Where is hot in September
By Mark Hodson, Sunday Times Travel Writer and Editor of 101 Holidays
Catch the end of the summer in the Northern Hemisphere by getting away in September. Temperatures are generally less blistering than in August – especially in the Mediterranean – and with resorts far quieter as the new school year begins, there are some fantastic deals going begging in end of season sales.
This is arguably one of the best months to travel in search of sunshine. So where is hot in September for a holiday?
Short haul destinations
Some of the best temperatures are to be found on Mediterranean islands. The Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily both have average temperatures of 26°C. Greek classics are also good bets – Crete reaches 26°C – and the lesser known Paxos 27°C. Malta (28°C) and La Gomera (26°C) also hold on to long warm days. The hottest of the bunch is Cyprus, which still reaches 32C – a guaranteed late summer tan destination.
Back on the mainland, soak up the glamour of southern France in St Tropez – a perfect 25°C. Turkey’s Aegean Coast and Spain’s Costa de la Luz are also solid sunshine choices, both with superb beaches that will be uncrowded in September.
September is also an ideal month for balmy European city breaks. In Spain, Madrid and Barcelona settle around the mid 20s, while Seville in the south hits 32°C and higher. In Italy, Florence reaches 26°C and Rome 27°C – ideal temperatures for sightseeing and absorbing the rich Italian culture. Istanbul is another fantastic city option slightly further east.
Long haul destinations
A number of African countries make great choices at this time of the year. Kenya is 24°C while Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania can reach 28°C. This is also a good time to visit the Victoria Falls from either Zambia or Zimbabwe – both enjoy temperatures in excess of 29°C.
The Indian Ocean is hot in September. The Seychelles and the Maldives both hover around the 30°C mark. Madagascar might seem off the temperature pace at 23°C, but this is a suitable level of heat to explore the island and its exotic wildlife.
Where is hot in September in South East Asia? We recommend Indonesia. While the seasonal monsoon hits much of the region, Bali maintains 33°C heat but with minimal rainfall.
American destinations also shine in September. The glamour of Miami is the pick in Florida, with consistent temperatures above 30°C. A West Coast fly drive holiday could be a great option for chasing sunshine – San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas all have reliable temperatures in the 20s.
Temperatures are still high in Morocco and in Egypt, Jordan and Dubai are arguably a bit too hot for holidays in September. Unless you are in search of blistering heat, you should perhaps save these destinations for later in the autumn or winter.
For more inspirational holiday ideas, see our full list of recommended September holidays. You may also be interested in our suggestions for honeymoons in September.
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Hot holidays in September
