Italy in September: Weather, Reasons to Visit & Things to Do

If you’re planning a trip to Italy in September, you’ve picked a sweet spot on the calendar. The searing heat of August has mellowed, the crowds have thinned, and the country enters what many in the travel industry call the shoulder season. In short, it’s the perfect time to explore Italy. You have summer’s bounty at its ripest, meaning dishes taste their absolute best with fresh ingredients coming straight from the fertile countryside. From fresh vineyard harvests to open-air festivals and art-packed cities, Italy in September serves up la dolce vita with fewer queues and more local flavor than ever.

Why September is the ideal time to visit Italy

There’s a reason locals and seasoned travelers alike rave about Italy in September. The month sits in a golden zone where the chaos of summer winds down, but the energy of the country stays high. Kids are back in school, many Europeans have wrapped up their holidays, and yet the weather is still blissfully warm. That makes it the ideal time for shrewd travelers wanting the best of the country to themselves.

Italy in September celebrates ‘La Vendemmia’ – the grape harvest – which is a significant event in Italian culture, particularly in regions like Tuscany. It’s more than about just wine, it’s a social ritual. In small villages, entire communities pitch in for grape-picking days that end in long, laughter-filled dinners. In some places, even visitors are roped in (in the best possible way). Roam Italy’s rural towns and villages around this time and you may get to join in the fun.

September is a dream month for food lovers in Italy. With harvest season in full swing, the ingredients are impossibly fresh—plucked, picked, and foraged straight from the land. It’s when the flavours of Italian cuisine feel even more vibrant (yes, somehow it is possible). Think earthy porcini risotto in the north, fig and prosciutto salads by the coast, or handmade orecchiette tossed with turnip tops in Puglia. Across the country, food festivals, weekend market feasts, and small-town sagre celebrate everything from truffles and chestnuts to regional wines and cheeses. Lake Garda hosts a truffle and wine festival in late September, just in case you needed another reason to visit the Italian Lakes. It’s a sensory overload: food stalls, cooking demos, and tastings in lakeside towns with Dolomite views. But you don’t need to go to the Lakes to find a food festival, sagre are happening all over the country. You’ll eat like a local—because that’s exactly who these events are for.

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What is the weather like in Italy in September?

The weather in Italy in September is about as agreeable as it gets. Warm, comfortable, and perfect for sightseeing. It’s generally dry, although you may experience the odd rain in Italy in September, especially in the north. September sunsets are the best of the year. With less humidity and clearer skies, evenings across Italy—from the Tuscan hills to the Amalfi cliffs—are often drenched in golden light. Photographers call it the month of “real color.”

What is the temperature in Italy in September?

Think sunny days, crisp evenings, and temperatures ranging from the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F) in the north to low 30s°C (high-80s°F) in the south, with coastal areas enjoying warm sea breezes and inland cities offering cooler nights.

More of a spring traveler? Read The curious traveler’s guide to visiting Italy in the springtime

Where is it hot in Italy in September?

What should I wear in Italy in September?

Packing for September is about layering. Bring lightweight clothing for day—linen, cotton, short sleeves—and something warmer for evenings. A light jacket or scarf will do the trick.

What should I pack for a trip to Italy in September?

Besides versatile layers, don’t forget:

• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are everywhere)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A swimsuit (especially if you’re headed south or to the lakes)
• A travel umbrella or light rain jacket (just in case)

Best places to visit in Italy in September

Tuscany & Expo Chianti Classico

The hills are alive with the sound of…wine corks. September is vendemmia—grape harvest season—and Tuscany is in full swing. One of the highlights? The Expo Chianti Classico, a festival dedicated to the region’s most beloved wine. Expect tastings, vineyard tours, and local food pairings.

Beyond the vineyards, September is the perfect month for scenic drives through the Val d’Orcia, where golden hills and cypress-lined roads look like a Renaissance painting brought to life. Small towns like Greve in Chianti, Montepulciano, and Montalcino host intimate wine events and medieval festivals this time of year, giving you a real taste of Tuscan tradition.

