Warm sea and fewer tourists: 20 countries for a September vacation

September at the seaside is often quieter and cheaper than August. School holidays are over, the heat eases off, and the water still holds its summer warmth. That is why many people choose early fall for a relaxed beach vacation without the crowds.

We have put together 20 destinations where EU citizens can travel without much hassle: either no visa is required, or it can be obtained online before the trip. In Georgia, for example, EU citizens are allowed visa-free entry for one year (as of 09/2026, official tourism portal of Georgia).

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How to choose a destination in September

💡 In short:

• The velvet season in the Mediterranean and on the Black Sea lasts all through September.
• In the tropics, choose southern resorts: rain showers there are shorter than in the north.

The first rule of a fall vacation is simple. Do not chase the hottest month. It is more comfortable where summer brought exhausting heat, for example on the Antalya coast, in Egypt, or in Cyprus.

The second rule applies to the tropics. At the southern resorts of Vietnam and Thailand, rain comes in short showers, and the sea stays warm. In the north of these countries, prolonged rainfall and flooding are possible.

The third rule has to do with paperwork. EU citizens do not need a visa for many countries, and where one is required, it is usually issued online. Check the rules in advance, because visa policies change and your plan may become outdated.

1. Turkey: velvet season on the Antalya coast

© Esginmurat · CC BY-SAPhoto: Esginmurat, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In September, the heat in southern Turkey eases off, while the sea still holds its summer warmth. The velvet season here continues until the end of the month. It is a convenient time for long swims and sunbathing without the risk of getting burned.

The Antalya coast suits family vacations: Kemer, Belek, and Side offer hotels right by the water. If you prefer being active, add some excursions. Istanbul, with its palaces and bazaars, deserves a separate trip. Pamukkale attracts visitors with its snow-white travertines and thermal springs, and Cleopatra's Pool is often recommended to those who want to combine relaxation with wellness.

The Black Sea coast has its own advantages: green mountains, ancient ports, and fewer tourists. It is calmer here, and prices are usually lower than in Antalya. Turks themselves often choose this coast in September, where nature stays green and some ports are older than the Egyptian pyramids.

If you want to see the "real" Turkey, add Istanbul to your beach time: the country's main attractions are concentrated there. Early in the month, you may catch local festivals on the coast, such as a costumed parade celebrating the grape harvest.

Most EU citizens do not need a visa for Turkey. Check the current rules before your trip on the Turkish visa system website.

Hotels in Turkey on Trip.com

2. Vietnam: warm southern resorts

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September in Vietnam is marked by high humidity in all regions. That is why many people choose the southern resorts, where monsoon rains are weaker. In the south, the sea stays warm, and downpours are usually short.

The classic southern vacation spots are Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne. Besides beaches, there are jungles, tea plantations, and ancient temples with tombs. You can take a boat ride or stroll along the promenade. Vietnamese cuisine often becomes the main highlight of the trip: it is light but unfamiliar.

September is good for surfing and kitesurfing because the waves are more consistent. Underwater photography enthusiasts should keep one nuance in mind: during the rainy season, the water is murkier and underwater visibility drops.

Early in the month, the country celebrates Independence Day. Cities host parades and fireworks, so you will have a chance to catch the festive atmosphere.

• The catch: underwater visibility is worse than in spring.

Hotels in Vietnam on Trip.com

3. Dominican Republic: the Atlantic coast in fall

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The weather in the Dominican Republic stays summery: rainfall does not relieve the heat. The northern city of Monte Cristi sits on the Atlantic coast, so it is easier to breathe there. You can also have a good time in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and La Romana.

In fall, beaches are less crowded, which is convenient for diving and surfing. In rainy weather, strong waves build up near the shore, so swim close to the beach and pay attention to warnings. A great alternative to the beach is the underwater museum in La Romana with its collection of extremely rare corals.

