Key Takeaways
- September is a sweet spot for sunshine: Most Mediterranean, Caribbean, and long-haul destinations stay comfortably above 25°C well into the month.
- Prices often dip after the school holidays: Package deals to the Canaries, Greece, and Cyprus can be £150-£400 cheaper per person in September than in August.
- The crowds thin out significantly: Santorini, Bali, and Tenerife all become noticeably quieter after the first week of September, making sightseeing far more enjoyable.
- Long-haul picks up steam: Florida, Maldives, and Bali sit in their best weather windows from late September, giving you a solid reason to fly further.
- Booking 3-5 months ahead still wins: Early September deals on Jet2holidays and TUI tend to be locked in by April or May for the best availability.
- Flexible payment options help: Spreading the cost of a September break means you can plan now without needing all the cash upfront, subject to eligibility.
Why September Is a Brilliant Month to Travel
Let's be honest: August in Europe is a lot, and if you're wondering where is hot in September as autumn begins, the best bets are places like Cyprus and Turkey at 32-34°C, Florida and the Maldives in the low 30s, and Lanzarote and Tenerife, where highs stay above 27°C through the month. Queues at every monument, overpriced restaurants heaving with frazzled families, and hotel pools that feel more like public baths. September changes all of that without actually changing the weather much.
Temperatures across Southern Europe, North and Southern Africa, and the wider Mediterranean barely budge between August and September; in many of these places, temperatures remain high and warm sunny days continue right through the month. Many Mediterranean destinations also get 8 to 11 hours of sunshine in September. You're still looking at highs of 28-34°C in most of the destinations on this list, with most Mediterranean and Caribbean spots comfortably above 25°C. What does change is the atmosphere: quieter beaches, shorter queues, and package prices that take a noticeable tumble once the school holidays officially end.
I tracked flight and hotel prices across a dozen popular destinations for the same travel dates in August versus early September, and the savings were real. Packages to Tenerife and Lanzarote were consistently £120-£250 cheaper per person, and flights to Greece on easyJet dropped by around £60-£80 each way. That is not nothing.
For UK travellers, including families who can be flexible, plus couples and solo travellers keen to dodge peak season, this guide compares the best hot holiday destinations in September with weather and temperature details, sunshine hours, price differences versus summer, crowd levels, practical travel tips, and ways to spread the cost. Here are the ten destinations that best answer where's hot in September without the August chaos.
1. Tenerife: Reliably Warm, Year-Round
Tenerife is the destination that never really has an off-season, which makes it a brilliant choice for September. Average highs sit around 28-30°C, the Atlantic trade winds keep things comfortable rather than oppressive, and the island genuinely quietens down once August ends.
The south of the island, around Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, is pure sun-and-sea territory. The north, particularly around Puerto De La Cruz, is greener and more atmospheric. Both reward a visit in September.
Jet2holidays and TUI both offer strong packages here, often including return flights from regional UK airports and half-board accommodation. If you want to explore the island's stunning beaches properly before you go, our guide to the best beaches in Tenerife covers the highlights. You can also spread the cost of your Tenerife holiday to make it easier to plan ahead.
Budget tip: September packages from Manchester or Birmingham to Tenerife on Jet2 frequently come in at £550-£750 per person for a week all-inclusive, compared to £750-£1,000 in August.
2. Greece: Athens, Santorini, and Crete Still Shine
Greece and it's nearby islands in September are genuinely special. The Aegean sits at around 25-26°C for swimming, and Greek Islands such as Santorini and Crete often stay around 24-28°C in September, while the tourist hordes that descend on Santorini and Mykonos in July and August have largely packed up and gone home.
Santorini in early September still gives you those famous whitewashed panoramic views and spectacular sunsets at Oia, but you can actually get a table at a restaurant without a two-hour wait, and September is ideal for exploring Santorini's quieter streets. Crete stays warm and lively well into October, making it one of the most reliable September picks for families and couples alike, with archaeological sites and beaches easier to enjoy after the summer rush.
Athens is worth adding on if you can. The Acropolis is genuinely breathtaking, and September temperatures of around 28°C make it far more walkable than the brutal 35-38°C of late July.
Flights: easyJet and Ryanair both serve major Greek airports from a range of UK airports. BA operates direct to Athens from Heathrow. Use these tips for finding cheap flights to track the best fares a few months out.
