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September named 2026's 'super' travel month - where's hot and sunny if you book
Reach Daily Express | December 3, 2025 3:39 AM CST

Brits looking for cheaper holidays in the sunshine next year may want to consider a trip in September, which has been dubbed by travel insiders as next year's 'super' month for travel.

It's not hugely surprising, given that a number of European hotspots including Italy, Spain, Turkey, Malta, Greece and Croatia all still enjoy balmy weather ideal for lazing on a beach or doing some exploring.

ABTA released its Travel Trends report for 2026 in which it revealed that September is becoming an increasingly popular month to travel, attributing it to factors such as warmer weather and "good value breaks", given it falls outside of the peak school holiday seasons. Researchers noted that "perhaps unsurprisingly it is those without children who have identified September as an extremely popular time to travel abroad".

It's worth noting that if you're keeping an eye out for deals, some destinations such as the Caribbean, Florida and Mexico often have cheaper rates at this time; but that's because September often falls during the rainy and hurricane seasons, so you are risking that you won't get that glorious sunshine you're picturing!

Still if you're after a European break, there are heaps of options just a short flight away from the UK - we take a look at some of the best places for hot and sunny weather in September...

Italy

If you're looking to tick the colourful villages in the Amalfi coast off the list can be an ideal time to visit these beautiful Italian hotspots. The weather still ranges around 20-28C in the daytime, so if you time it right you could spend the day wandering around the towns, and then find a sunbed and umbrella on the beach to bask in the warmth in the afternoon. The nearest airports are Naples, Bari and Salerno, with the likes of Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways offering direct flights.

Meanwhile the island of Sardinia is renowned for its Maldives-worthy sandy beaches, and in September with average temperatures of 27C it can still be warm enough to swim in the sea, but the slightly cooler evenings are ideal for a sunset cocktail or a wander around town.

Spain

Popular hotspots including Costa del Sol and Costa Dorada still enjoy average temperatures of 27C in the daytime, and down to around 18C in the evenings. Basically, ideal weather for lazing on the beach, wandering along the promenade or having an al fresco dinner if you don't want to miss out on those ocean views.

For those who prefer a city break, be warned it can still be quite hot; Seville has average temperatures of 33C while Madrid is about 28C, so have a plan to get some shade/rests if you plan to explore the city in the heat. (The good news is that with smaller crowds, you won't need to battle it out with tourist masses to visit the key attractions).

Then there are the Balearic and Canary Islands, both of which still offer up hot weather, sandy beaches and bustling nightlife. (The Canaries are a great year-round sunshine destination, but September still has those balmy temperatures if all you want to do is flop down on a beach).

Turkey

Popular beach resorts like Bodrum boast average temperatures of 31C in September, so if you do want a holiday that's all about the pool and seaside, Turkey can be an ideal destination. Hotels and restaurants are quieter than the peak summer months, so you can often find some tempting deals on all-inclusive holidays, including packages from the likes of First Choice, LoveHolidays and easyJet Holidays.

Croatia

If you want hot weather, a lack of crowds and plenty to fill the itinerary, Croatia needs to be on your radar. Its cities from Dubrovnik to Split have average temperatures of 25C with sunny weather, so you can easily spend some time wandering through the historic streets and visiting attractions without having to fight against summer heat. Meanwhile it's still warm enough to enjoy the beaches, or swim in the sea on a boat tour if you're thinking of island hopping. Of course, the Krka national park with its iconic waterfalls is also well worth having on your radar if you're after those Instagram-worthy snaps!

Greek islands

The Greek Islands don't really start winding down until late September, so you'll find plenty of restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs open if you're after a summer holiday without the crowds. Rhodes can be a great choice for families with kids who aren't yet in school with an abundance of family-friendly all-inclusives, while Santorini never fails to impress visitors with its iconic blue domed, whitewashed buildings (although be warned they are popular, so you may want to get up early to get those photos).

Morocco

If you're after a city break in the sun, then Marrakech could be the place with its average temperatures of 30C, bustling souks, and beautiful resorts and Riads with pools which are ideal for cooling off in. Prefer a beach holiday? Head to Agadir with its 29C weather and picture-perfect sandy shores.


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