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Most people choose Mykonos in September because it is cheaper than August. The better reason is the sea. By September the Aegean has been soaking up heat since May, so the water is still around 23–24°C while the air has eased to a comfortable 25°C: beach weather in the morning, walking weather in the afternoon, and dinner outside without the August heat sitting on you.
The island has not switched off, either. Cavo Paradiso ran its 2026 season through to a full-moon closing night on 26 September, the Delos boats still leave the Old Port every morning, the meltemi averages a moderate force 4 rather than August's gusty blows, and the sun still sets over Little Venice at 7:49pm on 1 September. What changes through the month is the order in which things close, and that is what most September trips get wrong.
This guide is written by our team in Greece and built week by week: the weather, sea temperatures and sunset times, the September events and closing dates, how busy the island really is, what is still open in the last week, and how to time Mykonos Town around the cruise ships.
For the full Mykonos guide, see the Mykonos travel guide.
For context on how September fits into the Greek travel calendar, see visiting Greece in September.
Mykonos in September at a glance
Average high: 25°C (around 26°C early in the month, 23–24°C by the last week)
Average low: 20°C
Sea temperature: 23–24°C, within a degree of August's peak
Rain: around three rainy days on average, mostly in the second half
Wind: the meltemi averages about 23 km/h (force 4), down from about 29 km/h in August
Sunset: 7:49pm on 1 September, 7:27pm on 15 September, 7:04pm on 30 September
Crowds: busy in the first week, clearly thinner from mid-month; cruise days still fill Mykonos Town in the morning
Closing nights in 2026: VOID on 13 September, Cavo Paradiso on 26 September
Mykonos September Weather: What to Expect
Temperature
Average daytime highs in September sit at 24–26°C — warm enough for genuine beach and pool days at any time of day, but without the 30–33°C peaks that make August afternoons in Mykonos Town genuinely uncomfortable.
The heat is pleasant rather than oppressive. Walking the narrow lanes of the Chora (Mykonos Town), visiting the windmills, or taking a boat to Delos are all comfortable activities throughout the day rather than activities that need to be front-loaded into the cool morning hours.
Evenings in September cool to 19–22°C — warm enough for outdoor dining in a t-shirt but occasionally benefiting from a light layer later in the evening. The typical September evening rhythm: long dinner outdoors until midnight, warm enough to walk home without a jacket.
Early vs Late September: Which Is Better?
Early September (1–15 September): Near-indistinguishable from late August in terms of temperature and conditions. 25–26°C during the day, 21–22°C at night, essentially no rain. This is peak September Mykonos.
Late September (16–30 September): Temperatures begin their gradual autumn descent. Still 23–25°C during the day, 18–20°C at night. Very occasional light rain possible in the final days. Still absolutely a summer visit.
Mid-September, roughly the 10th to the 20th, is the sweet spot for most people: the sea is still at its warmest for the month, the first-week crowds have gone, and every club, beach club and boat trip is still running. Late September suits travellers who care more about price and quiet than nightlife. VOID has already closed by then, Cavo Paradiso is into its final week, and the last days of the month carry the best odds of a grey or showery day, though a washed-out holiday is still rare.
Is Mykonos Windy in September? The Meltemi
The meltemi, the dry northerly that defines Aegean summer, is at its strongest in July and August, when it averages around 29 km/h on Mykonos. In September the average drops to roughly 23 km/h, a moderate force 4 breeze, and the long multi-day blows become less frequent as the month goes on. It does not disappear: a two- or three-day meltemi episode is still possible, especially in the first half of the month. The practical effect on your holiday:
- Beach days on north-facing beaches (Ftelia, Panormos) become more consistently enjoyable
- Boat trips are smoother and less likely to be cancelled
- Outdoor dining is more comfortable without the gusts
- Swimming conditions are calmer across the island
Some breeze is almost always there in early September, and it is welcome because it takes the edge off the heat. When it does blow hard, the south-coast beaches (Psarou, Platis Gialos, Ornos, Paraga) stay sheltered while the north coast churns. On still days, flip that and head north to Panormos, Agios Sostis or Ftelia.
