Mallorca

Mallorca in September - Weather, Tips and Highlights

6 min read
Sandor Farkas

Sandor Farkas

Mallorca expert and author

For many regular visitors, September is simply the best time to be on Mallorca. The worst of the summer heat has eased, the sea has reached its warmest point of the year, and the island feels noticeably more relaxed. If the crowds of July and August put you off but you still want reliable beach weather, a September trip to Mallorca hits the best balance of sunshine, calm and culinary highlights like the grape harvest. In this article I will show you what the September weather is really like, which highlights you should not miss, and how to plan your stay well.

Mallorca Weather in September - Late Summer at Its Best

September on Mallorca brings classic late-summer conditions. During the day, temperatures typically sit between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius - in the first half of the month often still reaching 31 or 32 degrees. Nights cool comfortably to 18 to 21 degrees, making it easy to sleep without air conditioning. The sun shines for an average of nine to ten hours per day.

The sea reaches its highest temperature of the year in September, sitting at 24 to 25 degrees. Even people who hesitated to swim in early June will get in without a second thought. Rain is rare, though short thunderstorms can appear in the second half of the month. Historical and current weather data for the Balearic Islands is published by the Spanish weather service AEMET, which provides monthly averages for the island.

Tip: Plan around afternoon storms

From mid-September, short intense thunderstorms can develop in the late afternoon. Schedule important outdoor activities for the morning and have a backup plan ready - a museum visit in Palma or a long lunch at a bodega works well.

Mallorca Late Summer - Beaches and Coves Almost to Yourself

One of the real advantages of Mallorca in late summer is that most families in Germany and Spain are back in school from mid-September. Beaches empty out noticeably, and even at well-known coves you can find a good spot without needing to arrive at 8 in the morning.

Especially recommended beaches in September:

  • Es Trenc in the south - Caribbean white sand, without the huge summer crowds
  • Cala Mondrago in the south-east, set in a nature park with shade and clear water
  • Cala Tuent on the north-west coast, with dramatic mountain scenery and almost no facilities
  • Playa de Muro in the Bay of Alcudia, gently shelving and great for families
  • Cala Agulla in the north-east, a long sandy bay in a protected pine forest

Many chiringuitos - the small beach bars - are still open in September and often offer lower prices than in peak season. Longer-stay visitors often use the month to work through the most beautiful bays in the east at a relaxed pace. For more ideas, check the guide to leisure and sport on Mallorca.

The Grape Harvest on Mallorca - Wine Festivals and Culinary Highlights

September is Mallorca's wine month. In both wine-producing regions, Binissalem and Pla i Llevant, the grape harvest begins, and many wineries open their cellar doors to visitors. The harvest - called verema in Catalan - is celebrated in some towns with their own folk festivals.

The best-known event is the Festa des Vermar in Binissalem, which starts in late September and runs into early October. Highlights include grape fights, tastings in the village centre and processions in traditional dress. The regional wine association DO Binissalem publishes the full programme each year.

More culinary highlights in September on Mallorca:

  • Fresh figs and early grapes at the weekly markets
  • Octopus and fish at the coastal villages in particularly good condition
  • Gastro evenings in villages throughout the Serra de Tramuntana
  • Slow evenings at harbour promenades with freshly pressed grape juice

If you want to explore Mallorcan cuisine more deeply, the restaurant guide for Mallorca has a good overview of recommended addresses from Palma harbour to the island's interior.

Activities and Day Trips in September

With cooler temperatures, September is ideal for activities that would have been exhausting in August. Hikes in the Serra de Tramuntana become genuinely enjoyable again rather than a test of endurance. The sections of the dry-stone wall route GR 221 between Deia, Valldemossa and Soller are particularly popular.

Cyclists rediscover the island in September too. Many road cycling groups from Germany and the Netherlands plan their training camps specifically in late summer. The island's cycling network is maintained by the Consell de Mallorca, which also provides official route maps.

More ideas for your September trip to Mallorca:

  • A boat trip to Cabrera, the small national park archipelago off the south coast
  • A day trip on the historic Tren de Soller through the mountains
  • Stand-up paddling in Cala Deia or the Bay of Pollenca
  • A visit to an almond grove as the harvest gets underway at the end of the month
  • An evening under the stars in the protected dark-sky area near Formentor

Warning: Take the red flag seriously

Even when the sea looks inviting in September, late-summer storms occasionally produce high waves. A red flag means swimming is prohibited - even for confident swimmers. For jellyfish updates, check the app

Medusapp

from the University of the Balearic Islands.

Planning Your September Trip to Mallorca - Practical Tips

Flight and accommodation prices drop noticeably from mid-September. Compared to August, savings of 20 to 40 percent are typical for both hotels and rental cars. If you are flexible, the last two weeks of September work particularly well - the island already has an off-season feel, but the weather is usually still reliably summery.

Things to keep in mind when planning:

  • Light clothing for daytime, plus long trousers or a scarf for the slightly cooler evenings
  • High-factor sun cream - UV levels remain strong until the end of September
  • A water bottle and a hat for hikes and sightseeing
  • Book fincas and agriturismo accommodation early - many regulars reserve September years in advance
  • A light rain jacket or poncho for possible showers in the second half of the month

If you are thinking about testing Mallorca not just as a holiday destination but as a potential long-term home, September is well worth taking seriously. The island is at its most relaxed, and many landlords offer off-season rates for multi-week stays - a good opportunity to get a real feel for an area before committing.

Conclusion

Mallorca in September combines summery weather with a noticeably calmer atmosphere, plus culinary highlights around the grape harvest and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Once you have spent September here, it is easy to understand why so many Mallorca regulars block out the month every year. Plan your trip ahead, combine relaxed beach days with hikes in the Serra de Tramuntana and a visit to a winery, and there is a good chance September becomes your personal favourite time on the island.