to hike part of the famous Lycian Way, which runs along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Bodrum on the Aegean Riviera attracts visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and lively nightlife. Its harbor is filled with luxury yachts, and the surrounding hills dotted with white houses resemble Greek islands. September also offers ideal conditions for windsurfing and other water sports here.
Accommodation Tip: Side Su Hotel (Side) or Oba Star Hotel (Alanya)
Greece
September in Greece means a golden season for anyone wanting to experience this Mediterranean gem without the crowds. Temperatures range between 25-30°C, the sea is still a pleasant 25°C, and the chance of rain is minimal.
Crete is absolutely stunning in September. You can explore the Minoan palace in Knossos without the tourist crowds, swim at the famous Balos beach, or take a trip to the Ida mountains. Local taverns offer fresh catches and perfectly ripe fruit at great prices.
Santorini in September reveals its true charm. You can peacefully admire the famous blue domes and white houses, sunsets in Oia are less crowded, and accommodation prices are noticeably lower. It’s also a perfect time for a romantic getaway or honeymoon.
Rhodes combines beautiful beaches with rich history. The ancient city of Lindos with the Acropolis on a rock above the sea is quieter and more pleasant for a walk in September. You can also rent a car and drive across the island – you’ll discover traditional villages, vineyards, and hidden beaches.
Accommodation Tip: Arina Beach Resort (Crete) or Atlantica Dreams Resort (Rhodes)
Tunisia
Tunisia offers an exotic North African atmosphere at very favorable prices. In September, temperatures here are around 27-33°C, and the sea is a pleasant 25-27°C. The largest Tunisian island, Djerba, is famous for its long sandy beaches and gradual entry into the sea, which is especially appreciated by families with children.
Djerba boasts 320 sunny days a year, so the risk of rain is minimal. Local hotels offer quality all-inclusive services at very reasonable prices. In addition to relaxing on the beach, you can visit traditional Berber villages, a crocodile farm, or take a trip to Tunis to explore Arab culture.
Accommodation Tip: Hôtel bungalow
Mallorca
The largest of the Balearic Islands is perfect for a holiday in September. Air temperatures reach 25-30°C, the sea is still warm at 25°C, and the summer tourist crowds have already left. It’s an ideal time to rent a car and explore the island on your own.
Palma de Mallorca will charm you with its Gothic cathedral La Seu and the narrow streets of the old town. You can enjoy tapas in one of the many restaurants or stroll along the palm-lined promenade by the harbor. Serra de Tramuntana, a mountain range in the northwest of the island, offers wonderful hikes with sea views.
For beach lovers, there’s Es Trenc with white sand reminiscent of the Caribbean, or the romantic Cala Mondragó in the natural park. September is also a great time for sailing or catamaran trips around the island.
Accommodation Tip: Ferrer Janeiro Hotel & Spa
Italy
Italy in September is like wine – getting better every day. Temperatures range between 24-28°C, which is ideal for both sunbathing and exploring cities and monuments. The sea is a pleasant 23-25°C, and the tourist infrastructure is still fully operational.
The Amalfi Coast reveals its true beauty without the summer crowds. You can calmly enjoy a drive along the coastal road, visit colorful Positano, or go for a limoncello in one of the many trattorias in Sorrento.
Sardinia offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Costa Smeralda with its turquoise water and white sand rivals the Maldives. The island’s interior hides traditional villages where time seems to have stood still.
Sicily entices with Mount Etna, baroque cities like Noto, and archaeological sites in Agrigento. The local cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean flavors, from fresh seafood to sweet cannoli.
Accommodation Tip: Hotel Fontana (Amalfi Coast)
Croatia
Our southern neighbors offer ideal conditions for a holiday in September. Air temperatures reach 23-29°C, the sea is still warm at 23°C, and the chance of rain is low. A major advantage is accessibility by car, which significantly reduces holiday costs.
Istria is full of medieval towns like Rovinj or Poreč, where you can enjoy quality wines and freshly caught tuna. The coast offers beautiful rocky beaches with crystal clear water.
Dalmatia is the heart of Croatian tourism. In September, you can explore Dubrovnik, “the pearl of the Adriatic”, without crowds on its walls. Split, with Diocletian’s Palace, is a starting point for trips to the islands of Hvar, Brač, or Korčula.
National parks Plitvice Lakes, Kamenjak or Krka are especially beautiful in September. The weather is pleasant for walking, and the colors of early autumn add a magical atmosphere to the landscape.
Accommodation Tip: Apartments Silver Beauty (Dalmatia) or Lakeside Hotel Plitvice (near Plitvice Lakes)
Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers a very affordable holiday with surprisingly high quality of services. In September, temperatures here are 24-28°C, and the sea is around 22°C. The Sunny Coast offers long sandy beaches, ideal for families with children.
Golden Sands is famous for the healing properties of its local sand and quality spa services. Nessebar, a medieval town on a rocky peninsula listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit for history lovers.
Sozopol is a romantic town with narrow streets and wooden houses. In the evening, you can sit in one of the fishing taverns and watch the sunset over the Black Sea.
Accommodation Tip: Apartment Tourist Complex Rose Village
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a destination where the weather is beautiful practically all year round. In September, ideal temperatures around 24-28°C prevail, the ocean is 22°C, and the chance of precipitation is minimal. It’s also a period when it’s not as windy, which you’ll especially appreciate on the beaches.
