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So, you’re dreaming of your next vacay destination; one that mixes culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes. If this sounds like you, then Italy should be at the top of your destination list! Looking for the best time to visit? Trust me when I say the month of September is arguably the best time of year to experience all that Italy has to offer (without peak prices or overcrowded tourist hotspots).
Why you ask? Well not only is the weather in Italy in September simply bellissimo, but it also provides the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy unique and authentic Italian activities that cannot be experienced at other time in the year!
Italy weather in September
If you have visited Italy before, you’ll be no stranger to the spicy summer temperatures that can make sightseeing a real sweat-fest. By September, the first month of autumn, the oppressive heat of summer has generally waned, leaving temperatures that hover comfortably around 20° Celsius (70° Fahrenheit). If you appreciate a mix of warm, sunny days with cooler evenings (perfect for walking around cities and soaking up the sunshine at outdoor eateries) then visiting during this month is for you!
Not only is the temperature a perk of visiting in September, but the post-summer rush sees a large drop in tourist numbers making it a great time to explore Italy’s popular sites without heavy crowds! This is the perfect opportunity to feel a little less like a tourist and more like a local where you can truly focus on experiencing the Italian culture and take those iconic Insta worthy shots without other people in the background. Comfortable temperatures, less crowds, more charm… need I say more?
With the summer heat fading, September’s milder temperatures are also perfect for outdoor activities whether that be hiking the scenic trails of the Cinque Terre, explore the rolling hills of Tuscany by bike, or taking a leisurely boat ride on the lovely Lake Como. September weather is perfect for soaking up Italy’s natural beauty!
Image source:Contiki
Things to do in Italy in September
The Grape Harvest
September is synonymous for Italy’s renowned grape harvest; a magical time when vineyards across Italy bustle like the streets of Rome in peak summer. Whether you’re in Tuscany, Piedmont, or Sicily, wineries everywhere welcome visitors with open arms! So get around a grape harvest festival, tour the vineyards, and of course indulge in wine tastings! I guarantee you will have a grape time learning about winemaking and savouring some of the best wines Italy has to offer!
Find Local Festivals
Italy is famous for its vibrant celebrations and September is a time where festivals are flourishing! Whether it’s the Mushroom Festival in Piedmont, or the Borgotaro Mushroom Fair in Borgi Val di Taro. There’s so mush-room for activities! Here you can experience Italian street food, wine tastings, exhibitions and music, or simply enjoy the watching locals collect an abundance of mushrooms with baskets from the woods with a backdrop of beautiful oak and chestnut trees!
Another less well-known, unmissable event in Italy in September in the “Festa della Rificolona” or the paper lantern festival! Held in Florence on the 7th of September, people from around the globe and locals alike gather in the city centre as part of their Catholic Traidition to celebrate the birth of Nativita’ della Beata Vergine Mariam (Mother Mary). The festivities include parades, folk music, marching bangs, songs, dance and of course, lanterns! Be sure to check for accommodation well in advance, as this one brings crowds from all corners of the world, and it is one you do not want to miss!
Top things to do in Italy in September
Trust me when I say almost everywhere in Italy is simply beautiful, but some places are even more spectacular at certain times during the year. Visiting Italy in September? You must go here!
Spend time in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a cluster of five cliffside villages perched along the rugged Ligurian coast. September’s sunny days and cooler temperatures make it ideal for the lengthy hikes between each village. Each village offers its own unique charm, from pastel-coloured houses in Vernazza to the seafood delights and swimming spots in Monterosso. My personal favourite must-do routes include walking along via dell’Amore and hiking from Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) from Monterosso to Vernazza. The Ligurian region is famous for its local pesto and seafood, so be sure to seek out these specialities while you’re there as well!
Image source:Peter Thomas / unsplash
Another few must-dos
Explore Italy’s famous ancient ruins
From Rome’s Colosseum, to the learning tower of Pisa, the ruins of Pompeii or Venice’s canals and cobblestone streets; all of these iconic Italian landmarks will be far less crowded in September allowing a more intimate and unhurried exploration!
Savour seasonal delicacies
September is also harvest season for produce in Italy! With an abundance of fruits and vegetables, this is the perfect opportunity to try some of the sweetest and freshest figs, grapes, and mushrooms at local markets for a true taste of the season.
Visiting Italy in September is like finding the perfect blend of espresso – smooth, rich, and absolutely delightful. And Europe in September is great: the weather is fantastic, the crowds are minor and more manageable than in summer, and there’s an endless array of things to see, do and eat. Whether you’re hiking your way through the iconic Cinque Terre, participating in the grape harvest, or simply enjoying a gelato in a quaint piazza, September is the perfect time to make memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to plan your perfect Italian getaway? Use this guide, pack your bags, brush up on your Italian, and get ready for an adventure that’s sure to be molto bene!
