Where to go in September for sun? In September, the three safest destinations for sunshine are Greece, Bali and Mauritius. Greece for a warm sea without the August crowds, Bali for the continuing dry season, Mauritius for dry, sunny weather at the end of the southern winter.
September often offers the best weather-for-price ratio of the year: the Mediterranean keeps the warmth built up over the summer, the main school holidays are over and fares fall. By contrast, it is the heart of the hurricane season in the Caribbean and of the monsoon in mainland Southeast Asia. Here are 12 destinations, with the official climate normals for each and what can disappoint.
Where to go in September: key facts
- Sun and sea: Greece, Croatia, Albania, Corsica, Canary Islands, Madeira
- Long-haul: Bali, Mauritius, Réunion, Tanzania and Zanzibar
- Cities and first colours: New York, Montreal and Quebec, Iceland (first northern lights), Scotland
- Low budget: Albania, Greece and Croatia after mid-September
- Island escapes: Corsica, Réunion
- Best avoided: the Caribbean, Cuba, Mexico (Yucatán), Thailand, central and southern Vietnam, Philippines
Comparison: the climate of 12 destinations in September
| Destination | Average high (September) | Average rain (September) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece Athens | 28.3 °C (83 °F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | Islands, warm sea |
| Croatia (Split) | 25.4 °C (78 °F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | Warm sea, cities |
| Albania Tirana | 27.3 °C (81 °F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | Low budget, sea |
| Corsica (Ajaccio) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 57.8 mm (2.3 in) | Sea, hiking |
| Madeira Funchal | 26.6 °C (80 °F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | Hiking, wine festival |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 28.6 °C (83 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | Beach |
| Iceland Reykjavik | 11.4 °C (53 °F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | Northern lights, autumn colours |
| Canada (Québec) Montreal | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | First colours, cities |
| New York Central Park | 24.6 °C (76 °F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | City, late summer |
| Bali Denpasar | 31.4 °C (89 °F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | Beach, culture |
| Tanzania and Zanzibar Kilimanjaro Airport | 29.6 °C (85 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | Safari, beach |
| Mauritius Port Louis | 27.7 °C (82 °F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | Beach, whale watching |
These figures are averages over several decades: any given year can be drier or wetter. Rainfall totals do not tell the whole story: 150 mm (5.9 in) falling in short late-afternoon showers is less of a nuisance than continuous drizzle.
Where to go in September on a budget
This second table ranks the destinations from cheapest to most expensive, with a rough low-budget cost on the ground per person per day, excluding flights. Flight prices are not shown: they vary too much with the booking date and your departure airport.
| Destination | Low-budget cost on the ground (per person per day, excluding flights, roughly) |
|---|---|
| Bali (Denpasar) | $35 to $80 |
| Albania (Tirana) | $45 to $75 |
| Greece (Athens) | $65 to $100 |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) | $65 to $100 |
| Mauritius (Port Louis) | $65 to $110 |
| Croatia (Split) | $80 to $110 |
| Madeira (Funchal) | $80 to $110 |
| Canada (Québec) | $90 to $135 |
| Corsica (Ajaccio) | $90 to $145 |
| Iceland (Reykjavik) | $110 to $170 |
| Tanzania and Zanzibar (Kilimanjaro Airport) | $170 to $280 |
| New York (Central Park) | $175 to $295 |
Greece
September is often the best month for the Greek islands: the sea has stored the summer’s warmth, temperatures are falling (28.3 °C (83 °F) average high in Athens) and it still rains very little (12 mm (0.5 in)). Crowds drop markedly after the first half of the month. Sea still warm, crowds falling: this is the ideal moment to plan a trip to Athens before heading off to the islands.
Caveat: the Ionian Sea is already wetter (88 mm (3.5 in) in Corfu), in the form of thunderstorms. On the small islands, activity slows at the end of the season and many accommodations close from mid-October. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), there is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.
In September in Athens: 28.3 °C (83 °F) average high and 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Greece)?
Croatia (Split)
In September, Croatia keeps a warm sea with more bearable heat: 25.4 °C (78 °F) average high in Split. It is an excellent month for Dubrovnik, Split and the islands, with far fewer people than in August, especially after mid-September.
Caveat: rains increase (82 mm (3.2 in) in Split, 86 mm (3.4 in) in Dubrovnik), usually as thunderstorms. Evenings cool towards the end of the month. These late-summer storms invite a small shift: the best time to go to Dubrovnik remains May-June or September.
In September in Split: 25.4 °C (78 °F) average high and 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Croatia)?
Albania
September is one of the best months for Albania: a warm sea, falling heat (27.3 °C (81 °F) in Tirana, 27.0 °C (81 °F) at Vlorë on the coast) and crowds falling after the first half of the month. Prices drop on the riviera, and hiking becomes pleasant again in the mountains. Cheaper riviera and pleasant hiking again: for things to do in Albania in the late season, our guide offers ideas.