Sea Temperature: Can You Swim in September?
Yes, all month. The Aegean around Mykonos averages 23–24°C in September, within a degree of August, which is the warmest month for the sea, and warmer than June. The sea lags the air: it has been absorbing heat since May, so while the air cools through September the water barely moves, and it is still around 23°C in the last week. An early-morning swim often feels warmer in the water than out of it.
Sunshine, Sunset Times and Rainfall
September still gives around 9 to 10 hours of sunshine a day, a little less than August simply because the days are shorter. Sunset moves from 7:49pm on 1 September to 7:27pm on the 15th and 7:04pm on the 30th, so plan Little Venice and windmill sunsets about 45 minutes earlier at the end of the month than at the start. Rain is rare: Mykonos averages around three rainy days in September, most of them in the second half and usually short showers rather than lost days.
What to Do in Mykonos in September
Beaches
September is the best beach month. The sea is warm, the Meltemi has calmed, and the beach clubs still have their full summer staff and operations. The island's major beaches — Psarou, Platis Gialos, Ornos, Super Paradise, Paradise — all remain fully operational.
For which beach clubs are worth the money and how minimum spends work, see our Mykonos beach clubs guide; for every beach ranked, see the best beaches in Mykonos.
Best September beaches:
Platis Gialos: The most family-friendly of the main beaches, with calm, sheltered water and the full beach club setup (Yatin, Bill and Coo beach). In September, the children and families who dominate August give way to a more adult, relaxed crowd.
Super Paradise: Still operating at something approaching peak season energy in early September, with a specifically LGBT-friendly inclusive culture. The September crowd is less about seeing and being seen and more about actually enjoying the beach. The sea here is excellent.
Panormos (north coast): The most beautiful of the remote northern beaches — a long arc of sandy beach with the bay's perfect proportions. August wind makes it occasionally uncomfortable; September's calmer Meltemi makes it entirely enjoyable. Accessible by ATV or car from the Ano Mera direction.
Agios Ioannis: The beach overlooking the bay where the fictional Zorba danced, with Delos visible on the horizon. Calm, relatively quiet in September, with a few good tavernas on the sand. The sunset from here in September light is extraordinary.
Ftelia: The kite and windsurfing beach on the north coast, where the Meltemi (still present in early September) creates reliable conditions for wind sports. If you are a kitesurfer or windsurfer, September gives you the conditions without August's excess.
Agios Sostis: The north-coast cove with no sunbeds and no beach club, just clear water and Kiki's Tavern above the sand (no reservations, so arrive early and expect to queue). It is exposed to the meltemi in July and August, which is exactly why it comes into its own in September: on a still day it is one of the best swims on the island. Car or ATV only.
Delos: The Essential Day Trip
The sacred island of Delos — birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean — is a 30-minute boat ride from the Old Port of Mykonos. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary experiences available from Mykonos, whatever time of year you visit.
In September, the Delos visit is better than at any other point in the season. The August crowds (amplified by cruise ships docking at Mykonos) are reduced. The intense midday heat that makes August Delos visits draining is replaced by pleasant 24°C conditions. The low September sun creates extraordinary light on the marble ruins, the Terrace of the Lions, and the mosaics of the House of Dionysus.
For a guided Delos experience:
The Mykonos to Delos guided day trip from GetYourGuide (4 hours, departing from the Old Port) includes the boat crossing and a guided tour of the entire archaeological site with an English-speaking guide — significantly more rewarding than arriving independently without context for what you are looking at.
For a full-day boat trip:
The Delos and Rhenia Islands cruise with lunch (6.5 hours) combines the Delos archaeological visit with swimming in the crystal-clear waters around uninhabited Rhenia island and a BBQ lunch on the boat — one of the finest all-round experiences available from Mykonos and particularly magical in September's calm seas and low golden light.
