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

More about 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]
  • Destination: South Africa [remove]

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Rank Rating Score Destination
1 Weather Score for Bergville in September is 100% 100% Bergville
  Weather Score for Bloemfontein in September is 100% 100% Bloemfontein
  Weather Score for Estcourt in September is 100% 100% Estcourt
  Weather Score for Graaf-reinet in September is 100% 100% Graaf-reinet
  Weather Score for Johannesburg in September is 100% 100% Johannesburg
  Weather Score for Kimberley in September is 100% 100% Kimberley
  Weather Score for Ladysmith in September is 100% 100% Ladysmith
  Weather Score for Okiep in September is 100% 100% Okiep
  Weather Score for Polokwane in September is 100% 100% Polokwane
  Weather Score for Pretoria in September is 100% 100% Pretoria
  Weather Score for Sun City in September is 100% 100% Sun City
  Weather Score for Underberg in September is 100% 100% Underberg
  Weather Score for Upington in September is 100% 100% Upington
14 Weather Score for Mthatha in September is 96% 96% Mthatha
  Weather Score for Pietermaritzburg in September is 96% 96% Pietermaritzburg
  Weather Score for St Lucia in September is 96% 96% St Lucia
17 Weather Score for Calvinia in September is 92% 92% Calvinia
  Weather Score for Musina in September is 92% 92% Musina
  Weather Score for Oudtshoorn in September is 92% 92% Oudtshoorn
  Weather Score for Skukuza Restcamp in September is 92% 92% Skukuza Restcamp
21 Weather Score for Durban in September is 88% 88% Durban
  Weather Score for East London in September is 88% 88% East London
  Weather Score for Port Elizabeth in September is 88% 88% Port Elizabeth
  Weather Score for Port St Johns in September is 88% 88% Port St Johns
25 Weather Score for Leataba Rest Camp in September is 84% 84% Leataba Rest Camp
26 Weather Score for Stellenbosch in September is 66% 66% Stellenbosch
27 Weather Score for Cape Town in September is 62% 62% Cape Town
  Weather Score for Knysna in September is 62% 62% Knysna

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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