Chasing summer in autumn: Best places for warm seaside escape
Alicante, Spain, in October (Photo: Author's personal archive)
In September and early October, the weather remains pleasantly warm, the sun becomes gentler, the sea stays comfortably warm, and popular resorts are noticeably less crowded. That's why many travelers consider the velvet season the best time to go on vacation.
Not every resort is equally suitable for the velvet season. The Adriatic Sea cools down quickly, so you may not get the beach holiday you were hoping for. Along Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, cooler days are already possible. Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Tunisia, and Spain, on the other hand, remain excellent choices: pleasant weather, warm sea, and far fewer tourists. Early autumn is also a great time for cruises; it's no longer unbearably hot, making it possible to explore several countries at a relaxed pace without the exhausting summer heat.
Turkey
For the velvet season, Antalya and Kemer are among the best choices. In September, air temperatures reach 28–30°C (82–86°F), while the sea remains pleasantly warm at around 26°C (79°F). Package holidays also become more affordable at this time of year.
Belek, Antalya (Photo: Author's personal archive)
By the end of summer, the resorts become noticeably quieter. There are fewer children, the entertainment programs are less lively, and the overall atmosphere is much more relaxed. In October, the weather is slightly cooler, but the sea is still warm enough for swimming, while the evenings are perfect for leisurely walks.
Meanwhile, Fethiye, located closer to the Aegean Sea, is typically windier and cooler during the autumn months.
Egypt
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh remain among the best destinations for an autumn beach holiday. Air temperatures become more comfortable, while the sea stays warm—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Hurghada, Egypt (Photo: instagram.com/travel_matters_ro)
Natalia Yakymenko also recommends paying attention to New Alamein: "This resort is already being called the 'new Maldives.' During the velvet season, temperatures here remain a comfortable 26–28°C (79–82°F), with calm seas, modern hotels, and fewer tourists. In addition, prices become much more attractive starting in September."
Greek islands
Crete combines beach holidays with relaxed sightseeing in autumn. In September, the island still feels like true summer, while October brings cooler weather, although the sea remains warm.
Crete, Greece (Photo: instagram.com/vitor.esteves)
Rhodes, especially on the Aegean Sea side, can be quite windy, which is why it is particularly popular among kitesurfers.
Victoria Plyasun, a manager at a host company in Crete, says: "After the beginning of September, the island sees far fewer young travelers and families with children. The streets become quieter, the noise of ATVs and motorcycles disappears, the air feels fresher, and the cicadas gradually become less active. This is the best time to enjoy the evenings, the scent of mountain herbs, and the sea breeze. Along with the usual sightseeing tours, visitors can also enjoy wine festivals, olive harvest events, and harvest celebrations. Trips to Santorini also become more comfortable thanks to the softer sunlight."
Cyprus
The beach season in Cyprus often lasts almost until November. In October, air temperatures stay around 25–28°C (77–82°F), the sea remains warm, and the weather is perfect not only for beach holidays but also for wine routes and sightseeing trips.
Cyprus, Larnaca (Photo: Author's personal archive)
Southern Spain
Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol , including Alicante, Malaga, and nearby resorts—still offer pleasant weather in autumn. Sea temperatures remain around 22–23°C (72–73°F), while the absence of summer crowds allows visitors to explore cities at a relaxed pace and enjoy museums without long queues.
Alicante, Spain, in October (Photo: Author's personal archive)
Where the weather may disappoint
Albania and Montenegro
Despite the beauty of these destinations, most charter programs and tourist services operate only until mid-September. If you are planning a trip, it is better to choose the first half of the month.
Montenegro in September (Photo: Author's personal archive)
Croatia and northern Italy
In October, these regions experience increasingly frequent rain, the sea cools down quickly, and many hotels end their season. September is still a good time for walks and active holidays, but swimming may already become less comfortable.
The town of Salò on the shores of Lake Garda, Lombardy, Italy, in October (Photo: Author's personal archive)
Jelena Patrk from the Croatian agency Adria Sole says: "On the island of Krk, there are already significantly fewer tourists in September compared to August, and accommodation prices drop noticeably. Daytime temperatures can sometimes reach 27°C (81°F), but the sea is cooler—around 20°C (68°F). This period can bring strong winds and rain. September is better suited for walks, cycling routes, and active holidays. Some establishments remain open until mid-October, but many services have already started winding down for the season."
What to check before booking
When planning an autumn trip, it is worth paying attention not only to air temperatures but also to sea temperatures, the likelihood of rainfall, and the direction and strength of winds.
It is equally important to check in advance whether restaurants, tours, and entertainment venues are still operating at your chosen resort, as some services may already be closed at the end of the season.
It is also better to start planning with logistics: check whether charter or regular flights are still available. On many popular routes, charter programs end as early as the first half of September.
The velvet season is an opportunity to extend summer without its downsides. With the right destination choice, travelers can enjoy warm seas, comfortable weather, a slower pace of vacation, and far fewer crowds. That is why many experienced travelers consider September and early October the best time for seaside holidays.
