Italy in September – Reasons to Visit and What to Expect

There’s no one-size-fits-all perfect time to visit, but visiting Italy in September promises a trip filled with many delights. In September, Italy sees the end of the scorching summer and is the best time to visit Italy for more pleasant and mild weather, given the start of the fall season.

 If you couldn’t visit during springtime, this is a fantastic alternative to reap similar benefits. There are fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, not to mention the thriving natural scenery. European summer holidays have officially ended, and school is back in, meaning fewer local crowds to contend with. 

However, many visitors from America and Australia consider this peak season and visit popular cities to take advantage of the September weather. So, places like Rome or Venice might be busy. On the bright side, that means September is excellent for taking advantage of less visited areas. This month is also packed with exciting festivities, including local food festivals and other celebrations that let you catch a glimpse of local culture. 

That said, it’s time to dive into everything you need to know about visiting Italy in September, from the weather to where to go, what to wear and more.

Weather in Italy in September

Italy’s weather in September is one of the most compelling reasons to plan your trip around this time. It’s mild but still warm and sunny enough to enjoy outdoor activities.

The pleasant weather is spread across the country, but you can expect slightly different conditions depending on your region. In northern Italy, it tends to be slightly cooler, with average temperatures ranging between 55°F and 75°F (13°C and 24°C). In central Italy, it is between 65°F and 81°F (18°C and 27°C). Finally, in southern Italy, the weather is the warmest, ranging from 70°F to 81°F (21°C to 27°C). Evenings will bring cooler temperatures.

When it comes to rain, Northern Italy has a few occasional showers, and the same can be said for central Italy. However, in the southern regions, you can look forward to mostly sunny days and maximize your time outdoors.

Here is a more in-depth breakdown of the September weather in Italy for some of the more popular areas nationwide.

• Rome Weather in September: In the capital city of Italy, the temperatures are comfortable and perfect for enjoying anything from the Roman ruins to the Vatican museums. September temperatures in Rome range between 59°F and 81°F (15°C and 27°C), with only about five days of the month experiencing rain.
• Florence Weather in September: Florence’s averages are similar to Rome’s, between 59°F and 81°F (15°C and 27°C), but it can get as high as 84°F (29°C). There is slightly more rainfall here, so you can expect about nine rainy days, but the rest of the month is nice and sunny.
• Venice Weather in September: The floating city experiences slightly cooler temperatures, ranging anywhere between 59°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). With only about five days of rain, this month is fantastic for taking in the sights or experiencing the glorious Grand Canal.
• Tuscany Weather in September: Summer might be over, but the warm weather still thrives during this time in Tuscany. September temperatures here can range from an average low of 63°F (17°C) to a high of 81°F (27°C). Rainfall occurs on average between four and seven days but rarely more than that.
• Amalfi Coast Weather in September: The gorgeous beaches and scenery of the Amalfi Coast are attractive not only to summer crowds but to everyone all year round. Higher temperatures between 68°F and 79°F (20°C and 26°C) can be expected, with about nine days of rain.
• Italian Lakes Weather in September: If you visit lakes like Lake Como or Lake Garda, the weather is still pleasant but can be a bit cooler and rainier. Lake Como, for example, experiences lows of 59°F (15°C) and highs of 70°F (21°C), with eight average days of rain. Lake Garda, on the other hand, has lows of 57°F (14°C) and highs of 77°F (25°C), with five rainy days.
• Cinque Terre Weather in September: Cinque Terre also has some great weather in September, with an average temperature between 63°F (17°C) and 77°F (25°C). The mild weather allows you to make the most of anything, from the coast to wine tastings. You can only expect about six days with some rainfall.
• Sicily Weather in September: This island in southern Italy is a must-see for anyone who wants to visit Italy, and luckily, the temperatures aren’t unbearably hot. That said, it does get hotter here compared to other places, with temperatures between 64°F and 84°F (18°C and 29°C). There is also little rain, with only around five days of the month.

Best Places to Visit in Italy in September

Apart from the weather, other considerations must be made when planning a trip to Italy in September. Do you want to visit the most popular cities if it means contending with larger crowds of tourists? Or would you rather enjoy fewer tourists in smaller towns? Either way, each region in Italy has something to offer.

In September, you’ll want to visit places where you can take advantage of the weather and outdoors and enjoy the scenery without worrying about the heat bothering you. Luckily, there are numerous options, from the gorgeous island of Sardinia to underrated towns and cities like Verona.

