September 2026

Where is Hot in September from the UK?

September is the best-kept secret in European travel. The crowds leave with the school holidays but the weather stays warm, the sea is at its annual hottest, and prices drop significantly. Experienced travellers often rate it the finest month of the year.

Best Destinations in September at a Glance

1Greece
29°C avg high3h 40m from UKBest from: LGW / MAN / BHX

Post-peak — Aegean still warm, islands peaceful, prices falling. September sweet spot.

2Turkey
30°C avg high3h 40m from UKBest from: LGW / MAN / BHX

Still very hot, sea at peak warmth, and the resort strip noticeably quieter.

3Croatia
26°C avg high2h 35m from UKBest from: LGW / BRS / MAN

Adriatic stays warm, prices drop, and the Dalmatian islands recover their calm.

Where to Go in September — Full Destination Guides

Santorini September with empty cobblestone street and distant Aegean view

Greece

29°C / 84°Favg high
10hrs/daysunshine
26°Csea
3h 30m to Athens; 3h 40m to Heraklion; 3h 45m to Santoriniflight

Why September?

September is widely regarded as the finest month to visit Greece — better than July and August by most experienced travellers. The Aegean sea stays warm (25–27°C) — actually warmer than July on many islands, as the sea retains summer heat. Temperatures drop to a more comfortable 27–30°C. The crowds thin dramatically after the first week of September as European schools return. Restaurants are easier to book, the famous sunset in Oia (Santorini) is accessible without the August scrum, and prices fall by 20–30% compared to peak. The Meltemi wind eases in September, making ferry travel calmer.

Who it suits

Couples and adults who have flexibility outside school holidays. Budget-conscious travellers who want the Greek island experience at autumn prices with summer weather. Food enthusiasts — the quieter September restaurants allow unhurried meals at the best tavernas. Divers who want calm, warm, clear water.

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Honest warning: September flights and accommodation numbers begin to reduce on some smaller islands from mid-month. If visiting late September, verify that your preferred accommodation and ferry routes are still operating at full schedule. Some beach clubs and water sport operators close mid-September.

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Turkey coastal resort with clear turquoise water and pine-covered hillside

Turkey

Photo on Pexels

30°C / 86°Favg high
10hrs/daysunshine
26°Csea
3h 40m to Antalya and Bodrumflight

Why September?

September is an excellent month for Turkey — particularly the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Temperatures remain around 28–32°C with ten hours of sunshine. The sea stays warm (25–27°C). The all-inclusive resort strip in Antalya is still fully operational but noticeably less crowded than August. The Blue Cruise route between Bodrum and Fethiye is at its finest in September — calm seas, warm nights, and the gulet anchorages are not overcrowded.

Who it suits

All-inclusive resort travellers who want August-quality weather at lower prices. Boat trip enthusiasts for a September Blue Cruise. Cultural travellers who want Ephesus and the Turquoise Coast archaeological sites in comfortable conditions without peak-season crowds.

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Honest warning: Always check FCDO travel advice. From late September, some Aegean coast resorts begin to close for the season. Verify your specific resort and area remain fully open for your travel dates.

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Croatia Dalmatian island coastline with pine trees and clear turquoise sea

Croatia

Photo on Pexels

26°C / 79°Favg high
9hrs/daysunshine
24°Csea
2h 30m to Dubrovnik; 2h 35m to Splitflight

Why September?

September Croatia is outstanding — the Adriatic sea is at 23–25°C (warmest of the year), temperatures are a perfect 25–27°C, and the islands recover their calm. Dubrovnik in September is genuinely beautiful — the old town is walkable without August's congestion, the restaurants are open with tables available, and the walls walk is a pleasure rather than an ordeal. Prices drop by 20–30% compared to August. The island ferry routes remain fully operational throughout September.

Who it suits

Couples and adults who want the best of Croatia without peak-season pricing and crowds. Foodies who want the full Dalmatian seafood and wine experience in unhurried conditions. First-time Dubrovnik visitors who want to see the old city at its most atmospheric without its worst overcrowding.

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Honest warning: Late September ferry frequencies to some smaller islands begin to reduce. The Kornati Islands National Park (accessible only by boat from Zadar or Šibenik) is exceptional in September when private boats thin out.

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Algarve Portugal golden cliffs and calm turquoise sea in September light

Portugal

26°C / 79°Favg high
9hrs/daysunshine
21°Csea
2h 30m to Faro; 2h 20m to Lisbonflight

Why September?

September is the optimal month for the Algarve — temperatures are warm (25–28°C) but not oppressive, and the Atlantic sea temperature reaches its annual peak at 20–22°C. The clifftop walking trails (Rota Vicentina, Seven Hanging Valleys) are accessible without summer heat. The Algarve is noticeably quieter from the second week of September as the main European school holidays end. Prices fall sharply while the weather remains excellent. Lisbon in September is outstanding for city exploration — warm evenings, outdoor dining, and the major tourist sites accessible without peak congestion.

