Rhodes in September 2026: Weather, Sea Temperature & Is It the Best Month?
Planning Rhodes in September? Discover weather, sea temperature, crowds, prices, and why Rhodes in September is often the best time to visit the island.
WEATHER
September is one of the most loved months on the island — especially among locals and repeat visitors.
Thinking about Rhodes in September? This is the sweet spot:
☀️ Weather: Warm (26–30°C)
🌊 Sea: Perfect for swimming
👥 Crowds: Lower than summer
💸 Prices: Better than peak
👉 Is it the best month?
✔ Yes — for most travellers
👉 Best next step:
➡️ Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area
In September, you get the best mix of weather, prices, and availability — but the best hotels still get booked quickly.
Summer is still very much alive. The sea remains beautifully warm, sunshine is reliable almost every day, and beach life continues much like July and August. But something important changes: the crowds slowly begin to thin out.
For many travellers, September offers the perfect balance between summer weather and a more relaxed island atmosphere.
This is why many experienced travellers deliberately choose September over peak summer months.
Beaches feel calmer, restaurants become easier to book, and exploring villages becomes far more comfortable without the intense heat of mid-summer.
If you're considering visiting during this late-summer period, this guide explains what the weather feels like, how busy the island becomes, and which experiences work best.
Rhodes Weather & Best Time to Visit by Month
If you're deciding when to visit, start with Rhodes Weather Guide, which explains temperatures, sea conditions, and seasonal travel patterns across the island.
If you’re still planning your trip, these local guides will help you choose the right area, find great hotels, and organise transport before you arrive:
→ Where to Stay in Rhodes for First Time – Best Areas (2026)
→ Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area
You can also compare what Rhodes is like throughout the year using these monthly guides:
Rhodes in August (2026 Travel Guide – Peak Season, Heat & Crowds)
Rhodes in October (2026 Guide – Weather, Swimming & Travel Tips)
Rhodes in November (2026 Guide – End of Season, Weather & What’s Still Open)
Weather in Rhodes in September
September often feels like an extended Mediterranean summer.
The weather remains warm and sunny, but temperatures usually soften slightly compared with the extreme heat of July and August.
Typical September weather looks like this:
Average daytime temperature: 27–30°C
Evening temperature: around 21–23°C
Sea temperature: 26–27°C (often the warmest of the year)
Sunshine: around 12–13 hours per day
Rain: very rare, though occasional showers can appear later in the month
One of the biggest advantages of September is the warm sea. After heating up throughout the summer, the water stays incredibly comfortable for swimming.
If you're deciding which month best suits your holiday style, Plan Your Rhodes Trip explains how weather, crowds, and travel preferences influence the best time to visit.
Best areas to stay in Rhodes in September
Everything works — that’s the advantage.
🏖️ Lindos / Pefkos → still lively, less crowded
🏙️ Rhodes Town → great mix
🌊 Ixia → relaxed + good value
👉 Best choice:
➡️ any area based on your style
This is the easiest month to get right.
Most areas work well — you’re no longer forced into specific locations like peak summer.
👉 Choose based on your travel style:
➡️ Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area
Crowds & Tourism Atmosphere
September sits in an interesting moment in the tourism calendar.
The island is still lively, but the intense peak summer rush begins fading as school holidays end in many countries.
Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town remains busy but far more manageable than during August.
Cruise ships still visit regularly, which means midday can feel crowded around landmarks like the Palace of the Grand Master.
However, mornings and evenings feel much more relaxed.
Exploring the medieval city remains one of the highlights listed in Best Things to Do in Rhodes.
Resorts and beaches
Resort areas such as Faliraki, Lindos, Kolymbia, and Pefkos remain fully active.
You’ll still find:
beach bars open
water sports operating
lively restaurants in the evenings
But the overall atmosphere usually feels calmer than peak summer.
Hotels and prices
September is still part of the main travel season, but prices often begin dropping slightly compared with August.
This is where September stands out.
You often get better hotels for the same price — or pay less for higher-quality stays compared with August.
