Best holiday destinations in September

September (and October, for that matter) has loads to offer those hoping to go on holiday at this time. Destinations are quietening down, there are lots of deals to be had, and the weather is still warm enough close to home to avoid any really long flights if you prefer.

Best holiday destinations in September 2024/2025
Best holiday destinations in September 2024/2025 © Benjamin Cabassot - Fotolia.com

Best five destinations to visit in September

The end of September marks the end of summertime in the UK, which means it's the last month you can realistically expect a good old beach break within Europe or the Med region.

Even then, you don't have to look too much further for some serious heat with North Africa and the Middle East providing plenty of roasty-toasty holiday destinations.

1. Marmaris, Turkey

  • Flight time from London: 4.5 hours
  • Daily high: 31°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 11
  • Sea temperature: 27°C

While the sun's summer ferocity may have abated in Turkey by September, it's still pleasantly hot with plenty of sunshine, and with only moderate heat and humidity all along the Turkish coast.

Istuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkey
Istuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkey © ihsanGercelman - Fotolia.com

Turkey ticks every box when it comes to its beaches as there's so much variety, from the golden sands of Olu Deniz to the black sand of Bodrum.

However, Marmaris gets our vote for its lively Icmeler Beach, range of activities such as full-day boat trips including snorkelling, and sights such as a turtle sanctuary, and the mud baths at Istuzu Beach in Dalyan, among others.

Recommended for the Dalaman & Marmaris

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2. Santorini, Greece

  • Flight time from London: 4 hours
  • Daily high: 29°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 11
  • Sea temperature: 26°C

Another September-favourite is Greece with its reliably warm weather and varied selection of destinations to choose from depending on what you want from your break.

Lying relatively close to the UK, Greece is easy to get to, with long days, and only low to moderate heat and humidity in September depending on where you are.

Overlooking the caldera, Santorini, Greece
Overlooking the caldera, Santorini, Greece © Nikolai Sorokin - Fotolia.com

While the sheltered beaches of northeast Rhodes and shallow waters of Psili Amos in Samos are attractive, why not head to the volcanic island of Santorini with its pebbly beaches and splendid views?

Make your way to the scenic towns of Imerovigli, Firostefani or Thira, and relax with a cocktail in hand while gazing over the Aegean Sea.

Recommended for Santorini

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3. Cyprus

  • Flight time from London: 5 hours
  • Daily high: 31°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 10
  • Sea temperature: 27°C

After the scorching heat of July and August, Cyprus welcomes a slight drop in temperatures from September. It's still lovely and hot, but heat and humidity is less restrictive at moderate, although the UV rays can be very high.

Expect nice sunny days with barely a cloud in the sky - ideal for sunbathing and water sports.

The Akamas Peninsula, Cyprus
The Akamas Peninsula, Cyprus © Sébastien Closs - Fotolia.com

Ayia Napa is well known as a party destination, however, away from the renowned nightspots such as Nissi Beach, it has much to offer those after something more relaxed.

Paphos, meanwhile, has a bit of everything, including beautiful Coral Bay, and the dazzling Blue Lagoon on the Akamas Peninsula, which is a haven for snorkelling.

Recommended for Cyprus

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4. Malta

  • Flight time from London: 3 hours
  • Daily high: 28°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 9
  • Sea temperature: 25°C

Malta is a real gem of a destination with something for all ages and interests. Whether you want to look beneath the surface snorkelling, explore the winding streets of old Valletta, or head inland on foot to get to grips with the landscape, Malta has it all.

What's more, you'd struggle to go anywhere further west in the Med with better conditions.

Exploring the Blue Grotto, Malta
Exploring the Blue Grotto, Malta © Bengt Nyman - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Days are pleasantly hot with loads of sunshine, and the sea is warm enough to delve into the deep. There's no real threat from any rain, a shower at most, and heat and humidity remains moderate.

September is also the month rain makes an appearance once more, although you're unlikely to be affected until the end of the month when thunderstorms mark the end of summer.

Recommended for Malta

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5. San Francisco, USA

  • Flight time from London: 11 hours
  • Daily high: 22°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 9
  • Sea temperature: 14°C

The colourful city of San Francisco may see its warmest month of the year in September, but is also one of the freshest destinations in our collection.

Days are largely cloud-free with plenty of sunshine and only a few drops of rain if you're unlucky. There's no heat and humidity to worry about, and conditions are ultimately incredibly pleasant - think southern Portugal in springtime.

