After the craze of the August crowds and high temperatures, Italy in September gives a well-deserved relief. September is a transition month and as the days go by towards the end of the summer to the beginning of the fall, also the weather gently becomes more bearable.
In a nutshell, September in Italy has the perks of the summer but with better weather and more restaurants open since also the Italian owners are likely to be back from the holidays.
My easy guide aims to make it easier for travelers to plan their trip to Italy in September, to know beforehand what to expect, and to pack wisely.
Is September a good month to go to Italy?
September is a great month to visit Italy because the weather is not as hot as the previous months and the crowds start to disperse.
Italians, too, are back from the summer holidays so the cities and towns are gradually getting back to the normal routine. This means that more restaurants and businesses are open.
Is Italy too crowded in September?
September in Italy is less crowded than in August but there are still many tourists and the most famous landmarks will still be quite busy.
The beach destinations, too, will still see quite a few tourists but nowhere near the summer months, so your experience will definitely be more relaxed.
Weather in September in Italy
Even though the first rainfalls of the new season start as early as mid-August, the weather in September holds quite steady. With little to no rain and mild temperatures, September is one of the best months to plan a trip to Italy.
The hottest places in Italy in September are the southern regions and the islands. Places like Sardinia, Sicily, and Puglia are famous for their coastline and the weather is totally beach-friendly
Weather in September in northern Italy
- Milan: high 24°C (75°F) – low 16°C (61°F)
- Turin: high 23°C (73°F) – low 17°C (63°F)
- Aosta: high 23°C (73°F) – low 11°C (52°F)
- Venice: high 24°C (75°F) – low 15°C (59°F)
- Verona: high 25°C (77°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
- Bologna: high 25°C (77°F) – low 16°C (61°F)
- Ravenna: high 25°C (77°F) – low 16°C (61°F)
- Trieste: high 24°C (75°F) – low 17°C (63°F)
- Trento: high 21°C (70°F) – low 15°C (59°F)
- Bolzano: high 24°C (75°F) – low 12°C (53°F)
- Genoa: high 25°C (77°F) – low 18°C (64°F)
Weather in September in central Italy
- Rome: high 27°C (81°F) – low 15°C (59°F)
- Viterbo: high 25°C (77°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
- Florence: high 27°C (81°F) – low 15°C (59°F)
- Siena: high 26°C (79°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
- Pisa: high 26°C (79°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
- Lucca: high 26°C (79°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
- Perugia: high 24°C (75°F) – low 12°C (53°F)
- Assisi: high 24°C (75°F) – low 12°C (53°F)
- Arezzo: high 25°C (77°F) – low 12°C (53°F)
- L’Aquila: high 21°C (70°F) – low 15°C (59°F)
- Campobasso: high 22°C (71°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
Weather in September in southern Italy
- Naples: high 27°C (81°F) – low 18°C (64°F)
- Caserta: high 26°C (79°F) – low 16°C (61°F)
- Salerno: high 26°C (79°F) – low 20°C (68°F)
- Amalfi Coast: high 26°C (79°F) – low 20°C (68°F)
- Sorrento: high 30°C (86°F) – low 22°C (71°F)
- Positano: high 30°C (86°F) – low 22°C (71°F)
- Bari: high 26°C (79°F) – low 16°C (61°F)
- Foggia: high 27°C (81°F) – low 18°C (64°F)
- Lecce: high 27°C (81°F) – low 16°C (61°F)
- Alberobello: high 24°C (75°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
- Ostuni: high 26°C (79°F) – low 17°C (62°F)
- Reggio Calabria: high 28°C (82°F) – low 20°C (68°F)
- Matera: high 24°C (75°F) – low 14°C (57°F)
Weather in September in the Italian islands
- Palermo: high 28°C (82°F) – low 21°C (70°F)
- Agrigento: high 26°C (79°F) – low 21°C (70°F)
- Catania: high 29°C (84°F) – low 17°C (62°F)
- Taormina: high 25°C (77°F) – low 20°C (68°F)
- Siracusa: high 26°C (79°F) – low 24°C (75°F)
- Ragusa: high 27°C (81°F) – low 21°C (70°F)
- Cagliari: high 28°C (82°F) – low 17°C (62°F)
- Sassari: high 26°C (79°F) – low 15°C (59°F)
- Palau: high 24°C (75°F) – low 19°C (66°F)
- Nuoro: high 25°C (77°F) – low 15°C (59°F)
- Oristano: high 26°C (79°F) – low 20°C (68°F)
What to do in September in Italy
Explore the cities
The Italian cities are always a great destination to explore on foot. Whether you are visiting big cities or smaller towns, there will always be a beautiful piazza to admire and chill out in where you can sip on a coffee surrounded by notable palaces.
September in Italy is the perfect month to enjoy city life, the myriad of museums and landmarks, the coolest bars and restaurants, and the local events.
Go to the beach
The summer is nearing the end, but Italy in September still allows for some great beach time. Especially if you are traveling in the first half of the month, the weather will likely be summer-like, and swimming will feel very refreshing.
Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, and even the beaches near Rome and the northern Adriatic coast such as Rimini and Riccione will still have their sea resorts fully operative.
