16 Hottest Places in Europe in September to Visit
Looking for the hottest places in Europe in September? These are some of my favourite destinations to visit for a hot holiday without the peak summer crowds!
September is one of the best months of the year to travel around Europe. You’ll avoid the mad crowds of July and August and the prices will be lower too. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy some fantastic warm weather with many beautiful destinations in Europe still experiencing temperatures well into the 30s Celsius.
We’ve visited Europe in September plenty of times. I typically avoid July and August like the plague (I’m really not a fan of the crowds), so September and October are usually when we go on our summer break. And honestly, I find it a much more enjoyable time to travel.
So, if you’re looking for a September travel destination where you can still catch a sun tan, here are a few of my favourite places to visit at this time of year.
My Favourite Warm Places in Europe in September
✅ The Algarve: perfect for a sunny beach break – Book a trip here!
✅ Paphos: for historic island vibes – Book a trip here!
✅ Zadar: for a historic city break and National Parks – Book a trip here!
1. Antalya, Turkey
Average Temperature: 29°C
Antalya is one of those places that I could return to again and again. There’s a surprisingly large amount to see here, both in the city and in the surrounding area.
We spent a week in Antalya in late September and it was beautiful. The weather was around 28°C the entire time and we could enjoy the beaches and spend some time exploring the archaeological sites around the city.
If you decide to go to Antalya, I highly recommend you also visit the area south of the city. Here, you’ll find some of the most magnificent ruins in Turkey. Yet, compared to sights like Ephesus, they are largely unknown.
We hired a driver and asked him to take us to Olympos, Phaselis, and Termessos. We also got a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Aspendos and Side further along the south coast. The city is also incredibly historic with old castle ruins, cobbled streets, and a historic gate in the old town.
If you want the perfect blend of history and beautiful beaches, you’ll love a trip to Antalya.
Top Tip: We also went on a tour to Cappadocia from Antalya. If you want to see several parts of Turkey in one trip, this is a great way to do it.
2. Split, Croatia
Average Temperature: 25°C
To this day, Split is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Croatia. The entire town is stunning, with the most beautiful old town.
It’s a maze of little streets and alleyways all leading back to the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace in the heart of the city. From there, you can climb the tower to see panoramic views over the ocean and the entire city.
But Split isn’t just a pretty old town. There’s a lot you can do and see in the surrounding area. It’s just a short drive from the picturesque town of Trogir where you’ll find a waterside castle and more gorgeous cobbled streets, and you can also reach the magnificent Krka National Park in just 1 hour.
During our road trip around Croatia, this was one of the most fantastic places we saw and I highly recommend a visit if you’re looking for a late summer escape.
3. Oludeniz, Turkey
Average Temperature: 30°C
For gorgeous white sand beaches and stunning mountainous surroundings, Oludeniz is perfect. It’s also one of the hottest places to visit in Europe in September with temperatures around 30°C.
There’s plenty to do here but the most famous attraction is the picturesque Blue Lagoon. The amazing circular beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe.
It attracts people for two reasons – firstly, to swim in the crystal-clear waters, and secondly, the paragliding in Oludeniz is some of the best in Europe.
You can jump off of Babadag Mountain and soar over the Blue Lagoon from above. It’s a magical experience and something that should be on your Europe bucket list.
As well as paragliding and enjoying the beaches, you can also visit abandoned villages, trek through an ancient gorge, visit a neighbouring market town, and see ancient rock tombs while in Oludeniz.
4. Malta
Average Temperature: 28°C
Malta is such a hidden gem in Europe and I fell in love with the island when we visited. During September, the weather is nice and toasty, with average highs of around 30°C, perfect for lounging on the beaches and exploring the small fishing villages.
However, don’t go thinking that all there is to Malta is its beaches! Malta is full of incredible things to do – we spent a week on the island and could easily have stayed longer.
You can explore hidden coves, get a boat to the Blue Grotto, visit temples that are thousands of years old, go for walks along the clifftops with stunning views over the countryside, and see underground catacombs.
There are also several forts and ancient citadels to explore. You can even walk a heritage trail through the countryside that’s littered with ruins.
5. Algarve, Portugal
Average Temperature: 26°C
For some of the most stunning beaches in Portugal, head to the Algarve. Located on the south coast of the country, the Algarve is one of the most photographed areas of Portugal.
The Algarve is mostly known for its rugged coastline with countless little coves and beaches, beautiful red and yellow limestone stacks, and a bright blue ocean. It’s a paradise for beach lovers.
During September, you’ll find fantastic temperatures throughout the region, making it a great month for sunbathing on the beaches and swimming in the ocean.