Riding the cable car, San Francisco, California, USA
Riding the cable car, San Francisco, California, USA © Benson Kua - Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

True to form, this side of the Pacific coast remains chilly and not really suitable for swimming. However, with so many exciting attractions and sights both in and around San Francisco, you won't have time to miss bathing in the sea.

As well as the many museums and iconic landmarks, you could head into the wine producing areas of Napa Valley and Sonoma to the north of the city and check out the wineries at harvest time.

Alternatively, head into the Sierra Nevada mountains towards Lake Tahoe for some hiking and water sports where the weather is also great in September.

Recommended for California

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Alternative places to visit in September

While the Med remains truly appealing in September, you shouldn't rule out exciting destinations slightly further away.

For something nice and hot, Bali is still a real stunner with long sunny days, temperatures in the thirties and warm seas, although heat and humidity is high, and UV extremely high.

The beautiful shores of Waikiki Beach
The beautiful shores of Waikiki Beach © RB Fact - Adobe Stock Image

On, then, to the archipelago of Hawaii, which has a flavour of the exotic in September. Temperatures peak at around 30°C with moderate heat and humidity, and warm seas at 27°C, although there is a chance you'll encounter some rain.

Evenings are balmy but UV is extreme, so whether you go for the incredible hiking, surfing or sunbathing, remember your SPF.

While San Francisco is wonderful in September, Los Angeles is also a winner: you can expect around 28°C with moderate heat and humidity, although the sea temperature is chilly at just under 20°C.

Golden gate sunset, San Francisco, California, USA
Golden gate sunset, San Francisco, California, USA © col - Shutterstock.com

Of course, there's so much to see and do in LA, from visiting studios to hiking in the Hollywood Hills, where you'll enjoy spectacular views across the city.

As you can see, the world is very much your oyster when it comes to choosing a holiday destination in September. Decide what you want to do, how far you're happy to travel and the rest will follow...

Hopefully you've found some inspiration for where to go on holiday in September in our selection, and if you're in the market to get booking, do check out our latest travel deals and discounts to see what offers could help you save.

Still struggling? You can always get in touch or tweet us for more advice about when and where to go for great weather.

Best holiday destinations by month

For more ideas on where to visit in September, read our weather in September page for a more comprehensive look at conditions or browse more months below.

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Destination ideas for September 2024

  • Month: September
  • Daytime temperature: 22 - 28°C [remove]
  • Sunshine hours: 8 hours or more [remove]
  • Sea temperature: 25°C or warmer [remove]