See the full Delos guide.
Mykonos Town (Chora)
Mykonos Town is at its most enjoyable in September. The high-season crowd density — which makes navigating the narrow lanes of the Chora in August an exercise in patience — has reduced to a level where wandering is actually wandering rather than shuffling. The windmills catch the early morning light without a queue of smartphones in front of them. Little Venice's coloured houses reflected in the water are accessible for the leisurely photography session that August made difficult.
The best September Chora approach: early morning (8–10am) for photography and quiet wandering, before the day-trippers arrive from the cruise ships; mid-morning for coffee in Matogianni; lunchtime for a good taverna (book ahead for the best; even September requires reservations at the most popular); afternoon beach; dinner from 9pm onward.
For an oriented introduction to the Old Town:
The Mykonos walking tour (2 hours, with a local guide, windmills, Little Venice, Paraportiani church, and the labyrinthine interior lanes) is the most efficient way to understand the town's geography and history before exploring independently.
Mykonos September Events: Panigyria, Running and Closing Nights
Mykonos in September is not only club closings. The island's village feast days, the panigyria, carry on into the month, and they are the one place you will see Mykonians outnumber visitors: a church service, then long tables, local wine and dancing late into the night. The ones to know are the Holy Cross feast on 14 September at Marathi, Agia Sofia on 17 September and the feast at Diakofti on 26 September. They are free and open to everyone; just dress respectfully for the church part. Our guide to the Greek panigiri explains how they work.
The Mykonos Running Festival has also used a late-September weekend, with 21.1 km, 10 km and 2.5 km road races (it ran on 22–24 September in 2023). Check the festival's own site for whether, and when, it runs in the year you travel.
Then there are the closing nights below, the dates that decide when you should go if nightlife is the point.
The Closing Parties
September's defining social events are the end-of-season club closings — legendary events in Mediterranean nightlife that draw visitors who specifically time their trips around them.
Cavo Paradiso (above Paradise Beach): The open-air cliffside club runs international DJ nights through September and ends the season with a full closing week. In 2026 that week began on 22 September and the season finished with a full-moon closing night on Saturday 26 September. The cliff setting, the sea below and the last-night atmosphere are something the mid-season nights cannot replicate.
Paradise Beach Club (Paradise Beach): The parties continue in full force through early September, with the beach below and the club above running simultaneously. The September atmosphere — energetic but with the particular quality of knowing the season is ending — is specific and powerful.
VOID (Mykonos Town): The techno and house club keeps strong DJ bookings into September but closes earlier than the beach venues. Its 2026 closing night was Sunday 13 September, so if VOID is on your list, it has to be the first half of the month.
If the closing parties are a primary reason for your visit, monitor the venues' official social media accounts (Instagram and Facebook) from July onward — specific dates and lineups are announced late and change. Do not assume a party will be on a specific night without confirming.
Island Exploration: Ano Mera and the Interior
September's comfortable temperatures make the inland village of Ano Mera — Mykonos's only significant inland settlement, home to the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani — worth the 8 km drive from the Chora. The monastery courtyard, the village square, and the authentic tavernas that serve the local community rather than tourists are genuinely different from the beach and nightlife Mykonos.
For a structured exploration of the island beyond the Chora and beaches: The Mykonos full-day sightseeing tour with lunch visits Ano Mera and the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, a traditional family farm for lunch, and photo stops at the quieter east-coast beaches (Kalo Livadi, Kalafati), covering the island's full range in a single seven-hour day. September's temperatures make the outdoor elements of this tour significantly more comfortable than the August equivalent.
Practical September Mykonos Guide
Accommodation
Book early — preferably by June or July for September dates. The well-regarded sea-view and pool properties (Cavo Tagoo, Bill & Coo, Myconian Collection hotels) fill for early September at rates below August but still well above the Greek average.
