Basking in the dazzling heat is the stuff that summer holiday dreams are made of. However, the thought of the high-season crowds can put some travellers off. Luckily, there are still plenty of beautiful destinations around the world that stay hot well into early autumn.
Here, we take a look at where is hot in September across Europe and a selection of more long-haul destinations, so you can find the best sunny off-season retreats.
The best warm places to visit in September
| Country | Destination | Avg. temp September | Avg. hours of sun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | Rhodes | 25 °C | 11 |
| Portugal | Porto | 19 °C | 8 |
| Spain | Tenerife | 25 °C | 8 |
| Cyprus | Paphos | 24 °C | 10 |
| Germany | Munich | 13 °C | 6 |
| Italy | Florence | 20 °C | 7 |
| Morocco | Marrakech | 26 °C | 9 |
| Africa | Tanzania | 24 °C | 8 |
| Costa Rica | Caribbean Coast | 26 °C | 6 |
| Australia | Queensland | 23 °C | 9 |
Where is it hot in September in Europe?
- Rhodes, Greece
- Porto, Portugal
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Paphos, Cyprus
- Munich, Germany
- Florence, Italy
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Tanzania, Africa
- Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
- Queensland, Australia
1. Rhodes, Greece
- Average September temperature: 25 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 11
- Flight time from London: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Suitable for: Family Travel, Luxury Travel, Couples Travel
September is a spectacular time of year to visit Greece. The weather is still balmy and popular attractions, like the gorgeous beaches and historical sites, tend to be less crowded. If you’re looking for white sands, sea views and plenty of culture, Rhodes is the Greek island we’d recommend for you in September.
Visitors to Rhodes can enjoy a stroll around the stunning medieval city and harbour, which features an array of historical ruins and lovely views over the Old Town. You can also unwind and soak up some rays at Faliraki Beach.
This popular spot is perfect for swimming and, with fewer tourists out and about in September, is likely to be much quieter during the late summer off-season. Average temperatures in Rhodes in September sit at a comfortable 24 °C, so you’ll have no problem building up your summer tan while you laze on a sun-lounger.
2. Porto, Portugal
- Average September temperature: 19 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
- Flight time from London: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Suitable for: Couples Travel, Solo Travel, Backpacking
With boiling temperatures, legendary cuisine, historical sites, and a sandy beach nearby, Porto is the September destination that has it all. September temperatures in Porto peak in the high-20s but average a perfectly passable 20 °C.
The city is packed with historical, cobbled streets, and fascinating sites, such as Porto Cathedral and the Palacia da Bolsa. You can also pop into one of the many wonderful restaurants in Porto and try the famously hearty Francesinha, which is considered a local delicacy.
When the temperature climbs (which it sometimes does, even in September in Porto), you can take a bus out to Porto Beach, located around a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Porto Beach has lovely white sands and plenty of beachfront bars, where you can grab a cocktail or a beer. Perfect for summer lovers who want to enjoy the city sites and chill out on the coast.
3. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Average September temperature: 25 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
- Flight time from London: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Suitable for: Family Travel, Couples Travel, Group Travel
The Canary Islands are famous for being fabulous locations for some winter sun. Nevertheless, they experience some of the best weather in September, making them a great option for a late summer getaway too.
Curious about how hot Tenerife is in September? It’s easily one of the island’s balmiest months, with temperatures sitting comfortably in the high 20s throughout. Tenerife is the largest of the Canaries and it’s blessed with dozens of idyllic beaches (including several featuring dramatic black sand). Affordable resorts and family-friendly water parks dot the entire coastline, while Tenerife’s interiors feature the expansive Teide National Park. It’s a hotspot for hiking, especially for those who want to soak up views of the Mount Teide volcano crater.
4. Paphos, Cyprus
- Average September temperature: 24 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 10
- Flight time from London: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Suitable for: Family travel, Budget Travel
If you’re wondering where is hot and cheap in September, look no further than Cyprus. The idyllic Mediterranean nation has long been a destination for affordable beach breaks — and early autumn is possibly the perfect time to book one. Expect fewer crowds on the beaches due to the end of the summer school holidays, plus your pick of amazing beachfront accommodation options.
Paphos sits on the southwest coast of Cyprus and offers visitors a wide mix of things to add to their itineraries. As well as making the most of the high 20 °C temperatures at the city’s string of golden beaches, you can also soak up some intriguing history. Take a tour of the many relics related to Paphos’ Greek and Roman past, including the Agora and the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. Don’t forget to explore the picturesque Paphos Old Town, either. It’s crisscrossed with tiny streets lined with charming cafes and arts and crafts boutiques.
