6 Best Places to Visit in Europe in September
As someone who absolutely loves summer, September is one of my favorite months to travel. A late-summer getaway feels like the perfect way to extend summer just a little longer. In Southern Europe, the weather can still be beautifully warm, while you may also find fewer crowds and better prices than during the peak summer months.
In this guide, I’m sharing six of my best places to visit in Europe in September where you can still enjoy pleasant weather and that late-summer feeling. If you haven’t decided where to go yet, hopefully this list will help you choose.
What’s inside?
Why Visit Europe in September?
Warm Weather
While the weather varies across Europe, the south and many Mediterranean destinations can still feel like summer in September. The sea is warm enough for swimming in many places, but sightseeing can be much more comfortable without the extreme midsummer heat.
Fewer Crowds
The main summer vacation season starts to wind down after July and August, so some destinations can be less crowded in September. However, September has become increasingly popular for travel, so don’t expect empty beaches or quiet streets everywhere.
The Best of Both Worlds
September gives you a great combination of beach weather and comfortable sightseeing. In many Southern European destinations, you can still swim and enjoy sunny days while potentially benefiting from fewer crowds and better prices.
6 Best Places to Visit in Europe in September
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you want to extend your summer, the Amalfi Coast is a beautiful choice for September. The weather can still feel like summer, and the sea is generally pleasant for swimming, although occasional rain or thunderstorms are possible.
There were still plenty of tourists when I visited, but I found the crowds manageable and could enjoy both sightseeing and the beach.
Visit Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, spend some time at the beach, or take a boat trip to Capri. September is especially nice if you want to combine the Italian coast with sightseeing without the most intense summer heat.
2. Rovinj & Istria, Croatia
Istria is another great option for a late-summer trip. September is generally still pleasantly warm, particularly earlier in the month, and swimming in the Adriatic can still be possible. Later in September, temperatures gradually cool and the weather can become more changeable.
Explore the cobbled streets of Rovinj Old Town, take a day trip to Pula, or join a dolphin-watching boat trip from Rovinj.
September also marks the beginning of Istria’s autumn truffle period, making it a great time to try local truffle dishes or add a food experience to your trip. If you want a mix of seaside relaxation, beautiful old towns and local food, Istria is a lovely September destination.
3. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is another great choice if you want to enjoy a little more summer in September. The weather is still pleasantly warm, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming, especially during the first half of the month.
Another advantage of visiting in September is that the peak summer season is starting to slow down. You may find fewer crowds and better prices than in July and August, while most of the summer atmosphere is still there.
Spend a day exploring Corfu Old Town, head to Kanoni for some planespotting, relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, or rent a quad to explore more of Corfu at your own pace. In the evening, find a traditional Greek night with local food, music and dancing for a fun way to end the day.
4. Malta
If you’re looking for a proper beach vacation in September, Malta is one of my favorite choices. September still feels very much like summer, with warm days and a sea that has had the entire summer to heat up.
The peak July and August crowds can begin to ease during September, particularly later in the month, but don’t expect Malta’s most popular places to be empty. Attractions such as the Blue Lagoon can still be busy.
There is plenty to do beyond spending the day at the beach. Explore the streets of Valletta, take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and Gozo, see the Blue Grotto, visit colorful Popeye Village, or spend a few hours swimming at St. Peter’s Pool.
Malta is especially good if you want to combine swimming and boat trips with sightseeing without giving up that summer vacation feeling.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a little different from the other destinations on this list because it gives you the perfect opportunity to combine a city break with a beach vacation.
September is still warm enough to enjoy the beach, but exploring the city can be more comfortable than during the intense summer heat. Barcelona is still a very popular destination at this time of year, though, so I wouldn’t visit expecting an empty city or crowd-free attractions.
Visit the Sagrada Família, walk through Park Güell, explore the Gothic Quarter, and see some of Gaudí’s famous buildings, including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. When you’ve had enough sightseeing, you can finish your day by the sea at Barceloneta Beach.
For me, this mix of sightseeing and beach time is exactly what makes Barcelona such a good September destination.
6. Cyprus
If warm weather is your main priority, Cyprus would be one of my top choices for September. Summer lasts longer here than in many other parts of Europe, so September can still feel like a proper summer vacation.
The sea is also beautifully warm at this time of year, making Cyprus a particularly good choice if swimming and spending long days at the beach are high on your list.
Visit Ayia Napa and the famous Nissi Beach, explore Paphos, or rent a quad for a more adventurous way to see the island. Around Ayia Napa, you can also visit Cape Greco, explore the Sea Caves, or take a boat trip along the coast.
If you’re a summer lover like me and your main goal is to find sunshine, warm sea and proper beach weather even in September, Cyprus is hard to beat.
