As summer fades in much of the northern hemisphere, September offers the perfect window to escape the crowds while still soaking up warm, golden sunshine. Whether you’re craving a Mediterranean beach break, a cultural city escape, or far-flung tropical bliss, these top destinations deliver glorious weather and a more relaxed travel experience in September.
1. Santorini, Greece
- Weather: Sunny, around 26°C (79°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£1,000–£1,400
- Why go: The whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches look even more magical under softer September light. With fewer crowds, sunsets in Oia and wine tastings in Pyrgos feel more intimate.
2. Sicily, Italy
- Weather: Warm, 25–28°C (77–82°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£850–£1,200
- Why go: Sicily blends golden beaches, world-class food, and historic treasures. You can explore Palermo’s street food markets, climb Mount Etna, and still have time for a seaside escape.
3. Lisbon & The Algarve, Portugal
- Weather: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£800–£1,100
- Why go: Start with rooftop cocktails in Lisbon before heading south to the Algarve’s dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and turquoise waters.
4. Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
- Weather: Pleasant, 24–27°C (75–81°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£900–£1,200
- Why go: Dubrovnik and Split still buzz with life but are calmer than midsummer. The Adriatic is warm, ferries run smoothly, and islands like Hvar feel more relaxed.
5. Marrakech & The Atlas Mountains, Morocco
- Weather: Hot, 28–32°C (82–90°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£750–£1,000
- Why go: The intense summer heat softens, making the souks, palaces, and rooftop riads a delight. A short drive takes you into the Atlas Mountains for cool breezes and village treks.
6. Bali, Indonesia
- Weather: Tropical sunshine, 27–30°C (81–86°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£1,200–£1,600 (long-haul flights included)
- Why go: September is in Bali’s dry season, so you’ll enjoy sunny beach days, jungle adventures in Ubud, and incredible sunsets in Uluwatu — all with fewer crowds.
7. Malta
- Weather: Sunny, 27°C (81°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£850–£1,100
- Why go: Explore Valletta’s history, take boat trips to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and enjoy excellent diving spots under clear September skies.
8. Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
- Weather: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£800–£1,100
- Why go: Sail on a gulet through hidden coves, wander Bodrum’s harbourside, and explore ruins like Ephesus — all with perfect late-summer weather.
9. California, USA
- Weather: 25–30°C (77–86°F) in the south
- Cost for a week: ~£1,300–£1,800 (long-haul flights included)
- Why go: Drive the Pacific Coast Highway, sip Napa wines during harvest, or surf the waves in San Diego. September is California at its sunniest and most spectacular.
10. Cyprus
- Weather: Hot, around 30°C (86°F)
- Cost for a week: ~£900–£1,200
- Why go: With some of Europe’s warmest seas in September, Cyprus is perfect for beach lovers. Ancient ruins in Paphos and hikes in the Troodos Mountains offer variety beyond the sand.
September is the sweet spot for travel: warm enough to enjoy long sunny days, yet quieter and often better value than peak summer. From Europe’s southern shores to exotic island escapes, these destinations promise the perfect dose of sunshine before autumn sets in.