Where to Travel in September 2026: 15 Best Destinations

Where to Travel in September 2026: 15 Countries Where Summer Isn't Over Yet

Back-to-school season, cooler evenings and the return to everyday routines all seem to suggest that summer is over.

But there is no reason to agree.

September is actually one of the best months of the year to travel. The Mediterranean is still warm from months of summer sunshine, while the intense heat of July and August gradually begins to ease. In several tropical destinations, the dry season is still in full swing. And at many popular resorts, the peak-season crowds slowly start to disappear.

So there is no need to put your swimsuit away just yet.

We have selected 15 countries around the world that are particularly worth visiting in September 2026 if you are looking for sunshine, warm seas and one more taste of summer.

Turkey — Summer Is Still Going Strong

If you are looking for an easy, classic beach holiday in September, Turkey's southern coast remains one of the most reliable choices.

Antalya, Kas, Fethiye and the Lycian Coast still operate on an almost entirely summer schedule. The sea is warm, boats head out into quiet bays, restaurants stay open late and the beach season shows no sign of ending.

The biggest difference compared with July and August is that the most intense heat gradually begins to ease, particularly during the second half of the month.

That makes September a good time to combine a few days on the coast with Cappadocia, Ephesus or Istanbul instead of having to choose between sightseeing and escaping the midday sun.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Turkey.

Cyprus — Summer Never Really Left

If you are wondering where it is still hot in September, Cyprus deserves a place near the top of the list.

Average daytime highs in September are around 31°C, while the Mediterranean Sea remains close to 27°C. Rain is still rare, so beach weather continues well beyond the official end of summer.

Choose Paphos for ancient sites and a more relaxed atmosphere, Protaras for clear-water coves, or Ayia Napa if you want beaches combined with a livelier resort scene.

In Cyprus, autumn is mostly something you see on the calendar.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Cyprus.

Greece — Island Life After the August Rush

Greek summer does not end when August does.

September is particularly attractive on the southern islands, including Crete, Rhodes and Kos. The sea remains warm, beach facilities are still open and spending an entire day outdoors becomes increasingly comfortable as the strongest summer heat begins to fade.

Crete is ideal for a longer road trip: one day on the beach, the next hiking through a gorge, followed by an evening in the old town of Chania. Rhodes combines beaches with history, while the smaller islands make it easy to slow down and forget what day of the week it is.

Although with an eSIM, switching your phone off completely is optional.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Greece.

Italy — Beaches, Culture and Long Dinners

Sicily, Sardinia and southern Italy gradually move into a quieter season in September.

For travellers, the timing is almost perfect. You can still spend half the day by the sea, but walking through Palermo, Catania, Bari or smaller southern towns no longer feels like a competition with the midday heat.

September is also a particularly appealing time for food-focused travel. Vineyards, local markets and seasonal produce provide plenty of reasons to leave the beach behind for a few hours.

It is the kind of month when an Italian trip can comfortably include both swimming and sightseeing.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Italy.

Spain — Warm Seas Without the Peak-Summer Heat

Mediterranean Spain remains an excellent choice for a beach holiday in September.

You can head to Mallorca and search for small coves away from the larger resorts, combine the Andalusian coast with Malaga, Seville and Granada, or simply spend a few days by the sea before continuing your journey inland.

Spain still feels unmistakably summery in September, but the heat gradually becomes less intense. That makes it much easier to combine beach days with city walks, sightseeing and road trips along the coast.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Spain.

Malta — A Small Island With a Very Long Summer

Malta may occupy only a tiny spot on the map, but it can easily fill an entire week of travelling.

Valletta, ancient Mdina, neighbouring Gozo, boat trips, rocky coves, diving and remarkably clear Mediterranean water can all be combined in a single September trip.

And island life certainly does not stop when the calendar says summer is over. Festivals, events and warm evenings keep Malta lively throughout the month.

For travellers who want history and beaches without having to choose between the two, Malta is one of September's strongest options.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Malta.

Portugal — When the Sea Doesn't Have to Be Warm

Portugal is slightly different from most destinations on this list.

The Atlantic is noticeably cooler than the Mediterranean, so this is not the place to expect bath-like sea temperatures. But September is an excellent month for the Algarve, drives along the Atlantic coast, surfing and exploring Madeira.

The August peak starts to fade, there is still plenty of sunshine and travelling between beaches, towns and hiking routes becomes more comfortable.

Portugal is less about spending every day on a sun lounger and more about renting a car, following the ocean and wondering what might be around the next corner.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Portugal.

Travelling Through Several Countries?

If your itinerary includes several European countries, there is no need to activate a new mobile data plan every time you cross a border.

A fedafone regional eSIM for Europe provides mobile data across supported destinations with a single plan.

For your trip: fedafone eSIM for Europe.

Egypt — The Red Sea Is Still Very Warm

If 25°C sounds suspiciously cool for a beach holiday, head further south.

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh remain very hot in September, while the Red Sea offers exceptionally warm conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Its coral reefs are one of the main reasons to spend more time in the sea than by the hotel pool. Later in the month, slightly milder temperatures can also make excursions beyond the resort areas more comfortable.

If warm water is the priority, Egypt is one of the safest September choices on this list.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Egypt.

Tunisia — Classic Late-Summer Beach Weather

Djerba, Hammamet and Tunisia's other coastal resorts continue their beach season well beyond the end of the European summer.

September is particularly appealing because it becomes easier to combine time by the sea with travelling around the country. Explore historic medinas, Roman ruins and smaller towns, or head south for a completely different landscape.

For travellers mainly interested in beaches, Djerba is especially attractive, as the island tends to remain warmer later into the season than northern parts of Tunisia.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Tunisia.