Early vs Late September in Europe
There can be a noticeable difference between traveling at the beginning and the end of September. Early September often still feels like summer in Southern Europe, with warmer days and great conditions for swimming and beach trips.
Towards the end of the month, temperatures gradually start to drop and the weather can become more changeable, with a higher chance of cooler evenings or occasional rain. This difference is more noticeable in destinations such as Istria, while warmer Mediterranean destinations like Cyprus and Malta can still feel very summery later in September.
If a beach vacation is your priority, I would generally choose early September. For sightseeing, however, the slightly milder temperatures later in the month can be a big advantage.
What Is the Weather Like in Europe in September?
Europe is huge, so September weather can be very different depending on where you travel. While Northern Europe can already feel cooler and more autumnal, Southern Europe and many Mediterranean destinations can still enjoy warm, summer-like weather.
Even in warmer destinations, occasional rain, thunderstorms or windy days are possible, and evenings can start to feel cooler, especially towards the end of the month.
Here is a quick comparison of typical September temperatures across the six destinations on this list. Keep in mind that these are approximate averages, and actual weather conditions can vary from year to year.
| Destination | Average Daytime High | Average Sea Temperature | September Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalfi Coast, Italy | ~26°C | ~25°C | Warm & summery |
| Rovinj, Croatia | ~25°C | ~23°C | Pleasant late summer |
| Corfu, Greece | ~28°C | ~25°C | Warm & summery |
| Malta | ~28°C | ~26°C | Hot & summery |
| Barcelona, Spain | ~25°C | ~24°C | Warm |
| Cyprus | ~29–30°C | ~27°C | Hot & summery |
Weather can change from year to year, so always check the forecast for your specific destination before your trip. I personally like using AccuWeather when planning what to pack.
What to Pack for Europe in September
What you should pack for Europe in September depends heavily on where you’re going. If you’re heading to Southern Europe or the Mediterranean, you can still pack plenty of summer clothes, along with swimwear, sunglasses and comfortable shoes for sightseeing.
I would also bring at least one light cardigan or jacket for cooler evenings and changing weather. A lightweight rain jacket can also be useful, especially towards the end of September.
Always check the weather forecast for your destination shortly before you leave, rather than relying only on typical September temperatures.
FAQ About Visiting Europe in September
Is September a Good Time to Visit Europe?
Yes! September is actually one of my favorite months to travel around Europe. It can be perfect for sightseeing, while many destinations in Southern Europe and around the Mediterranean are still warm enough for swimming and beach days.
You may also find fewer crowds and better prices in some destinations compared with July and August.
Where Is the Warmest in Europe in September?
Some of the warmest destinations in Europe in September are found around the Mediterranean, particularly Cyprus and Malta. Southern Spain and the Canary Islands are also good choices if warm weather is your priority.
Cyprus is an especially strong choice for September, with temperatures around 30°C in many areas and very warm sea temperatures.
Is Europe Still Hot in September?
It depends on where in Europe you travel. You can’t describe the whole continent as hot in September, as Northern and Central Europe can already experience much cooler and more changeable weather.
Southern Europe and Mediterranean destinations, however, can still be hot and feel very much like summer. Even there, cooler evenings, rain and occasional storms are possible, so always check the forecast before your trip.
Can You Swim in Europe in September?
Yes, you can still swim in many parts of Europe in September. The Mediterranean has had the entire summer to warm up, so destinations such as Cyprus, Malta, the Greek islands and Southern Italy can still have pleasantly warm sea temperatures.
Swimming can also be possible along parts of the Spanish and Croatian coasts, although conditions vary by location and can become cooler later in the month.
Is It Better to Visit Europe in August or September?
It really depends on what kind of vacation you want.
August is peak summer and a great choice if your priority is hot weather and beach days. However, the heat can make spending an entire day sightseeing uncomfortable in some destinations.
September can offer a better balance. Southern Europe can still be warm enough for the beach, while sightseeing is often more comfortable and some destinations may have fewer tourists than during the peak summer season.
Final Thoughts
September is one of my favorite times to travel because I can enjoy one last taste of summer before fall arrives.
If warm weather and beach days are your priority, Cyprus or Malta would be my top choices. For beautiful coastal scenery and sightseeing, consider the Amalfi Coast or Rovinj, while Barcelona is perfect if you want to combine a city break with some beach time.
Whichever you choose, September can be a wonderful time to explore Europe — especially if, like me, you’re always looking for an excuse to make summer last a little longer.
Travel Disclaimer: The destinations and recommendations in this article are based on my personal experiences, opinions and research. What makes a great travel destination is subjective, so always consider your own preferences and needs when planning your trip. Weather conditions can vary by destination, travel dates and from year to year, and average temperatures are not a guarantee of the weather you will experience. Always check the current weather forecast for your specific destination before traveling.