Festival weeks add more reasons to travel. In the first days of September, the capital hosts a living statues festival, and at the end of the month the country celebrates the Day of Our Lady of Mercy. Santo Domingo holds a gastronomic festival with competitions and master classes from top chefs.

Shopping lovers will enjoy local boutiques and malls. Younger travelers choose bars and nightclubs in Punta Cana, Higuey, and Santo Domingo. If you want quiet, evenings are better spent with hotel concerts and the starry sky over the ocean.

• The catch: during the rainy season, waves near the shore get stronger.

Where to stay in the Dominican Republic

4. Israel: the sea and free exhibitions

© Dennis G. Jarvis · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

September in Israel is hot, so stock up on sunscreen and burn remedies. It cools down in the evening, so light long-sleeved clothing will come in handy. Mediterranean beaches suit heat lovers. There are also special beaches where you can relax with your dog.

A boat or yacht trip makes a good addition to the beach. Israel is known for its religious history, so in Jerusalem it is worth visiting the holy sites and the Biblical Zoo. Free exhibitions open in early September.

If you plan to attend religious celebrations, allow extra days: the holidays are "floating" and sometimes shift into October. Shops and transport do not operate on those days, so it is better to plan your route in advance. Leave city tours for the morning, when it is not yet hot.

• The catch: holiday dates are floating, and during celebrations shops and transport do not operate.

Hotels in Israel on Trip.com

5. Maldives: off-season on the atolls

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In September, the southwest monsoon still lingers in the Maldives. Rain is quite likely during this period. The sea is calm, so swimming is comfortable at any time of day.

The sandy beaches look pristine, but it is better to walk on them in shoes: the sea washes up coral fragments. At night, it is pleasant to stroll along the shore or sit in a bar. Certified divers should take a trip to "Turtle Island," where there are plenty of fish and other marine life.

A resort with new islands recently opened on Dhaalu Atoll. They teach diving and snorkeling there, and you can also go water skiing or ride a catamaran. The off-season is actually a convenient time to pick up water sports: the sea is calm, instructors have more availability, and prices are lower.

A separate experience you might catch is the national holiday in honor of Sultan Hassan. It falls around the same time as the start of the school year in Europe, so tourists often find themselves in the middle of fairs and general festivities.

• The catch: remote islands may have no medical care, so bring a first aid kit with you.

Hotels in the Maldives on Trip.com

6. Thailand: new visa-free entry rules

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The weather in Thailand in September is uneven. One resort gets downpours while a neighboring area stays dry and sunny. In most of the country the tropical rainy season is winding down, and nature turns especially green. That is why September is considered a good month for sightseeing: the heat and dry winds are already gone. Accommodation prices drop noticeably, and there are fewer tourists.

The central part of the country is just entering a new season. The south has the driest weather, while the north sometimes suffers from minor flooding. Popular resorts include Samui, Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin. On Samui the sea is calm, with waves appearing only at the end of the month. On Phuket September is the peak of the rains, but prices drop more sharply.

September in Thailand is full of events. Ethnic and food festivals take place, along with local "races" where elephants run instead of horses. If you are planning your trip in advance, check the holiday dates against the schedule in your chosen province.

Entry rules matter for planning. From mid-September 2026 Thailand revised its visa-free entry terms, so check the current periods on the official Tourism Authority of Thailand website (as of: 09/2026).

• The catch: the north of the country sometimes floods during the rainy period.

Hotels in Thailand on Trip.com

7. Abkhazia (part of Georgia under international law): a quiet velvet season

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A September vacation in Abkhazia suits those looking for peace and quiet. The velvet season is in full swing here, and the air is still warm during the day. Mountain areas are already cool, so bring warm clothes.

The sea remains warm, and the tourist rush is already over. Once guests have had enough swimming, they head out on excursions: most sights are in the mountains. Popular spots include Blue Lake, the Ritsa Nature Reserve, and the Gega Waterfall. There are also food and wine trips, for example to the Kondjaria winery.

