Italy in September: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 80°F High • 59°F Low

September unveils some of the most splendid weather of the year, a near-perfect balance of radiant sunshine and comfortable warmth that invites leisurely exploration. The climate feels like an extended golden hour, where the sun's rays are gentle enough for all-day sightseeing and the evenings are tinged with a refreshing coolness. While the south still basks in summer's glow, the north begins to hint at the coming autumn. The average temperature in Rome hovers between a high of 80°F and a low of 59°F, offering an ideal climate for discovering the Eternal City.

What to Expect:

• Southern Regions: In regions like Sicily and Puglia, the sun remains generous, warming the golden sands and keeping the Mediterranean Sea at a perfect temperature for a late-afternoon swim. The air loses the heavy humidity of August, replaced by a dry, pleasant warmth that makes evenings on a seaside terrace an absolute dream.
• Central Regions: Tuscany and Rome experience the quintessential autumn transition. Walk through Rome's historic streets, feeling a pleasant warmth on your skin without the draining summer heat. The countryside is alive with the scent of ripening grapes and figs. Days are perfect for exploring in a linen shirt, while the cool evenings call for a light cashmere sweater as you dine al fresco, savoring a glass of Chianti under the stars.
• Northern Regions: In Venice, Milan, and Lake Como, the air takes on a distinct crispness, especially by mid-month. You can feel the first subtle shift of the seasons. The intense summer sun softens, making it ideal for gliding through Venetian canals or strolling the elegant streets of Milan. In the alpine foothills around Lake Como, the forests begin their slow transformation and the air carries the clean, earthy scent of the mountains, perfect for a lakeside walk.

With the summer crowds dispersed, September is the month when Italy's most iconic destinations feel as if they are yours to discover. The pace slows, allowing for a deeper, more personal connection with each place. It's a time for lingering in a sun-drenched piazza without the jostle, for hearing the echo of your footsteps on ancient cobblestones, and for experiencing the true character of Italy's legendary cities, coasts, and countryside retreats.

Rome • Best Place for Sightseeing

The Eternal City sheds its summer frenzy to reveal its timeless, awe-inspiring grandeur.

What to Expect

• Feel the sun warm the ancient travertine stone of the Colosseum as you explore its tiers with room to breathe, imagining the roar of the crowd without the press of modern tourists.
• Wander the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where the scent of wild herbs and ancient dust rises from the ruins, and your footsteps echo on the very cobblestones where emperors once trod.
• Gaze up at the Sistine Chapel's ceiling in the Vatican Museums, the cool, hushed reverence of the space allowing for a moment of true, contemplative awe in the absence of overwhelming crowds.

Learn more: Rome Vacations & Tour Packages

Sicily • Best Place for Great Weather

This Mediterranean jewel holds onto summer's warmth, offering sun-drenched days and idyllic coastal bliss.

What to Expect

• Feel the fine, warm sand of Mondello beach between your toes before taking a blissful swim in the still-warm Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Taste the intense, sweet-tart flavor of a lemon granita at a quiet café in Cefalù, the perfect antidote to the gentle afternoon sun.
• Breathe in a mix of citrus groves and sea salt as you explore Taormina's boutiques and trattorias under clear, brilliant blue skies.

Learn more: Sicily Tours & Vacation Packages

Emilia-Romagna • Best Place for Families with Children

Discover a region of culinary wonders and coastal charm, perfect for a final family taste of summer.

What to Expect

• Enjoy the last warm days of the season on the sandy beaches of the Adriatic Riviera, building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle surf.
• Hear the joyful laughter of your children as you cycle along sun-dappled paths, the air filled with the scent of pine and the nearby sea.
• Savor a family meal where the rich, comforting aroma of a true Bolognese ragù fills the air, a taste that will delight you and your children.

Learn more: 3 Exclusive Itineraries to Emilia-Romagna

Puglia • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Venture to Italy's heel for an escape into a land of unique architecture, turquoise waters, and authentic tranquility.

What to Expect

• Find refuge in the cool, whitewashed stone of a traditional trullo, its conical roof a stark silhouette against a brilliant blue sky.
• Taste the peppery, green notes of freshly pressed olive oil during a private visit to an ancient masseria, a true flavor of the Puglian soil.
• Wander the maze-like streets of Ostuni, the "White City," where the only sounds are the distant church bells and your footsteps on the gleaming cobblestones.

Learn more: Exploring the Rustic Charm of Puglia Itinerary: Mozzarella to Fairy-Tale Homes

Lake Como • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

Experience the sublime romance of this alpine jewel, where serene beauty and elegant charm create an intimate escape.

