Weather
The weather in Italy in September has its positives and negatives. For example, an ever-changing climate means that in recent times, September weather, though not as oppressively hot as in August, can still get quite warm. So while you can still enjoy some beach time during this month, you certainly won't be the only person with that idea (expect crowds).
As for temperature averages, Rome falls in the 72°F (22°C) area. In other parts of the country, temperatures often range between 55-75°F (13-24°C) in the north, 65-80°F (18-27°C) in Central Italy, and 70-80°F (21-27°C) in the south. However, as alluded to above, there are often heat waves. Conversely, some evenings might start to get chilly (especially toward the end of the month), so pack heavier layers along with your light summer clothing.
Crowds & Costs
By all accounts, September is still the high season in Italy. The crowds are large, and you typically won't be able to skirt the peak-season prices on hotels and flights. Costs for lodging are often 50% more expensive than in the slow season, and the high-end hotels in the most popular areas could spike as high as 100%. Expect this to be a case in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. And if you do plan on visiting these locals, book far in advance, as they're typically full three months out.
However, there's one silver lining during this time: by September, all those locals on holiday will be returning to school and work. The popular beaches won't be empty by any means, but most won't be overcrowded either.
Where to Go
September is when Italy celebrates one of its most popular times of the year: harvest season. If you're here during this month, be sure to partake in one of the many harvest-season food festivals that can be found in cities and towns throughout the country. It's the perfect excuse to sample rich Italian delicacies like artisanal olive oils and cheeses, rich chocolate, and white truffles. There's even a potato festival in the city of Bologna. If you're a wine connoisseur and foodie, you'll want to head to Florence for their September grape harvest celebration.
Take advantage of the island beaches off the Tuscan coast now that Italians are home after their August vacations and laze on beaches like Sansone, Cannelle, and Collelungo. Or head south to the island of Sardinia. Not only are there beaches with powdery white sands and crystalline waters, like Punta Molentis and Poetto, but you can also explore the Roman ruins in the historic city of Cagliari.
If you plan to travel to different regions of Italy, be sure to do so by train; most other public transport options are unreliable.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Aside from alternately gorging yourself on Italy's famous produce and lazing on Mediterranean beaches, you'll definitely want to head out and visit the sites. One lesser-known yet worthwhile activity is to head to the medieval city of Verona and stand on Juliet's balcony—the very one that inspired Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The charming Gothic house dates back to the 14th century and is now a museum. Try to make it on September 12, when Verona officially celebrates "Juliet's birthday" with citywide celebrations, parades, dancers, street artists, and much food.
If you're a film buff who enjoys spectator activities, then be sure to head to Venice. You'll have to brave the tourist crowds because although there are no national holidays in September, two big events take place in the most romantic city in the world. The Regatta Storica boat race happens on the first Sunday of the month, and the famous Venice International Film Festival kicks off around then as well. See below for more details. You can get the most out of a trip to Venice in as little 1-to-3 days.
Events in September
Regatta Storica. Venice's historic boat race occurs each year on the first Sunday in September. It's the perfect excuse to make a jaunt to the City of Water for some parades, followed by groups of six-oared wooden boats going head-to-head in a canal race.
Festa della Rificolona (September 6-7). Florence celebrates the birthday of the Virgin Mary (Christian tradition places it on September 8) with the Florence Paper Lantern Festival. Religious services are held, and locals and visitors fill the streets carrying paper lanterns. A huge farmers' market in the main square also features much organic produce.
Venice International Film Festival. Every year in early September (exact dates change), one of the most famous film festivals in the world descends on Venice, drawing international crowds of filmmakers and audiences.
Juliet's Birthday (September 12). Each September, one-half of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers get celebrated in, where else, her hometown of Verona.
Feast Day of San Gennaro. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Naples, starting September 19, and for eight days afterward, there are processions and celebrations throughout the city.
Festa della Patata, Bologna. Held each September in Bologna toward the end of the month (exact dates change), this Potato Festival celebrates the history of the potato and also serves up local gastronomic specialties featuring the ingredient. Yes, there's plenty of gnocchi on hand.
Traveling to Italy in September? Check out these great itineraries
Food & Wine in Italy - 7 Days. Eat and drink your way through Italy's famous culinary regions—Bologna, Tuscany, and Rome—on this packed weeklong tour.
Discover Venice, Tuscany & Rome - 16 Days. Relax in a gondola in Venice and visit the islands of the Adriatic. Then train to Florence to walk among Renaissance art before driving through Tuscany, stopping at medieval hill towns, Mediterranean beaches, and wineries, and end in Rome.
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