A separate note on documents. For EU citizens, entry into Abkhazia is possible only through Georgia and with a permit. Check the rules in advance and allow extra time at the border.

• The catch: the mountains are already cool, a light jacket is essential.

Hotels in Abkhazia on Trip.com

8. Morocco: sightseeing and the ocean

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In September the summer heat in Morocco subsides. The sea breeze brings warmth because the ocean is still warm. Rainfall is low, and the velvet season begins, the one you have been waiting for after a hot summer.

Many travelers skip the overheated cities and opt for short trips to ancient cultural centers. Marrakech is known for its eclectic architecture. The coastal cities of Casablanca and Rabat are popular. Among natural sites, the Ouzoud Falls are often mentioned: at the top there is an old olive press and working mills.

This mild climate lends itself to sightseeing. You can easily combine beach and city time if you set aside a few days for trips.

Hotels in Morocco on Trip.com

9. Tunisia: diving and sea festivals

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September is a good time to visit Tunisia. The heat recedes, and short rains freshen up the streets. Evenings can be cool because of northern winds, so bring a light sweater or windbreaker.

Most visitors consider September the best choice for a relaxed vacation. The second half of the month is even quieter: locals return to work, and the noise leaves the beaches. The water is comfortable: it is warmer near Djerba and slightly cooler near Sousse, Mahdia, and Monastir. For the sea, it is better to go before noon, when the water is calm; waves appear toward evening.

In the afternoon the sky often clouds over. This is what locals call African autumn, and it noticeably softens the heat.

Diving in Tunisia is popular: octopuses and rays are found in local waters. The underwater world is less diverse than Egypt's, but you can almost always see large marine life. September is rich in festivals, many of them dedicated to the sea. Tabarka hosts a coral festival, and on the Kerkennah Islands participants catch octopuses in clay jars.

• The catch: evenings on the coast are cool because of the wind.

Hotels in Tunisia on Trip.com

10. UAE: swimming without the heat

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A trip to the UAE in September is not for everyone: August-level heat persists through the entire first half of the month. The climate varies across the seven emirates. In Abu Dhabi the air stays very hot, while closer to the gulf it becomes slightly cooler.

The full swimming season begins in September, but in the first half of the month many guests prefer pools. Excursions are best planned for the twenties, when the heat subsides.

If you do not handle high temperatures well, move your trip to late September or October.

• The catch: strong heat persists in the first half of the month.

Hotels in the UAE on Trip.com

11. Philippines: Boracay and diving

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The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ocean and consists of thousands of exotic islands. In September the rainy season continues, so you should not count on swimming every day.

The most popular vacation spot here is the island of Boracay with its sandy White Beach. It has many restaurants serving meat dishes, hotels of various levels, and spas. The islands of Cebu, Bohol, and Panglao are compared to Boracay for natural beauty and service. The best cities for a vacation are considered to be Dipolog, Boracay, and Cagayan de Oro.

Waves and coral reefs attract surfers and divers. If you are going for the underwater world, add a couple of days on neighboring islands to your beach time.

• The catch: few sunny days, rain falls often.

Hotels in the Philippines on Trip.com

12. Indonesia: Bali without rain

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September is a good time for a vacation in Indonesia. The nature here is exotic, and hotels and restaurants lower prices because of the smaller influx of guests. The weather is favorable for swimming and sunbathing, and rain is rare.

Bali is the most common choice. The resorts of Nusa Dua, Kuta, Jimbaran, and Sanur offer good beach infrastructure, Balinese temples, and parks. For seclusion, the islands of Lombok, Gili Meno, and Flores are a good fit, with lakes, waterfalls, and volcanoes.

Clear water attracts divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. Surfers choose the Mentawai Islands and Nusa Lembongan. The island of Sumatra is known for its beaches and historical monuments.

Hotels in Bali on Trip.com

13. Georgia: Black Sea resorts

Georgia's Black Sea coast stretches for hundreds of kilometers. Resort towns and villages sit on pebble and sand beaches. In September the velvet season begins here.