Where is it hot in September for sophisticated city breaks
5. Munich, Germany
- Average September temperature: 13 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
- Flight time from Londonl: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Suitable for: Couples Travel, Backpacking, LGBTQ
If you enjoy modest temperatures, a busy, social atmosphere, and sampling craft beers, Munich in September may be the ideal holiday destination for you. When it comes to considering where is hot in September, Munich is not the most scorching location on the list. However, temperatures sit at a comfortably warm average, with highs of 19-20 °C throughout September.
Another great plus of visiting Munich in September is that you will catch the start of Oktoberfest. Despite the name, this renowned German beer and food festival actually starts in mid-September and continues into October. Featuring fairground rides, stalls, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of food and drink, Oktoberfest is a great chance to enjoy some traditional German culture and mingle with the international crowds that flock to the festival each year. Perfect for party animals and foodies alike.
6. Florence, Italy
- Average September temperature: 20 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 7
- Flight time from London: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Suitable for: Couples Travel, Solo Travel
Wondering where is hot in Italy in September? While the majority of the country will still be enjoying high temperatures, the Tuscany region is particularly balmy. Art lovers are sure to be blown away by the cultural sites and incredible galleries that its capital, Florence, has to offer.
Visiting Florence in September is a great choice because, while the temperature stays hot during the day (averaging around 29 °C), it cools down at night. This gives you the chance to get more restful sleep; something that’s a necessity when you’ve got a busy day of sightseeing planned.
Visitors to Florence in September can enjoy popular cultural sites, like the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo Cathedral, and the Piazza della Signoria, which should generally be slightly quieter at this time of year. You could also take advantage of the sunny weather and enjoy a stroll in the stunning Giardino Bardini Gardens or the Centro Storico historical walking area.
7. Marrakech, Morocco
- Average September temperature: 26 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 9
- Flight time from London: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Suitable for: Budget Travel, Couples Travel
If you want to enjoy a bustling urban retreat in sunny September, Marrakech is an exceptional choice. With the Moroccan capital still regularly enjoying temperatures between 27 and 33 °C throughout September, heat-seekers will feel right at home. The city features many beautiful architectural sites and lush gardens, including the historic Palacio da Bahia and the Jardin Majorelle.
While the summer crowds will have started to thin, visitors to Marrakech will also still find plenty of places to eat and drink in September. Popular eateries like Dameh or Pointbar offer the chance to try some traditional Moroccan cuisine. Meanwhile, the thronging Marrakech markets are a great way to soak up the local culture and enjoy the thriving atmosphere. You can even grab a few bargains while you’re at it!
Where is hot in September for long-haul breaks?
8. Tanzania, Africa
- Average September temperature: 24 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
- Flight time from London: 8 hours 50 minutes
- Suitable for: Family Travel, Couples Travel, Luxury Travel
Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat if they visit Tanzania in September. As well as warm temperatures of between 24 and 31 °C, Tanzania is also home to two national parks where visitors can see African wildlife in their natural habitat. Early September is the start of autumn when the heat drops to more tolerable levels and before the rainy season starts.
September is also a period when animals cluster around the national park watering holes, making it the perfect time for a safari. Visitors to the Tarangire National Park stand a good chance of seeing one of the elephant herds that pass through the area at this time. Meanwhile, the Serengeti National Park is the perfect place to see big cats, like leopards and lions, in the wild.
9. Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
- Average September temperature: 26 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
- Flight time from London: 11 hours 35 minutes
- Suitable for: Couples Travel, Family Travel, Luxury Travel
Fancy splashing out and heading to some far-flung destinations this year? Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast in September should be at the top of your travel to-do list. Despite being midway through the rainy season, the Caribbean Coast enjoys blistering heat and unbroken sunshine for long spells in September.
Relax on white sands beneath the palm trees on Punta Uva Beach or visit the Gandoca-Manzanilla National Wildlife Refuge. The Wildlife Refuge is home to a huge variety of native turtles, as well as manatees, monkeys, and exotic birds. You could also visit the Tortuguero National Park to see Loggerhead turtles nesting on the beach.
10. Queensland, Australia
- Average September temperature: 23 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 9
- Flight time from London: 22 hours
- Suitable for: Group Travel, Family Travel, Backpacking
Intimidated by the thought of Australia’s extreme mid-summer temperatures? Why not explore the land down under in spring instead? September is the start of spring in Australia, offering a moderate average temperature of around 24 °C during the day. The mild spring nights are also especially nice for dining outside or for enjoying an evening out in one of Queensland’s bustling modern cities.
If you’re up for an urban September retreat, Brisbane in Queensland has plenty of cultural sites and trendy bars and restaurants to offer. Meanwhile, the coastal Whitsundays offer miles of golden shores and diving access to parts of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s an ideal destination for water lovers, with plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, sailing, and surfing.
When it comes to planning your perfect holiday, there are no hard rules in place. Travelling in September puts you firmly in the off-season, meaning you can likely find great deals on flights and hotels and enjoy famous tourist attractions without the enormous summer crowds.
Need some inspiration for other months in the autumn? Check out our guides to:
