Where to Find Warm Sea in September: 12 Best Destinations

September often turns out to be one of the best ways to extend the summer season.

Across the Mediterranean, the sea is still holding on to the warmth of July and August, while daytime temperatures gradually become more comfortable. The swimming season is far from over on the Red Sea, and in some tropical destinations September falls within one of the most pleasant parts of the dry season.

There is another advantage too. The busiest weeks of August are already behind, beaches begin to feel less crowded, towns become calmer, and travellers no longer have to plan every part of the day around air conditioning and shade.

We have selected 12 destinations around the world where September is particularly well suited to a holiday by the sea.

Cyprus - Summer Continues Into September

Cyprus still feels very much like summer in September. Days remain warm and sunny, while the sea, heated throughout the summer months, stays at around 27°C.

Paphos is a good choice for travellers who want to combine beach time with walks and ancient sites. Around Protaras, there are small coves with exceptionally clear water, while Ayia Napa offers long sandy beaches and a livelier resort atmosphere.

September is particularly pleasant because there is no need to choose between the beach and exploring the island. You can spend the morning by the sea, head inland during the day and return to the coast for the evening.

Turkey - A Long Summer on the Southern Coast

September on Turkey's southern coast still feels much closer to summer than autumn. The sea remains warm, sunshine is plentiful and the intense heat of August gradually begins to ease.

Antalya is the most versatile option, with a wide choice of hotels and beaches. Kas is better suited to a quieter trip, with small coves, boat trips and relaxed evenings by the water. Fethiye makes an excellent base for exploring Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley and smaller beaches along the Lycian Coast.

September is also an especially good time to travel along the coast. With temperatures becoming more comfortable, beach days can easily be combined with ancient ruins, mountain roads and small seaside towns.

Greece - A Quieter Time on the Islands

By September, the busiest weeks of August are beginning to fade across the Greek islands, while the sea remains warm throughout much of the month.

Crete, Rhodes and Kos are particularly good choices. Restaurants, boat trips and beach cafes are still running as usual, but streets and waterfronts gradually become less crowded.

Crete is best explored at an unhurried pace. A morning by the sea can be followed by a drive into the mountains or to a small village, with the evening spent in Chania's old town. Rhodes combines beaches with historical sites, while Kos is ideal for travellers who want to see plenty without spending too much time on the road.

September brings a slightly slower rhythm to the Greek islands, which is one of the reasons this time of year can be so enjoyable.

Malta - Swimming Between Historic Towns and Rocky Coves

Malta rarely resembles a traditional beach resort. Instead of endless stretches of sand, the coastline is made up of rocky coves, clear water, small beaches and steps leading directly into the sea.

September is an excellent month for exploring the archipelago. A morning by the water can be followed by an afternoon in Valletta or ancient Mdina, while the next day can be spent on Gozo or Comino.

Malta works particularly well for travellers who quickly grow tired of doing nothing but lying on the beach. The sea is always part of the experience here, but it is never the only reason to visit.

Italy - Beaches, Cities and Long Dinners

By September, Italy is gradually moving beyond the hottest and busiest part of the year.

Sardinia still offers clear water and pale sandy beaches, while Sicily makes it easy to combine the coast with cities and volcanic landscapes. Puglia is particularly well suited to a road trip, with small towns and beaches scattered along the Adriatic coast.

Days are still warm enough to spend plenty of time by the sea, while evenings become much more comfortable for long walks, an aperitivo in a town square or dinner on an outdoor terrace.

Italy keeps its summer atmosphere well into September, but travelling becomes easier and more relaxed, making it simpler to combine beaches, towns and short trips along the coast.

Egypt - The Red Sea at Its Warmest

September remains hot in Egypt, and the Red Sea is exceptionally warm. Around Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, water temperatures can stay close to 29°C.

The coast is worth visiting for much more than its beaches. Coral reefs lie just beneath the clear water, making snorkelling and diving an important part of many trips to the region.

Temperatures begin to ease slightly during the second half of the month, which can make excursions beyond the resort areas more comfortable. Even so, September is still best suited to travellers who genuinely enjoy hot weather.

Tunisia - A Relaxed Late-Summer Season

September brings milder temperatures to the Tunisian coast, while the sea remains warm enough for a proper beach holiday.

This is especially noticeable on Djerba. Its southern location helps the island hold on to summer temperatures for longer, even as the first signs of autumn begin to appear further north around the Mediterranean.

Hammamet is a good choice for a traditional resort holiday, while Djerba suits travellers looking for a slower pace, long beaches and the opportunity to explore the island without rushing.

In September, Tunisia is particularly well suited to a quiet seaside holiday: the water remains warm, the heat becomes less intense and the resorts are noticeably calmer than they are in July and August.

Portugal - For Travellers Who Prefer the Atlantic

Portugal sits slightly apart from the other destinations on this list. The Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean, but the coastline itself is often the main reason to travel here.

