Where is hot in September?

1. Bulgaria

Weather

Blessed with nine hours of sunshine and an average 20°C climate, there’s plenty of sunbathing action in Bulgaria. Believe it or not, this Black Sea hotspot can reach up to 25°C in September and the rain only affects four days of the month. Sunny Beach area in particular sees less downpours and the sea remains a warm 22°C from the peak summer season. 

Nights do tend to dip to 16°C, so a cardigan or jacket is advisable. To make the most of the desirable weather, aim to travel at the beginning of the month.

Why go?

Renowned for its diverse terrain and melting pot of cultures, you can’t escape Bulgaria’s extraordinary landscapes. It has been named the ‘Best Value Holiday Destination in Europe’ by the 2019 Post Office Holiday Money Report, so you’re ensured more bang for your buck. Sunny Beach is a revellers’ utopia with clubs open until the early hours and happy hour drinks, while Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, offers old-world wonders by the boatload. And as for cityscapes, Burgas and Varna are as chic as they come. 

Not only is it famed for its beach breaks, but its skiing retreats too thanks to the town of Bansko. If you prefer the sand between your toes, instead of the snow at your feet, Sofia is a must-visit as the island’s stunning capital with a history dating back 30,000 years.

Best beaches

Golden Sands

Albena 

Ahtopol 

Ikarli Beach

Trakata Beach

Best things to do?

Rila Monastery 

Veliko Tarnovo

Maryan Winery

Nikopolis ad Istrum 

Plovdiv

Aqualand Waterpark

Sun fact: The Burgas region has recorded highs of 35°C in September and there’s only a total of three wets days throughout the month. Whereas Sofia has seven wet days and lower temperatures

Flight time: 3 hours

Best for? Beaches, short haul and great value for money.

Best hotels

Hotel Iberostar Sunny Beach Resort: With double rooms or suites offering deluxe comfort after a hard night on Bulgaria’s strip, this hotel will become your home-away-from-home. Make a splash in seven pools, that’s a different base for every day of the week, or indulge in the All Inclusive programme thanks to its show cooking stations and VIP level spaces. 

Hotel Marvel: This modern style accommodation is made up of 323 double rooms, most of which offer premium views of the sunrise. Boasting its own private beach area for all its All Inclusive guests, including two buffet restaurants and a bar, every inch of this property is teeming with state-of-the-art facilities.

2. Ibiza

Weather

Not only will you work up a sweat dancing to world-famous DJs such as David Guetta, but the weather won’t let you down either. Escape the summer crowds and bask in highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C, now that’s what we call a scorcher. There’s only the occasional cloud cover too, so slap on that suncream before hitting the closest beach party. Thunderstorms can occur during the end of the month, but these tend to be brief and won’t hinder the all-night clubbin

Why go?

With sizzling rays beaming down on a flawless Mediterranean coastline over 10 hours of the day, there’s no better place to get your tanning fix. It’s also home to the world’s largest club, Privilege Ibiza which holds up to 11,000 revellers. Alongside Pacha, which is the oldest party venue on the island. You’ll make it just in time for Ibiza’s closing events too when travelling in September. 

But it’s not just about drinking and dancing, this Balearic Island gem also boasts a UNESCO-listed Old Town brimming with medieval architecture. Not to mention its bohemian enclaves dotted around the shore

Best beaches

Cala Bassa

Cala Llonga 

Benirras 

Cala Gracio 

Calo Des Mor

Best things to do?

Dalt Vila UNESCO Site 

Hike Sa Talaia 

Cliff jump Cala Tarida 

Es Canar Market 

Snorkel Cala Conta

Sun fact: Ibiza experiences 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a top destination to visit year-round.

Flight time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Best for: Short haul, nightlife and beaches

Best hotels

Apartamentos Los Angeles: Just 350 yards away from the famous Cafe Mambo sunset bar and 100 yards from San Antonio Harbour, it’s all about location at these apartments. These light and airy rooms come equipped with a kitchen, private balcony and living area. Not to mention they boast a contemporary design with white furnishings. 

Ibiza Rocks Hotel: Proudly known as the ‘Home of the Pool Party’, a stay at this lively resort is an experience like no other. From witnessing the most in-demand artists to one-off events and cabana sunloungers, there’s nowhere quite like it. Rooms will overlook Craig David’s TS5 set and rockstar apartments feature all the mod-cons, not to mention  a grill and pizza joint are on hand for hungry bellies.