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Rank Rating Score Destination
1 Weather Score for Bodrum & Izmir Coast in September is 100% 100% Bodrum and Izmir Coast, Turkey
  Weather Score for Brazil in September is 100% 100% Brazil
  Weather Score for Calabria in September is 100% 100% Calabria, Italy
  Weather Score for Costa Blanca in September is 100% 100% Costa Blanca, Spain
  Weather Score for Crete in September is 100% 100% Crete, Greece
  Weather Score for Cyprus in September is 100% 100% Cyprus
  Weather Score for Dalaman & Marmaris Coast in September is 100% 100% Dalaman and Marmaris Coast, Turkey
  Weather Score for Formentera in September is 100% 100% Formentera, Balearic Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for French Polynesia in September is 100% 100% French Polynesia
  Weather Score for Greece in September is 100% 100% Greece
  Weather Score for Hawaii in September is 100% 100% Hawaii, United States
  Weather Score for Ibiza in September is 100% 100% Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Kefalonia in September is 100% 100% Kefalonia, Greece
  Weather Score for Kenya in September is 100% 100% Kenya
  Weather Score for Majorca in September is 100% 100% Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Malta in September is 100% 100% Malta
  Weather Score for Menorca in September is 100% 100% Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Peloponnese in September is 100% 100% Peloponnese, Greece
  Weather Score for Rhodes in September is 100% 100% Rhodes, Greece
  Weather Score for Seychelles in September is 100% 100% Seychelles
  Weather Score for Sicily in September is 100% 100% Sicily, Italy
  Weather Score for Spain in September is 100% 100% Spain
  Weather Score for Zante in September is 100% 100% Zante, Greece
24 Weather Score for Guadeloupe in September is 97% 97% Guadeloupe
  Weather Score for South Carolina in September is 97% 97% South Carolina, United States
26 Weather Score for Albania in September is 96% 96% Albania
  Weather Score for Campania in September is 96% 96% Campania, Italy
  Weather Score for Corfu in September is 96% 96% Corfu, Greece
  Weather Score for Costa Almeria in September is 96% 96% Costa Almeria, Spain
  Weather Score for Costa Dorada in September is 96% 96% Costa Dorada, Spain
  Weather Score for El Hierro in September is 96% 96% Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Halkidiki in September is 96% 96% Halkidiki, Greece
  Weather Score for Italy in September is 96% 96% Italy
  Weather Score for Kos in September is 96% 96% Kos, Greece
  Weather Score for La Gomera in September is 96% 96% La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for La Palma in September is 96% 96% La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Lefkada in September is 96% 96% Lefkada, Greece
  Weather Score for Madagascar in September is 96% 96% Madagascar
  Weather Score for Mozambique in September is 96% 96% Mozambique
  Weather Score for Paxos in September is 96% 96% Paxos, Greece
  Weather Score for Queensland in September is 96% 96% Queensland, Australia
  Weather Score for Santorini in September is 96% 96% Santorini, Greece
  Weather Score for Sardinia in September is 96% 96% Sardinia, Italy
  Weather Score for Skiathos in September is 96% 96% Skiathos, Greece
  Weather Score for Skopelos in September is 96% 96% Skopelos, Greece
  Weather Score for Tenerife in September is 96% 96% Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
47 Weather Score for Antalya Coast in September is 94% 94% Antalya Coast, Turkey
  Weather Score for Egypt in September is 94% 94% Egypt
  Weather Score for Israel in September is 94% 94% Israel
  Weather Score for Puerto Rico in September is 94% 94% Puerto Rico
  Weather Score for Samoa in September is 94% 94% Samoa
  Weather Score for Tanzania in September is 94% 94% Tanzania
  Weather Score for Tunisia in September is 94% 94% Tunisia
54 Weather Score for China in September is 93% 93% China
  Weather Score for Madeira in September is 93% 93% Madeira, Portugal
  Weather Score for Turkey in September is 93% 93% Turkey
57 Weather Score for Fiji in September is 92% 92% Fiji
  Weather Score for Georgia (USA) in September is 92% 92% Georgia, United States
  Weather Score for Indonesia in September is 92% 92% Indonesia
  Weather Score for Japan in September is 92% 92% Japan
  Weather Score for Maldives in September is 92% 92% Maldives
  Weather Score for Martinique in September is 92% 92% Martinique
  Weather Score for South Korea in September is 92% 92% South Korea
  Weather Score for St Vincent & the Grenadines in September is 92% 92% St Vincent and the Grenadines
65 Weather Score for Bali in September is 89% 89% Bali, Indonesia
  Weather Score for Barbados in September is 89% 89% Barbados
  Weather Score for Florida in September is 89% 89% Florida, United States
  Weather Score for St Lucia in September is 89% 89% St Lucia
  Weather Score for Texas in September is 89% 89% Texas, United States
70 Weather Score for Corsica in September is 88% 88% Corsica, France
  Weather Score for Croatia in September is 88% 88% Croatia
  Weather Score for Fuerteventura in September is 88% 88% Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Gran Canaria in September is 88% 88% Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Mauritius in September is 88% 88% Mauritius
  Weather Score for Montenegro in September is 88% 88% Montenegro
  Weather Score for Mykonos in September is 88% 88% Mykonos, Greece
  Weather Score for Naxos in September is 88% 88% Naxos, Greece
  Weather Score for Paros in September is 88% 88% Paros, Greece
  Weather Score for Samos in September is 88% 88% Samos, Greece
  Weather Score for Skyros in September is 88% 88% Skyros, Greece
  Weather Score for Syros in September is 88% 88% Syros, Greece