Find top-rated Mykonos hotels for September on Booking.com, or compare prices on Agoda to secure the best deal.
September pricing: Expect 15–30% below August rates for equivalent quality. The savings increase through the month — late September (20th onward) is meaningfully cheaper than the first week.
For which area suits a September stay, see where to stay in Mykonos; for specific picks at every budget, see our best hotels in Mykonos guide.
How Busy Is Mykonos in September? Crowds and Cruise Ships
The first week of September still feels like late August: European school holidays are only just ending and the island is close to full. From around the 10th the change is obvious. Restaurant tables are easier, sunbeds at most beaches no longer need booking, and the lanes of Mykonos Town are for strolling rather than shuffling.
The one crowd September does not thin is the cruise crowd. Mykonos handles around 760 cruise calls a year, and Greece's cruise levy still charges its peak-season rate of €20 per passenger at Mykonos until 30 September. On a busy cruise day the windmills, Little Venice and Matogianni fill from mid-morning until the ships sail, so walk Mykonos Town before 9am or after 6pm. Our Mykonos tourism statistics break down the cruise numbers in full.
If you are coming by ship, our overview of Greece cruise ports and per-passenger fees explains what a Mykonos call costs and how long you get ashore.
Getting to Mykonos in September: Flights and Ferries
September keeps the full summer schedule. Seasonal direct flights from much of Europe still land at Mykonos Airport, and flights from Athens take about 45 minutes. By sea, ferries from Piraeus take roughly 3.5 to 5 hours and fast boats from Rafina around 2.5 hours; Rafina is the easier port if you are coming straight from Athens airport. Most large ferries use the New Port at Tourlos, 2 km north of town, not the Old Port, so check your ticket.
Two September-specific tips. A late-season meltemi day can still delay or cancel fast catamarans, so do not book a ferry and an international flight on the same day. And if a Delos or Rhenia boat trip matters to you, put it early in your stay so one windy day cannot take it away. Our Greece ferry guide covers routes and booking, and our Mykonos transfer guide has real prices from both ports and the airport.
Getting Around
September has full summer transport: buses to all main beaches from the Fabrika terminal, water taxis from the Old Port, rental ATVs and cars, and taxi boats between beaches. The ATV/quad fleet is still operating and is the most enjoyable way to reach the north-coast beaches independently.
If you would rather have four wheels than an ATV, which is sensible on Mykonos's steep, narrow roads unless you are an experienced rider, our Mykonos car rental guide covers prices, parking and where to pick up.
Before you book, compare flight deals to Mykonos on Kiwi.com to make sure you're getting the best fare. Book a private airport transfer through Welcome Pickups for a fixed price and a stress-free arrival on the island.
Boat trips: September's calmer seas make boat trips to Delos, Rhenia, and around the island more consistently comfortable than August. The Meltemi swell that makes some August crossings rough is largely gone by mid-September. The yacht cruise to Delos and Rhenia is particularly rewarding in September's clear water and calm conditions, when the swimming stops off Rhenia are at their best.
What to Pack for Mykonos in September
Days: Light summer clothing — shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, swimwear. The temperatures through the day are fully summer.
Evenings: A light layer for late evenings — a thin cardigan or light jacket. September evenings are warm but a sea breeze after midnight can feel cool.
Beach: SPF 50 sunscreen (the September sun is still strong, so reapply every two hours), quality sunglasses, and a cover-up for walking between beach and town.
Nights out: Mykonos nightlife remains dressy in September. Smart casual is the minimum for the better bars; beach clubs for evening events tend toward the more dressed-up.
What Closes in Late September
By the last week of September, some restaurants and smaller shops begin their seasonal wind-down. The major venues (Nammos, Scorpios, the main clubs) run through to their own announced closing events, and the clubs go first: in 2026 VOID closed on 13 September and Cavo Paradiso on 26 September. Check specific venues before arrival if a particular restaurant or beach club is important to your plans.
