Month guide · Marseille · France
Marseille in September
What September is really like in Marseille: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0
_-_02.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Marseille. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Warm sea and thinner crowds make this one of the best months for swimming and boat trips.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea temperature
- 21°C (70°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in Marseille: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 20°C (68°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 30 days. Compared with August (30°C (86°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 21°C (70°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 07:18
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:49
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea
- 21°C (70°F)
Autumn (September–November). Warm sea in September, good walking weather in October and occasional heavy storms; prices fall by November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- European Heritage Days — free entry to normally closed buildings (usually third weekend)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Nature · Southern Marseille
Calanques National Park
Start hikes early, carry at least two litres of water per person and wear proper shoes; the limestone paths are steep and slippery.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day
- Cost
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Active
- Views
- Free
- Photo spot
Castle · Frioul archipelago
Château d'If
Built in the 1520s on a tiny island off the harbour, this fortress later became a state prison and was made famous by Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours including the boat
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Kids
- Views
- Iconic
Island · Frioul archipelago
Frioul islands
Bring water, sun protection and snorkelling gear; there is almost no shade, and the coves on Ratonneau are calmer than the open coast.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Kids
- Off the beaten path
Street · Endoume and Vallon des Auffes
Corniche Kennedy
The seafront road runs from the Plage des Catalans to the Prado beaches, with views of the Frioul islands and the Château d'If.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Couples
The sea averages 21°C (70°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Marseille.
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 16°C and 4 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Marseille?
One of the best months to visit Marseille, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are May–June and October. Compare every month.
Marseille in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Marseille?
It is one of the best months to visit Marseille. Warm sea and thinner crowds make this one of the best months for swimming and boat trips.
+How warm is Marseille in September?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Marseille in September?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.