  Weather Score for Thassos in September is 88% 88% Thassos, Greece
  Weather Score for Virginia in September is 88% 88% Virginia, United States
84 Weather Score for Bahamas in September is 86% 86% Bahamas
  Weather Score for Bermuda in September is 86% 86% Bermuda
  Weather Score for Cape Verde in September is 86% 86% Cape Verde
  Weather Score for Costa Rica in September is 86% 86% Costa Rica
  Weather Score for Goa in September is 86% 86% Goa, India
  Weather Score for Grenada in September is 86% 86% Grenada
  Weather Score for India in September is 86% 86% India
  Weather Score for Jamaica in September is 86% 86% Jamaica
  Weather Score for Kerala in September is 86% 86% Kerala, India
  Weather Score for Oman in September is 86% 86% Oman
  Weather Score for Panama in September is 86% 86% Panama
  Weather Score for Papua New Guinea in September is 86% 86% Papua New Guinea
  Weather Score for Sri Lanka in September is 86% 86% Sri Lanka
  Weather Score for Trinidad & Tobago in September is 86% 86% Trinidad and Tobago
98 Weather Score for Italian Riviera in September is 85% 85% Italian Riviera, Italy
  Weather Score for Lanzarote in September is 85% 85% Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
  Weather Score for Tuscany in September is 85% 85% Tuscany, Italy
101 Weather Score for Anguilla in September is 83% 83% Anguilla
  Weather Score for Antigua in September is 83% 83% Antigua
  Weather Score for British Virgin Islands in September is 83% 83% British Virgin Islands
  Weather Score for Cuba in September is 83% 83% Cuba
  Weather Score for Dominican Republic in September is 83% 83% Dominican Republic
  Weather Score for Lombok in September is 83% 83% Lombok, Indonesia
  Weather Score for St Barthelemy in September is 83% 83% St Barthelemy
  Weather Score for St Kitts & Nevis in September is 83% 83% St Kitts and Nevis
  Weather Score for Virgin Islands in September is 83% 83% Virgin Islands
110 Weather Score for Dominica in September is 81% 81% Dominica
  Weather Score for Gambia in September is 81% 81% Gambia
  Weather Score for Hong Kong in September is 81% 81% Hong Kong
  Weather Score for Malaysia in September is 81% 81% Malaysia
  Weather Score for Philippines in September is 81% 81% Philippines
115 Weather Score for Bulgaria in September is 80% 80% Bulgaria
  Weather Score for Costa de la Luz in September is 80% 80% Costa de la Luz, Spain
  Weather Score for Costa del Sol in September is 80% 80% Costa del Sol, Spain
  Weather Score for France in September is 80% 80% France
  Weather Score for Lesbos in September is 80% 80% Lesbos, Greece
  Weather Score for Morocco in September is 80% 80% Morocco
  Weather Score for New Jersey in September is 80% 80% New Jersey, United States
122 Weather Score for Azores in September is 79% 79% Azores, Portugal
  Weather Score for Costa Brava in September is 79% 79% Costa Brava, Spain
124 Weather Score for Cayman Islands in September is 78% 78% Cayman Islands
  Weather Score for Curacao in September is 78% 78% Curacao
  Weather Score for Pakistan in September is 78% 78% Pakistan
  Weather Score for Red Sea in September is 78% 78% Red Sea, Egypt
  Weather Score for Western Australia in September is 78% 78% Western Australia, Australia
129 Weather Score for Monaco in September is 77% 77% Monaco
  Weather Score for Slovenia in September is 77% 77% Slovenia
  Weather Score for South Africa in September is 77% 77% South Africa
132 Weather Score for El Salvador in September is 75% 75% El Salvador
  Weather Score for Mexico in September is 75% 75% Mexico
  Weather Score for Palau in September is 75% 75% Palau
  Weather Score for Singapore in September is 75% 75% Singapore
  Weather Score for Thailand in September is 75% 75% Thailand
  Weather Score for Turks & Caicos in September is 75% 75% Turks and Caicos
  Weather Score for Vietnam in September is 75% 75% Vietnam
139 Weather Score for Algarve in September is 72% 72% Algarve, Portugal
  Weather Score for Aruba in September is 72% 72% Aruba
  Weather Score for Gibraltar in September is 72% 72% Gibraltar
  Weather Score for New South Wales in September is 72% 72% New South Wales, Australia
  Weather Score for Venezuela in September is 72% 72% Venezuela
144 Weather Score for Venetian Riviera in September is 71% 71% Venetian Riviera, Italy
145 Weather Score for Cambodia in September is 70% 70% Cambodia
  Weather Score for Ecuador in September is 70% 70% Ecuador
147 Weather Score for Mexico's Caribbean Coast in September is 69% 69% Caribbean Coast, Mexico
  Weather Score for New York in September is 69% 69% New York, United States
  Weather Score for Peru in September is 69% 69% Peru
150 Weather Score for California in September is 67% 67% California, United States
  Weather Score for Cook Islands in September is 67% 67% Cook Islands
  Weather Score for Jordan in September is 67% 67% Jordan
  Weather Score for Massachusetts in September is 67% 67% Massachusetts, United States
  Weather Score for Portugal in September is 67% 67% Portugal
  Weather Score for Tonga in September is 67% 67% Tonga
  Weather Score for UAE in September is 67% 67% UAE
157 Weather Score for Romania in September is 63% 63% Romania
158 Weather Score for South Australia in September is 61% 61% South Australia, Australia

Metric (°C / mm)  |  Imperial (°F / inches)

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton is Weather2Travel.com's editor. Kirsten writes, commissions and edits our travel features, liaising with our contributors and ensuring copy is spick-and-span. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kirsten also freelances writing articles on travel, history and the outdoors for titles such as Scotland Magazine and BBC Travel.

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