Where is hot in September?

September is the perfect month for a holiday. The peak summer rush is over, meaning cheaper prices. For instance, we found two European city breaks for less than £47 return.

There are also fewer crowds and still typically plenty of sunshine, without too many muggy heatwaves, making it better weather for sightseeing than July and August. 

September is also a smart month to tick off bucket-list long-haul trips — and Japan is a prime example. Travelling then could save you money and spare you the worst of the crowds and queues compared with the peak season in April/May and from October.

Prefer to stay closer to home? Enjoy temperate weather and a five-star seafront escape on the Jurassic Coast. 

Read on for our top picks for September 2025, from Sidmouth to Bucharest and beyond.

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Best places to visit in September 

• Sidmouth, Devon 18℃
• La Rochelle, France, 22℃ 
• Bucharest, Romania, 25℃ 
• Valencia, Spain 28℃ 
• Algarve, Portugal 28℃ 
• Halkidiki, Greece 25℃ 
• Perth, Australia 20℃ 
• Kyoto, Japan, 26℃

Where in Europe is cheap in September?

La Rochelle, France

September high: 22℃

While many flock to Provence or the capital for summer breaks, the country’s western port destinations along the Bay of Biscay, such as La Rochelle, often get overlooked.

Halfway down the coast, equidistant between Nantes and Bordeaux (it takes around two hours to drive to both), this maritime city is packed with architectural delights dating back to the 17th century, plus cyclist-friendly coastal paths along scenic limestone cliffs, and decent beaches. 

There’s a buzzing calendar in September with concerts in La Sirène (a former silo converted into a concert hall), the International Boat Show, a Festival of Fiction, a Decoration fair (an interiors and design showcase), flea markets and plenty of exhibitions in the city’s museums and galleries. Sporty visitors can also enjoy sailing and paddle-boarding in famously pleasant conditions. 

You’ll eat well, too, whether you grab oysters, baguettes and goat's cheese at the food market or head to one of the many impressive eateries in the area. Best of all, we found reasonably priced flights, as low as £40 for a return trip with Ryanair departing from London. 

Bucharest, Romania

September high: 25℃

Bucharest is another cheap getaway option, with a £46 return with Wizz Air from London. 

Not only will you enjoy highs of 25°C with zero humidity, but September is festival season in the Romanian capital. Time it right and you’ll get to enjoy the Balkanik Festival (5-7 September), bringing world-music performances to Grădina Uranus alongside the new Balkanik Street Fair of crafts, workshops and jam sessions and the return of the annual Unforgettable Festival (11-13 September), blending classical and modern music performances. Even Bucharest’s Experimental Film Festival is in town from 22-28 September, with a roster of screenings, installations and filmmaker Q&As. 

Besides this, you can revel in the city’s booming speciality coffee scene, browse its impressive bookstores, and tour its ornate, architectural highlights (there’s even an Arch of Triumph mirroring France’s own Arc de Triomphe). You’re also perfectly placed for day trips to the castles of Sinaia or Braşov’s medieval old town.

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Best UK holiday destination in September: Sidmouth, Devon

September high: 18℃

Balmy temperatures are never guaranteed in the UK, but you stand a decent chance of some warm, dry days in Sidmouth, Devon. In our latest seaside town survey, it landed a slot among the top five in the table, of which it was the most southerly. 

It scored 74% overall, and Which? members gave it the full five stars for its seafront, food and drink offerings, its scenery and its accommodation, which is impressive. 

From dramatic red cliffs to verdant countryside, regency buildings to streets full of boutiques, it’s got plenty to offer anyone squeezing the last drops out of September’s sunshine.

Find accommodation near Aldeburgh with Which? Recommended Provider Rural Retreats and the National Trust.

Best short-haul holiday destinations in September: Valencia, Spain

September high: 28℃

Spain’s third-largest city has miles of sandy beaches, a seductive old town, extraordinary architecture and fabulous food. Valencia landed the top spot in our survey of the best beach towns in the Mediterranean – and clinched the full five-star rating for value for money.

Expect the fun of Barcelona, but with fewer crowds. The extraordinary architecture ranges from a 15th-century Gothic silk exchange and Art Nouveau food market to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.

Valencia is the widely recognised as the birthplace of paella – enjoy it at one of the many restaurants that fringe the city’s broad beaches – Las Arenas, La Malvarrosa and El Canañal. The city also celebrates World Paella Day on 20 September (to coincide with the rice harvest), when chefs from all across the world come to compete. 

Find holidays in Valencia with Which? Recommended Provider Jet2Holidays

Algarve, Portugal

September high: 28℃

Late-season sunseekers rejoice. The Algarve is blessed with more than 100 beaches, from cliff-backed Praia da Cordoama in the wilder west to Barreta Island in the east – a deserted sandbar in the wildlife enclave of Ria Formosa Natural Park.

The little-known town of Tavira was the Algarve’s best destination in our survey of Mediterranean seaside towns. Straddling the Gilão River, it’s a working harbour with an attractive old town and an island beach that can only be reached by ferry. Visitors awarded Tavira five stars for peace, friendliness and value for money.

Find holidays in the Algarve with Which? Recommended Providers Jet2Holidays and Kuoni

Halkidiki, Greece

September high: 25℃

The mainland is often overlooked in favour of the Greek Islands. But the peninsula of Halkidiki – three crooked 'fingers' – has some of the best beaches, mountains and food in Greece. 

The first finger, Kassandra, has glorious golden sands and lively resorts. The second finger, Sithonia, is more rugged, with isolated coves backing onto pine-carpeted hills. The third, Mount Athos, is occupied by an ancient monastic community. 

The Aegean Sea is at its warmest at this time of year. Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki – with its Byzantine walls, Roman ruins and lively waterfront bars – is just an hour or so away.

Book your holiday to Greece with a reputable company, using our guide to the best travel agents

Best long-haul holiday destination in September: Kyoto, Japan

September high: 26℃

Visiting Kyoto during shoulder season isn’t just a wise choice in 2025 — it’s almost a non-negotiable if you want to avoid throngs of tourists. The city was ranked second-best world long-haul city break in our survey, but its two-star rating for crowds indicates that it’s a destination best enjoyed in peace.

Most people aim to visit Kyoto in time for its cherry blossom blooms in April and May, or later, in October. However, plan your trip for mid to late September when the heat and humidity ease off, and you’ll have the city largely to yourself, with flight and accommodation prices also generally lower than in high season.

Along with exploring its temples, gardens and traditional tea houses, you’ll also get to take advantage of Kyoto’s cultural calendar kicking off again. September offers moon-viewing events, floral festivities, martial arts pageantry and even a traditional hair artistry parade in late September.  

Perth, Australia

September high: 20℃

Australia’s most remote city offers plenty of laid-back charm. September marks the start of spring, when temperatures are at their most pleasant – expect highs of 20℃ and eight hours of sunshine a day.

For culture, you’ll find independent shops and a thriving food scene in the Northbridge district, not to mention the city’s best museums, theatres and galleries. 

Western Australia's oldest wine region, Swan Valley, is also just a 30-minute drive from the city. Enjoy a top-notch glass of shiraz under the shade of an eucalyptus tree at one of its family-run vineyards. September is the perfect month to walk its wildflower trails to see rare varieties that bloom nowhere else on Earth.

Rottnest island is another must-see, with its serene white-sand beaches and otherworldly pink lakes. It's also famous for its adorable marsupial inhabitant, the quokka.

Find holidays to Perth with Which? Recommended Providers Audley Travel, Kuoni and Trailfinders