You can also explore the lovely little towns in the area. Places like Alvor, Portimao, Lagos, and Caoveria are well worth adding to your itinerary with their narrow streets, pretty whitewashed buildings, and great restaurants serving fresh seafood.
6. Rhodes, Greece
Average Temperature: 27°C
The first island I ever visited in Greece, Rhodes has always had a special meaning for me. It was also the first time I went abroad without any supervising adults to hold my hand!
Rhodes is beautiful. In my opinion, it’s one of the best Greek islands because it’s the perfect blend of history, beautiful natural sights, and vibrant nightlife.
Some of my favourite places to visit in Rhodes include the historic old town, the Street of the Knights, and the Palace of the Grand Master.
I also recommend visiting places like Seven Springs for gorgeous hiking trails and views over the mountains and St Paul’s Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes, which is the perfect place for swimming in the ocean.
Located above St Paul’s Bay, you’ll find one of the island’s most impressive historical sites – the Acropolis of Lindos. Although the walk up to this spot can be tiring in the heat, the views from the top are stunning.
Don’t forget to visit the town of Lindos too and explore its historic buildings, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants.
7. The Canary Islands, Spain
Average Temperature: 27°C
For rugged volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, and some of the greatest cuisine in Europe, these Spanish Islands make a great choice for a September holiday.
They are located closer to Africa than Spain and boast some lovely temperatures all year round. In fact, they are often the warmest places to visit in February and March as well as September.
Because of this, they can also get very busy. Particularly during the peak summer months. This is why I suggest visiting in September (ideally towards the end of the month) because you’ll still get glorious days of sunshine, but much fewer tourists.
Since the temperatures will still be beautiful, you can spend your days riding a dirt buggy over the volcanoes, lounging on the beaches, or swimming in the ocean, without it feeling quite so busy!
8. Lisbon, Portugal
Average Temperature: 26°C
The Portuguese capital is a great place to visit for a September city break. The hilly streets will also be quieter than the peak summer months and accommodation prices will be cheaper in the capital.
Lisbon is a gorgeous city. There are a lot of great historical sights here like the picturesque Belem Tower, the hilltop castle of Sao Jorge, and the fantastic Jerónimos Monastery.
There’s less opportunity for a swim in the sea than in the Algarve, but you can still explore the few beaches around the capital and take a refreshing dip in the water.
I also highly recommend taking a day trip to Sintra while you’re in Lisbon. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Portugal and the vibrant multi-coloured castle should certainly be on your bucket list.
9. Athens, Greece
Average Temperature: 28°C
Athens is another of the top city breaks in September in Europe. We actually visited the city in October and the weather was still perfect, so September will be hot and much more affordable than July and August.
Athens is without a doubt one of the best cities to visit in Europe. There’s so much history here, it was one of the places that we’d been wanting to visit for a long time before we finally did.
As the birthplace of civilization as we know it, you can spend days in Athens simply wandering around the many historical sites. Of course, you have to see the Parthenon but don’t miss the Panathencic Stadium, the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis Museum, the Roman Forum, and so much more.
There are also some really great places to stay in Athens. We stayed in a lovely little apartment with a private hot tub with views of the Acropolis.
10. Fethiye, Turkey
Average Temperature: 30°C
Fethiye really surprised me and we had the best time there. Located about an hour from Dalaman Airport, Fethiye is one of the best places to visit in Turkey.
You will find great sandy beaches, historical sights like ancient rock tombs, ghost villages, and beautiful natural gorges.
We stayed in a lovely villa near the town centre and spent our days wandering around the market, discovering the historical sights, or lounging on the beaches. We also had quite a few BBQs!
Plus, because of Fethiye’s location, you can easily catch a bus to the nearby Oludeniz, go paragliding and admire the Blue Lagoon.
11. Paphos, Cyprus
Average Temperature: 29°C
If you love hidden gems and historical sites, you’ll love Paphos. This was another of those destinations where people told me there was nothing to see there except beaches. They could not have been more wrong!
Cyprus in general has so many wonderful historical sights, but Paphos in particular is excellent for history. There’s a waterfront castle, a house full of ancient mosaics, and the Tomb of the Kings which is a fascinating site full of underground tombs.
The old town is also very pretty with its little market full of shops and trinkets.
Plus, since they drive on the same side of the road to the UK in Cyprus, it was really easy for us to rent a car and explore more of the island. We travelled to the Kourion Amphitheatre and the city of Limmasol down the coast which are also well worth a visit.
12. Mykonos, Greece
Average Temperature: 25°C
I would never advise anyone to visit Mykonos in peak summer. That is one of the places I suggest avoiding at all costs because it just gets so overrun with tourists.
However, just before everything starts to close down, there’s a lovely window where the island is perfect – warm, affordable, and not crowded.
