Travel search engine Kayak has reported that September 2025 offers significant savings for UK travellers, with flight and hotel prices dropping by up to 30% compared to the peak summer season. According to Kayak's data, the average cost of a flight from the UK in September is £345, down from £495 in August, representing a 30% decrease. Hotel prices also see a notable dip, with the average nightly rate falling to £147 from £195 in August, a 25% reduction.
Key Destinations with Biggest Savings
Kayak's analysis highlights several popular destinations where travellers can secure the most substantial discounts. For flights, the top five destinations with the biggest price drops from August to September include: Reykjavik, Iceland (down 33% to £190); Athens, Greece (down 25% to £155); Faro, Portugal (down 24% to £120); Barcelona, Spain (down 23% to £115); and Lisbon, Portugal (down 21% to £110). These figures are based on return economy flights from the UK.
On the hotel front, Kayak found that the average nightly rate in September is £147, compared to £195 in August. The destinations with the largest hotel price reductions are: Reykjavik (down 45% to £120); Marrakech, Morocco (down 40% to £100); Athens (down 37% to £95); Lisbon (down 35% to £110); and Barcelona (down 33% to £130).
Long-Haul and European Trends
Kayak's data also covers long-haul destinations, showing that flights to New York, USA, average £360 in September, down from £480 in August, a 25% drop. Similarly, flights to Dubai, UAE, fall to £410 from £530, a 23% reduction. For European city breaks, the average flight price to Paris is £85 in September, compared to £105 in August, a 19% decrease. Rome sees a 20% drop to £100, and Amsterdam a 17% drop to £80.
According to Kayak, the overall trend is driven by the end of the school holidays and reduced demand, leading to lower prices across both short-haul and long-haul routes. The travel search engine advises that booking early in September can yield even better deals, as prices tend to rise later in the month.
Practical Tips for September Travel
Kayak recommends that travellers book flights and hotels separately to potentially find cheaper combinations, as package deals may not always reflect the lowest available prices. The company also suggests using price alerts and flexible date searches to maximise savings. For those looking to avoid crowds, September is also a quieter month at many tourist attractions, offering a more relaxed experience.
Kayak's data underscores that September is an optimal time for UK travellers to take advantage of lower prices, with the average total cost of a trip (flights plus seven nights in a hotel) dropping from £1,860 in August to £1,379 in September, a saving of 26%. This makes it an attractive option for both leisure and business travellers seeking value for money.
