Best autumn sun destinations for UK travellers
TRIPS FROM £249 · Skip grey skies. These tried-and-tested spots offer reliable September–November sunshine whilst crowds thin out. Where to go.
1 / 6September through November brings crisp mornings at home, but Europe and beyond are still gloriously warm. The trick is knowing where the sun actually shines when British skies turn grey—and where tourist hordes have already gone home.
Why this list?
We've picked destinations where autumn weather is genuinely reliable, not just theoretically possible. Some Mediterranean spots are rainy by October; these aren't. We've also focused on places where September–November actually feels like shoulder season rather than peak summer's tail end, meaning better prices and fewer queues. We've left out destinations that demand you fly for 8+ hours or require visas most of us don't have.
Our picks
- Málaga, Spain — Southern Spain's coast keeps temperatures above 25°C well into November, and September days often hit 30°C. The region is packed with whitewashed villages, sherry bodegas, and reasonably priced paella. Late-season beach time is possible; early-autumn hiking in the hills is excellent. Budget airlines make flights cheap; expect mid-range hotels around £60–90 per night.
- Lisbon, Portugal — Autumn here is genuinely pleasant: warm but not scorching, with golden light perfect for photography. The city's neighbourhoods—Alfama, Belém, Príncipe Real—reveal themselves better in quieter weather. Pastéis de Nata, port wine, and riverside walks are autumn favourites. Accommodation and food remain affordable, with double rooms from £50–75.
- Greek Islands (Crete, Rhodes, Kos) — These larger islands shake off peak-season chaos by mid-September but stay sunny and warm. Sea temperatures remain swimmable through October. Less crowded tavernas, lower rates on villas, and clearer starlit nights. Crete particularly rewards autumn exploration with fewer tour groups in archaeological sites. Budget £40–70 for decent mid-range accommodation.
- Southern Turkey (Antalya Coast) — The turquoise Mediterranean waters and pine-backed beaches feel almost post-apocalyptically quiet by October. Temperatures stay above 25°C, and September often sees 30°C+. Ancient ruins (Perge, Aspendos) are less overwhelming without summer crowds. Turkish cuisine, affordability, and direct flights from the UK make this underrated. Expect £30–50 for mid-range hotels.
- Malta — A small island nation that stays genuinely warm through November, with water temperatures of 20–22°C perfect for diving and swimming. September weather is hot and dry. The autumn light is beautifully soft, and prehistoric temples and honey-coloured architecture photograph wonderfully. Compact enough for a long weekend; direct flights from most UK airports. Budget £60–90 for accommodation.
- Canary Islands, Spain — Often overlooked for autumn, these islands have a subtropical climate that keeps temperatures between 24–28°C year-round. September and October are slightly quieter than winter; November remains sunny and warm. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote all reward hiking, beach days, and exploring volcanic landscapes. Cheap internal flights between islands; accommodation from £50–80.
- Cyprus — Warm and dry through November, with September temperatures reaching 32°C and settling to a pleasant 25°C by late October. The Troodos Mountains offer cooler hiking; coastal towns stay bustling but less frantic. Beaches, Byzantine churches, and taverna dinners overlooking the Mediterranean all feel authentically seasonal. Flights are often reasonable; expect £50–75 for hotels.
- Southern Italy (Amalfi, Sicily) — Autumn is actually when this region shines: September still warm (around 28°C), October settling to 23°C, but crowds departing dramatically. The light is softer, restaurants quieter, and the sea still warm enough for swimming. Sicily's food, culture, and coastline reward a slower pace. Accommodation drops noticeably; budget £60–100 for mid-range stays.
How to book it cheaply
Travel mid-week and avoid school half-term weeks to unlock better prices on flights and hotels. Book accommodation directly with smaller hotels and guesthouses—many reduce rates by 20–30% for multi-night stays in shoulder season. For flights, set up price alerts six to eight weeks ahead; budget airlines often release September and October sales in June. Consider flying mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) rather than Friday–Sunday. Restaurant meals in these destinations are genuinely affordable compared to the UK, so don't skimp on dining out; it's often cheaper than self-catering.
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