September is one of the most pleasant months for exploring the Algarve. Days are still sunny, while the heat becomes milder, making it easier to alternate between beaches, walks and short road trips between coastal towns.

Faro is a convenient starting point for discovering the region. From here, it is easy to reach broad sandy beaches, the lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park, small towns and quieter stretches of coast, before continuing west towards the cliffs and coves of the central Algarve.

September is a good time not only for swimming but for spending an entire day beside the Atlantic, walking along the coast, stopping in small seaside towns and exploring the region without the heat and crowds of August.

Tanzania - September in Zanzibar

September is a particularly good month to visit Zanzibar because the island is still in its dry season. Rainfall is limited, humidity is lower and the Indian Ocean remains warm.

For a classic beach holiday, many travellers choose the north of the island, particularly Nungwi and Kendwa, where the tides have less impact on swimming. The east coast looks completely different. At low tide, the ocean retreats far from the shore, revealing wide stretches of pale sand and shallow water dotted with traditional dhow boats.

If you want a break from the beach, spend some time in Stone Town, visit a spice farm or explore one of the island's smaller villages. Zanzibar is also easy to combine with a safari on mainland Tanzania, allowing one trip to include both the Indian Ocean and the country's national parks.

Mauritius - A Milder Side of the Tropics

September falls during the Mauritian winter, although the word "winter" can be misleading here.

The coast remains warm, rainfall is relatively low and the lack of heavy humidity makes this a very comfortable time to explore the island.

The west and north coasts are often preferred for calmer sea conditions. Still, it would be a shame to spend the entire trip on the beach. Waterfalls, mountain roads, national parks and small towns reveal a very different side of Mauritius beyond the resort photographs.

September is a good choice for travellers who enjoy tropical scenery but would rather avoid intense heat and humidity.

Indonesia - Bali Before the Change of Season

September is considered one of the best months to visit Bali. The dry season is still underway, so the weather works well both for time by the ocean and for travelling around the island.

A good itinerary might begin with a few days on the southern coast before continuing to Ubud, the rice terraces, waterfalls and areas around the volcanoes. Nusa Penida is worth setting aside a full day for, while travellers looking for a quieter island can continue on to Lombok.

Bali is particularly appealing to those who do not want their trip to revolve entirely around the beach. It is easy to combine the ocean with temples, nature, small towns and long drives through different parts of the island.

United States - September in Hawaii

September in Hawaii still feels like the height of summer. The air remains warm, while ocean temperatures stay at around 28°C.

Oahu is usually the easiest choice for a first visit, as beaches and surfing can be combined with a few days in Honolulu. Maui is better suited to travellers who want to spend more time on the road exploring the coastline, while the Big Island is known for volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches and a much wider variety of natural scenery.

Beach time is usually only one part of a Hawaiian itinerary. The islands are best explored on a trip where days by the ocean alternate with drives across the island, hiking routes and visits to different parts of the archipelago.

Which Sea Should You Choose in September?

If warm water is your main priority, Egypt, Cyprus, southern Turkey and Hawaii are among the strongest options.

For a classic Mediterranean holiday, consider the Greek islands, Malta or southern Italy.

Zanzibar, Mauritius and Bali are better suited to travellers looking for tropical scenery and a completely different atmosphere.

Portugal is a good choice for those who see the sea as more than somewhere to swim, with Atlantic roads, dramatic cliffs, wind and long stretches of coastline forming an equally important part of the trip.

September offers an unusually wide range of options. In some places, it is simply an extension of summer. Elsewhere, it marks the dry season, while in certain destinations the best conditions arrive just as the traditional high season begins to wind down.

Staying Connected by the Sea

Even the most relaxed beach holiday rarely happens entirely offline.

Finding a small cove on a map, calling a taxi, checking ferry schedules, booking a restaurant or looking at the weather forecast is often useful long before you have access to hotel Wi-Fi.

A fedafone eSIM can be installed before departure while keeping your main physical SIM in the phone. Once you arrive, simply activate the eSIM and start using mobile data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place for a beach holiday in September 2026?

For a classic beach holiday, Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Malta, Italy, Egypt and Tunisia are all good options. For a tropical escape, consider Zanzibar, Mauritius, Bali or Hawaii.

Where is the sea warmest in September?

Some of the warmest water in September can be found in the Red Sea along the Egyptian coast, around Cyprus, in southern Turkey and across many tropical destinations.

Where is the sea warm in Europe in September?

The most reliable options are generally in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes and Kos. Malta, Sicily and Sardinia also retain warm sea temperatures well into September.

Can you swim in Turkey in September?

Yes. Along Turkey's southern coast, the sea remains comfortably warm throughout most of September, while the weather is still well suited to a full beach holiday.

Where should I travel in September if I want to avoid extreme heat?

Mauritius, Portugal, Malta and parts of Italy are worth considering. In these destinations, beach time can be combined more comfortably with walking, sightseeing and road trips.

Where should I go for a beach holiday in late September?

Towards the end of the month, southern Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Zanzibar and tropical island destinations remain among the most reliable choices.