Venice & The Historical Regatta

Venice is back in action after its August lull. The Venice Historical Regatta is a riot of colour, with traditional boats and costumed rowers parading down the Grand Canal. It’s the kind of spectacle you won’t forget.

September is also one of the best times to explore Venice on foot—or by vaporetto—without elbowing your way through crowds. Grab cicchetti (Venetian tapas) by the water, enjoy glassblowing demos in Murano, or get lost in the moody backstreets of Cannaregio. The cooler weather and photogenic skies make it a dream for photographers.

Florence

September in Florence means art, food, and fewer selfie sticks. Explore the Uffizi Galleries, sip negronis on rooftop terraces, and enjoy open-air events under Renaissance domes. It’s also a prime time to dive into seasonal foods like porcini mushrooms and truffles.

Beyond the museums, Florence hosts concerts and cultural events in historic courtyards and piazzas. The early autumn light hits the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio just right, bathing the city in a honeyed glow. And with fashion week-style events popping up, it’s a stylish time to see and be seen.

For ‘the Perfect 10-day Italy Itinerary‘, check out Easy Pace Italy

Rome

Still buzzing but blissfully less chaotic, Rome in September lets you stroll the Forum without the midsummer haze, when its Trastevere neighbourhood becomes an open-air living room. Warm nights, fewer tourists, and a return to routine means you’ll see real Roman life in full swing: impromptu music, football on in the cafés, families on evening strolls, and wine flowing freely. Evenings are ideal for people-watching or catching a concert in a piazza.

September also brings a sense of calm to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican Museums. With the weather cooler and crowds thinner, it’s the ideal time for long city walks and sunset aperitivos on rooftop bars overlooking the Pantheon or Piazza Navona.

Read These Are the Most Beautiful Historical Sites in Italy to add to your Italy sightseeing wishlist.

Emilia-Romagna & Bologna

Want to eat your way through Italy? Emilia-Romagna is the place. September is rich in local festivals celebrating everything from balsamic vinegar to handmade tortellini. Base yourself in Bologna, a university city with a sharp brain and an even sharper appetite.

Food lovers will also enjoy Modena (home of traditional balsamic) and Parma (known for its namesake ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano). The region hosts plenty of sagre—local food festivals—that offer authentic culinary experiences you won’t find in tourist traps.

Hop aboard with Country Roads of Northern Italy

Puglia

Sun-soaked and seductive, Puglia is still gloriously warm in September. Visit whitewashed villages, coastal towns, and olive groves under skies so blue they look Photoshopped.

Head to Alberobello to see its iconic trulli houses, then cool off in the turquoise waters off Polignano a Mare. With fewer crowds, it’s easier to find space on beaches and explore towns like Ostuni and Lecce without a rush.

Sicily

Still sizzling in the south, Sicily is great for late-summer beach days, Mount Etna hikes, and lively local events. September also means fewer tourists at iconic sites like the Valley of the Temples.

You can also catch harvest celebrations and religious festivals like the Madonna delle Milizie. Visit towns like Taormina, Cefalù, and Noto while the weather is still perfect for outdoor dining and coastal drives.

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Cinque Terre

The trails between these pastel-hued coastal villages are much more pleasant to hike once the summer sun backs off. The Ligurian Sea stays warm, so you can still swim without the crowds.

Enjoy pesto-laden seafood dishes in Vernazza, hike the cliff paths to Corniglia, or simply soak in the sea views from a sun-drenched terrace in Manarola. Local harvest festivals also bring extra flavour to your trip.

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Italian Lakes

Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore offer alpine beauty, romantic boat rides, and crisp air. September is a dream for lakeside picnics and hiking in the Dolomites.

Expect elegant gardens, palatial villas, and the kind of stillness that makes you forget time altogether. Lake Garda is especially good for windsurfing this time of year, while Como’s towns—like Bellagio and Varenna—feel more relaxed post-summer.

