For years, the dream holiday was simple: the hotter, the better. But new research from TUI suggests many holidaymakers are now looking for sunshine that feels a little more comfortable.

More than two-thirds of UK adults (67%) say their ideal daytime holiday temperature sits between 20°C and 29°C, with 20°C to 24°C emerging as the most popular range. Only one in 10 selected temperatures of 30°C or above.

That does not mean giving up sunshine, beaches or that proper holiday feeling. Instead, it points to growing interest in an additional September, October or November getaway where the weather is still warm enough for beach days and al fresco dining, while making it easier to explore, sightsee and spend longer outdoors.

To help holidaymakers find their ideal autumn sunshine escape, TUI has created the Coolercation Comfort Index, comparing a shortlist of popular autumn holiday destinations across September, October and November.

Coolercations (at a glance):

What is a coolercation?

A coolercation is an additional September, October or November getaway that offers warm but more comfortable conditions after the main summer holiday, giving travellers another chance to enjoy sunshine, beaches, outdoor dining and destination experiences later in the year.

For some travellers, that might mean late-summer beach weather with fewer peak-season crowds. For others, it could mean an October trip built around sightseeing, or a Canary Islands escape for dependable late-autumn sun.

What is Britain's ideal holiday temperature?

The most popular individual range was 20°C to 24°C, selected by almost two in five respondents. A further 30% chose 25°C to 29°C, meaning 67% of UK adults selected a temperature between 20°C and 29°C.

Comfortable warmth does not mean giving up the weather people associate with holidays. Warm sunshine was the leading ideal-weather priority, selected by 42% of respondents. However, 39% also prioritised temperatures that are comfortable for walking around, while 37% wanted a light breeze and 31% wanted reliable sunshine without extreme heat.

The research also suggests warmer summers are already influencing holiday planning. Nearly one in three (32%) now consider destinations with more comfortable temperatures, 24% consider travelling earlier or later in the summer season and 23% look for easy access to pools, beaches or shaded areas.

Why book a September, October or November holiday?

Autumn holidays can offer a different kind of sunshine break. The weather can still be warm enough for beaches, pools and outdoor dining, but conditions may feel more comfortable for walking, sightseeing and spending longer outside during the day.

• More comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities were the leading reason to consider September or October instead of peak summer, selected by 22% of respondents.
• Fewer crowds followed closely behind, selected by 20%.
• Being able to sightsee and walk around more comfortably was selected by 18%.
• Better value than peak summer and more comfortable temperatures for children or older relatives were each selected by 14%.

The activities people want from comfortable-weather holidays also show why autumn travel can appeal. Sightseeing and exploring local towns or villages led the list at 44%, followed by walking, hiking or exploring nature (34%), relaxing by the beach or pool (32%), spending quality time outdoors with family or friends (30%) and outdoor dining or trying local food (29%).

Best autumn sunshine destinations

How the TUI Coolercation Comfort Index works

The TUI Coolercation Comfort Index compares popular autumn destinations to show where offers the best balance of warmth, sunshine, sea temperature, lower rainfall and value in September, October and November.

Each destination is scored across those five areas, then given an overall Comfort Score out of 100 to make it easier to compare the best options by month.

The higher the score, the stronger the destination performs as a comfortable autumn sunshine option for that month.

Best destinations for September

September offers the strongest overall choice in the index, with five destinations scoring 80/100 or above. Rhodes leads the month with a score of 94/100, thanks to 28°C maximum daytime temperatures, 11 daily sunshine hours, just two days with some rainfall and 26°C sea temperatures.

Best destinations for October

Rhodes holds onto first place in October with a Coolercation Comfort Score of 86/100. With 24°C maximum daytime temperatures, eight hours of daily sunshine and 24°C sea temperatures, it remains warm enough for beaches while becoming especially appealing for sightseeing and exploring.

Rhodes performs strongly in October because it combines one of the most comfortable temperature profiles in the shortlist with warm seas and a strong heritage offer. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are close challengers, particularly for travellers who want Canary Islands sunshine, while Crete remains a strong all-round shoulder-season option.

Best destinations for November

As autumn moves towards winter, the Canary Islands come into their own. Gran Canaria tops the November ranking with a score of 82/100, followed by Tenerife on 78/100, making the islands the standout late-autumn choice for travellers seeking sunshine, beach time and comfortable conditions beyond the main summer holiday.

Gran Canaria leads November because it offers 23°C maximum daytime temperatures, seven daily sunshine hours, just three days with some rainfall and 22°C sea temperatures. It is particularly well suited to travellers who want a late-autumn break that can combine beaches, resort time, traditional towns, highland scenery and outdoor experiences.

Tenerife follows closely, offering a strong November mix of mild temperatures, warm seas, volcanic landscapes, coastal towns and wildlife experiences. Together, Gran Canaria and Tenerife show why the Canary Islands become especially appealing as autumn moves into winter.

How to make the most of a coolercation

Find your perfect coolercation destination

• If you want the strongest September weather: Start with Rhodes or Crete, which lead the September table and offer warm sea temperatures, strong sunshine and classic late-summer appeal.
• If you want comfortable sightseeing in October: Rhodes is the strongest October option, balancing warm days with heritage, beaches and outdoor experiences.
• If you want late-autumn sunshine in November: Look to Gran Canaria and Tenerife, which top the November ranking and offer the strongest Canary Islands story.
• If sea temperature matters: Consider Rhodes in September and October, Crete in September, Majorca in September or the Canary Islands later in autumn.
• If walking and nature are priorities: Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Crete offer strong outdoor routes, landscapes and viewpoints.
• If value is a key factor: Compare each month rather than choosing a destination in isolation, as TUI value scores shift across the September, October and November rankings.

The best option depends on what travellers want from the trip: beach time, sightseeing, walking, food experiences, family-friendly conditions or reliable late-autumn sunshine. Comparing the monthly rankings can help match the destination to the type of holiday planned.

Conclusion: finding the right autumn sunshine break

A coolercation is not about replacing the main summer holiday. It is about adding another opportunity to get away after the peak season, choosing a destination where the weather works for the activities, pace and experience travellers want.

Rhodes leads the way in September and October, while Gran Canaria comes into its own in November. Travellers can use the TUI Coolercation Comfort Index to compare each month, explore destination pages and speak to a TUI travel expert when planning an additional autumn break.

Explore TUI holidays, destination guides and TUI Musement experiences to find the autumn sunshine break that suits your preferred temperature, travel month and holiday style.