Italy in September: The Perfect Time to Visit?
Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. This year, more than 50 million tourists visited Italy. The country has beautiful cities and landscapes that make every visitor fall in love with its beauty.
If you plan a trip to Italy, September is the best time to visit this beautiful country because it’s not too hot or cold at that time of year.
Why September is the perfect time to visit Italy
In terms of weather, September is a great time to visit Italy. The temperatures are warm but not too hot (the average high temperature is around 60°F). It’s also sunny and beautiful, with plenty of golden hours for exploring. In other words: perfect conditions for sightseeing!
- Northern Italy: 53-73°F
- Central Italy: 62-82°F
- Southern Italy: 73-85°F
In contrast to July and August, it’s less crowded in September, so you can enjoy more space and privacy during your trip.
Plus, you’ll avoid the sweltering heat that makes traveling uncomfortable during those months.
Last but not least: if you’re planning a trip around food festivals or wine tastings, September offers an opportunity to attend them without battling crowds at peak times (like weekends).
The best things to do in Italy in September
- Visit Rome’s Villa Borghese, with its beautiful gardens and exquisite sculptures.
- Go on a bike tour and explore Rome from another angle.
- Enjoy the delightful art museums of Turin, Venice, and Florence.
- Take a cruise along the Adriatic coast or board one of Sicily’s famous open-top trains for a picturesque ride through some of Italy’s most scenic countryside.
- Explore the beaches along Puglia’s Gargano Peninsula or hike through Apulia’s lush green hills with olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards. Don’t forget to sample some delicious local wine at every turn!
- Take an excursion to Sicily’s Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, or visit Pompeii and its famous ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best places to visit in Italy in September
1) Venice
Venice is the perfect place to spend a September weekend. Venice is an island city in the Venetian Lagoon, stretching northern Italy’s eastern coastline and separating the Adriatic Sea from the Po River Delta.
It’s known for its beautiful canals and iconic gondolas, but there’s more to see here than just water taxis!
Visit Saint Mark’s Square, where you’ll find Venice’s famous Basilica of Saint Mark and pigeons (lots and lots of pigeons!), or take a boat tour around different parts of this unique city. If you want a more laid-back experience, stroll along the Grand Canal.
This is one of Venice’s main waterways, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way where you can stop for a snack or drink. If you want to get out of the city, take a boat ride to one of Venice’s many small islands!
2) Florence
The capital of Tuscany, Florence, is a beautiful medieval city and one of Italy’s most popular destinations. Visit the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, lined with shops selling gold and silver jewelry, then check out the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral.
This imposing tower stands at the center of town and boasts a stunning marble facade. When you’re done exploring this incredible city, hop on a train to nearby Pisa!
3) Rome
Rome is one of Italy’s most famous cities located on the Tiber River. It also has some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Take a tour of this ancient city and learn about its fascinating history! After you’ve explored all that Rome has to offer, train it over to Naples for a delicious pizza or pasta dinner!
4) Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Pompeii and Herculaneum are two ancient Roman cities buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.
These great sites provide a glimpse into the daily lives of people living in ancient Rome. Explore the ruins of Pompeii, where you’ll find everything from shops and homes to temples and baths!
5) Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Positano.
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. It’s an incredible stretch of coastline with breathtaking beaches and dramatic cliffs.
The best part? There are tons of different towns to explore, each with a unique vibe!
Sorrento is a great place to start your trip down the coast because it has easy access to buses that will take you to Positano, Ravello, and other popular spots on this picturesque stretch of land.
6) Ischia Island, Naples, and Capri.
The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of land in Southwestern Italy, roughly between Salerno and Positano. The coast is known for its spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, and luxury resorts.
The best way to see the coast is by boat, which will give you a sense of its beauty. You can also take buses or trains to get around and explore different towns.
Naples is also worth exploring if you have more time on your hands!
7) Como
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and is surrounded by some of the country’s most stunning scenery. Near Lake Como, there are many different places to visit, including Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna, Tremezzo, and Lenno.