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Events in Italy in September:

Festival of the Paper Lanterns (Lucca)

Thousands of lanterns float through the streets of this medieval Tuscan town on September 13th, creating a magical, fairytale vibe. The Luminara di Santa Croce honours the city’s sacred relic with a glowing procession from the Basilica of San Frediano to the Cathedral of San Martino. Expect candlelit streets, choral performances, and a dreamlike atmosphere.

Volto Santo Festival (Lucca)

The next night (September 14th), Lucca keeps the celebrations going with illuminated processions honouring the Volto Santo, or Holy Face—a revered wooden crucifix said to have miraculous powers. Religious processions, period costumes, and music fill the streets as locals pay homage to one of Lucca’s most treasured symbols.

Vendemmia

Harvest season hits its stride in September. Across Italy’s wine regions, you’ll find grape-picking parties, wine tastings, and rustic celebrations. It’s more than just a harvest—it’s a social event. Many vineyards invite guests to take part in the picking, followed by a long lunch and generous pours of last year’s vintage. In Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto, you can pair your tasting with countryside walks, local music, and food stalls celebrating autumn’s arrival.

For more on Italy’s cultural calendar, check out Cultural Celebrations in Italy.

Venice Historical Regatta

Held on the first Sunday of September, this regatta is part sporting event, part floating pageant. Expect elaborately dressed rowers in Renaissance-style garb, cheering locals, and colourful boats racing through the Grand Canal. The day begins with a historic parade followed by various competitive races, making it one of Venice’s most eye-catching traditions—and an unforgettable way to experience the city’s maritime past.

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Feast of San Gennaro (Naples)

A heady mix of religion and street party, this festival takes place on September 19th and is one of Naples’ biggest cultural events. Locals gather at the Naples Cathedral hoping to witness the liquefaction of the saint’s blood—a ritual believed to bring good fortune. Beyond the religious rites, expect food stalls, music, fireworks, and the kind of vibrant energy Naples does best.

Best Things to Do in Italy in September:

Wine Tasting

With vendemmia in full swing, there’s no better time to visit wineries and learn about Italy’s rich winemaking traditions. Head to Tuscany for Chianti, Piedmont for Barolo, or Sicily for Nero d’Avola. Many estates offer special harvest experiences where you can join the grape picking, meet local vintners, and enjoy meals paired with the freshest seasonal produce.

Hike in the Dolomites

Crisp air, open trails, and panoramic views await. September is prime time before the snow begins to dust the peaks. Whether you’re tackling the dramatic Tre Cime di Lavaredo or strolling the gentler paths around Alpe di Siusi, the Dolomites deliver staggering alpine beauty. Bonus: mountain huts (rifugi) are still open, serving hearty food and crisp wine.

Take a Scenic Road Trip

Winding country roads, quiet villages, and ever-changing landscapes make September the ideal time to hit the road. Try a route through Umbria’s hill towns, Sicily’s coastlines, or the lakes and valleys of northern Italy. Open windows, playlist on, and nowhere to be but in the moment.

Sample Seasonal Foods

Early autumn brings a feast of flavours. Truffles begin to appear in northern markets, while porcini mushrooms and chestnuts signal the changing season. Grapes and figs are ripe for picking, and regional dishes shift from summer lightness to rustic warmth. Join a cooking class, visit a fall food festival, or just wander a market to see what’s in season.

Visit Iconic Landmarks

Explore Italy’s greatest hits without the summer queues: the Colosseum, the Uffizi, Pompeii, the canals of Venice, and more. The milder weather makes sightseeing more enjoyable and less exhausting. Don’t forget to book ahead for popular attractions—even in the shoulder season, smart planning goes a long way.

Whether you’re drawn to the romance of Florence, the vineyards of Tuscany, or the raw beauty of the Dolomites, Italy in September delivers one of the richest travel experiences you can have in Europe. It’s a month where everything aligns—fewer crowds, incredible weather, local festivals, and food worth flying for.

With each destination offering its own twist on autumnal charm, this is the perfect time to dive into Italian culture, cuisine, and landscape without the stress of peak-season travel.

Your Italian adventure starts here—explore our Italy guided tour collection and let your September escape take shape.