3. Lanzarote: Volcanic Drama and Consistent Heat
Lanzarote gets less attention than Tenerife or Gran Canaria, but it absolutely deserves its place on this list. The island sits close enough to the African coast to enjoy reliably warm and dry weather almost every month of the year. September sees average highs of 27-29°C, very little rain, and makes it an optimal time for late summer sun without the massive package-holiday crowds you get in the peak summer months.
The landscape here is like nowhere else in Europe. The Timanfaya volcanic national park, the green lagoon at El Golfo, and the extraordinary cave system at Jameos del Agua all make Lanzarote feel far more interesting than a standard sun-and-beach destination.
Beaches like Papagayo (technically in the south of the island, accessible via a short drive through a nature reserve, the perfect place for wildlife spotting) are genuinely stunning, with calm turquoise water and golden sands.
Package deals in September from operators like TUI and Jet2holidays often undercut August prices significantly. If you want to spread your payments across the coming months, pay monthly for a Lanzarote holiday through Vuelo to keep your budget flexible, subject to eligibility.
4. Cyprus: Long Summers, Warm Seas
Cyprus has one of the longest sunshine seasons of any destination within a four-to-five-hour flight from the UK. September is arguably its best month. Highs reach 32-34°C, the sea temperature sits at around 27°C (warmer than most of the Mediterranean), and the island sheds the very busiest period of summer while still running at full pace in terms of restaurants, bars, and activities, while still feeling like a place that remains warm well into the month.
Paphos on the west coast is particularly popular with British travellers. It has a well-developed resort strip, a historic town, and easy access to the Akamas peninsula for hiking and sea caves. Ayia Napa in the east is more party-focused, while Limassol offers a brilliant blend of beach, ancient ruins, and access to medieval towns as well as the island's broader archaeological appeal. September is also a great time for wine tasting in the Troodos Mountains.
Jet2holidays has a strong presence in Cyprus, with packages often including regional UK departures. TUI also covers the island well. Prices in September tend to drop by around £100-£200 per person versus August for comparable packages.
One thing worth noting: Cyprus can feel genuinely hot in early September, especially inland. Pack light clothing and plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings rather than midday to avoid the midday sun.
5. Turkey: Incredible Value and Brilliant Weather
Turkey in September is a genuinely excellent combination of warm weather, good food, and seriously competitive pricing. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, including Bodrum, Antalya, Marmaris, and Dalaman, see highs of 28-32°C through the month, with sea temperatures still warm enough for proper swimming.
The all-inclusive model is particularly popular in Turkey, and for good reason. You can find week-long all-inclusive packages from operators like TUI, Jet2holidays, and On the Beach for as little as £500-£700 per person in September, which is exceptional value compared to comparable resorts in Greece or Cyprus.
Beyond the beach, September is a great time to visit places like Ephesus (one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world) or the surreal thermal pools at Pamukkale. Both are considerably more pleasant to explore in 30°C September air than the scorching 38°C heat of August.
Flights from the UK run with Ryanair (to Bodrum and Dalaman), easyJet (Antalya, Bodrum), and TUI Airways. BA operates routes to Istanbul if you want to build in a city break.
6. Bali: Shoulder Season Perfection
Bali's dry season runs from May to September, which makes late September one of the last chances to catch the island at its absolute best before the wetter months arrive in October and November. Temperatures sit at a consistent 28-30°C, so visitors can expect warm, drier conditions in late September, and the rice terraces and temple complexes are lush and green.
Ubud is the cultural heart: rice paddies, traditional dance performances, world-class spa retreats, and genuinely brilliant food. Seminyak and Canggu on the south coast offer beach clubs, surf, and a buzzing social scene, while Bali also works well for travellers seeking adventure. Nusa Penida, just off the south coast and usually reached by boat trip, has become increasingly popular for its dramatic cliffs and incredible snorkelling.
The flight is long (roughly 15-16 hours with a connection, usually via Singapore, Dubai, or Kuala Lumpur), which means the cost adds up. That's where planning ahead and spreading the cost makes sense. Whether that's through paying for flights in instalments or using a flexible payment plan, the key is giving yourself enough runway to budget properly.
Skyscanner is your friend for tracking fares to Denpasar (DPS) from UK airports.