September vs August vs October
August is hotter (average highs around 28°C), windier (the meltemi averages about 29 km/h) and the most expensive and crowded month, with the sea at its peak of around 24°C. September gives up very little of the sea, around 23.5°C, for 3°C less heat, a calmer wind and noticeably thinner crowds after the first week.
October is cooler (average highs around 21°C, sea around 21.5°C), brings around five rainy days, and many venues close by mid-month, but it is the cheapest of the three and the town is at its most local. If nightlife matters, choose September; if quiet and price matter most, early October works. Our best time to visit Mykonos guide covers every month, and visiting Greece in October covers the next shoulder month across the islands.
Mykonos in September: FAQ
Is September a good time to visit Mykonos?
Yes, it is one of the best months. The sea is still 23–24°C, daytime highs average around 25°C, everything is open for most of the month and the crowds thin noticeably after the first week. Go in the first half if nightlife matters and in the second half for lower prices and a quieter island.
How hot is Mykonos in September?
Average highs are around 25°C: about 26°C in the first half of the month and 23–24°C in the last week. Nights cool to around 20°C, warm enough to eat outside, with a light layer useful after midnight late in the month.
Can you swim in Mykonos in September?
Yes. The sea averages 23–24°C in September, within a degree of August's peak, and stays around 23°C even in the last week, so swimming is comfortable all month.
Is Mykonos windy in September?
Less than in summer. The meltemi averages about 23 km/h in September, a moderate force 4, compared with about 29 km/h in August, though a two- or three-day blow is still possible, mostly early in the month. On windy days use the sheltered south-coast beaches such as Psarou, Platis Gialos and Ornos.
Is Mykonos busy in September?
The first week is still busy. From around 10 September crowds drop clearly, and restaurants and sunbeds become much easier to get. Cruise ships keep arriving all month, so Mykonos Town is busiest from mid-morning to late afternoon on cruise days.
Are clubs and beach clubs open in September?
Yes, for most of the month. The clubs close first: in 2026 VOID closed on 13 September and Cavo Paradiso held its closing night on 26 September, while the big beach clubs and restaurants run to their own announced closing dates. Check each venue's calendar before you book around it.
What time is sunset in Mykonos in September?
Around 7:49pm on 1 September, 7:27pm on 15 September and 7:04pm on 30 September (Greek summer time). Sunset gets about 45 minutes earlier over the month.
Does it rain in Mykonos in September?
Rarely. Mykonos averages around three rainy days in September, mostly in the second half of the month, and they are usually short showers rather than whole days of rain.
How many days do you need in Mykonos in September?
Three to four days covers the beaches, Delos, Mykonos Town and a night out. Add a spare day if a boat trip is a priority, because a windy day can still cancel sailings in September.
Plan Your Trip
- Mykonos Transfer Guide — real prices whenever you're arriving
- Trip to Mykonos Greece — the complete Mykonos travel guide
- Delos Guide — the essential Mykonos day trip
- Visiting Greece in September — September across Greece
- Best Time to Travel to Greece — month-by-month comparison
- Santorini vs Mykonos — choosing between the two most famous Cyclades islands
- Paros vs Mykonos — the quieter Cyclades alternative
- Best Time to Visit Mykonos — every month compared
- Mykonos Beach Clubs — prices, minimum spends and which are worth it
- How to Plan a Trip to Greece — full planning framework
Written by
Athens-born engineer · Coordinates a 5-expert Greek team · 50+ years combined field experience
I write every article on this site drawing on real, first-hand expertise — mine and that of four colleagues who live and work across Greece daily: a Peloponnese tour operator, a transfer specialist across Athens, Mykonos & Santorini, a Cretan hotel owner, and a Northern Greece hotel supplier. Nothing here comes from a single visit or desk research.
Informed by 5 Greek experts
Every destination we cover has been visited and vetted by at least one team member — not for a review, but as part of their daily work in Greek tourism.