The weather is sunny, the air warms up during the day, and the sea water is comfortable for swimming. The air is filled with the aromas of eucalyptus and laurel, and breathing here is easy. An abundance of vegetables and fruits and lower accommodation prices make a vacation here a good value.

The most popular with tourists are the Black Sea resorts and villages with guesthouses. If you like combining the sea and mountains, set aside a couple of days for a trip inland.

For EU citizens, entry to Georgia is visa-free, and the permitted length of stay is generous (as of 09/2026, visa-free entry conditions). This is convenient if you are planning a long trip around the country.

Hotels in Georgia on Trip.com

14. Cuba: rainy season and Varadero

Cuba lies in the Caribbean Sea and is known for its white-sand beaches and coral reefs. The country's most popular resort, Varadero, sits on the Hicacos Peninsula. It has both expensive and budget hotels, palm-lined avenues, citrus groves, and sandalwood groves.

Cayo Coco in central Cuba is popular for its all-inclusive system and the beaches of Las Coloradas, La Jaula, and Los Flamencos, which are surrounded by mangrove groves. The capital, Havana, is famous for the Santa Maria resort area and the suburban beaches of Tarara and Guanabo.

• The catch: the first autumn month here is the height of the rainy season, hot and humid.

Hotels in Cuba on Trip.com

15. Seychelles: quiet beaches and diving

The Seychelles lie in the Indian Ocean near the equator. You will find stunning nature, coral reefs and good hotel service. Budget travelers can opt for guesthouses and bungalows, while those with higher expectations should look at upscale hotels on Mahe, La Digue and Praslin.

Silvery sand beaches and emerald waters set the stage for relaxation. The beach calm is balanced by diving, snorkeling, surfing and water skiing. You can also go sailing.

Excursions in the Seychelles revolve around nature: you will see botanical gardens and orchids in bloom, visit coconut and nut plantations, atolls and historical sites. The tropical climate, with warm water and almost no rain, makes your stay comfortable any day.

For a longer trip, it is convenient to base yourself at a guesthouse on one island and add short transfers between Mahe, La Digue and Praslin.

Hotels in the Seychelles on Trip.com

16. Jordan: the Red Sea and the Dead Sea

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Jordan is bordered by the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, so it is well suited to a beach vacation. The sun here is gentle, and you tan evenly. Along the Dead Sea coast it is hot during the day, while cool air arrives at night. The Dead Sea water is considered therapeutic.

The country's most popular resort, Aqaba, lies on the Red Sea. It is hotter here, and the water is warm: at night it is warmer than the air, so night swimming is popular. All coastlines have hotels, spas and wellness centers. Public sand beaches across the country are free.

• The catch: Aqaba gets very hot during the day.

Hotels in Jordan on Trip.com

17. Egypt: the Red Sea and therapeutic mud

In September, Egypt enters its velvet season. The heat eases, beaches become less crowded, and the sea stays warm. At the Mediterranean resorts of Alexandria, El Alamein and Mersa Matruh, prices are lower, which works well for a budget vacation.

Water conditions vary by resort. On the western Red Sea coast, in El Gouna, Hurghada and Safaga, the water stays warm until the end of the month. On the Sinai Peninsula, in Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba and Taba, the sea is slightly cooler, but you have convenient access to reefs nearby.

Active travelers enjoy water sports, admire coral reefs and go diving. Hurghada, Taba, Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna are good for diving and snorkeling. In Safaga, you can combine your vacation with therapeutic mud treatments, and on the Sinai you can add trips to the mountains.

A beach vacation here pairs well with excursions. Tours to historical sites depart from Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, so it is worth setting aside one day for a trip inland. If you are visiting for the first time, arrange your visa online in advance or on arrival, and check the rules before you travel.