Caveat: thunderstorms are more frequent (78 mm (3.1 in) in Tirana). The figure here is for Tirana, inland: the coast is a little milder. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 15 October 2026), wildfires are common in Albania from April to October.
In September in Tirana: 27.3 °C (81 °F) average high and 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Albania)?
Corsica (Ajaccio)
Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean, is one of the best options in September: the sea stays warm after the summer, it is still 26.1 °C (79 °F) average high in Ajaccio, and the July-August crowds have gone. A good month to combine beaches, mountain villages and hiking.
Caveat: the first autumn thunderstorms arrive (57.8 mm (2.3 in) in Ajaccio, against 15.8 mm (0.6 in) in August), and some campsites and beach restaurants close at the end of the season.
In September in Ajaccio: 26.1 °C (79 °F) average high and 57.8 mm (2.3 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Corsica (Ajaccio))?
Madeira
September in Madeira feels like summer, with fewer people: 26.6 °C (80 °F) average high in Funchal, a warm sea, and the end of the Madeira Wine Festival in early September. The levadas can be walked in good conditions.
Caveat: rain returns gently (23 mm (0.9 in) in Funchal), more on the north slope and at altitude, which are cloudier than the south coast. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026) says there is a high risk of wildfires in Portugal in the summer season from April to October.
In September in Funchal: 26.6 °C (80 °F) average high and 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Madeira)?
Canary Islands (Tenerife)
In the Canary Islands, September offers the same weather as August with fewer people: 28.6 °C (83 °F) average high and 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The sea is at its warmest, which makes it an excellent month for the beach.
Caveat: episodes of calima (Saharan dust haze) remain possible. The north of the islands is cloudier than the south.
In September in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 28.6 °C (83 °F) average high and 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Canary Islands)?
Iceland
September is a pivotal month in Iceland: dark nights return, which opens the northern lights season, and the vegetation takes on its autumn colours. With an average high of 11.4 °C (53 °F) in Reykjavik, a road trip remains practicable, with fewer people than in summer. Northern lights, autumn colours and a road trip still practicable: the weather in Iceland in September is detailed in our page on that month.
Caveat: rain and wind increase (87 mm (3.4 in) in Reykjavik). The F-roads of the Highlands generally close around mid-September. The northern lights depend on solar activity and a clear sky: they are never guaranteed.
In September in Reykjavik: 11.4 °C (53 °F) average high and 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Iceland)?
Canada (Quebec)
September is one of the best months for Canada: 21.1 °C (70 °F) average high in Montreal, crowds falling after the back-to-school period, and the first autumn colours at the end of the month in Quebec. Toronto hosts its international film festival (TIFF) in September. Autumn colours and falling crowds: our Montreal travel guide helps you enjoy the city at this season.
Caveat: in the Rockies, snow is possible at altitude from mid-September. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 2 June 2026), most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, and an eTA is not needed if arriving by land or sea: check the requirements for your nationality.
In September in Montreal: 21.1 °C (70 °F) average high and 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Canada)?
New York
In New York, September keeps a summery feel (24.6 °C (76 °F) average high in Central Park) with falling humidity: a very good month for walking, enjoying the parks and the waterfront. The US Open tennis tournament ends in early September.
Caveat: hotel prices spike during UN General Assembly week. Thunderstorms or the remains of tropical storms can bring heavy rain over a few days (109 mm (4.3 in) on average). For UK travellers, the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026) says you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa to enter the US.
In September in Central Park: 24.6 °C (76 °F) average high and 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (New York)?
Bali
September is one of the best months for Bali: the dry season continues (47 mm (1.9 in) in Denpasar), and crowds and prices fall as soon as the European school holidays end.
Caveat: it is a little hotter than in August and the best-known sites remain busy. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026), the Bali provincial government charges a tourist levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah to all foreign tourists arriving in Bali; check visa requirements before you travel.
In September in Denpasar: 31.4 °C (89 °F) average high and 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Bali)?
Tanzania and Zanzibar
September stays dry in northern Tanzania (5 mm (0.2 in) at Kilimanjaro Airport): animals gather around waterholes, which makes viewing easier, with slightly fewer people than in August. It is also one of the best months for Zanzibar (37 mm (1.5 in)). Dry season in the north, calm sea on the archipelago: the climate in Zanzibar month by month shows why this combination works so well.
Caveat: the wildebeest herds move around and Mara River crossings are never guaranteed. Prices stay high. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 20 October 2026), all visitors to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, except residents, must have mandatory Tanzanian Government-provided inbound travel insurance, even if they already have a personal policy.
In September in Kilimanjaro Airport: 29.6 °C (85 °F) average high and 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Tanzania)?
Mauritius
In Mauritius, September is very dry (17 mm (0.7 in) in Port Louis) and sunny, with rising temperatures (27.7 °C (82 °F)). Humpback whales can still be seen off the west coast, and crowds fall after the European holidays. All the data for the month is on our page weather in Mauritius in September.
