September brings with it the sense of being between two seasons: days begin to shorten, cities return to their daily rhythms, and summer seems ready to give way to autumn. Yet, simply choosing the right destination makes it possible to rediscover full sun, pleasant temperatures, and a wonderful sea for a vacation.
In fact, for many destinations September is one of the best times of the year: the August crowds thin out, beaches become calmer, and visiting villages, archaeological sites, and natural landscapes becomes a lot more enjoyable.
A selection of destinations to consider in pursuit of summer.
Where to go in September for warm weather in Italy
To find weather still summery without going too far, the focus should be on the South and the islands: Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia boast days ideal for the sea, with the advantage that, once August ends, even the most loved locations regain calmer rhythms.
Marzamemi, Sicily’s fishing village facing the sea
In the far southeast of Sicily, Marzamemi is an ancient fishing village perched along the coast between Siracusa and Ragusa, in the territory of Noto. The low houses, the compact square, and the old tuna fishery still tell today of the deep bond with the sea.
In September the waters stay very warm, often around 25–26 °C, and the sunny days invite you to keep living outdoors while in other parts of Italy summer is already retreating.
The village is perfect for alternating sea, strolls, and local flavors without choosing the most obvious Sicilian destinations. In the surroundings, moreover, the southeastern Sicilian landscape lends itself to bike trips and coastal walks, while the nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve adds another valuable opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.
Capo Rizzuto Island, the wild Ionian Calabria
On the Calabrian Ionian coast, between Crotone and Soverato, Capo Rizzuto Island is a valid alternative to the more frequented towns on the Tyrrhenian side.
In September the maximum temperatures can still hover around 27–28 °C and the sea remains pleasantly warm, ideal for continuing the seaside season.
A great draw is especially the coast, rich in clear waters, coves, cliffs, and seabed to explore. Much of the marine territory is protected by the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, an ideal setting for snorkeling, boat excursions, and days spent on beaches that are less crowded.
Not to be missed is Le Castella, with the fortress that seems to rise from the sea and offers one of the most recognizable panoramas of this magical stretch of Calabria.
Costa Rei, the Sardinia that keeps summer going
In the southeast of Sardinia, in the territory of Muravera, Costa Rei is a long stretch of pale sand caressed by turquoise-hued sea within the embrace of the Mediterranean scrub.
September is one of the periods when the sea reaches the most pleasant temperatures of the year, while many services remain open and prices may be more affordable than in August.
The best way to discover it is to move away from the main beach and reach the coves and coastline stretches nearby, especially on weekdays. North and south of Costa Rei’s center you encounter more intimate corners where you can rediscover a quieter Sardinia, characterized by sand, the scent of scrub, and long days still fully summer-like.
Where to find still summer in Europe in September
Even beyond Italy’s borders, the Mediterranean continues to offer perfect temperatures for a sunny vacation. September is the ideal time to avoid the most crowded spots and discover coastlines where the sea goes hand in hand with trails, small towns, and archaeological legacies.
Ierapetra, the lesser-known Crete on the Libyan Sea
On Crete’s southeast coast, Ierapetra gazes out on the Libyan Sea and serves as an interesting base to explore a part of the island quite different from the busy Heraklion and Chania.
The summer season here extends into autumn and in September the climate remains hot, with a sea among the most pleasant in the Mediterranean; the wind is also less dominant than in the Cyclades.
Nearby you will encounter quiet beaches and coves, small settlements and landscapes still marked by agriculture: a more rural-feeling Crete, ideal for mixing swims and walks.
Kaş, the turquoise Mediterranean of the Lycian Coast
Colorful houses, coves set between the rocks, and ancient ruins make Kaş, on the Lycian Coast, one of the most interesting destinations in Turkey’s Mediterranean: in September daytime temperatures hover around 29°C, while the sea stays warm at about 26°C. The days are therefore perfect for swimming, diving, or boarding a boat to reach coves accessible only from the sea.
Compared with Bodrum or Marmaris, Kaş preserves a more intimate atmosphere. In the surrounding area you can also discover extraordinary places like Simena and Kekova, where the ruins of the ancient settlement continue beneath the water’s surface, or walk along sections of the Lycian Way.
Sagres, the wild Algarve between the ocean and cliffs
At the southwestern tip of the Algarve, Sagres offers a face of Portugal very different from the large resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura.
In September temperatures generally stay between 24 and 27 °C, with bright days and ideal conditions especially for alternating sea time with outdoor activities.
The landscape is dominated by tall cliffs, beaches battered by the Atlantic, and promontories that push into the ocean; it is a destination beloved by surfers, but also by hikers: in the surroundings runs the Rota Vicentina, a network of trails that covers some of the most spectacular portions of the Portuguese coast.
Where to go for warm weather in September around the world
For a longer journey, in September the heat can take on the white color of Dead Sea salt, the red of African dunes, or the tropical hues of Balinese reefs.
Sweimeh, on the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan
On Jordan’s shore of the Dead Sea, at Sweimeh in September the days stay hot, with maximums that can reach and exceed 30 °C, but temperatures gradually begin to ease away from the summer peaks.
The extreme salinity of the water allows you to float almost effortlessly in one of the planet’s most distinctive landscapes. From here you can also build a broader itinerary to discover Jordan, pairing the Dead Sea with Petra and the Wadi Rum desert.
Sossusvlei, among the red dunes of Namibia
September is an excellent time to reach Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert.
We are in the peak dry season, with sunny days and temperatures that can range from 20 to 28 °C, while nights and early mornings remain cooler.
The spectacle is provided by the giant red dunes, the salt and clay flats, and a landscape that feels almost surreal. Dawn is one of the most thrilling moments, when the light lights up the dune profiles and creates incredible contrasts between shadow and color.
Amed, the calmer Bali between snorkeling and villages
On Bali’s northeast coast, Amed is a calmer alternative to the crowded Kuta and Seminyak: September is still within the dry season and temperatures stay tropical, typically between 22 and 30 °C. The sea is often calm and offers excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling.
Amed’s charm is discovered especially underwater: around Jemeluk Bay and Lipah Beach standout coral reefs, vibrant seabeds, and shipwrecks that have become habitats for numerous marine species.
Above the water, the landscape preserves fishing villages and slower rhythms, with the silhouette of Mount Agung on the horizon.