Morocco — The Atlantic Instead of the Mediterranean

Morocco is not the destination to choose if the warmest possible sea is your only priority.

But September on Morocco's Atlantic coast has plenty of other advantages.

Think Agadir, smaller seaside towns, surfing in Taghazout and road trips along the ocean. Then add Marrakech, the mountains or several days exploring further inland.

The Atlantic coast offers a completely different kind of September holiday: less about resort life and more about combining the ocean with culture, food, surfing and travelling.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Morocco.

Cape Verde — Where Africa Meets the Atlantic

The Cape Verde archipelago lies well beyond the usual Mediterranean travel routes, which is exactly why it deserves a place on this list.

Sal and Boa Vista are known for broad beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Sao Vicente attracts visitors with the atmosphere and musical culture of Mindelo, while Santo Antao offers dramatic mountain trails and surprisingly green valleys.

September is among the warmer months across the islands, with ocean temperatures reaching around 25°C in September and October. Technically, this period falls within Cape Verde's rainy season, although rainfall across the archipelago remains relatively limited.

It is a great choice if you want to extend summer while discovering somewhere that still feels genuinely different.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Cape Verde.

Tanzania — Zanzibar in the Dry Season

September brings clear water, bright beaches and generally settled weather to Zanzibar. It is an excellent time for long days beside the Indian Ocean and unhurried journeys along the island's coast.

The month falls within Zanzibar's long dry season, which usually runs from June to October. Rainfall is limited, humidity is lower and conditions are well suited to swimming, snorkelling and diving.

But there is much more to Zanzibar than its beaches. Spend a day exploring Stone Town, take a boat to smaller islands, visit spice farms or continue your journey on mainland Tanzania and combine the ocean with a safari.

September here does not feel like an attempt to hold on to summer. It feels like the beginning of a completely different kind of trip: tropical, colourful and far removed from the first signs of autumn elsewhere.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Tanzania.

Mauritius — Tropical Weather Without the Tropical Humidity

September falls during the Mauritian winter, but it has very little in common with what most travellers would consider winter.

Daytime temperatures along the coast are typically around 22–28°C, and September is one of the island's drier months.

That makes this a particularly good time to do more than simply relax beside the ocean. You can explore national parks, hike to waterfalls and viewpoints, visit small towns and still spend plenty of time around the island's clear lagoons.

After the hotter and more humid summer months, the weather becomes more comfortable while the scenery remains unmistakably tropical.

For calmer sea conditions, consider the western and northern coasts, where many of Mauritius's best-known beaches are located.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Mauritius.

Indonesia — Bali at the End of the Dry Season

September is one of the best months to visit Bali.

Across much of Indonesia, including Bali and Java, the dry season is still underway, making the weather well suited both to beach days and exploring beyond the coast.

Spend a few days in southern Bali, then head inland to Ubud, rice terraces and volcanic landscapes, or take a trip to Nusa Penida. If you prefer somewhere quieter, neighbouring Lombok makes an excellent addition to the itinerary.

September is particularly good for travellers who want more than a resort holiday. Beaches, temples, nature and day trips are easy to combine without planning every day around tropical downpours.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for Indonesia.

United States — Hawaii, Where September Is Warmer Than June

Hawaii turns the usual idea of summer seasons upside down.

Because of the enormous influence of the Pacific Ocean, August and September are among the warmest months across the islands, rather than June and July. Ocean temperatures around Hawaii also approach their annual peak towards late September and early October.

Oahu is a good choice for a first visit, Maui is ideal for a longer road trip, while the Big Island offers volcanic landscapes and some of the most diverse scenery in the archipelago.

So yes, September in Hawaii really does still feel like summer.

Stay connected: fedafone eSIM for the United States.

So, Where Should You Travel in September?

If your priority is very warm water and an easy beach holiday, consider Cyprus, Turkey or Egypt.

For tropical weather and a long-haul escape, Bali, Zanzibar and Mauritius are excellent options.

If you are drawn to islands, the ocean and less obvious destinations, Cape Verde and Hawaii deserve a closer look.

And if lying on a beach all day is not enough, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Morocco make it easy to combine the coast with road trips, cities, food and culture.

The most important rule for September travel is simple: do not treat the first day of the month as the official end of summer.

The rest of the world clearly doesn't.

Staying Connected While Travelling

Maps, taxis, tickets, translation apps, hotel bookings and messaging are often needed within minutes of arriving in a new country.

With a fedafone eSIM, you can arrange mobile data before your trip without replacing your physical SIM card.

Choose a local eSIM if you are visiting one country, a regional eSIM for a multi-country itinerary, or an international eSIM for a longer journey across several parts of the world.

Then there is only one difficult decision left: where to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to travel in September 2026?

For a beach holiday, Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Egypt and Tunisia are all strong options. For a long-haul trip, consider Indonesia, Tanzania, Mauritius, Cape Verde or Hawaii.

Where is the sea warm in September?

Some of the warmest options on this list include Cyprus, southern Turkey, Egypt, Zanzibar and Bali.

Where should I go for a beach holiday in September?

For a classic beach holiday, the Mediterranean and Red Sea are excellent choices. For something more tropical, consider destinations around the Indian Ocean or Indonesia.

Where can I travel in September besides Turkey?

Cyprus and the Greek islands offer a similar Mediterranean climate. For something less familiar, consider Malta, Cape Verde, Zanzibar, Mauritius or Bali.

Where is it dry in September?

September falls within the dry season in Bali and Zanzibar, while Mauritius is also in one of its drier periods of the year.

Where should I travel in September if I don't like extreme heat?

Mauritius, Portugal, northern Spain and parts of Italy are good options. These destinations make it easier to combine time by the sea with sightseeing, road trips and outdoor activities without spending the entire holiday trying to escape the heat.