Heading off to Europe in September is basically a cheat code for extending your summer.
It's your last chance for a warm break before the woolly jumpers and pumpkin spice lattes invade every coffee shop in the land.
While your feed is filling with melancholy end-of-summer posts, you could be sipping sangria in 30-degree heat. Sounds good, right?
Adobe Free Stock / Kittiphan
So where is hot in September in Europe? Here's your guide to chasing the heat without breaking the bank.
You’ll also find some handy advice on staying connected with affordable data via. travel eSIMs while living your best life abroad.
Where Is Hot in September in Europe?
To put it bluntly, September weather is a beautiful lie in the UK and Ireland.
One minute it's full-on shorts weather, the next you're digging out your transitional jacket.
You know the one - too warm for summer and practically useless in winter.
But southern Europe in September is a different story entirely.
It's more like 28-34°C in the heat of the day. Which means manageable humidity and sea temperatures that won't make you gasp.
Where Is Hot in September in Europe? By Country
Adobe Free Stock / Kaspars Grinvalds
- Spain - Andalusia hits 28-33°C. The Canary Islands and Balearics are also warm and sunny.
- Portugal - Expect 26-30°C in the Algarve and Alentejo.
- Greece - Reaches up to 29°C with clear skies.
- Italy - 25-30°C across Sicily, Puglia and Sardinia.
- Cyprus - Still pushing mid-30s, it's hot and dry across much of the island.
Where Is Hot in September in Europe? By City
Palermo, Sicily / Adobe Free Stock / Nina
- Seville, Spain - 31°C. Bring a hat and loads of sunblock.
- Rhodes, Greece - 30°C and perfect for swimming.
- Faro, Portugal - 28°C. Great weather, fewer crowds.
- Valletta, Malta - 28°C and packed with sunshine.
- Palermo, Sicily - 28°C. The food is worth it alone.
- Antalya, Turkey - 32°C and affordable luxury.
- Tirana, Albania - 30°C relatively crowd-free and great value for Brits.
- Chania, Crete - 27°C with dreamy beaches.
Where Is Hot in September and Cheap?
Looking for cheap hot holidays in September? Hello, shoulder season.
The kids and teachers are back in school and you'll find affordable sunshine across Europe. Especially in under-the-radar spots.
Sveti Vlas, Bulgaria / Adobe Free Stock / Denis Rozhnovsky
Best Budget Destinations for Sunshine
- Albania - Ksamil and Sarandë are beachy bargains.
- Turkey - Big value, small bills and big sun.
- Bulgaria - Resorts such as Sunny Beach and Sveti Vlas are still sunny - and cheap.
- Alentejo Coast, Portugal - Quiet and warm.
- Canary Islands - Hot all year and wallet-friendly.
Ksamil, Albania / Adobe Free Stock / Nicola
Five Tips for Booking Cheap Hot Holidays in September
1. Set Price Alerts and Pounce When Fares Drop
Booking early can save money, but flash sales and last-minute deals also pop up. Track both to cover your bases.
2. Fly Midweek and Avoid The Sunday Stampede
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are your sweet spot. Cheaper flights, calmer airports and less chance of queuing behind a stag do dressed as Minions.
3. Use Incognito Mode - Because The Internet Is Watching
Yes, it’s a bit tin-foil-hat. But searching in private mode, or clearing your cookies, might stop prices from mysteriously creeping up every time you look.
4. Land At A Regional Airport, Just Don't Forget The Coach Fare
Flying into "not quite Barcelona" or "Possibly Rome" is often cheaper. Just double-check you're not blowing the savings on a three-hour bus ride.
5. Book Hotels With Free Cancellation - Because Plans Change And Prices Drop
Lock in something now, then keep an eye out for cheeky deals closer to the time. Free cancellation = smug flexibility.
Some parts of Europe are still properly toasty in September. In Seville, temps can hit 33°C. That's hotter than Dubai at the same time of year.
Hot Holiday Destinations in September for Every Traveller
For Beach Lovers
- Crete, Greece - Greece's largest island still hits 28°C in September, with sandy beaches, turquoise water and space to breathe after the summer crowds.
- Menorca - Quieter than its Balearic siblings, this one's all hidden coves, calm seas and chilled beach days. Ideal if you've got kids or just hate crowds.
- Cyprus - Guaranteed sunshine and sea that feels like a bath. Plus mezze, wine and no stress.
- Ksamil, Albania - Think Maldives-on-a-budget. White beaches, crystal-clear waters and a fraction of the price.
Limassol, Cyprus / Adobe Free Stock / Myroslava
For Food and Drink Lovers
- Puglia, Italy - Olive oil, orecchiette and ocean views, Puglia is perfect for slow food fans and those who live for a long lunch.
- Porto, Portugal - Port tastings, seafood and riverside dining with dreamy views will have food lovers never wanting to leave.
- Sicily, Italy - Arancini, cannoli, pistachio everything. Sicily is a sun-drenched heaven for food-obsessed travellers.
Cannoli in Sicily / Adobe Free Stock / Anna_Anny
For Adventure Seekers
- Madeira - Hike the levadas, climb volcanoes, then cool off in natural swimming pools, all in the space of a day.
- Azores - Wild, lush, volcanic and barely touched, Azores is ideal if you like your holidays with a side of wow.
- Slovenia - Caves, lakes, forests and a capital you can cycle across in 20 minutes. It's Europe's underrated gem.
Triglav National Park, Slovenia / Adobe Free Stock / Richard Semik
For Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
- Athens, Greece - Reliable Wi-Fi, co-working cafes and ancient ruins just down the road make Athens a remote working hotspot.
- Valencia, Spain - Valencia offers affordable living, beach-adjacent workdays and late-night tapas after clocking off.
- Lisbon, Portugal - With sun, surf and startup energy, Lisbon is remote-worker heaven. Pastéis de Nata on tap might just seal the deal.
Parthenon, Athens / Adobe Free Stock / jekatarinka
Stay Connected on Your Trip - Why Travel eSIMs Make Sense
Remember when travel meant roaming charges or waiting around for public Wi-Fi to load? Those days are gone, thanks to travel eSIMs.
An eSIM is your passport to affordable data abroad.
Just download your eSIM for Europe before your trip, activate it on arrival, and enjoy reliable data throughout your holiday.
If you're planning your next adventure and want to stay connected, Airalo offers the best eSIMs for travel.
With plans for every budget and country, it's the easiest way to stay online wherever you go.
FAQs
1. Is September a Good Time to Visit Southern Europe?
Absolutely. You get the sun without the summer prices or the crowds.
2. What's the Best Travel eSIM for Europe?
Look for regional eSIMs that cover multiple countries. No roaming. No stress - and Airalo has you covered.
3. Do I Need an eSIM for a European Holiday?
If you're from the UK or Ireland, a travel eSIM is cheaper and easier than traditional roaming.
4. Can I Use an eSIM Instead of a Physical SIM on Holiday?
Yes - Most newer phone models support eSIMs. They're convenient, secure and take just minutes to set up.