That’s just the beginning, so here is a quick list of some of the best places to visit in Italy to make the most out of your visit in September.

Smaller and Less Popular Towns and Cities in September

Popular areas like Rome, the Amalfi Coast, or Italian lakes like Como and Garda are always nice to visit, no matter the time of year. However, those destinations tend to be more crowded with tourists in September as they take advantage of fewer local crowds. That’s why you should consider visiting smaller, less popular, and underrated towns instead.

Verona is one example and the famous site of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You can enjoy wandering through the streets, marveling at the architecture of the Arco dei Gavi, or seeing a show at the Arena di Verona. There are also many exciting things to do in Lucca, like visiting the impressive Cattedrale di Lucca.

The Emilia Romagna region is another good option for taking advantage of the smaller crowds. You can enjoy local architectural wonders, including the Cattedrale di Parma, or for something more unique, visit a motorsport fanatic’s dream location, Imola. You can see anything from the racetrack to a memorial dedicated to the Formula One driver, Ayrton Senna.

No matter where you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy fewer tourists as the summer crowds dwindle, all the while taking advantage of the mild weather, especially towards late September.

Tuscany in September

The great thing about visiting Tuscany in September is that it’s the start of the grape harvest, or as it’s locally known, vendemmia. Smaller wineries might not be open as the harvest season only means the start of production, but major wineries like Barone Ricasoli might still be open for wine tasting and tours.

You can even participate in the wine harvest yourself or attend a festival. The Expo Chianti Classico festival runs in Tuscany for three days (September 5th to 8th, 2024). It’s an exciting celebration of the art of winemaking and lets you learn more about the vineyards and their famous wines.

You can also consider visiting other iconic landmarks in Tuscany, like the Uffizi Gallery or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. The beautiful town of San Gimignano is also a good choice, with plenty of unique religious sites, including Duomo di San Gimignano. Of course, one of the more famous spots is the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

For more insight, here are a few guides to help you learn more about Tuscany:

• Tuscany Travel Guide
• Tuscany Itinerary Ideas
• Where to Stay in Tuscany

The Dolomites in September

Your September trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Dolomites. The imposing mountain range is one of the hallmarks of this gorgeous country and is particularly popular with hikers. The weather is cooler up here, especially at higher elevations, with temperatures between 34°F and 59°F (1°C and 15°C), but it’s worth the visit if you don’t mind the cold.

It only rains around four or five days in September, you can make the most of the various mountain trails, and thinning crowds mean fewer people to contend with along your treks. You may even catch sight of a wild boar or two during your hikes since they are out and about in the more remote areas.

Those hikes are extra rewarding once you take one to a classic rifugio, or mountain hut, where you can stop for refreshments and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from above. However, you should always make sure to make a reservation ahead, just to be safe. If that isn’t enough, cableways, like Marmolada’s cable cars, remain open until mid-October, allowing you to experience it yourself.

Learn more about your visit to the Dolomites with some quick and nifty guides:

• Where to Stay in the Dolomites
• Best Towns in the Dolomites
• Best Things to Do in the Dolomites

Sardinia in September

Your September trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of those beautiful Italian islands. Sardinia is the second largest island, just after Sicily, and boasts pristine blue waters, greenery-dotted hills, and brilliant beaches. The scenery alone makes it worth the visit, but there’s more to the island than that.

Since summer is over and many locals have returned home after their vacations, you’ll miss out on most of those heavy summer crowds. It’s much more relaxed, so you can enjoy those quiet alcoves and beaches without trouble. That also means the added benefit of slightly cheaper prices for accommodations and transport.

It rarely gets above 81°F (27°C), making it ideal for beachgoers who dislike scorching heat and allow for pleasant outdoor dining. As you’d expect, Sardinia has an abundance of fresh seafood and other local specialties, like the mouthwatering stuffed pasta dish called culurgiones.

Consider visiting other spots, like the capital city, Cagliari, where you can see the Cattedrale di Cagliari or the Torre dell’Elefante. You can also try some boat trips along the Golfo di Orosei coastline or hiking along the Supramonte mountain range. 

Puglia in September

Puglia, also known as Italy’s boot, is as gorgeous as it gets, and visiting in September will let you get the most out of your stay. Since it’s outside of the high season and has few major cities, you’ll also miss out on those August crowds, with the added benefit of slightly reduced prices.

