With summer drawing to a close, many Brits are searching for last-minute budget-friendly holidays to catch some sunshine, without the crowds the height of summer brings.
With that in mind, Iglu Cruise has identified some predictions for popular September sun destinations by using Google Trends data to explore which holiday hotspots have seen the biggest increase in searches in the last year.
For each destination, the team collected data from HolidayWeather to work out the average temperature for September, average sea temperature, number of sunshine hours and average flight time (from London airports).
The following destinations saw the biggest increase in year-on-year search volume:
Data: Iglu Cruise
| Destination | Google Trends Search Increase (Year on Year) |
| Cannes | 42% |
| Majorca | 22% |
| Split | 20% |
| Malta | 17% |
| Crete | 14% |
1. Cannes
Average Temperature September: 19°C
Average Sea Temperature: 22°C
Average Sunshine Hours: 9 hours
Average Flight Time (London Airport): 2 hours
Searches for holidays to Cannes have increased by 42% in 2025, compared to 2024. Cannes, situated on the French Riviera in southeastern France, is famous for its luxury hotels, high-end shopping and upscale restaurants. However, the city is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Travelling in September is a great option for those seeking a luxury trip without the crowds, as the summer season draws to a close. However, you’ll still find pleasant temperatures averaging around 19°C in September, with sea temperatures of around 22°C.
Top attractions in Cannes include the Croisette promenade, a luxurious seaside boulevard known for its palm-lined walkway, elegant hotels, designer boutiques, and restaurants, as well as a visit to the Palais des Festivals, home to the Cannes Film Festival.
Majorca
Average September Temperature: 21°C
Average Sea Temperature: 25°C
Average Sunshine Hours: 10 hours
Average Flight Time (London Airport): 2 hours 25 minutes
Majorca is another destination that has seen an increase in searches from last year, up 22%. With average September sun temperatures of 21°C, Majorca is a great option for those looking for a relaxing beach break.
The island’s coastline boasts hundreds of beaches, with many holding a Blue Flag status, which is awarded to those of the highest quality. Sea temperatures average around 25°C in September, which is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities.
For those who like to keep busy, Majorca offers a variety of activities and attractions. Palma Cathedral is a stunning Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral with a rich history, built in 1229. Tickets to enter are around €10. Visitors to Palma can also hike or bike ride through the Serra de Tramuntana, a beautiful limestone mountain range with sea views.
Split
Average September Temperature: 21°C
Average Sea Temperature: 23°C
Average Sunshine Hours: 10 hours
Average Flight Time (London Airport): 2 hours 30 minutes
Searches for September sun holidays to Split are up 20% in 2025 compared to 2024. Split offers a unique blend of history, culture, beautiful beaches, and a lively Mediterranean atmosphere.
Located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the largest city in the Dalmatia region and the second largest city in Croatia. Visitors can explore the historic Diocletian’s Palace, a living Roman ruin that forms the city’s Old Town.
Split offers a mix of sandy, pebbly, and rocky beaches suitable for swimming and sunbathing, with average sea temperatures of around 23°C. Popular city beaches include Bacvice, known for its sand and nightlife, and Ovcice, a pebbly beach with shallow water, ideal for families with younger children.
Malta
Average September Temperature: 25°C
Average Sea Temperature: 26°C
Average Sunshine Hours: 9 hours
Average Flight Time (London Airport): 3 hours 20 minutes
Searches for Malta are up by 17% compared to last year. Malta in September offers temperatures of around 25°C, making it one of the warmest September destinations in Europe.
In September, the average sea temperatures are around 26°C, and you’ll find fewer crowds than in the peak summer months of July and August. Some of the best beaches in Malta include Mellieħa Bay, which is Malta’s largest sandy beach, and Golden Bay, a beautiful beach known for its clear water and magnificent sunsets.
Highlights of a trip to Malta include exploring historic cities like Valletta and the medieval walled city of Mdina. Guests can also take boat trips to the Blue Grotto, a network of six caves boasting the most stunning views and clearest waters of the Maltese Islands, or visit the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the scenic Dingli Cliffs, and family-friendly Popeye Village.
Crete
Average September Temperature: 24°C
Average Sea Temperature: 24°C
Average Sunshine Hours: 10 hours
Average Flight Time (London Airport): 4 hours
Finally, searches for Crete have increased by 14% in 2025 compared to 2024. With average September sun temperatures of 24°C, Crete is a great option for those looking for late summer sunshine without the crowds.
The island is home to some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, including Elafonisi Beach, famous for its distinctive pink-hued sand and shallow, azure waters and Balos Lagoon, an exotic, Caribbean-like lagoon known for its turquoise water and white sand. The water temperatures in Crete continue to be warm throughout the summer months, with average temperatures of around 24°C.
Crete is also a great place to visit if you enjoy local, fresh food. With emphasis on the Mediterranean diet, dishes here are characterised by vegetables, olive oil, local herbs, and cheeses, alongside fresh fish and limited meats like lamb and pork. The island’s rich agricultural heritage and unique climate contribute to self-sufficiency and a cuisine rich in tradition, flavour, and hospitality.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
