September holidays where it's hot

The Mediterranean — Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Croatia and southern Spain still hit 26°C–31°C, with the sea at its warmest of the year. For hotter, Egypt and Dubai reach 33°C–38°C.

Excellent — arguably the best of the year. Summer temperatures but thin crowds, lower prices (schools are back), warm sea, no sweltering heat. Flights and accommodation typically drop 20–30% versus August.

Cyprus, southern Crete and the Algarve are warmest at 29°C–31°C. Malta, Sicily, the Greek islands and Antalya are close behind at 27°C–30°C. The sea stays swimmable into October nearly everywhere.

Yes — Antalya and the Turkish Riviera stay 28°C–31°C through most of September, with 300+ hours of sunshine and sea around 27°C. One of the best-value hot spots of the shoulder season.

After late-August prices fall, Turkey (Antalya), the Greek islands, Malta and Spain's mainland coast offer the cheapest September holidays — flights from £47–£80 return and 4-star packages from £350 pp.

Because demand drops after August, September is perfect for last-minute deals — packages 2–3 weeks out are routinely 20–30% cheaper. For half-term and specific resorts, book 2–3 months ahead for choice.