Hotels in Egypt on Trip.com

18. Tanzania: Zanzibar and spices

© Konstantin Zamkov · CC BYPhoto: Konstantin Zamkov, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

Tanzania lies in East Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean. The country includes several islands and the Zanzibar archipelago, with exotic flora, fauna and underwater life. September is a good time to visit, and the refreshing ocean breeze softens the heat.

The mainland's largest resort center, Dar es Salaam, offers good beaches and beautiful historic architecture. The islands of Mafia, Pemba and the Zanzibar archipelago are especially popular. They surprise you with silvery beaches, spice fields and coconut palms. Unguja Island, with the villages of Nungwi and Jambiani, suits divers.

• The catch: the infrastructure is still far from ideal, but vacation prices are low.

Hotels in Tanzania on Trip.com

19. Cyprus: warm sea in September

© Aerra Carnicom · CC BY-SAPhoto: Aerra Carnicom, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Cyprus lies in the Mediterranean Sea and draws visitors with colorful landscapes, cliffs and mountains. A beach vacation is easy to combine with excursions to places tied to ancient myths. In September there is no scorching heat or stuffiness, so it is a good time to travel. The velvet season brings a warm sea without strong waves.

All resorts in Cyprus offer comfortable beaches and hotels, but each has its own character. EU citizens do not need a visa to travel to Cyprus, so you can plan your vacation without extra formalities.

Hotels in Cyprus on Trip.com

20. Madagascar: baobabs and coral reefs

Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean, separated from Africa by the Mozambique Channel. The nature here surprises with sandy beaches, bays, coral reefs, extinct volcanoes, and baobab groves. The weather in September is warm, and the water is comfortable for swimming.

Rain falls mostly in the evenings on the east side of the island, so a beach day is usually unspoiled. Resorts and small resort towns are spread along the entire coast and on neighboring islands, where you can stay for a week or longer.

The island's nature deserves days of its own. It's worth seeing the extinct volcanoes, caves, and baobab groves, and going snorkeling on the coral reefs. This kind of trip suits those who want to combine beach time and nature.

A tourist visa is issued on arrival or online in advance, so you can plan your route without lengthy preparation.

All destinations on the map

All 20 destinations are collected on one map. This makes it easier to compare where you want to spend September and choose a route. Mark points according to your budget and dates, then build a trip across several countries at once.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is the sea warmest in September?

In the Red Sea off Egypt and Jordan, the water stays very warm. In the Seychelles, the ocean is also comfortable, and rain becomes less frequent by September. In the Maldives, the southwest monsoon still lingers in September. In the Mediterranean, swimming is comfortable all month, but evenings near the shore can be cool.

Where to go in September without a visa?

For EU citizens, visa-free entry applies, for example, to Georgia and Cyprus. Most EU citizens also do not need a visa for Turkey. For Egypt, an e-visa or visa on arrival is usually required. Rules change, so check them on the official website before buying tickets.

Where to go with children in September?

The Antalya coast of Turkey and Cyprus are well suited for family vacations. They have many hotels by the water and a calm sea. Cuba with children in September is better avoided, because it is the height of the rainy and hurricane season.

How long does the velvet season last?

In the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the velvet season usually lasts all September, sometimes extending into the first half of October. In the tropics, clear seasons are less defined, so it is more important to watch the rain and wave forecast.

Is a vacation in September cheaper?

Often yes. After school holidays, demand drops, so hotels offer rooms at lower prices than in August. In Phuket, discounts coincide with the peak of the rains, while in the Mediterranean prices fall toward the end of the month.

In short: what to book

September offers a rare combination: warm sea, fewer tourists, and lower prices. The rest is up to you.

• If you have little time: choose Cyprus or the Antalya coast.

• If you want something exotic: look at Bali, Boracay, or Zanzibar.

• If you are traveling with children: Cyprus and Antalya are good options.

• If you love diving: pay attention to the Red Sea and the Maldives.

One booking is worth making in advance: check hotels on Trip.com.