7. Florida, USA: Theme Parks Without the Peak-Summer Madness
Florida, USA in September might raise eyebrows given hurricane season, but here's the reality: the weather is warm (30-33°C), most days are sunny, and the theme parks are at their least busy. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld all run shorter queues and lower ticket prices compared to July and August.
The Gulf Coast beaches around Clearwater and St Pete stay beautifully warm, and the Keys are a genuinely brilliant alternative to Orlando if you want to swap rollercoasters for snorkelling and sunset cocktails.
Yes, September sits in hurricane season technically. The risk is real but manageable. Travel insurance that covers weather disruption is non-negotiable here, and most travel operators will offer rebooking options if there's a named storm in the forecast. BA, Virgin Atlantic, and TUI Airways all fly direct to Orlando and Miami from London.
Prices for transatlantic flights can be lower in September than peak summer, often by £100-£200 per person return. If you're planning a big family Florida trip, thinking carefully about how to save for the holiday well in advance will make the whole thing far less stressful.
8. Morocco: Culture, Warmth, and Affordability
Morocco in September is one of the most underrated short-haul options from the UK. Marrakech sits at around 33-35°C, which is hot but manageable in the evenings, while Essaouira on the Atlantic coast benefits from sea breezes that keep things closer to 25-27°C. Both are brilliant in their own way.
The medina in Marrakech, the souks, the Djemaa el-Fna square at dusk, the rooftop riads: it's an assault on the senses in the best possible way. Agadir, on the southern Atlantic coast, is more of a classic beach resort with a well-developed tourist infrastructure and a very reliable sunshine record.
Ryanair flies to Marrakech from a range of UK airports, often for under £100 return if you book ahead. easyJet also serves Marrakech and Agadir. For a four-to-five-night city break, Morocco is one of the most budget-friendly options available.
One practical note: Ramadan dates shift each year, so always check whether your September dates fall near any local holidays that might affect opening hours or restaurant availability. In 2025 and 2026, Ramadan falls earlier in the year, so September travellers should be fine.
9. Maldives: Shoulder Season Value on a Luxury Icon
The Maldives has a reputation for being wildly expensive, and it can be. But September is an ideal time for travellers comparing luxury against peak-season pricing, sitting in the transition period between the wet season (May to October, broadly) and the peak season that kicks off in November. What this means in practice: there's still sunshine and warm temperatures (around 29-31°C), some afternoon showers are possible, and resort prices drop noticeably compared to the November to April peak.
The snorkelling and diving is still excellent, the overwater bungalows are still extraordinary, and the beaches and lagoons still deliver the crystal clear waters people come for. The Maldives is also known for its pristine beaches and some of the best resorts in the Indian Ocean. You'll also find far fewer guests competing for sunloungers, with fewer crowds adding to that quieter luxury feel and often making September a more wonderful time for travellers who care about value, space and going at a leisurely pace. If the Maldives has always felt out of reach financially, September is one of the better windows to make it work.
It's also worth knowing that many Maldives resorts require you to book flights and accommodation separately, which means the total cost can feel particularly large upfront. Spreading that cost with our Fair Financing option (subject to eligibility, and whether it's right for you depends on your circumstances) is exactly the kind of situation we built it for. Rates depend on your circumstances.
10. Portugal: Algarve and Lisbon at Their Best
Portugal rounds out this list as one of the most consistently excellent September destinations for UK travellers. The Algarve averages 28-30°C through September, the sea is warm (around 22-23°C), and the crowds from the peak summer months thin out considerably. Across this part of Iberia, southern Spain and the Algarve typically see 27-32°C in September. Lisbon, meanwhile, averages 26°C in September, making it one of the best times to explore the city's historic attractions. For travellers weighing other southern European options, Sardinia averages 26°C in September and sits in the Mediterranean Sea, while Croatia averages 25°C.
The Algarve's stunning coastline, cliffs, sea caves, and golden beaches (Praia da Marinha and Praia de Benagil are the ones everyone photographs) are best explored in September when you can actually get a parking spot and find space on the sandy beaches. It's also a great time for relaxed warm days on the beautiful beaches without the peak-summer crush.
