As of August 7, 2026, the tourism market has already begun active preparations for the season, which experts call the "second wind" of summer holidays. Late summer and early autumn are traditionally considered the ideal time for those seeking a balance between comfortable weather and the absence of scorching heat. According to forecasts, September and the first half of October 2026 will be the most favorable periods for travel to the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Turkey and Egypt: Leaders of the Velvet Season Rating
Natalia Yakimenko, director of the travel agency "I'll Fly Where I Want!", notes that not all resorts are equally suitable for autumn holidays. While the Adriatic Sea and the Bulgarian Black Sea coast may already offer cool days, Turkey, Egypt, and Tunisia remain a winning choice. In Antalya and Kemer, in September, the air temperature steadily holds at +28…30°C, and the sea warms up to a comfortable +26°C. The key advantage of this period is the reduction in package tour prices and the decrease in tourist flow, making the atmosphere more peaceful.
In Egypt, particularly in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, conditions for beach holidays remain practically ideal. The air temperature becomes milder, which is favorable not only for swimming but also for snorkeling and diving. In 2026, experts are paying special attention to the resort of New Alamein, which is called the "new Maldives." Here, during the velvet season, comfortable +26…28 °C, calm seas, and modern hotels are guaranteed, while prices become significantly more attractive from September.
Greece and Cyprus: From Beaches to Harvest Festivals
Greece in the autumn period offers a unique mix of beach holidays and cultural excursions. On the island of Crete, according to Victoria Plyasun, manager of the receiving company, after the beginning of September, the noise of quad bikes and motorcycles disappears, and the air is filled with the aroma of mountain herbs. This is the ideal time to visit wine festivals and olive harvests. Trips to Santorini also become more comfortable thanks to the milder sun. However, it is worth noting that Rhodes on the Aegean Sea side can be quite windy, making it popular among kitesurfers but less comfortable for classic beach holidays.
The beach season in Cyprus traditionally lasts longer than other destinations, often continuing almost until November. In October, the air temperature here remains at +25…28 °C, allowing one to enjoy both swimming and wine routes. At the same time, travelers should be careful when choosing resorts: Fethiye in Turkey, located closer to the Aegean Sea, is usually windier and cooler in autumn.
Spain and Italy: Shrinking Tourist Window
Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol in Spain (Alicante, Malaga) delight with comfortable weather in autumn, but with important caveats. The sea temperature is about +22…23 °C, which is suitable for swimming, but the absence of summer crowds allows for peaceful visits to museums and walks through the cities. The main risk is that most charter programs and tourist services operate only until mid-September. If planning a trip for October, one must be prepared for the fact that the weather will become less predictable, and many hotels will end their season.
In Italy, the situation is similar: on the island of Krk in Croatia, in September, there are significantly fewer tourists, and prices drop, but the sea is already cooler (+20 °C). Strong winds and rain are possible, so September here is more suitable for active holidays and cycling routes than for lying on the beach.
Contradictory Data
There is a discrepancy in estimates of the duration of comfortable holidays on the Black Sea coast and in Bulgaria. On the one hand, some sources indicate that in early autumn, warm days suitable for walks are still possible here. On the other hand, experts such as Natalia Yakimenko warn that the Adriatic Sea cools down quickly, and on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, cool days are already possible, which may not justify expectations for a beach holiday. At the same time, sources from Russia (gazeta.ru) indicate that for Russians, the velvet season on the Black Sea (Anapa, Gelendzhik) remains an accessible and popular option, where prices are significantly lower than in foreign analogues, despite the cooler water.