Who it suits

Adults and couples who want warm weather, walking, and cultural exploration without peak-season pricing. Golfers — the Algarve has some of Europe's finest golf courses and September conditions are ideal. Families who want beach weather at reduced prices after their own school holiday has ended.

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Honest warning: Atlantic sea temperatures in Portugal peak in September at around 20–22°C — warmer than any other month but still cooler than Mediterranean equivalents. The Algarve west coast (Sagres area) has stronger winds and rougher sea conditions than the central and eastern Algarve.

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Tenerife Canary Islands coastline with volcanic peaks and warm Atlantic sea

Canaries

26°C / 79°Favg high
8hrs/daysunshine
23°Csea
4h 05m from southern UK airports; 4h 30m from Scotlandflight

Why September?

The Canary Islands in September offer something the Mediterranean cannot: reliable warmth even as the rest of Europe's summer ends. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura all average 25–27°C in September with the Atlantic sea at around 23°C — warm enough for extended swimming. The islands are busy but noticeably quieter than August. The transition into the Canarian autumn is gentle — weather remains consistently good through October and November, unlike the Mediterranean.

Who it suits

Travellers who want the Mediterranean summer extended by a few more weeks. Families who have finished their UK school holiday but want one final warm break. Budget-conscious travellers who want reliable Canary warmth at lower post-August prices.

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Honest warning: The Canaries in September still attract significant numbers of UK package holiday tourists. Resorts in the south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria remain busy. If you want to avoid resort-dominated areas, the north of Tenerife (Puerto de la Cruz) or the quieter parts of Lanzarote offer a more authentic experience.

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Practical Tips for September Travel

September is consistently rated by experienced travellers as one of the best months to visit Mediterranean and European destinations. The formula is simple: school holiday crowds leave but the weather stays warm. This realisation is increasingly mainstream, so book early.

UK school terms vary by region and school — some areas return as early as late August, others not until mid-September. If your travel flexibility is tied to a specific school return date, check it carefully to maximise your September window.

September is excellent for active holidays — hiking, cycling, and water sports are all ideal in 25–28°C temperatures. The Greek islands, Portugal's Alentejo, the Dalmatian hinterland, and the Atlas Mountains are all outstanding for walking in September.

For long-haul September travel, East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania safari) is in peak dry season with excellent game viewing. India is entering its best season (from late September after the monsoon clears). Both offer outstanding September conditions.

Top Destinations by Airport — September

Direct flight availability and times from all 18 UK airports.

LHRLondon Heathrow
  • Greece3h 40m
  • Turkey3h 45m
  • Portugal2h 30m
LGWLondon Gatwick
  • Greece3h 40m
  • Canaries4h 00m
  • Croatia2h 35m
MANManchester
  • Canaries4h 20m
  • Greece3h 55m
  • Turkey3h 55m
STNLondon Stansted
  • Greece3h 40m
  • Portugal2h 25m
  • Croatia2h 30m
LTNLondon Luton
  • Greece3h 40m
  • Canaries4h 00m
  • Portugal2h 25m
BRSBristol
  • Canaries3h 50m
  • Portugal2h 20m
  • Croatia2h 30m
BHXBirmingham
  • Greece3h 50m
  • Canaries4h 15m
  • Turkey3h 50m
EMAEast Midlands
  • Canaries4h 25m
  • Greece3h 55m
  • Portugal2h 30m
LBALeeds Bradford
  • Canaries4h 15m
  • Greece3h 55m
  • Turkey3h 55m
LPLLiverpool
  • Canaries4h 20m
  • Greece3h 55m
  • Portugal2h 30m
NCLNewcastle
  • Greece4h 05m
  • Canaries4h 35m
  • Turkey4h 05m
EDIEdinburgh
  • Canaries4h 30m
  • Greece4h 00m
  • Portugal2h 40m
GLAGlasgow
  • Canaries4h 35m
  • Greece4h 05m
  • Portugal2h 45m
BFSBelfast International
  • Canaries4h 30m
  • Greece4h 05m
  • Turkey4h 10m
ABZAberdeen
  • Canaries5h via LGW
  • Greece4h 30m via EDI
  • Portugal3h 30m via LGW
CWLCardiff
  • Canaries4h 05m
  • Portugal2h 20m
  • Greece3h 50m
SOUSouthampton
  • Canaries4h 00m
  • Portugal2h 20m
  • Greece3h 50m
LCYLondon City
  • Greece3h 45m via LHR
  • Portugal2h 30m
  • Turkey3h 45m via LHR

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Disclaimer: Temperature, sunshine, and sea temperature figures are historical monthly averages for popular resort areas and may vary significantly by location and year. Flight times are approximate direct flight durations from southern UK airports; times from northern airports will typically be 20–40 minutes longer. Not all airports listed fly direct to all destinations in all months — availability varies by airline, season, and year. Always check current schedules with airlines directly. Go Point Travel is not a travel agent or booking service. We do not arrange or sell travel. Prices change frequently; verify all details before booking. We may earn affiliate commissions on some links. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before booking.