Go hiking
From the high peaks of the Dolomites of Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige to the incredible scenery of Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont, to the hiking routes of Sardinia and around the Amalfi Coast, September is one of the best months in Italy for adventures in nature.
Literally all the Italian regions offer great hiking paths and routes. While in winter you might find some closed, the beginning of the fall is the right season to stay out in nature.
Explore Italian gardens
From north to south, there are many Italian parks and gardens that are best enjoyed in the warm season but it’s always better not to be too hot because they are all open-air.
Some cool parks to include in your itinerary are the wonderful Trauttmansdorff Gardens in Merano, Il Giardino della Ninfa in Cisterna di Latina in the Lazio region and Parco Giardino Sigurtà in Valeggio sul Mincio in Veneto.
Among the urban parks, we obviously can’t miss the gorgeous Villa Borghese in Rome and Giardino di Boboli, one of Florence’s top landmarks.
Best places to visit in Italy in September
Rome
Rome is a fantastic destination to visit in September. The weather is not too hot anymore but not cold yet. The days as well as the evenings are balmy and offer fantastic light for photographers.
When the unforgiving summer heat starts fading away, walking around Rome’s city center becomes much more pleasant.
September is when you can plan a day out in nature and a visit to the archaeological sites around the Colosseum, which are all open-air and quite hard to enjoy if it’s too hot.
Florence
The other major draw of Italian tourism, also Florence can reach very high temperatures in summer but in September the weather becomes way more bearable.
Florence’s city center is very walkable so when the weather allows, on foot is the best way to enjoy it. From famous landmarks like the complex of Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral to the Tuscan countryside, if you are planning your trip to Italy in September, Florence is a great addition.
Among the other places, you can take some great day trips from Florence such as to Pisa, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti region.
If you have limited time and are still unsure where to go, check out our insightful Rome vs. Florence guide.
Venice
Could we just skip Venice? I didn’t think so. One of the major hits among the favorite tourist destinations, if you are visiting Italy in September, Venice is a must whenever there is the prospect of fewer crowds.
Still warm but not too much and without the constant warning of imminent floods, you can enjoy long walks to admire the beauty and architecture of this one-of-a-kind city.
Trentino-Alto Adige and the Dolomites
Summer is one of the highest tourist seasons in Trentino-Alto Adige so in September there are fewer crowds. Whether you are into city life or soaking in nature, this region offers something for everyone.
Cities like Trento, Bolzano, and Merano are vibrant historical and cultural hubs, while for hiking and trekking enthusiasts, from wherever you are, mountains and Dolomites peaks and slopes will never be too far to reach.
The countryside and smaller towns also offer cool landmarks to explore. Make sure you book yourself for an adventure to the scenic San Romedio sanctuary and a trip to discover the local nobility in Castel Thun.
Find great hotels in the Dolomites
L’Aquila and Abruzzo’s Gran Sasso mountain range
The Abruzzo region is becoming always more popular among trekking fans. The Gran Sasso National Park offers beautiful views and great opportunities for more and less experienced hikers.
Obviously, if your September Italy trip takes you to Abruzzo, make sure you don’t skip L’Aquila, the region’s lovely capital, and smaller towns like Sulmona, Chieti, Tagliacozzo, Rocca San Giovanni, and Città Sant’Angelo near Pescara.
Sicily
From the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento to the decadent Baroque architecture of Catania to the gorgeous capital of Palermo, Sicily is an utterly fascinating Italian region to visit all year round.
Being the southernmost region, expect extreme heat in summer. September is still quite hot but the fewer crowds make it a better time to enjoy the local beaches.
The temperatures, however, hardly reach the high levels of July and August, so exploring cities, towns, and archaeological sites on foot will be less difficult.
Here are some experiences you can enjoy in Sicily in September:
Catania: Mount Etna Morning or Sunset Day Trip with Tasting
From Taormina: Sunset Coastline Boat Tour & Dolphin Watching
Palermo: Small Group Night Street Food Tour
Sicilian Cooking Class with Vucciria Market Tour in Palermo
Italian Cooking Class with “Rionale” Market Tour in Taormina
Sardinia
September is the perfect month to plan a Sardinia holiday. The weather is warm enough to enjoy the perfect Sardinian beach and even swim, and August beach crowds are a far memory.
Why do I like September in Sardinia so much? Because I’m a huge fan of discovering local cultures and traditions, and when the weather is too hot, I simply can’t go around while melting in my sweat.
So fall and spring are the seasons to explore the fascinating towns of Sardinian inland, along with the local cuisine and customs. With such lovely weather, you will find it much more pleasant to join outdoor activities such as hiking Su Gorropu canyon, one of Europe’s deepest, and discovering Sardinia’s archaeological sites.
The best places to stay in Sardinia
Amalfi Coast
Most hospitality activities and structures in the Amalfi Coast shut down after the summer, but in September they are still up and running.
Like all the other famous Italian beach destinations, you will find the towns of the Amalfi Coast much quieter than in July and August. This leads to more pleasant walks, a greater desire to explore, and a more enjoyable time swimming and sunbathing.
