Super September: Why September Is the New August for Savvy Travellers (and Where to Go)

Autumn Mediterranean coastline glowing in warm September sunshine

If July and August holidays feel crowded, costly and a little too hectic, there’s good news: September is having a moment. Known as “Super September”, this shoulder-season travel boom is giving UK holidaymakers the chance to enjoy warm weather, better value and a more relaxed pace.

According to ABTA’s Travel Trends 2026 report, September is becoming one of the fastest-growing months for travel. So, where should you go : and how can you make the most of it?

Why September is the new August

The biggest advantage is simple: the school holidays are over. Airports and resorts are generally calmer, popular attractions have fewer queues and couples, solo travellers and families with pre-school children can enjoy a little more space.

Prices can also be more appealing. Flights, hotels and package holidays often become better value once the peak summer period has passed. Research from KAYAK suggests flights in September and October can be significantly cheaper than in July and August, although prices vary by destination and availability.

And then there’s the weather. Southern Europe is still warm and sunny, with temperatures often more comfortable for exploring than during the height of summer. You can enjoy beach days, leisurely lunches and sightseeing without the intense heat or peak-season crowds.

Short-haul sunshine without the summer rush

September is a brilliant month for Mediterranean escapes. Consider:

  • Spain for Balearic beaches, the Costa del Sol, city breaks in Barcelona or cultural adventures in Andalusia.
  • Greece for warm seas, lively but less crowded islands and historic Athens.
  • Italy for a combination of food, culture and coastlines, from Sicily and Puglia to the Amalfi Coast.
  • Portugal for Lisbon, the Algarve, Porto and the beautiful Douro Valley.
  • Turkey for long beach days on the Turquoise Coast, excellent resorts and fascinating cities.

You could also look at a twin-centre holiday : perhaps combining Lisbon with the Algarve, or Athens with a Greek island. It’s a clever way to fit in two different experiences without arranging every detail yourself.

Long-haul adventures worth travelling for

Quiet Mediterranean cove with warm September sunshine and off-peak calm

For something more adventurous, September opens up some unforgettable possibilities.

Kenya is a standout choice for wildlife lovers. September is one of the peak periods for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, when huge herds of wildebeest and zebra move through the region. A safari can be paired with Nairobi, Amboseli or a relaxing beach stay on the Kenyan coast.

The Maldives offers warm temperatures and excellent opportunities for a shoulder-season luxury escape. September falls within the southwest monsoon, so you may see some rain and cloud, but there can still be plenty of sunshine. The trade-off is often better value and fewer visitors.

Safari scene in Kenya with elephants on golden grasslands in September sunshine

Bali is usually nearing the end of its dry season, making it a tempting choice for beaches, rice terraces, wellness stays and culture. Thailand can also work well, particularly the Gulf islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Weather varies, so expert advice is useful.

The Caribbean remains appealing, especially islands such as Aruba and Curaçao, although September is hurricane season. We’d recommend discussing flexible arrangements and suitable travel insurance before booking.

How to find the best September value

Want to make your budget go further? A few simple choices can help:

  • Be flexible with your departure airport, dates and length of stay.
  • Compare package and tailor-made options, rather than assuming one is always cheaper.
  • Consider all-inclusive, particularly if you want to know more of your holiday costs upfront.
  • Look at multi-centre trips to combine relaxation with culture, adventure or wildlife.
  • Book early for popular dates, because Super September is now in demand.

That’s where our consultants can help. Our free one-to-one service gives you access to more than 450 travel brands, millions of holiday options and substantial buying power. We’ll listen to what matters to you, find suitable choices and take care of the flights, accommodation, transfers and important details.

You’ll also have the reassurance of ABTA protection and support before and during your trip.

Ready to make September your summer?

Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet Greek island, a Kenyan safari or a beach escape further afield, September could be the perfect fit. Contact Emmitt Travel for friendly, no-obligation advice : and let us take care of the planning, booking and details for you.