3. Majorca

Weather

You may think it’s hard to beat the 35°C temperatures in August, but September is a close second when it comes to heat. It can reach 31°C and rarely dips below 25°C, allowing you to leave your jumpers at home. As the rain starts to fall at home, Lara Beach downpours are minimal at a low 10mm. As for sunshine hours, you can expect light mornings and bright nights with 10 hours of sunshine. It’s also the best time to visit the beach with waters climbing to 27°C just like a hot bath!

Why go?

This premium resort gets a 5 star rating owing to its VIP status from its Las Vegas style strip to its Blue Flag awarded beaches and day trips to Antalya, there’s no end to its draws. Lara Beach has the wow-factor with its luxury hammams, gourmet restaurants and stand-out go-karting tracks. Hotels have an upmarket appeal which can be showcased through their endless facilities, sea-facing suites and onsite waterparks. 

At the foot of the resort you’ve got natural marvels such as Duden Waterfalls or jeep safaris through the Taurus Mountains. And water babies won’t be able to resist scuba diving the depths of its riviera or rafting its Koprulu Canyon.

Best beaches

Lara Beach

Kaputas Beach

Konyaalti Beach

Mermerli Beach 

Cakil Beach

Best things to do?

Antalya City 

Kaleici Old Town

Termessos 

Aspendos 

Duden Waterfalls

Sun fact: There’s 88% chance of a perfect sunny day and only 12% of clouds throughout the month.

Flight time: 4 hours

Best for: Beaches, All Inclusive hotels and sightseeing.

Best hotels

Delphin Imperial: As part of the reputable Delphin brand, this architectural masterpiece has a total of 650 rooms all enjoying breathtaking Mediterranean views. Dine al fresco from the hotel’s international buffet where you’ll be showered with gourmet treats, or check out its eight a la carte spots. Add some excitement to your stay with sports tournaments, waterslides, a nightclub and games centre – there’s nothing this 5 star showstopper can’t provide. 

Hotel Mardan Palace: This palace-like establishment certainly has the wow-factor with its 5 star sophistication and award-winning service. Lagoon-style pools extend to a private beach where you can bask in September’s desirable climate. As for its All Inclusive perks, there’s over 30 acclaimed restaurants and bars, not to mention the kids’ club and entertainment programmes.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Weather

Although a little wetter than July and August with seven days of expected rainfall, Dubrovnik still enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate during September. Sitting at a comfortable 24°C, this  is the perfect condition for either exploring its Old Town or lounging around the poolside. It’s also ideal beach weather with the Adriatic providing warm 23°C waters to bathe in. Cloud coverage is expected to be between 24 to 28%, which means plenty of clear days ahead. 

Why go?

It rose to fame after its stint on Game of Thrones, the legendary HBO series. Now Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most visited spots and once you catch a glimpse of its magnificent walled city, you’ll see exactly why. It’s hardly surprising that its Old Town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its Baroque churches and Francisican Monastery, which houses one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. 

Nestled within its marble-paved streets there’s no shortage of chic boutiques, fancy eateries and medieval houses. And when you walk along its dominating walls, prepare to be enchanted by the country’s Adriatic Riviera which is right on your doorstep.

Best beaches

Bamje Beach

Dance Beach

Buza Beach

Sveti Jakov Beach

Porporela Beach

Best things to do?

Game of Thrones tour 

Lokrum 

Stradun 

Cable car Mount Srd

St. John Fortress

Sun fact: The longest day of the month is 1st September with over 13 hours of sunshine.

Flight time: 2 hours and 35 minutes

Best for: Short haul, city, history and beaches.

Best hotels

Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel: The views from this hotel are what dreams are made of, gaze out onto the Elaphiti Islands while basking in your luxurious surroundings. Treat yourself to a first-class V Level service or opt for affordable yet chic superior double rooms. Pampering awaits at its Afrodita Spa with Mediterranean senses, while its a la carte offerings serve up a stellar meal. 

Bellevue Dubrovnik: This recently refurbished glamorous property is a boutique style spot carved into the cliffside. Its floor-to-ceiling windows reveal flawless Adriatic vistas from deluxe rooms and its contemporary fine dining restaurant has its own set of Michelin stars. Head to the wine bar, where over 180 bottles will tempt your taste buds or head 10 minutes down the road to the 6th century Old Town.