➡️ Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area
Swimming & Beaches in September
September offers some of the best sea conditions of the entire year.
After months of summer heat, the sea is warm, calm, and perfect for swimming.
Sea temperatures often reach 26–27°C, making it one of the most comfortable months for long swims.
This is why many travellers consider September the best swimming month.
➡️ See where to stay for the best beach access:
➡️ Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area
Best beaches in September
Many of the island’s best beaches are fantastic during September.
Some popular choices include:
Tsambika Beach
A beautiful sandy beach backed by dramatic hills.
Anthony Quinn Bay
One of the island’s most famous snorkelling spots.
St Paul’s Bay (Lindos)
A scenic turquoise bay with calm swimming.
Faliraki Beach
A long organised beach with restaurants and facilities.
For more coastal inspiration, explore Best Beaches in Rhodes, which includes quiet coves, sandy beaches, and snorkelling locations across the island.
Best Things to Do in Rhodes in September
Because temperatures are slightly cooler than peak summer, September is excellent for combining beach time with exploring.
Take a boat trip
September is one of the best months for boat trips.
The sea is warm, skies are clear, and the coastline looks spectacular.
Popular options include:
Lindos swimming cruises
snorkelling boat trips
sunset sailing tours
Many of these experiences appear in Best Experiences in Rhodes.
Explore Rhodes Old Town
With slightly cooler temperatures, wandering through the medieval city becomes much more comfortable.
You can explore historic landmarks, small museums, and hidden alleyways without the intense summer heat.
Visit Lindos village
Lindos remains one of the island’s most beautiful locations.
The white village, hilltop Acropolis, and turquoise bays create some of the most spectacular views in Rhodes.
Discover nature and villages
September is also excellent for exploring quieter parts of the island.
Some wonderful places include:
Seven Springs
mountain villages around Profitis Ilias
scenic west coast drives
Once you’re on the island, these experiences will help you make the most of your time and discover the best activities Rhodes has to offer:
→ Things to Do in Rhodes Greece – Best Experiences by a Local
→ Best Experiences in Rhodes (2026) – Top Things to Do, Tours & Local Guide
→ Best Boat Trips in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide) | Tours, Cruises & Symi Day Trips
→ Best Day Trips from Rhodes (2026) – Islands, Tours & Local Guide
→ Best Guided Tours in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide + Top Rated Tours & Private Experiences)
Seasonal Experiences in September
September brings a slightly different rhythm to the island.
You’ll notice:
calmer beaches
relaxed seaside dinners
warm sunsets and comfortable evenings
cultural festivals and local village events
Many travellers say September offers the most balanced atmosphere of the entire season.
Pros of Visiting Rhodes in September
Warm sea temperatures
Summer weather without extreme heat
Fewer crowds than July and August
Slightly lower hotel prices
Comfortable weather for exploring
Cons of Visiting Rhodes in September
Early September can still feel busy
Occasional late-summer showers later in the month
Some nightlife venues begin slowing toward October
Who September Is Best For
Couples
Perfect for romantic dinners, sunset walks, and quieter beaches.
Beach lovers
The sea is warm and ideal for swimming.
Travellers who dislike extreme heat
Temperatures are softer than mid-summer.
Repeat visitors
Many experienced travellers prefer September because of the calmer atmosphere.
My Local Opinion
September is one of my favourite months.
You still get everything people love about summer — sunshine, warm sea, lively restaurants — but without the overwhelming crowds of August.
For many travellers, it’s the sweet spot of the entire season.
For easier trip planning, grab my Free Rhodes Pocket Planner, or get the full Rhodes Digital Travel Guide with everything you need in one place.
What to Do Next
If you're planning your trip, these guides will help you organise everything smoothly:
These resources will help you choose where to stay, discover the island’s top experiences, and organise your Rhodes holiday step by step.
👉 September is the smartest time to visit Rhodes.
✔ warm sea
✔ fewer crowds
✔ better value
✔ easier planning
❗ If you want the full summer experience — without the stress of peak season — this is it.
👉 Start with the right location and hotel:
looneytravel@gmail.com
