All-inclusive September

September is one of the best months for an all-inclusive holiday. Summer isn’t over yet, but the crowds of July and August are gradually thinning out. The sea is still warm at many destinations, hotels are still operating at full capacity and the evenings are often wonderfully mild. At the same time, beaches are quieter, prices are often lower and resorts feel less crowded. This makes September an attractive option for couples, young families, those seeking peace and quiet, and anyone who isn’t tied to the traditional summer holiday period.

An all-inclusive holiday in September works differently in practice than in August. You still enjoy many of the benefits of summer, but fewer of the drawbacks. Shorter queues at the buffet, a better chance of a nice spot by the pool, quieter beaches and often more space in restaurants. The heat is more bearable in many destinations. September still feels very much like summer, particularly in Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Malta, Portugal and Italy.

At allinclusive.eu, we see September as one of the best months for those who want to get the most holiday for their money. You can often book a better hotel for the same budget, or the same holiday for less than during the peak season. This is particularly true from the second week of September onwards, when many families have returned home and the school holidays are over.

Why September works so well for all-inclusive holidays

September is the month when resorts are often still fully open, but are no longer operating at full capacity. In July and August, everything runs at full capacity. In September, the season continues, but the atmosphere becomes more relaxed. You’ll notice this at breakfast, by the pool, at the bar and during dinner.

This is ideal for all-inclusive holidays. You still benefit from the convenience of food, drink, snacks, swimming pools, entertainment and service, but without the peak-season crowds. Children don’t have to wait as long for an ice cream, it’s easier to find a sun lounger and the buffet feels less hectic. The staff often have a little more time too, which can make the service feel more personalised.

September is also lovely because the sea has had the whole summer to warm up. In May and June, the swimming pool can already be lovely, but the sea is sometimes still a bit chilly. In September, it’s different. The sea is often at its warmest or just past its peak temperature. That makes destinations such as Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and southern Spain particularly appealing.

What’s more, the temperatures are more pleasant. Antalya, for example, has an average temperature of 26 degrees and around 22 mm of rainfall in September, whereas August averages 29 degrees. In practice, this often makes September more comfortable for families and couples who don’t want to endure extreme heat all day long.

Who is September ideal for?

September is particularly ideal for couples. Adults-only hotels, wellness resorts and quiet all-inclusive hotels really come into their own this month. You still have plenty of sunshine, but fewer families with children at the resort. This creates a different atmosphere: less children’s entertainment, less hustle and bustle by the pool and a more peaceful dinner.

Young families also benefit greatly from a September holiday. If you’re travelling with children who aren’t yet at school, this might well be the best month. It’s warm enough for the pool and the beach, but not as hot as August. Prices are often lower, the transfer feels less tiring and the resort is less crowded. This is ideal for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

For families with school-age children, September is trickier, unless you’re tied to a late summer holiday or can travel outside the usual holiday periods. Even so, a weekend, a short break or early September can sometimes still be worth considering.

For those seeking peace and quiet, September is perfect. You get that summer feeling, but without the sense that everyone is in the same place at the same time. Seaside resorts remain lively, but not overcrowded. Outdoor cafés are open, the beaches are pleasant and excursions are easier to manage.

What September is like in practice

In September, the day often starts more calmly. You don’t have to get up quite so early to find a sun lounger. You can have breakfast later without it being immediately crowded. At many resorts, you’ll notice that the intense stress of the high season has disappeared. The pace is slower.

Nevertheless, it’s still important to consider the specific time of September. The first week can still feel like high season, especially in countries where school holidays end later. From the second week onwards, things usually quieten down. By the end of September, the atmosphere is even more relaxed, but at some destinations the chance of showers increases and facilities may be slightly more limited.

In practice, mid-September often offers the best balance. Warm weather, warm seas, plenty of liveliness and fewer crowds. Those who mainly want to enjoy the beach and the pool should opt for southern destinations. Those who also want to go for walks, visit towns or go on excursions will find better conditions almost everywhere in September than in August.

The best all-inclusive destinations in September

For guaranteed sunshine, Turkey, Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Greece, Malta and southern Spain are excellent choices. These are destinations where September still feels very much like summer. Paphos in Cyprus, for example, has an average temperature of 25 degrees and around 3.4 mm of rainfall in September. That makes Cyprus one of the most reliable late-summer destinations in Europe.

Turkey is perhaps one of the best choices for September. Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side and Alanya are still warm, the resorts are in full swing and the heat is often more bearable than in July and August. September is particularly good for large all-inclusive resorts with water parks, spa facilities and multiple restaurants. Children can still swim to their heart’s content, whilst parents enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Spain remains widely appealing. The Canary Islands are dry and stable. According to AEMET, Tenerife South has an average temperature of 24.5 degrees and around 4 mm of rainfall in September. This makes Tenerife South a very reliable choice for sunshine without extreme heat. Mallorca, Ibiza, the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca are also lovely, but you’ll notice a slightly more pronounced transition into the late season there than in the Canary Islands.