We spent a few days in Mykonos during this window and had the perfect time there. Our accommodations and flights were both really affordable (especially considering we had a private hot tub), and the weather was lovely during the day.
We were able to walk around in a T-shirt most of the time. We only had to add an extra cardigan in the evening because the coastal areas were quite windy.
There’s a great range of things to do in Mykonos too. You can visit the famous windmills, watch the sunset from Little Venice, explore the beaches in the south and even go for a small hike along the cliffs. It’s a very photogenic island.
I also highly recommend taking a ferry to Delos as the history there is fantastic.
Top Tip: I suggest visiting towards the end of the month if possible as early September is still very busy.
13. Zadar, Croatia
Average Temperature: 25°C
If you’re looking for a great coastal spot to spend a few days in September, then you can’t go wrong with Zadar. This is another region in Europe that is highly underrated, especially considering the surrounding area.
Zadar is much more than just a beach break. Yes, it does have great beaches and you can visit some truly beautiful spots along the coastline. But it’s also a gateway to some of Croatia’s unfound beauty.
You can visit both Plitvice and Krka National Parks easily from Zadar. Plus, in the immediate area, you’ll find Dugi Otok, a beautiful island with pristine beaches and breathtaking views.
14. Valencia, Spain
Average Temperature: 28°C
Located on mainland Spain on the country’s eastern coast, Valencia is one of the hottest places to visit in Europe in September. I think this is one of the most underrated places to visit in Spain, especially compared to other cities like Barcelona and Malaga. But it has a lot to offer.
As the sweltering summer heat begins to drop off, the September temperatures become much more bearable. It’s the ideal time to explore the city’s charming streets, picturesque parks, and stunning architecture.
You can stroll along the Turia Gardens, relax on the city’s beautiful beaches, or wander through the historic Old Town. I also recommend visiting the famous Valencia Cathedral and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.
Plus, can you really visit Spain without trying some delicious tapas?
15. Pula, Croatia
Average Temperature: 25°C
Pula is another of my favourite destinations to visit in Croatia. The historic city is located in Istria and has some of the most impressive historical sights of any Croatian city.
Of course, I’m primarily talking about the Pula Arena, one of the most well-preserved amphitheatres in Europe and a must-visit if you come to the city.
As well as exploring the arena, you can visit the Temple of Augustus, see the Twin Gate and the Communal Palace.
I also suggest climbing up to the top of Kastel for stunning views over the city and descending underneath the city to the Zerostrasse tunnels.
You can also take several great day trips from Pula, including to Cape Kamenjak, the city of Rijeka, and even to Venice!
16. Mallorca, Spain
Average Temperature: 28°C
Last but not least, Mallorca is another of the best hot places to visit in Europe in September.
Located in the Balearic Islands, it can get super busy during the summer months, but in September, things start to calm down a little. But, I still recommend avoiding the typical ‘party towns’ for a more relaxing and authentic experience.
September is the ideal time to explore Mallorca’s coastline. With crystal clear waters, golden beaches, and warm sea temperatures, it’s the perfect destination for swimming and sunbathing.
Plus, the island also has a pretty lush countryside with picturesque villages and hiking trails through the mountains.
You can also go quad biking, visit a winery, and even go on a hot air balloon ride. I recommend spending a few days in Soller and the capital Palma as well.
FAQs – Hottest Places to Visit in Europe in September
Still have questions about where to travel in September. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
What kind of weather can I expect in these destinations during September?
September in many of these places will bring sunny days and warm temperatures. I’d expect the weather to be in the mid-20s to low 30s and I really doubt you’ll experience any rain at all. It’s a great time for sightseeing and exploring the cities without the scorching heat of summer.
Are these destinations crowded in September?
Some places in southern Europe can still be crowded in September, especially at the start of the month. However, towards the mid to end of September, the crowds drop dramatically and you can experience a much nicer atmosphere than in the peak summer. You’ll also have shorter lines at attractions and an overall more relaxed atmosphere.
Will it still be beach weather in Europe in September?
Yes, all of these destinations (except the cities, where there are no beaches) will be perfect weather for exploring the beaches in September. You’ll still be able to sunbathe, catch a tan, and swim in the ocean.
Is September a good time to visit Europe for budget travellers?
Yes, as prices for accommodations and flights are usually lower compared to the peak summer months. Plus, with fewer crowds, you may find better deals on tours and activities.
Overall…
September is one of my favourite times to travel to Europe. You can find much more manageable conditions compared to the height of summer and temperatures are still lovely and warm.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe in September, I hope this list has given you plenty of inspiration to plan your trip. From the picturesque Spanish Islands to the historic cities of Greece, you’re sure to have the most amazing time!
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