It doesn’t get very hot here this month, with temperatures sticking between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). That means you can maximize your time outdoors at beaches like Cala Porto in Polignano a Mare, offering a one-of-a-kind aesthetic experience.

You should add places like Monopoli or Gallipoli to your itinerary to experience anything from imposing cathedrals to ancient ruins. The Trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another must-add to your list of places to see. The tiny white dwellings are incredible and unique. You won’t find anything like it.

Major towns like Lecce or Bari are also great to visit during this time, especially with the thinner crowds. You can explore and admire the baroque architecture or try to learn how to make local handmade pasta called orecchiette.

Need some more ideas on what you can do in Puglia? Check out these articles for guidance:

• Puglia Travel Guide
• Best Places to Stay in Puglia
• Best Things to Do in Puglia

Festivities and Public Holidays in Italy in September

Many visitors to the country find a fascination and appreciation for the local culture, and if you’re one of them, you’re in luck. In September, Italy hosts plenty of celebrations for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.

While there aren’t as many this month as in May or August, there are a few key days and celebrations to remember when visiting Italy. Here are just a few major ones to consider. 

• September 1st —  Historical Regatta: The Historical Regatta is held in Venice in early September, on the first Sunday of the month. It involves feasts, a water pageant where teams are presented, and several rowing races. There are various categories, like six oar or women’s twin oar races. But the main focus is on the brightly colored boats and the love of the sport.
• September 8th — Festa della Rificolona: The Festa della Rificolona, or the Festival of Paper Lanterns, is a traditional festival in Florence to honor the birthday of the Virgin Mary. It’s quite the sight, with children’s processions with glowing lanterns, fun street performances, and a parade through the streets of Florence. Farmers and producers also enter the city to bring fresh produce to the market.
• September 13th — Volto Santo: Lucca holds the Volto Santo Festival every year, and it is another beautiful celebration. Thousands of candles are lit and placed along the windows and doorways of the streets of Lucca, celebrating the Volto Santo cross. A procession leaves from the Church of San Frediano and ends at the location of the cross, Lucca Cathedral. Enjoy gorgeous sights of candles, banners, and torches while melodic prayers are sung.
• September 19th —  Feast of St. Januarius: Celebrated in Naples during the latter half of the month is the Feast of St. Januarius or La Festa di San Gennaro. It’s a public holiday that honors Saint Januarius, or San Gennaro, where many local Catholics head to the Duomo di Napoli. Since it’s a public holiday, you can expect restaurants, stores, and other locations to be closed as locals celebrate.

What to Wear in Italy in September

The next step is learning how to pack for Italy. It is mostly warm, with cooler temperatures in the early morning, evening, or more toward the second half of the month, so your wardrobe should consist of a good variety of clothing items. Sprinkling in a few rainy days on top of that, it might seem unpredictable.  

That said, it’s pretty easy to pack for September once you know how to dress appropriately. You could also listen to this nifty guide on what to wear in Italy, but for now, here is a summary of what you need.

• Layered clothing — The temperatures vary from region to region, but it’s always a good idea to bring layers that are easy to adapt. Consider a few long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, and a light jacket to throw over top.
• Light sweaters — As mentioned, the evenings in September can get quite cool, especially in the northern regions, so keeping a sweater on hand is recommended.
• Comfortable walking shoes — When you explore Italy, you’ll walk a lot, so comfy and sturdy shoes are essential. Sandals or sneakers work.
• Long pants — Italy in September can bring much cooler temperatures in the evening, so long pants or jeans will help manage that.
• Rain jacket — While it doesn’t rain too often, you might need this for the occasional showers, depending on where you’re visiting.

Is September a Good Time to Visit Italy?

Ultimately, yes – September is a wonderful time to visit Italy. 

The temperate weather is perfect for anything from hiking and walking through the cities to swimming along the idyllic coastlines or lakes. The temperatures can bounce from warm to cool depending on the time of day, so it’s a good idea to pack extra layers to be safe.

Then, remember to expect big crowds in main cities like Bari, Milan, or Rome. To avoid that, take a trip to smaller, less popular places like Verona or Lucca. This fall month also hosts many cultural and food festivals, celebrating everything from Tuscany’s wine scene and street food to important religious figures.

All that said, it’s time to start planning and get ready for your next trip – Italy awaits.

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