5. Santorini

Weather

With the summer crowds beginning to disappear, enjoy Santoroni’s hot average of 25°C in tranquil surroundings. However, make sure you have plenty of SPF protection with highs reaching 28 to 30°C during the day. And with a minimum of only two rainfall days in September, you’re visiting in one of the driest months. Hitting its famous volcanic beaches? Expect cosy 24°C waters, only 1°C cooler than in August.

Why go?

Evolving from a massive volcanic eruption back in 1450 BC which has created its awe-inspiring landscapes, admire its steep crater known as the caldera from the island’s clifftops. In fact, it’s one of the country’s most photographed spots. With its whitewashed houses, blue-domed roofs and sprawling vineyards, it doesn’t get more authentic than Santoroni. From donkey rides to ancient Thira and tavernas dotted along Oia, experience traditional Greece at its best. 

It’s known as one of the most romantic places on earth with honeymooners flocking from across the globe to soak up its beauty, especially its renowned sunset. And its epic hiking route from Fira to Oia has fitness fanatics overjoyed with its six-hour trek. 

Best Beaches

Kamari Beach

Perissa Beach

Perivolos Beach

Red Beach

Monolithos Beach

Best things to do?

Akrotiri 

Caldera 

Santo Wines 

Open air cinema Kamari 

Ammoudi Bay

Sun fact: The record highest temperature in September is 35°C.

Flight time: 4 hours

Best for: Short haul, beaches, honeymoons and hiking.

Best hotels

Rose Bay Hotel: This peaceful retreat lies just 50 metres from Kamari Beach and a three-minute walk from the resort centre. This intimate establishment boasts 55 comfortable suites, even offering solo options for single travellers. Onsite guests can expect an extensive freshwater pool, open-air restaurant, sports courts and a fitness centre. 

Astro Palace Hotel & Suites: This elegant spot with beautiful Cycladic architecture is an oasis of relaxation with its private pools and bubbling hot tubs. Ideal for honeymooners with an idyllic location, wine tasting and wellness centre to soothe your soul – tranquility is at the heart of this hotel.

6. New York

Weather

If you want to witness Central Park in full bloom, September is a great time to experience its 843 acres of land. The Autumn season might just be beginning, but the weather says otherwise at a staggering 25°C and 17°C after dark. Sometimes it gets as hot at 30°C, but with the sun high in the sky there’s no better time to take in the view from the top of the Empire State Building. Rainfall is spread between eight days, but with most of New York’s major attractions inside, it won’t put a damper on your plans.

Why go?

Making it on most people’s bucket-list, the ‘City That Never Sleeps’ will have jaws dropping from the moment you set eyes on its imposing skyline. Feel the buzz as you wander its neon-lit Times Square with the Hard Rock and Broadway theatres in the distance. Or, make your way to the top of the Rockefeller Centre for once-in-a-lifetime panoramas, you can even spot Lady Liberty from the top. And if you don’t shop till you drop in Macy’s or Bloomingdales, then are you really in the Big Apple? 

Pulling on your heartstrings is the 9/11 Memorial Museum, where you’ll relive the devastating destruction of the Twin Tower back in 2001. For facts of a different kind, we’ve got you covered with the American Museum of Natural History at your disposal.

Best things to do?

• Movie tour around Central Park 
• Empire State Building 
• Statue of Liberty 
• Broadway show 
• One World Trade Centre 
• Times Square

Sun fact: Head to the top of the One World Trade Centre or Empire State Building at 7.30pm to catch the most magical sunset over the city.

Flight time: 8 hours and 15 minutes

Best for: Cityscapes, long haul and sightseeing.

Best hotels

 

Ameritania Times Square: Popular for its stand-out location in the heart of New York’s theatre district, this Manhattan escape will have you moments from its biggest highlights. Even its most standard rooms offer a sleek contemporary design featuring fancy I-Home docking stations and a flat screen TV. At your disposal you have a cocktail bar, high-speed internet and breakfast joint. 

Riu Plaza New York Times Square: With hotels all over the world, you’re in expert hands at the Riu Plaza. There are over 600 rooms spread across 29 floors and if you bag yourself one on its top floor, you have amazing views of the skyline. Located amidst Central Park, the Rockefeller Centre and Fifth Avenue, you can walk to all its major draws.