Hotels
Where is it hot in September? Six places with sun and a warm sea
In September the sea is still summer warm, while the big holiday crowds have gone home. These are six places where it is hot in September, with what you need to know about the weather and the hotel we would book in each.
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It is a Tuesday in mid September, and the sunbeds on the beach are spread well apart. The sea is as warm as in August, but the schools have gone back and there is room at the bar. In the evening you can sit outside in shorts until late.
For many people September is the best month in southern Europe. The sea has had all summer to warm up, the midday heat is gentler and prices start to fall. Figures in this guide are average daytime highs for the month.
In short: where is it hot in September?
The hottest place on our list in September is Hurghada on the Red Sea, at around 32°C by day, followed by Alanya at about 29°C with a sea near 27°C. The Costa Blanca and Ibiza reach 27 to 28°C, the Algarve about 26°C and Crete about 25°C. For cities and autumn colour, see the best places to travel in September.
Hottest: Hurghada
Warmest sea in Europe: Alanya
Best for calm: Crete
Best for cliffs and coves: the Algarve
Best for city and beach: the Costa Blanca
Domes Noruz Chania
The pool and beach at Domes Noruz in Crete.
Crete: Chania as things calm down
Crete averages around 25°C by day in September, with the sea near 24°C, almost as warm as in August. The meltemi, the northerly summer wind, blows less often as the month goes on.
Walk the Venetian harbour in Chania in the evening, drive out to the lagoon at Balos or the pink sand at Elafonisi, and swim while the beaches are quieter than in July.
The catch: there can be the odd shower towards the end of the month, but they pass quickly. Read about Crete's best beaches.
Domes Noruz: on the beach outside Chania
Domes Noruz Chania sits on Agioi Apostoli beach just west of Chania, with pools leading down to the sea and several suites with private pools. The old town is a few minutes' drive away. It suits couples who want both beach and town life.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Domes Noruz
Tivoli Carvoeiro
The pool at Tivoli Carvoeiro in the Algarve.
The Algarve: cliffs and coves in late summer
The Algarve averages around 26°C by day in September, with the sea near 21°C. The Atlantic is fresher than the Mediterranean, but the days are long and almost always dry.
Take a boat to the caves at Benagil, walk the Seven Hanging Valleys clifftop trail and eat grilled fish by the harbour in Carvoeiro.
The catch: the water is cooler than further east, and the most exposed beaches can have waves. Read our Algarve guide.
Tivoli Carvoeiro: on the cliffs above the sea
Tivoli Carvoeiro sits on the cliffs just east of Carvoeiro, with pools looking out over the Atlantic and steps down to a small beach. The village is within walking distance. A practical pick if you want sea views with life nearby.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Tivoli Carvoeiro
Arycanda Kirman Premium
The pool at Arycanda Kirman in Alanya.
Alanya: a warm sea well into autumn
Alanya averages around 29°C by day in September, and the sea holds around 27°C, the warmest in Europe on our list. The midday heat is less fierce than in August.
Swim at Cleopatra Beach, take a boat around the castle rock and walk up to Alanya Castle towards evening, when the light softens and the views are clear.
The catch: the big resorts are still full early in the month, and it gets quieter towards the end. Read our Alanya guide.
Arycanda Kirman: pools and a beach
Arycanda Kirman Premium sits on the beach at Avsallar, west of Alanya, with large pools, several restaurants and an all inclusive plan. It is a resort for families and friends who want plenty of choice without leaving the hotel.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Arycanda Kirman
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay
The terrace at Kempinski Soma Bay.
Hurghada: the Red Sea and its reefs
Hurghada averages around 32°C by day in September, with the sea near 27°C. It is dry, and the northerly breeze makes the heat easier to bear.
Snorkel over the coral reefs, take a boat to the islands of the Giftun marine park and spend an evening at the marina in Hurghada.
The catch: midday is very hot, so desert trips are best planned for early morning. Read our Hurghada guide.
Kempinski Soma Bay: a long beach and reefs
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay sits on the Soma Bay peninsula south of Hurghada, with a long sandy beach, large pools and reefs just offshore. There is good wind for kitesurfing and calm water for snorkelling. A good pick for couples and families who want to spend most of their time in the water.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Kempinski Soma Bay
SH Villa Gadea
The pool at Villa Gadea in Altea.
The Costa Blanca: city and beach around Alicante
The Costa Blanca averages around 28°C by day in September, with the sea near 25°C. The water is often warmer than in June.
Climb to Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante, swim at Postiguet beach and take the tram or drive to Altea and Villajoyosa with their colourful houses.
The catch: late in the month there can be sudden heavy downpours, known locally as gota fría. Read our Alicante guide.
Villa Gadea: views over Altea
SH Villa Gadea sits by the sea in Altea, with a pool facing the Mediterranean and a spa. The old town of Altea, with its blue church dome, is a short trip away. It suits couples who want a calm base on the Costa Blanca.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Villa Gadea
ME Ibiza
The pool at ME Ibiza.
Ibiza: season's end with warm water
Ibiza averages around 27°C by day in September, with the sea near 25°C. The clubs stay open until the big closing parties in early October.
Swim in the east-coast coves near Santa Eulària, visit the Las Dalias market and have dinner in Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza Town.
The catch: early in the month it can still be expensive, but prices drop as September goes on. Read our Ibiza guide.
ME Ibiza: a rooftop in Santa Eulària
ME Ibiza sits on S'Argamassa bay near Santa Eulària, with a rooftop terrace, a pool and the beach right below. It is calmer than the west coast, with a bar and music in the evening. A good pick for couples and friends.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at ME Ibiza
Good to know before you book
The sea is still warm: the Mediterranean is often 24 to 27°C in September.
Prices fall: once schools are back it gets cheaper, especially from mid month.
Days get shorter: it gets dark earlier than in July, so start excursions earlier.
Watch the forecast: late in the month there can be showers along the coast.
September sun: frequently asked questions
Where is hottest in September?
Of the places on our list, Hurghada is hottest at around 32°C by day in September, followed by Alanya at about 29°C.
Where is the sea warmest in Europe in September?
Alanya has the warmest sea in Europe on our list, at around 27°C in September.
Is September good for a beach holiday?
Yes. The sea is warm after the summer, the midday heat is gentler and there are fewer visitors than in July and August.
Is it cheaper to travel in September?
Often, especially after mid month once schools across Europe have gone back.
Does it rain much in September?
Little in most of the places on our list, but there can be showers around the Mediterranean late in the month.