Why September Is Becoming One of the Best Months to Travel

September used to be one of travel’s best-kept secrets. Now, September holidays are becoming increasingly popular, with more travellers choosing to swap the traditional July or August getaway for a late-summer escape.

And it’s easy to see why.

With warm weather still available across many destinations, fewer families travelling and more flexibility around dates, September travel can offer a fantastic balance of sunshine, relaxation and value.

Why choose a holiday in September?

For many travellers, September offers the best of both worlds.

Across destinations such as Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Cyprus and Türkiye, summer temperatures can remain wonderfully warm, while the atmosphere can feel a little more relaxed once the main school holiday period has finished.

It can also be a great month for exploring.

Walking, sightseeing, cycling and touring can be more enjoyable when you're not dealing with the intense heat that some destinations experience during July and August.

And if you're not tied to school holiday dates, you may also have more flexibility when it comes to choosing your departure date, airport, flight time and length of stay.

Is September cheaper than travelling in summer?

This is where I think it's important to challenge one common assumption.

September doesn't automatically mean cheaper holidays. As more people discover the benefits of travelling at this time of year, demand is increasing. That means some flights and hotels can still be very popular and prices won't necessarily drop simply because August has ended.

Instead of asking, "Is September cheaper?", I think the better question is:

"Where can I get the best value for the holiday I actually want?"

Moving your dates by just a few days, trying a different departure airport or looking at alternative destinations can sometimes make a much bigger difference than simply travelling in September.

Where can you go on holiday in September?

September is an incredibly versatile month for travel.

If you're looking for late summer sunshine, Mediterranean destinations remain a great option. Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Cyprus and Türkiye can all offer warm weather and plenty of choice. But September isn't just about beach holidays.

It's also a fantastic time for:

• 🌍 European city breaks
• 🚗 Touring and road trips
• 🚢 Cruises
• 🍷 Food and wine holidays
• 🧘 Wellness escapes
• 🥾 Active and adventure holidays
• ✈️ Longer-haul travel

For those who have more flexibility, September can also be a great opportunity to look beyond Europe and consider destinations further afield.

My favourite thing about September travel

Personally, I love September as a month to travel.

There is something rather nice about everyone else returning to normal life while you're only just starting your holiday. The weather can still feel like summer, restaurants and resorts are still buzzing, but the overall pace can feel a little calmer. And that's what makes September holidays so appealing. It's not necessarily about finding the cheapest possible holiday. It's about finding the right holiday, at the right time, for you.

If you're considering travelling this September or planning ahead for next year, I'd be happy to help you look at the options and find a trip that works around your budget, travel style and priorities.

Everyone else might be heading back to "normal" life. That doesn't mean you have to.