The glorious days of September can be a relief after the mid-day heat in August. Granada's weather in September is characterized by pleasant days that are still consistently warm and comfortable, and cooler nights. Humidity is typically low and precipitation is rare.
There are lingering, lovely September days in Granada that are downright perfect, and overall, September is a lovely month in Granada. The frantic pace of the summer high season has subsided, and when it comes to atmosphere September is a standout time to visit Granada.
The average temperature is a comfortable 21°C (70°F). The days are often warm enough to wander the city and Alhambra without a jacket, but the evenings are becoming crisp with hints of the upcoming autumn in the air.
The average low temperature dips to a cool 14°C (57°F), while the average high temperature at 28°C (82°F) indicates that September still has some rather hot afternoons in this city.
Like most of the year in Granada, September receives very little precipitation. Although, there is normally more rain than in August, the chance of rain is still uncommon. Historically, September has an average of four rain days throughout the month, and there is a 50% chance of a sunny day.
Over the four rain days during September, only an average of 20 mm of precipitation is expected. This small amount of rain means the sun is normally out, and visitors are likely to be anxious to leave their hotel rooms (no matter how lovely) each and every morning.
The dry, warm days in this part of Andalucía are now beginning to grow shorter another sign of the upcoming autumn. While August has an average of 11 hours of sunlight a day, September has an average of 8 hours. Likewise, October and November will see the sun setting earlier and earlier.
Bigger isn't always better when it comes to accommodation options, and Santa Isabel la Real located in the Albaicín of Granada proves the saying true. The charming, small hotel provides more than a great location in the historic Albaicín neighborhood. Santa Isabel la Real has character and great guest service. Some of the 11 guest rooms have a terrace, and visitors are encouraged to request these rooms, as there is not a more relaxing place to spend mild September evenings.
A boutique hotel a bit outside the city center is La Almunia del Valle. A whitewashed country home was refurbished and renovated to create this sophisticated hotel. La Almunia del Valle is set amongst rolling hillsides that create a serene and peaceful guest experience. A gorgeous, blue swimming blue entices guests on the warmer days in September, and the views from the terrace make any meal at La Almunia del Valle unforgettable.
From country home to city palace, the Shine Albayzín is another building renovated from its original purpose and now utilized for guest accommodation. The guest rooms are light and restorative, especially after a full day of sightseeing. Like many other buildings in Granada, at the Shine Albayzín, the guest rooms overlook the former palace's courtyard. However, the Shine Albayzín has transformed this space into a cosy guest lounge.
In addition to the relaxing environment, Shine Albayzín has a perfect location practically on the doorstep of the Alhambra.
During September the coastal water is still warm along Spain's Costa Tropical, and visitors to Granada with a car or just the itch to leave the city will find the town and beaches of Almuñecar a great choice. Just outside Almuñecar there are twenty-five beaches. Together these twenty-five beaches cover over 20 km, and offer plenty of places to relax and unwind.
With many of the small, unique beaches tucked amongst rock outcroppings or in picturesque coves, there is sand to explore and warm water for swimming, whether for a day or longer.
As the mild September days draw to a close, Granada is just beginning to heat things up. Nowhere is this more apparent than the well-known flamenco restaurant Restaurante Granada Tablao Flamenco Jardines de Zoraya. A long name for an outstanding dining experience, Restaurante Granada Tablao Flamenco Jardines de Zoraya manages to offer customers both a delicious meal and impressive flamenco. Take into account the gorgeous al fresco setting on a pleasant September evening, and guests are assured an unforgettable meal.
Who could have predicted that the restaurant considered the best in Granada, Spain would actually serve Italian food? Also take into account that the restaurant is designed more for take-away than as a sit down restaurant, and most people would be shocked to learn that Cacho & Pepe is so beloved. But it is. The adorable restaurant is teensy-tiny, but on a temperate September evening visitors can easily find plazas and benches on which to enjoy this sensational and traditional Italian cuisine.
In September the daytime temperature becomes reasonable and comfortable, an ideal time of year to take a walking tour of Granada. Panchotours offers three different walking tours throughout the city. Each tour has a specific focus, and can provide information on a part of town visitors plan to see frequently or be an opportunity to go somewhere that would otherwise be unexplored.
Walk in Granada is a locally owned and operated company that provides a daily historical tour of Granada, as well as, a tour of the Sacromonte area of Granada four days a week. Both tours leave from a specific meeting location, and visitors can either book online or show up and hope there is still space on the tour. Walk in Granada will also book private tours upon request.
Lastly, Feel the City provides free walking tours of Granada starting at 10:30 am each morning at the Plaza de Isabel la Catolica. While the tours are technically free, it is encouraged that visitors provide a tip to the guide at the end of the tour.
Before all of the warm evenings have faded with the fall, visitors should take the opportunity in September to watch the sunset and see the Alhambra lit up at night from Mirador de San Nicholas. During the day this is a sunny lookout located within the Albaycin that has unmatched views of the Alhambra, and around sunset it becomes busy with visitors and young locals alike.
Then, just as dusk settles the Alhambra comes to life once again as it is lit from top to bottom. Conversation and good vibes flow freely as people take in the stunning site of the Alhambra at night. Take care however, as this is one area of Granada known for petty theft and pickpockets.