Greece is lovely in September. Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Zakynthos remain warm but become quieter. The sea is pleasant and excursions to villages, harbours or historic sites are easier to manage than in August. Crete and Rhodes are often the warmest and sunniest choices in Greece.

Malta is also a great option in September, especially if you want to combine sunshine with culture. Valletta has an average temperature of 25 degrees and around 57.3 mm of rainfall in September. That’s clearly wetter than July, but still warm and ideal for a mix of swimming pools, the sea, towns and boat trips.

Portugal and Madeira are good choices if you prefer slightly milder weather. The Algarve is still very suitable for the beach in September, whilst Madeira is ideal for walking, scenic views, wellness and quiet hotels. Italy, particularly Sicily and Sardinia, is warm and atmospheric. Croatia, Montenegro and Albania are often quieter in September than in August, whilst still offering plenty of that holiday feeling.

September by destination, temperature and rainfall

Spain, Southern Tenerife. Average temperature around 24.5 degrees. Around 4 mm of rainfall. One of the best choices for dry late-summer sunshine.

Spain, Mallorca and the Costa del Sol. Average temperature around 23 to 26 degrees. Around 20 to 45 mm of rainfall. Warm, lively and quieter than in August.

Portugal, Algarve. Average temperature around 22 to 25 degrees. Around 15 to 35 mm of rainfall. Ideal for beaches, cliffs, quiet hotels and driving holidays.

Madeira. Average temperatures around 22 to 24 degrees. Approximately 25 to 45 mm of rainfall. Ideal for nature, walking, wellness and sea views.

Cyprus, Paphos and Limassol. Average temperature around 25 degrees. Around 3 to 15 mm of rainfall. Excellent for sunshine, warm seas and all-inclusive resorts.

Malta, Valletta and Mellieħa. Average temperature around 25 degrees. Around 57 mm of rainfall. Warm and atmospheric, with a slightly higher chance of showers than in the height of summer.

Turkey, Antalya and Belek. Average temperature around 26 degrees. Around 22 mm of rainfall. A top month for all-inclusive resorts, water parks and wellness.

Greece, Crete and Rhodes. Average temperature around 24 to 27 degrees. Around 10 to 25 mm of rainfall. Warm, sunny and quieter than in July and August.

Italy, Sicily and Sardinia. Average temperature around 24 to 27 degrees. Around 25 to 55 mm of rainfall. Ideal for beach holidays, dining, culture and couples’ holidays.

Croatia, Dalmatia and Istria. Average temperatures of around 21 to 24 degrees. Approximately 65 to 90 mm of rainfall. Still warm, but with a greater chance of showers or thunderstorms.

Albania, Sarandë and Ksamil. Average temperatures of around 24 to 27 degrees. Approximately 45 to 70 mm of rainfall. Quieter, affordable and still suitable for the beach.

Montenegro, Budva and Bar. Average temperatures of around 23 to 26 degrees. Around 70 to 100 mm of rainfall. A lovely late summer, but the weather will be less dry than in August.

Bulgaria, Burgas and Sunny Beach. Average temperatures of around 21 to 24 degrees. Approximately 45 to 65 mm of rainfall. Particularly suitable for beach holidays and families in early September.

For families in September

For families with young children, September is often better than August. Fewer crowds, lower temperatures and more affordable prices make the holiday more practical. You don’t have to rush around as much, children often sleep better and there’s more space by the pool and at the buffet.

Turkey, Spain, Cyprus and Greece are the best choices for families. In these countries, many family hotels are still operating at full capacity. Resorts with water parks, slides and kids’ clubs remain attractive, especially in the first half of September. Do bear in mind the exact dates, though. Towards the end of September, some hotels may scale back their entertainment programme slightly.

For young children, a short transfer is important. It’s best to choose a hotel that isn’t too far from the airport. Consider Lara and Belek near Antalya, South Tenerife, Kos, Rhodes, Mallorca or Paphos. After a flight, you don’t want to spend another two hours on a coach.

A heated swimming pool is usually not necessary in September at warm destinations, but it can be pleasant at destinations such as Madeira, Croatia, Bulgaria or more northerly coastal resorts. Also check whether the water park is still fully open. Many resorts do have one, but opening hours may be reduced as the season progresses.

For couples in September

September is perhaps the best month for couples. The atmosphere is more mature, quieter and less hectic. Adults-only resorts really come into their own at this time of year. You still have warm evenings, but there’s less of a crowd around the pool. Restaurants are less crowded and excursions feel less strenuous thanks to the cooler temperatures.

Good choices for couples include Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, Madeira, the Canary Islands and adults-only resorts in Turkey. Those looking primarily for luxury and convenience should choose Turkey or Cyprus. Those who like to combine culture, towns and food should look at Malta, Sicily or Greece. Those seeking nature and tranquillity should choose Madeira or Croatia.

September is also a good month for a short, luxury holiday. As prices often fall after the summer peak, you can sometimes book a better hotel than in August. Think of a swim-up room, a room with a sea view, an adults-only hotel or a resort with a spa.

