September is the most consistently underrated travel month in the calendar. Mediterranean water is at its yearly maximum because the sea takes all summer to heat up. The crowds collapse the day European schools restart. The light gets that lower, gentler quality. The Aegean meltemi finally settles. Croatia is calm again. Spain stays hot. Sicily and southern Italy are perfect.
The weather, the water, the feel
Greek waters 24 to 26 C. Italian south coast 26 C. Spain Balearics 25 C water. Turkey 27 C water. Croatia 24 C water. Air temperatures cool from peak August by 2 to 3 C, which makes hiking and city days viable again.
Greek south Crete, especially around Sougia and Loutro, has perfect calm seas in September. Sicilian coast around Cefalu and the Egadi islands is glassy. Turkey's Turquoise Coast is at its annual peak for boat cruises. Croatia's Vis and Lastovo are calm and warm. Spain's Cabo de Gata and Menorca coves are warm enough to swim past sunset.
Five destinations on the shortlist
Mediterranean
Greece
28 C / 82 F
Crete, Karpathos, Rhodes. Water at maximum.
Balearics
Spain
27 C / 81 F
Menorca, Mallorca east coast, Ibiza calas.
Mediterranean
Italy
27 C / 81 F
Sicily, Sardinia, Amalfi finally breathable.
Mediterranean
Turkey
29 C / 84 F
Kas, Kalkan, gulet cruises along the Lycian coast.
Mediterranean
Cyprus
29 C / 84 F
Latchi, Akamas, Cape Greco.
Insider planning tips
- European schools restart first week of September. Book travel after the 10th for the quietest experience.
- Greek ferry frequencies start to thin late September. Check return options before committing to islands.
- Turkey gulet charters drop in price after the first week. Negotiate.
- Cyprus rental cars increase the week of UK school break in late October. September is still cheap.
Where to stay
Greek studio rentals on Karpathos and small Cyclades drop 30 percent versus August. Spanish villa stock on Menorca becomes available at shoulder rates. Italian masserie in Puglia at last have midweek openings without three-night minimums. Turkish pansiyons in Kas and Kalkan are walking-around-town friendly with restaurants no longer slammed. Cypriot Polis villas are an absolute steal.
Final word
September is the month most regular Mediterranean travelers privately recommend over July. There is a reason.