Tenerife offers not only beautiful beaches but also the possibility of climbing Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain. Puerto de la Cruz in the north of the island has an authentic Spanish atmosphere, while the south is tourist-oriented.
Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts, from the sand dunes in Maspalomas to the green mountains in the central part. Las Palmas is a vibrant city with a rich cultural life.
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are a paradise for beach and water sports lovers. Fuerteventura has the longest beaches in the Canaries, while Lanzarote enchants with its volcanic landscape and the art of César Manrique.
Accommodation Tip: Marina Elite
Egypt
Egypt is a year-round destination, but September is one of the best months to visit. Temperatures are high (31-37°C), but not as oppressive as in summer. The Red Sea has a temperature of around 29°C and offers some of the best conditions for snorkeling and diving in the world.
Hurghada is a hub for beaches with sandy entry into the sea, ideal for families. Marsa Alam primarily attracts divers: the coral reefs here are better preserved, and you can encounter turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula is considered one of the best diving spots in the world. Ras Mohammed National Park offers incredible underwater biodiversity.
Don’t forget a trip to the pyramids in Giza and the Sphinx; in September, temperatures are more bearable for sightseeing outside the hotels.
Accommodation Tip: Tree Lounge Pyramids View INN
Cyprus
Cyprus is an island of two cultures – Greek in the south and Turkish in the north. In September, pleasant temperatures around 30°C prevail here, and the sea has a temperature of over 25°C. It’s an ideal time to rent a car and explore the entire island.
Southern Cyprus offers beautiful beaches in Ayia Napa, the historic city of Limassol, and archaeological sites in Paphos, where, according to legend, Aphrodite was born. The upper Troodos region hides Byzantine monasteries and traditional villages.
Northern Cyprus is less touristy and more authentic. Kyrenia, with its harbor full of fishing boats, and Famagusta, with its Gothic cathedral, are worth visiting. Beaches on the northern coast are often emptier than those in the south.
Accommodation Tip: Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel
Morocco
Morocco in September presents a perfect combination of oriental culture and Atlantic beaches. Temperatures range around 26-33°C depending on the location, and the ocean is a pleasant 23-24°C. It’s a period when the oppressive summer heat subsides, and you can comfortably travel throughout the country.
Agadir is the most popular resort with a long sandy beach and modern hotels. From here, you can take trips to the Atlas Mountains or go on a desert safari.
Marrakech is a city you must experience with all your senses. The market in Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the labyrinth of narrow streets in the medina, magnificent riads (traditional houses with an inner courtyard), and the scent of spices will create unforgettable experiences.
Essaouira on the Atlantic coast is a city of eternal wind, which you’ll appreciate as a refreshing breeze on warm days. It’s also a hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Accommodation Tip: Caravane
Sardinia
The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea is perfect for a holiday in September. Temperatures reach a pleasant 26°C, the sea is 23°C, and the tourist crowds have already left.
Costa Smeralda in the northeast is synonymous with luxury: exclusive hotels, prestigious marinas with mega yachts, and beaches with the finest white sand in Europe. Porto Cervo is the heart of this area.
The southwest of the island offers a wilder landscape with dramatic cliffs and hidden coves accessible only on foot or by boat. Chia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.
The interior hides traditional Sardinia – pastoral villages where time has stood still, and the unique culture of the nuraghi (prehistoric stone towers).
Accommodation Tip: Hotel Cala di Volpe
Bali
Bali in September represents an ideal time to visit this Indonesian paradise. It’s the dry season with temperatures around 26°C and ocean water at a pleasant 27°C. Humidity is lower than in other months, which makes the climate more bearable.
The south of the island around Kuta and Seminyak is a center for surfing and beach life. You can learn to surf in milder waves or just enjoy the sun on the long sandy beaches. In the evening, beach bars and restaurants come alive.
Ubud in the center of the island is the cultural heart of Bali. Rice terraces, Hindu temples, traditional craft workshops, and wellness centers offer a completely different experience than the coast. You can learn to cook Indonesian cuisine or participate in ceremonies in temples.
Northern Bali around Lovina is quieter and less touristy. You can watch dolphins at sunrise or visit the Buddhist monastery Brahmavihara Arama.
Accommodation Tip: Amnaya Resort Kuta
FAQ
When is the best time to book a holiday in September?
Ideally, book your holiday 2-3 months in advance, i.e., in June or July. This way, you’ll get better prices and a wider selection of accommodation. While last-minute offers exist, the choice is limited.
Is the water in the sea still warm enough in September?
Yes, September is even one of the best months for swimming. The sea is at its warmest after summer – in the Mediterranean, it has a temperature of 23-27°C, which is ideal for long swims.
Are all services in tourist destinations still open in September?
In most destinations, yes. The main season continues until the end of September, so restaurants, bars, shops, and water sports operate normally. Some seasonal services may end in the middle of the month.
What are the advantages of a holiday in September compared to summer?
The main advantages are lower prices, fewer tourists, more pleasant temperatures for activities, warm seas, and often better weather with a lower chance of thunderstorms.
Is special insurance required for a September holiday?
Standard travel insurance is sufficient. For some activities like diving, surfing, or mountain hikes, you might consider adding coverage for high-risk sports. Always check what your insurance covers.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
