Super September 2026: Why September Is the New August (ABTA Data + Best Destinations)

Quick Answer

Super September is the travel trend ABTA, the UK’s largest travel association, named as its number one trend for 2026. The data comes from its annual Holiday Habits survey of 2,001 UK adults: the share of travelers planning holidays in September jumped from 17% in 2023 to 24% in 2025 — a 41% increase in three years — and September has now overtaken May as the most popular non-summer month. In short: September is the new August.

The reasons are exactly the ones this site cares about. September keeps the Mediterranean at 20-25°C without the summer heat, prices fall the moment European schools reopen, and the crowds that made July and August exhausting simply leave. Eurostat data confirms the shift: a third of all EU tourism nights happen in July and August, which means September is the quiet version of the busiest travel months on Earth.

This guide explains the trend with the ABTA numbers, lists the eight destinations where September is at its best, and shows how to book the month while it is still cheap. For the data-driven ranking of the quietest places on Earth, pair this with the Silence Index 2026.

Why September Is the New August

The ABTA survey breaks down the trend by life stage, and the pattern is striking. 25% of under-45s without children plan to travel in September, rising to 37% for over-45s without children, with 35% of over-65s joining the movement. Among 18-24-year-olds the share grew from 11% to 17% in two years, and among 35-44-year-olds from 12% to 20%. September is no longer the choice of retirees alone.

Travelers give three consistent reasons. First, weather: Mediterranean destinations hold at 20-25°C, perfect for the active holidays — hiking and cycling — that are uncomfortable in peak summer. Second, value: prices drop after August as schools reopen across Europe. Third, pace: with a third of EU tourism nights concentrated in July and August, September offers the same cities with a fraction of the people.

In other words, Super September is the same trip you were planning for August — in its quieter, calmer, more affordable version. It is the perfect month to combine with the hushpitality trend, where silence has become the new luxury.

The 8 Best Destinations for September 2026

Athens, Greece

September is Athens at its best: the Acropolis walkable before the heat of the day, the sea warm for afternoon swims, and the summer cruise crowds gone. The ancient Agora is quietest at opening hour, and the coastal tram to Vouliagmeni runs through empty beaches. More in our Athens guide.

Seville, Spain

The Andalusian capital that is suffocating in July is gentle in September: 30°C instead of 40°C, empty streets in the siesta hours, and the Guadalquivir banks made for evening walks. Book the third week for the best balance of sun and space. See the Seville guide.

Lisbon, Portugal

The Atlantic is still warm enough for daily swims, the trams run thinner, and the harvest season brings the city’s food scene to life. The Miradouros are best at dawn, when the silence over the rooftops is total. More in our Lisbon guide.

Rovinj, Croatia

The Adriatic around Rovinj is often at its warmest for swimming in September, while the cruise ships that filled the bay in July have sailed away. The old town’s lanes and the Punta Corrente forest park are yours at walking pace. See the Rovinj guide.

Crete, Greece

The Greek islands keep their summer heat into October, but September loses the ferries and the crowds. Crete’s gorges and coastal paths — the subject of our silent walks guide — are at their golden best under the softer autumn light.

Scottish Highlands, Scotland

September is the Highlands’ best walking month: the midges fade, the heather turns purple, and the trails empty after the school holidays. The Great Glen and the west coast glens hold their autumn light late. More in our Scottish Highlands guide.

Iceland

The first aurora displays of the season begin in late September, and Reykjavik’s geothermal calm is cheaper and quieter than in summer. The northern lights season runs through the winter, so September gives you light shows with milder temperatures. See our Reykjavik guide and the northern lights 2026-27 forecast.

Ubud, Bali

The dry season ends quietly in September, with rice terraces green, mornings clear and the town far calmer than in July and August. The Campuhan Ridge Walk at dawn remains the essential silent ritual. More in our Ubud guide.

How to Book Super September

FAQ

What is Super September?

Super September is the name ABTA gave to the travel trend of 2026 in its Travel Trends report: the share of travelers planning holidays in September jumped from 17% in 2023 to 24% in 2025, overtaking May as the most popular non-summer month. September now combines summer weather with autumn prices and far fewer crowds.

Which destinations are best in September 2026?

Athens for warm sea and quiet mornings, Seville after the summer heat, Lisbon for the warm Atlantic, Rovinj for the warmest Adriatic swims, Crete for silent coastal walks, the Scottish Highlands for golden light and empty trails, Iceland for the start of aurora season, and Ubud at the quiet end of the dry season.

Is September cheaper than August?

Yes. Prices drop the moment European schools reopen in early September: flights, hotels and tours cost less than in the summer peak, and the best value window is the second and third week of the month. Value travel guides help you stretch the difference further.

Is the sea warm enough to swim in September?

Yes. The Mediterranean and Adriatic retain summer warmth well into September, and the Adriatic around Rovinj is often at its warmest for swimming in early autumn. In Portugal the Atlantic stays mild, and Greek islands like Crete remain comfortable for daily swims.

Who is driving the Super September trend?

Child-free adults lead it: 25% of under-45s without children and 37% of over-45s without children plan September holidays, and 35% of over-65s do too. The reasons are consistent: pleasant weather, better value, and quieter streets for active holidays like hiking and cycling.

Packing for September

September rewards a light bag with a few versatile pieces. Lightweight walking sandals cover both beaches and city streets, a collapsible water bottle keeps the warm afternoons hydrated, and noise-cancelling earplugs protect the quiet nights that September promises. A foldable travel daypack holds your layers for dawn walks, and an RFID-blocking travel wallet keeps documents safe in the markets you’ll share with far fewer people.

Last Word

ABTA’s data tells a simple story: travelers discovered that September gives them the same holiday as August — with better weather for walking, better prices and far fewer people. It is the quiet version of summer, and it is now the trend of 2026. Choose one of the eight destinations above, book the second or third week, and add a silent morning to every day. For more places where silence is the point, browse the Silence Index 2026.