Caveat: the east coast stays windy. Neighbouring Réunion is also in a very good period, dry and mild (48 mm (1.9 in) and 26.0 °C (79 °F) in Saint-Denis): when to go to Réunion?
In September in Port Louis: 27.7 °C (82 °F) average high and 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Mauritius)?
Preparing for a September trip
September is the month when prices come back down after the summer: once school is back, flights and accommodation are often cheaper to the Mediterranean, while the sea is still warm. Small islands and seaside resorts do, however, wind down at the end of the month: check accommodation opening dates and ferry timetables.
It is also the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from 1 June to 30 November, with its peak on 10 September and most activity between mid-August and mid-October, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. If you are heading to the Caribbean, take out insurance that covers cancellation for weather events and follow the bulletins of the official weather services. For entry requirements and health, check the official travel advice of your own government (for example travel.state.gov in the US or GOV.UK in the UK) before booking. For other months, see all our ideas on the page where to go on holiday.
Destinations to avoid in September
- The Caribbean and Cuba: September is the peak of the hurricane season (206 mm (8.1 in) of rain in Pointe-à-Pitre, 214 mm (8.4 in) in Fort-de-France, 144.4 mm (5.7 in) in Havana). For Cuba, the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 September 2026) also advises against all but essential travel, citing grid collapses, shortages and flight suspensions.
- Mexico (Yucatán): peak of the rains and of the hurricane season (223.1 mm (8.8 in) in Cancún).
- Mainland Thailand and the Andaman Sea: the wettest month in Bangkok (336 mm (13.2 in)) and Phuket (350 mm (13.8 in)). Only the Gulf (Ko Samui) stays reasonable.
- Central and southern Vietnam, the Philippines: 411 mm (16.2 in) in Hue, 490 mm (19.3 in) in Ho Chi Minh City, 396 mm (15.6 in) in Manila.
- The Pacific coast of Costa Rica: 346 mm (13.6 in) in Liberia. The Caribbean coast is an exception: September is one of its driest months.
Toutes nos destinations idéales en septembre (104)
Liste établie automatiquement d’après nos calendriers « quand partir » : destinations notées ✓ idéal pour ce mois. Température max. moyenne indicative ; détail et sources sur chaque guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find sun in September?
In Europe, Greece, Croatia, Albania, Corsica, the Canary Islands and Madeira stay warm and dry, with the sea at its warmest. Further afield, Bali, Mauritius, Réunion and Tanzania are in their dry season.
Where can I go in September on a low budget?
Once school is back, fares often fall to the Mediterranean. Albania has some of the lowest costs on the ground in our comparison, at roughly $45 to $75 per person per day (excluding flights). In Greece and Croatia, the second half of the month combines a warm sea with lower prices.
Where can I go in September for an island escape?
Corsica, a French island, and Réunion are in a very good period in September, with warm seas and good hiking. The French Caribbean is also an island option, but September is the peak of the hurricane season there.
Can I go to the Caribbean or Mexico in September?
It is not recommended if your dates are fixed: September is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Prices are at their lowest, but a storm can block travel for several days.
Where can I see the northern lights in September?
In Iceland, dark nights return in September, which opens the northern lights season. Their appearance depends on solar activity and a clear sky: they are never guaranteed.
Our sources
- Official climate normals: Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), 1955-2010 normals (Athens-Elliniko); DHMZ (Croatia), WMO 1991-2020 normals (Split-Marjan); Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), temperatures 1961-1990 and precipitation 1951-1980 (Tirana); Météo-France, 1991-2020 normals (Ajaccio airport); IPMA (Portugal), 1991-2020 normals (Funchal Observatory); AEMET via l’WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Santa Cruz de Tenerife); Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands), 1991-2020 averages (Reykjavik); Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1991-2020 normals (Montreal-Trudeau); NOAA / National Weather Service, 1991-2020 normals (Central Park); BMKG via the WMO World Weather Information Service, 1961-1990 normals (Denpasar); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Kilimanjaro Airport); WMO World Weather Information Service (Port Louis)
- For destinations that already have a guide on our site, figures and event dates taken from our « when to go » pages, which cover all 12 months and cite their sources
- Indicative budgets: practical fact sheets in our country guides, linked from each destination, converted at the European Central Bank reference rate of 23 October 2026
- UK FCDO foreign travel advice (GOV.UK): Portugal/Madeira and Greece (updated 11 August 2026), Albania (15 October 2026), Canada (2 June 2026), United States (18 August 2026), Indonesia (18 September 2026), Tanzania (20 October 2026), Cuba (updated 25 September 2026)
- Atlantic hurricane season: U.S. National Hurricane Center (NOAA), checked 12 November 2026
- How we select and verify destinations: see our page Our methodology
Updated November 2026.