Excursions in September

In September, excursions become more appealing again. In August, it’s often too hot for long days out in the city or strenuous walks. In September, the weather is more suitable. You can visit a market, explore an old town, go on a boat trip or plan a walk along the coast without immediately overheating.

In Turkey, it’s easier to visit Side, Antalya or go on a boat trip along the coast. In Greece, villages, monasteries, harbours and archaeological sites are more pleasant to visit. In Malta, it’s easier to combine visits to Valletta, Mdina, Gozo and Comino than in the height of summer. In Cyprus, Paphos, the Troodos Mountains and coastal walks are more enjoyable than in August.

Still plan your excursions wisely. Afternoons can remain hot, especially in Cyprus and Turkey. Mornings or late afternoons are often best. With children, one or two outings a week is usually enough. The resort remains your base.

All-inclusive offers in September

September is a great month for special offers. Once the school holidays are over, there’s often more availability. Hotels want to keep filling rooms, tour operators still have flight seats available, and many travellers are back at work. As a result, prices can become more attractive.

You’ll often find the best deals for departures from the second week of September onwards. If you’re flexible with your airport, departure date and destination, you’re more likely to secure a competitive price. Turkey, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria and Cyprus are often good options for last-minute or late-summer offers.

However, you shouldn’t just look at the lowest price. In September, it’s important to check whether all facilities are still open. Are the water slides open? Is the kids’ club running? Are à la carte restaurants still available? Is the beach bar open? This is usually better organised at large resorts than at small seasonal hotels.

A good September deal is a hotel that’s still in full swing but no longer fully booked. That offers the best combination of price, comfort and atmosphere.

What should you look out for when booking in September?

Pay particular attention to the exact week of your trip. Early September still feels like summer. Mid-September is often perfect. Late September is quieter, but also slightly more unpredictable in some countries. If you want guaranteed sunshine, it’s better to head south at the end of September: Turkey, Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, Malta, Tenerife or Gran Canaria.

Check the facilities. Not every hotel maintains the same programme until October. Water parks, entertainment, beach clubs and outdoor restaurants may be seasonal. Read recent reviews from September, as these give the best impression.

Also consider the evenings. In September, evenings can get a bit cooler in some destinations, particularly in Portugal, Croatia, Bulgaria and more northerly regions. A cardigan or light jumper is handy. In Cyprus, Turkey and Malta, evenings often stay warm for longer.

For adults, September is often ideal, but for teenagers it can feel a bit quieter. If you’re looking for a resort with plenty of people your own age and evening entertainment, early September is better than late September.

September in practice: how to make the most of it

An all-inclusive holiday in September is all about balance. You still get sunshine and that summer feeling, but with more space and tranquillity. You don’t have to get up quite so early to secure a sun lounger, it’s easier to book tables at restaurants, and day trips are more manageable. The resort feels less crowded, but is still lively enough.

For families with young children, September is practical and relaxing. For couples, it’s perhaps the best month of the year. For those seeking peace and quiet, it’s a chance to book luxury hotels without the peak-season crowds. And for those on the lookout for special offers, September is often a smart choice.

Do choose your destination carefully, though. For maximum sunshine, head to Turkey, Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Malta. For slightly milder temperatures, Madeira, Portugal, Croatia and Italy are lovely. For an affordable late-summer break, look to Bulgaria, Albania or Montenegro.

September is the month when your holiday often feels more relaxed. Summer is still in the air, the sea is warm, the resort is still in full swing and the peak crowds have passed. That’s precisely why an all-inclusive holiday in September is such a good choice. You don’t have to organise much, you often pay less than in August and you might just get the best bit of summer left.

FAQs about all-inclusive holidays in September

Is September a good month for an all-inclusive holiday?

Yes, September is one of the best months. It’s often still warm, the sea is pleasant, and resorts are quieter than in July and August.

Where is it warm in September?

Turkey, Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, Malta, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, southern Spain and Sicily are warm options. Cyprus and Turkey, in particular, remain very summery.

Is September suitable for children?

Yes, especially with young children. It’s less crowded and less hot than August. Do check whether kids’ clubs, water slides and entertainment programmes are still running at full capacity.

Are all-inclusive holidays cheaper in September?

They often are. Prices regularly drop from the second week of September onwards, as the school holidays are over and hotels want to fill their rooms.

Can you still swim in the sea in September?

Yes, and in fact it’s ideal at many destinations. The sea has warmed up over the summer. Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Spain are excellent choices.

Which destination is best for September?

For guaranteed sunshine, Turkey, Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are excellent choices. For peace and atmosphere, Malta, Madeira, Sicily, Croatia and Sardinia are attractive options.

What should you bear in mind when booking a holiday in September?

Check whether facilities are still open, such as water slides, kids’ clubs, beach bars and à la carte restaurants. Also take note of the week of your trip, as the weather can become more changeable at some destinations towards the end of September.