September is still full summer in Jávea, with the warmest post-season swimming water and the year's biggest festival in its first week. Only after that first week does it noticeably quieten down: the school year starts, the access controls at the coves are gradually lifted, and lifeguard cover is scaled back. Here is what to expect from the weather, the sea, the festival and local life.
How is the weather in Jávea in September?
At the nearest official weather station, the average September temperature is 23.8 degrees, with afternoons around 28.5 degrees and nights around 19.0 degrees. The month sees an average of 3.3 days of rain, and the sun shines for around 243 hours: September is still thoroughly summery weather.
That makes September distinctly warmer than October, which averages 19.8 degrees: the summer heat holds firm well into September. These figures come from the nearest official weather station, at Alicante airport some ninety kilometres away: a reliable indication for the region, not an exact measurement in Jávea itself.
Is the sea in Jávea still warm enough to swim in September?
Yes: the sea off Jávea sits at around 25 degrees in September, the warmest month to swim in after August. That is warmer than the sea in June, at the start of summer, which makes September one of the best months of the year for swimming.
The sea holds on to summer's warmth for a long time, so the water has barely cooled even as the beaches grow a little quieter. For anyone who wants a peaceful swim without giving up on water temperature, September is an appealing month.
What is the Loreto festival, and when is it in Jávea?
The Loreto festival, the patron saint celebration for Mare de Déu de Loreto in the harbour district, runs from late August through 8 September, with processions, including on the water, concerts and fireworks. The high point falls on 8 September, when a large fireworks display is set off from the sea.
8 September is an official local public holiday in Xàbia, so shops and services may be closed that day. The first days of September also bring bous a la mar to the programme: bulls by the water, in an arena on the harbour. Anyone who prefers a quieter celebration can head to the small religious festivity at the Ermita del Pòpul on the second Sunday of the month.
Does Jávea quieten down after the first week of September?
Yes, noticeably: after the Loreto festival, the Spanish school year starts in early September and a string of summer arrangements is gradually wound down. The barrier-controlled access at Granadella still applies until the first week of September and after that only on September weekends, and the tourist train runs until mid-September.
From 15 September, Red Cross lifeguard cover also switches to a scaled-back schedule: daily on the Arenal, but only at weekends at Granadella and La Grava. Visitors arriving in the second half of the month notice these concrete changes above all as the sign that high season is drawing to a close.
What can you do in Jávea in September?
Mostly swimming, walking and sport in weather that is still thoroughly summery. The Arenal, Granadella and the smaller Portitxol are all in good shape, and kayaking at Granadella is possible year-round. The miradors along the coast are pleasant to tackle in September now the heat has eased slightly.
Walking on the Montgó becomes more pleasant as the heat drops off through the month, although the official fire risk season officially runs until 15 October, which can lead to closures at times of high risk. Late September also brings the annual TriXàbia, a triathlon with more than ten years of history, with a sprint distance of 750 metres swimming, 20 kilometres cycling and 5 kilometres running, and an Olympic distance of 1500 metres, 40 kilometres and 10 kilometres.
Is September a good month to visit Jávea?
For most visitors, yes: temperatures stay summery, the sea is at its warmest of the post-season, and the Loreto festival delivers a full programme with fireworks in the first week. After that it noticeably quietens down, without the weather or beach life losing anything.
September therefore combines two sides of Jávea: the energy of the year's biggest festival at the start of the month, and the first signs of calm once the school year begins. Anyone who enjoys both a lively programme and a calmer beach will find a bit of both in September.