There are so many Capri boat tours and different experiences you can join on the Amalfi Coast for an unforgettable trip. Here are some of the things you can do:
Boat and Snorkeling Tour with a Captain
From Sorrento: Amalfi and Positano Full-Day Trip by Boat
Capri Coast to Coast with Blue Grotto
From Sorrento: Path of the Gods Hike
Amalfi: Cooking Class and Farmhouse Visit With Meal
Horseback Riding + Lemon Grove Tour on the Amalfi Coast
Hands-on Extensive Pasta Making Class on the Amalfi Coast
Lemon Grove Tour & Pasta Making Class on the Amalfi Coast
Horseback Riding Tour + Pasta Making Class on the Amalfi Coast
Trek ‘n’ Cook with Satva and Enrico near Amalfi
Find great hotels in and around the Amalfi Coast
Cinque Terre
Hiking around the famous Cinque Terre, the five quaint villages of the Italian Riviera in La Spezia coastline is easily one of the highlights of your trip to Italy in September.
Apart from the well-known towns, with a short train or bus ride, you can reach beautiful places like the scenic Portovenere, Lerici, Levanto, and even the bigger cities of La Spezia and Genoa. Read our Genoa guide to see what are the highlights of the vibrant region’s capital.
The best places to stay in and around Cinque Terre
Bologna
If you are spending September in Italy, I think you shouldn’t miss a trip to Bologna “La Dotta” (the Erudite).
After the stifling hot weather and before the great fog, I suggest you enjoy the elegant architecture of this rich city, its porticoes all over the city center, and obviously, the hearty cuisine the region is so famous for.
There are easy high-speed train connections with both Rome and Florence and you can easily spend only one day in Bologna if you are short in time.
Turin
The good thing about traveling to Italy in September is that cities where the temperatures become drastic in summer or winter, in the middle seasons or transition months, they are great destinations.
I’m sure you will love to visit Turin because this royal city is best enjoyed on foot and September offers just the perfect weather to do that.
Visit the many royal palaces and mansions, get lost in the beautiful Turin’s piazzas, duck into the majestic churches, and don’t forget to enjoy the fantastic chocolate, the city’s culinary pride.
Perugia and the Umbria region
The Umbria region is dreamy all year round, but spring and fall are the perfect seasons to visit. Its capital, Perugia, is a beautiful medieval town to be explored while other major draws include Assisi for religious tourism and Cascate della Marmora waterfalls in Terni, which are also an easy day trip from Rome.
The Umbria region is a beguiling mix of nature and quaint towns, so September is perfect for long walks around the wild countryside, discovering the soft rolling hills the area is so famous for, the beautiful vegetation, and quiet towns.
Find great hotels in the Umbria region
>> Check out this handy guide to find the best luxury hotels wherever you are.
What to eat in Italy in September
- Zucchini and eggplants. Summer is not entirely over yet, so seasonal veggies are still very much present in both local markets and restaurants.
- Mushrooms. Porcini, honey mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms are all starting to be more frequent on the Italian tables.
- Pumpkin. In some colder northern regions, you might already find the pumpkin so enjoy the delicacies they make using it, including some heartwarming soups.
- Cavolo nero. Especially if you are traveling to Tuscany, I’m sure you will already find some ribollita soup on the local menus, where the star is the black cabbage typical from this region. On late summer’s chill nights, this is a perfect dinner.
What to pack for Italy in September
- Sunglasses. A must from spring through fall in Italy, and sometimes even in winter!
- Umbrella. Italy in September can give some unexpected rainy days so having an umbrella within easy reach will soften the surprise effect.
- Hiking poles. If you are into outdoors and sporty holidays, don’t forget your hiking poles because September in Italy allows for very long walks!
- Backpack/sling bag. For day trips in nature, a backpack is probably best, while for the city, a sling bag is a better option since in many landmarks large bags are not allowed.
- Travel bottle. Carry a travel bottle to refill with drinkable water wherever you are. In many cities you will find public fountains, otherwise, you can always refill it in your hotel before leaving in the morning. Remember that tap water in Italy is always safe to drink unless otherwise mentioned.
What to wear in September in Italy
- T-shirts. The beginning of September is still summer and warm so T-shirts will still be the most common upper garment. They are, however, very handy for the whole month, maybe underneath a jumper or a jacket.
- Cotton/linen trousers. Casual for the day and fancier for the evening, these are a true passe-partout.
- Blouses. Blouses for women and buttoned-down shirts for men are the best option for day and night, alone or under the jacket. There are a million types and styles so you can pack some casual and some more elegant for different occasions.
- Jumper. A light jumper is handy to carry in your backpack in case the forecast predicts unstable weather.
- Walking shoes. Whether you are in the city or hiking on top of a hill, walking shoes are always a must in Italy.
- Sandals. Particularly towards the beginning of the month, you are likely to use open sandals. You can opt for walking sandals or some fancy ones
- Spring jacket. You can always find chillier nights, so a lightweight jacket will save you the evening.
- Shawl. I always carry a light shawl to protect me from the breeze and humidity.