Ryanair and easyJet both fly to Faro (for the Algarve) and Lisbon from multiple UK airports, often for very competitive fares. TAP Air Portugal also connects London Heathrow to Lisbon and Porto. Package deals from Jet2holidays and TUI include some excellent Algarve options. Nearby Andalucia on Spain's southern coast typically ranges from 18-32°C in September, which is ideal for exploring historic cities and beaches.
If you're still deciding when exactly to book and want to understand the best booking windows, our guide on the best time to book a holiday breaks down the data properly. And if September fills up for you, our October hot destinations guide has plenty of alternatives worth considering.
Where is the hottest place to go on holiday in September? Average temperatures explained
Cyprus and Turkey are consistently among the hottest destinations for UK travellers in September, with average highs of 32-34°C. Egyptian Red Sea resorts are also a strong choice, typically averaging 33-36°C at this time of year. If you want something even hotter, Dubai averages around 39°C in September and sees almost no rain. Further afield, Florida and the Maldives also deliver temperatures in the low 30s. If you want serious heat without a long flight, Lanzarote and Tenerife both stay well above 27°C through the entire month.
The key difference between destinations in September is often humidity rather than raw temperature. Morocco, Cyprus, and Dubai tend to feel drier, while Florida and Bali carry more humidity, which can make the heat feel more intense.
Is September a good time to go to Greece?
Yes, September is one of the best months to visit Greece, including many of the Greek islands, because you can enjoy temperatures that are warm but still comfortable for sightseeing. Sea temperatures are still warm (around 25-26°C), air temperatures sit at a comfortable 26-30°C on the islands, and the huge summer crowds that clog up Santorini and Mykonos in July and August have largely dispersed, making the September sun especially appealing for island visits. Crete's archaeological sites are less crowded in September.
Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu are all excellent in September. Prices on flights with easyJet and Ryanair often drop by £50-£80 per person compared to August, and hotel rates follow suit. It's a genuinely excellent time to go.
Where can I go on holiday in September without it being too hot?
If 35°C isn't your idea of fun, Portugal is your best bet. The Algarve sits at around 28-30°C in September, and southern Spain and the Algarve typically offer 27-32°C, which is warm but not overwhelming. Lisbon and Porto are even more manageable at 25-27°C. Sardinia is another good option, with average temperatures around 27°C in September. The Canary Islands (Tenerife and Lanzarote) also benefit from trade winds that take the edge off the heat.
Further afield, the Scottish Highlands or Iceland offer completely different September experiences for travellers avoiding hot weather: dramatic beautiful landscapes, aurora borealis sightings (Iceland from mid-September), and temperatures that feel refreshingly cool if you've had enough of the heat. Both are excellent for hiking and outdoor adventure.
Are September holidays cheaper than August?
Generally, yes. Once the UK school summer holidays end (typically in the first week of September), package prices to most popular Mediterranean and Canary Island destinations drop noticeably. The savings vary by destination and operator, but you can realistically expect to pay £100-£400 less per person for comparable holidays compared to late July or August.
The biggest drops tend to be on all-inclusive packages to Turkey, Lanzarote, and Tenerife. Flights on Ryanair and easyJet also tend to drop in price during September. The trade-off is that some smaller beach bars or water sports operators start winding down by mid-September, so check what's open before you book.
Can I spread the cost of a September holiday?
Yes. At Vuelo, we offer Fair Financing (subject to eligibility) that lets you spread the cost of your holiday over time rather than paying everything upfront, which can also help with planning your next holiday. Whether it's right for you depends on your circumstances, and we always recommend checking your budget before committing to a payment plan. Rates depend on your circumstances.
Our guide comparing pay monthly holidays, loans, and credit cards is a good starting point if you're weighing up your options. And if you're curious about how financing a holiday works in more detail, our guide on holiday finance safety covers the key questions.
The Bottom Line
September is genuinely one of the best months to travel from the UK. You get the sunshine, the warm seas, and the food (fresh seafood) without the peak-summer prices or the crowds. Whether you're after a classic Mediterranean beach break in Greece or Cyprus, volcanic drama in the Canaries, or something further afield in Bali or Florida, the options are brilliant.
The smartest move is to book early enough to get the best availability, and to think about how you're going to pay for it. Not every approach suits every budget, and that's fine. The important thing is that you actually go.
Ready to Book Your September Escape?
We built Fair Financing for exactly this: so you can lock in your September holiday now and spread the cost in a way that actually works for your budget, subject to eligibility.
