Planning a trip to Valencia in September for an extra dose of sunshine before the cold season sets in? While sweater weather and the scent of pumpkin spice lattes start spreading across Europe, Valencia lingers in summer’s sweet embrace for one more month, making it the perfect time to explore the city. But how warm is Valencia in September? What should you wear? And can you swim in the sea? Here I’ll answer all these questions and more to help you plan your September trip to this vibrant Mediterranean city.
In This Article
Is September a good time to visit Valencia?
September can be a fantastic time to visit Valencia, as the city is bustling with activity and the weather remains nice and warm throughout the month.
September is the back-to-school season, and many adults return to work after a month-long vacation. As a result, the city is infused with new life.
September is considered shoulder season, so you’ll encounter fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. This means shorter lines at popular attractions and a more relaxed atmosphere.
The warm September weather is ideal for enjoying Valencia’s beautiful beaches. The sea water is still warm enough for swimming, but the beaches are less crowded than during the peak summer season.
September in Valencia is not marked by any particularly exciting events or festivals. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as you’ll get a chance to experience the city in its most pure and authentic form.
But just because Valencia doesn’t organize any major festivals in September, this doesn’t mean the nearby towns and villages don’t.
In fact, September is a great month to explore the surrounding countryside, attend the multitude of harvest festivals in the region, and enjoy some of the best day trips from Valencia overall.
From grapes to rice, many of the crops cultivated in the region are harvested during September. As such, this is the ideal month to visit local wineries and go wine tasting in and around Valencia.
Also, local fresh produce markets, such as Mercado Central, provide a feast for the senses with an abundance of colorful, locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
September is also a great month to indulge in the local cuisine and try the paella. But before you sit down and order it in the first place you come across, make sure you understand what is paella and read these fun paella facts to steer clear of common mistakes.
Finally, see my recommendations for the best paella restaurants in Valencia.
Also read: Best Time to Visit Valencia: A Month-by-Month Comparison
Weather in Valencia in September
September in Valencia offers warm and pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine. It’s an excellent time for outdoor exploration, beach visits, and enjoying the city’s cultural and culinary offerings.
As September progresses, temperatures usually drop a few degrees compared to July and August.
September in Valencia tends to be generally pleasant, with maximum temperatures typically ranging from 26°C to 30°C (78°F to 86°F), making it warm but not excessively hot.
Minimum temperatures during the night are usually around 22ºC (71ºF), which is quite pleasant, although you might occasionally need a light cardigan if stay out till very late.
Valencia enjoys a good amount of sunshine in September and you can expect clear or partly cloudy skies with almost 13 hours of daylight per day. This gives you plenty of time to explore, enjoy the best biking routes in the city, have a picnic in Valencia’s beautiful parks and gardens, and spend time at the beach.
September is a relatively dry month with little rainfall. However, some years are an exception to this rule and see a couple of days of heavy rain. That doesn’t mean you’ll have to carry an umbrella and rain jacket with you at all times. But it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast every morning just in case.
Another plus is that humidity levels in Valencia are moderate in September, which makes it one of the most comfortable months to visit from this point of view.
The sea water temperature also remains warm in September, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
What’s on in Valencia in September
Valencia has a rich cultural calendar in September, but most events are fairly niche and small. While the city might not host any major festivals worth planning your trip around, if you happen to be in Valencia during any of the following events, you might want to check them out.
Oktoberfest
Varying dates – September 1st to 17th, 2023
A few years ago, Valencia adopted the German Oktoberfest and never looked back. While not a Spanish festival, not even remotely, beer is a universal language, after all. So if you’d like to enjoy music, beer, and Bavarian food at 28ºC (82ºF) and no cloud in sight, this is your chance.
World Paella Day
September 20th
What better time to savor a paella in Valencia than September 20th – World Paella Day? In all honesty, there’s no better place on Earth to celebrate World Paella Day than right here in the hometown of paella. While you’re at it, don’t miss the World Paella Day Cup, typically held in the marina, where international chefs put on a show while competing for the first prize. Also, some restaurants in Valencia offer set paella menus throughout the week.
Also read:
- Is Valencia Worth Visiting? 7 Reason’s That’s a YES!
- 10 Best Places You Must Visit in Valencia
- Valencia With Kids: 11 Things to Do For Endless Family Fun
- 12 Best Things to Do in Valencia: Bucket List Worthy Activities
September bank holidays in Valencia
There are no bank holidays in Valencia in September. Stores return to their regular opening hours, and commercial centers, including major clothing brands like El Corte Inglés and Zara, open seven days a week.
If you’d like to indulge in some retail therapy during your visit, check out my shopping in Valencia guide for the best shopping streets and local brands you cannot miss.
What to wear in Valencia in September
September in Valencia is warm and pleasant, yet evenings can be sometimes cooler, so packing a variety of clothes (without overdoing it) is a good idea.
For daytime, I recommend you pack lightweight, breathable clothing such as shorts, sundresses, and T-shirts. Temperatures around noon can still be quite warm, and this will ensure you stay cool and comfortable.
For the evenings, it’s a good idea to pack a cardigan, just in case, especially if you’re planning to be out late. A pair of loose-fitting trousers made of linen or cotton can also come in handy.
One thing worth mentioning is that September isn’t the ideal month for jeans in Valencia. The reason for this is that jeans are not breathable enough and can feel quite uncomfortable to wear due to the relatively high temperatures.
Valencia is an easygoing and casual city, but Valencianos do value a smart-casual dress code. So, if you intend to dine out, formal attire isn’t common, but tank tops and overly casual sportswear won’t be seen as appropriate in many restaurants.
Since the seawater remains warm throughout September, don’t forget to pack your swimwear and sunscreen, just in case.
In terms of accessories, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun even further. You might also consider bringing a reusable water bottle and don’t forget to pack a backpack or a crossbody bag for carrying your essentials while exploring the city.
Last but not least, comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to walk a lot. Valencia is a very walkable and safe city and although it has a top-notch public transport system, ultimately, it’s best explored on foot or by bike.
