Best time to visit
Where to go in September: the destinations with ideal weather
Fewer tourists, gentler prices and still-summery weather: September ticks almost every box. Here's where to make the most of it.
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PlanTripNow Team
July 20, 2026 · 4 min read
September has a well-earned reputation as one of the most pleasant months to travel. The crushing heat of summer fades, prices become more reasonable again, and the busiest spots regain a bit of calm, while days remain long and sunny.
Southern Europe, the year's best trade-off
Spain keeps mild temperatures, between 21 and 29 degrees depending on the region, with generous sunshine to enjoy Barcelona, Madrid or the Balearics without the August crowds. Greece, with a sea still warm and temperatures between 19 and 29 degrees, lets you visit sites like the Acropolis of Athens in a much calmer atmosphere.
Italy, cooler (17 to 28 degrees), coincides with the grape harvest in vineyards, and Rome, Florence or Venice are enjoyable without the summer's excess heat. Croatia, with Dubrovnik, Split or the island of Hvar, enjoys an equally mild climate.
Africa and the Indian Ocean
Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritius and Réunion offer a very favourable climate in September. Namibia, with temperatures between 13 and 26 degrees, allows you to discover the dunes of Sossusvlei and the wildlife of Etosha National Park in good conditions. The Seychelles, warmer (28 to 31 degrees), remain a safe bet all year round, and September is no exception.
September's best picks
| Destination | Why in September |
|---|---|
| Spain | 21 to 29°C, generous sunshine and fewer crowds in Barcelona, Madrid or the Balearics. |
| Greece | 19 to 29°C, sea still warm and ancient sites in a calmer atmosphere. |
| Italy | 17 to 28°C, grape harvest season, Rome and Venice without the excess heat. |
| Namibia | 13 to 26°C, good conditions for Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park. |
| Seychelles | 28 to 31°C, reliably warm climate all year round. |
A month as economical as it is climatic
The main advantage of this month remains as economic and practical as it is climatic: major European cities and their beaches gradually empty of summer tourists, while the weather stays mild. It's also a good transition period to prepare a longer trip as autumn approaches, a time when Asia and some regions of South America start regaining a more stable climate after the rainy season.
Key facts for September
Best of Europe
Spain, Greece, Italy, Croatia
Best of Africa/Indian Ocean
Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritius, Réunion, Namibia
Spain/Greece temperatures
≈ 19 to 29°C
Key advantage
Fewer crowds, gentler prices
Ideal for
Travellers without school-age children
Destinations in this article
Frequently asked questions
Can you still swim in the Mediterranean in September?
Yes, the sea generally keeps the warmth accumulated over summer and remains pleasant for swimming in Greece, Spain or Italy, while the air is already a bit milder than in the height of summer.
Is September cheaper than summer for travelling?
Generally yes, especially for European destinations in high demand in July-August. Flights and accommodation tend to become more affordable again once school holidays end.
Is Namibia a good safari destination in September?
Yes, temperatures are milder than in the height of the southern summer, which makes wildlife watching around Etosha National Park comfortable, with an overall dry climate.
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PlanTripNow Team
A team of travellers who test, taste and map the best addresses around the world to help you plan itineraries that feel truly local.
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