What to Expect

• Hear the gentle lapping of water against the hull of a classic Riva boat as you cruise past opulent villas and their manicured gardens, where the last of the summer roses are still in bloom.
• Stroll the cobblestone lanes of Bellagio, the crisp alpine air scented with cypress and gardenia, and discover hidden alleyways and breathtaking viewpoints.
• Find a secluded spot on a villa terrace in Varenna to watch the golden evening light dance across the water, a glass of chilled prosecco in hand, feeling as if the entire, breathtaking panorama is a secret just for two.

Learn more: Best Lake Como Itineraries and Vacation Packages

September is a month of action and immersion, when the comfortable climate and quieter atmosphere unlock experiences that are overwhelming in the summer. It is the season of the grape harvest, a time of celebration and abundance that connects you to the land. It's a time for leisurely coastal explorations, for contemplative hikes through landscapes tinged with the first colors of fall, and for discovering the soul of Italy's most treasured cultural sites with a newfound sense of peace and discovery.

Taste Italy's World-Famous Wines

Immerse yourself in the romance of the harvest season at Italy's most prestigious vineyards.

What to Expect

• Walk through a sun-drenched Tuscan vineyard, feeling the warmth of a ripe Sangiovese grape just plucked from the vine before tasting its sweet juice.
• Inhale the heady, sweet aroma of fermenting grapes wafting from an ancient stone cellar in Piedmont, a scent that is the very essence of autumn.
• Savor a private tasting of a new Barolo vintage, its complex, earthy notes of cherry and rose explained by the winemaker as you stand among giant oak barrels.

Learn more: Best Italy Wine Tours and Vacation Packages

Explore Italy's Charming Seaside Villages

Discover the sublime beauty of the Italian coast as it transitions from the bustle of summer to a more peaceful rhythm.

What to Expect

• Hike the cliffside paths of Cinque Terre, the air filled with the scent of pine and sea spray, arriving in a pastel-hued village to taste the freshest anchovies drizzled with local olive oil.
• Lounge on a beach along the Amalfi Coast that is finally spacious enough to feel private, the sound of the waves a soothing soundtrack to an afternoon of blissful relaxation.
• Charter a private boat to explore the rugged coves of the Aeolian Islands, diving into the impossibly blue water and feeling the sun warm your skin as you dry on deck.

Learn more: Best Italy Coast Tours

Tour Iconic Sites with Fewer Crowds

Experience Italy's cultural treasures on a private tour with Zicasso. This will give you the time and space to truly absorb their magnificence.

What to Expect

• Stand before Botticelli's Birth of Venus in Florence's Uffizi Gallery, able to contemplate its delicate beauty without being jostled by crowds.
• Walk the stone streets of Pompeii at a leisurely pace, the quiet atmosphere allowing you to almost hear the echoes of ancient life in the preserved villas and forums.
• Enjoy a more intimate and unhurried exploration of treasured landmarks, allowing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with the art and history that surrounds you.

Learn more: In the Footsteps of Italian History Tour

Hike Italy's Stunning Landscapes

Explore the country's breathtaking natural beauty on foot, invited by comfortable temperatures and the first hints of autumn color.

What to Expect

• Feel the crisp, clean air in your lungs as you hike the trails of the Dolomites, where the larch trees begin to glow in shades of gold against the pale, dramatic peaks.
• Be rewarded with spectacular vistas of terraced vineyards tumbling down to the sparkling Ligurian Sea on the high trails connecting the villages of Cinque Terre.
• Engage your senses on hikes during which the scents of wild rosemary and thyme surround you, rewarding yourself at the end with a picnic of local bread and cheese at a panoramic viewpoint.

Learn more: Italy’s Lake District Tour with Cinque Terre

Discover Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path

Trade the well-trodden tourist routes for the authentic soul of Italy found in its enchanting small towns and countryside.

What to Expect

• Get lost in the mystical Sassi cave districts of Matera in Basilicata, wandering through ancient stone dwellings that feel like a portal to another time.
• Drive through Tuscany's Val d'Orcia, where 14th-century farms and hilltop castles dot emerald hills straight from a Renaissance painting, stopping for an impromptu wine tasting at a family-run estate.
• Experience the profound quiet of medieval mountain towns in Abruzzo, where the air is pure and the welcome is warm, offering a glimpse into a timeless way of Italian life.

Learn more: 12 Best Hidden Gems to Visit in Italy on Vacation

From comfortable weather ideal for vineyard hopping to thinner crowds at treasured landmarks, September brings perfect conditions in Italy for travelers. Connect with locals during harvest season, explore destinations in peace, and recharge with authentic Italian culture and nature's beauty in balance.

Italy offers boundless inspiration any month of the year. For more ideas to inspire your trip, explore our comprehensive Italy travel guide or start planning with our collection of featured Italy tours.