Where is hot in Europe in September?

September really is a golden month for travel in Europe. The school holidays are over, the intense heat of July and August begins to ease, and yet the sunshine lingers. You get warm days, balmy evenings, seas still perfect for swimming, and often better prices too. Crowds thin out, the pace feels calmer, and it is such a lovely time to explore.

So if you are looking for where you can still enjoy good weather in Europe in September, here are some of my favourite picks...

Cyprus

Cyprus is a September star. Daytime temperatures hover between 25°C and 30°C, sometimes climbing a little higher in places like Paphos. The Mediterranean sun still shines bright but without the stifling heat of high summer. The sea is beautifully warm at around 27°C which is perfect for swimming and watersports.

There is plenty to do too. Explore the ancient ruins in Paphos, wander the Troodos Mountains, or simply stretch out on sandy beaches like Protaras and Nissi Bay. September is also wine festival season in Limassol, which is a fantastic way to taste local heritage.

Malta

Malta is one of those places that stays reliably sunny. In September you can expect days between 21°C and 28°C and the sea is around 26°C early in the month. The evenings are balmy and perfect for dining outside by the water.

Valletta is a gem to explore, with its UNESCO listed sites and history at every turn, while BirguFest in early September brings music, food and heritage alive. The islands mix culture with coast so you can spend the morning exploring and the afternoon swimming.

Santorini, Greece

If you dream of sunsets and whitewashed villages, September is the time to visit Santorini. The heat has mellowed but days are still warm, with highs around 28°C. The sea is lovely for swimming and boat trips.

You can hike from Fira to Oia for those postcard views, sip local wine at the grape harvest celebrations, or enjoy the International Music Festival which takes place on the island in September. And of course, the sunsets are pure magic.

Seville, Spain

Seville is an inland beauty that still holds onto its summer warmth. September highs can reach into the 30s but without the humidity of July and August. It is the perfect time to wander the Alcázar Palace, marvel at Plaza de España, or lose yourself in the narrow streets of Santa Cruz.

Evenings are alive with flamenco and tapas. Local favourites like gazpacho and jamón taste even better in the balmy air. For nightlife, head to Alameda de Hercules for bars and music.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is the pearl of the Adriatic and September is such a lovely time to visit. Days are usually around 24°C with warm seas for swimming. The summer cruise crowds have eased off so you can walk the city walls in peace, take boat trips to nearby islands, or relax on quiet beaches.

The Dubrovnik Wine Festival also takes place in September, so you can enjoy the best of local food and wine while soaking up those views of terracotta rooftops against the sea.

Turkey

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is bathed in sunshine throughout September, with average highs of 28°C. The villages of Kaş and Kalkan are charming, while Bodrum brings chic beach clubs and gulet cruises. Cappadocia offers hot air balloon rides over the valleys, and Istanbul is perfect for a cultural city break with markets, palaces and the famous Grand Bazaar.

In odd numbered years, September also brings the Istanbul Biennial, a contemporary art festival that adds even more colour to the city.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily gives you the best of both worlds. In September, daytime highs average around 25°C, so it is comfortable for exploring ancient sites like the Valley of the Temples, then heading to the beach.

This is also harvest time, which means wine tasting and food festivals. Palermo celebrates the Feast of Saint Rosalia, filling the streets with music, food and fireworks. It is a lovely way to experience local culture.

Portugal

Portugal is a September delight. The Algarve still enjoys highs around 26°C, with golden beaches and dramatic cliffs. Lisbon is warm but not too hot, perfect for exploring Alfama, riding the yellow trams and enjoying a pastel de nata by the river.

The Douro Valley is in harvest season so you can join in wine tastings and vineyard tours, while the Alentejo offers quieter towns, medieval castles and miles of unspoilt beaches.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife is one of the safest bets for sunshine in September. Expect highs around 29°C with plenty of blue skies. The sea is perfect for swimming and you can go whale watching, try water sports or explore the volcanic landscapes.

The island also has a brilliant food scene, from Michelin starred dining to traditional Canarian dishes. It is a fantastic choice if you want reliable late summer sun without flying too far.

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is a classic September escape. Days average around 27°C to 29°C and the island feels calmer after the busy summer. You can wander the old streets of Palma, drive through the Tramuntana mountains, or explore pretty villages like Deià and Valldemossa.

The beaches are still inviting, and you can add in extras like sailing, catamaran trips or even a round of golf. It is a wonderful blend of relaxation and activity.

Athens and Crete, Greece

Athens is fantastic in September, with highs around 30°C but without the scorching heat of July. You can explore the Acropolis, visit the museums and enjoy long evenings in the Plaka with music and meze.

Crete is the most southerly Greek island and stays warm right through September with average highs of 27°C. It is the perfect time to explore Knossos, wander Chania’s old town, or hike the Samaria Gorge without the crowds.

A few other lovely options

If you do not need blazing hot sun, you can still find wonderful September escapes elsewhere in Europe.

• Barcelona mixes beach and city with highs around 26°C. La Mercè Festival at the end of the month brings music, dancing and fireworks.

• Provence is beautiful at harvest time, with sunny days around 25°C, vineyards full of grapes and the last of the lavender.

• Budapest is comfortable at 20°C with its spas, castles and September wine festival.

• Munich is cooler, around 18°C, but comes alive with Oktoberfest.

• Montenegro enjoys highs of 27°C, perfect for exploring the Bay of Kotor or sailing along the coast.

Warm seas in September

One of the best things about September is that the sea is still warm from summer. Cyprus averages 27°C, Malta 26°C and Greece 25°C. Even in northern spots like Nice you still get a comfortable 23°C. Early September tends to be the warmest, but even later in the month you will find swimming perfectly enjoyable.

Ready to plan your September escape?

September really does give you the best of both worlds. Warm sunny weather, calmer crowds, good prices and seas that are still perfect for swimming. Whether you want a city and culture fix, lazy beach days, or a little bit of everything, there is a European destination waiting for you.

If you would like to chat through the options and find the perfect September escape, please get in touch. I will take away the stress, share my first hand advice, and make sure you head off to somewhere that feels tailor made just for you.