Lake Como is a popular vacation destination, so if you want to avoid crowds, visit during the low season.
Many different types of accommodation are also available, including hotels, B&Bs, and apartments.
If you’re traveling with children, the area around Lake Como is perfect, as there is plenty of space for them to run around.
8) Sardinia
Visit Sardinia to experience the sunny Mediterranean island’s rugged coastline. Relax on the beach, enjoy wine and seafood, or explore ancient caves and archaeological sites.
Sardinia’s coast is lined with beautiful beaches, most sheltered by cliffs.
There are also some excellent swimming spots in the many coves and bays.
If you’re traveling with children, try to find a place to stay near Baia Sardinia, where many water sports are available.
9) Sicily
The island’s coast has beautiful beaches, most sheltered by cliffs. There are also some excellent swimming spots in the many coves and bays.
Sicily is a large island off the coast of Italy. It has a lot to offer visitors, including beautiful beaches and rich history.
If you’re traveling with children, try to find a place near Taormina.
Holidays and Festivals:
In September, Italy celebrates some of its most important festivals.
- On the first Sunday of September: Venice hosts the Regata Storica di Venezia (a regatta featuring boats dressed in colorful costumes).
- On the first Sunday of September: In Asti, a horse race known as the Palio is held annually.
- On the first Sunday of September: Arezzo (Tuscany) hosts Giostra del Saracino (a medieval tournament).
- September 7: Festa della Rificolona, Florence
- September 13: Volto Santo, Lucca
- On September 19, Naples celebrates Festa di San Gennaro (the city’s patron saint) with fireworks and processions.
- On September 19, Calasetta (Sardinia) celebrates Festa di San Maurizio.
How to make the most of your trip to Italy
You can do a few things to make the most of your trip to Italy.
First and foremost, if you’re traveling with children or planning to visit any historical sites (which I highly recommend), you must book guided tours in advance.
That way, when you arrive at these places, your transportation and sightseeing have already been planned out for you so there’s no last-minute stress or confusion.
Also, remember that some cities like Rome and Venice are full of tourists during the summer months (June through September). Other smaller towns tend not to be as crowded due to their proximity to larger cities like Milan and Florence, where many people go on vacation during those months instead.
Secondly, don’t hesitate to ask people for help when traveling to Italy. The locals are amiable and will often offer assistance when they see a tourist struggling with something.
For example, if you get lost in Rome or Venice (both vast cities), stop someone on the street and ask for directions. They’ll usually point you in the right direction!
If you’re looking for a restaurant recommendation or have questions about where to go or what attractions are worth seeing, ask the person who works at your hotel.
Thirdly: don’t be afraid to explore outside of the cities. The beaches on Italy’s Mediterranean coast are beautiful, and there are plenty of cool places to visit in the country’s interior.
Italy has plenty of hiking trails, lakes, and ski resorts if you’re looking for something more active.
Fourthly: don’t be afraid to try new things!
Italians are amicable people, and they love showing off their country, so if you’re feeling adventurous or want to try something new, ask someone where they recommend eating or drinking.
Tips for traveling to Italy
- If you plan to travel for more than three months, ensure that your passport has at least six months before it expires.
- It’s wise to buy insurance that covers emergency medical expenses abroad. This can help if you have an accident or fall ill in Italy and need medical care. You should also check your travel health insurance policy, as some will not cover overseas hospitals and prescriptions.
- You’ll need an international driver’s license to drive in Italy. This valid identification shows that you can drive in other countries and can be obtained from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. You should also have your passport with you when driving.
- You can buy a train ticket from Trenitalia app on your phone or at the train station. You can also purchase tickets in advance, although this is not necessary.
What to pack for a trip to Italy in September
North and South have very different climates, so you should prepare for both. In general, September is a great time to visit. The summer crowds have gone, and the weather is still warm enough to swim in the sea.
You should pack light clothing for Italy in September. It can be hot during the day and cool at night, so bring versatile clothes.
You should also bring some warm clothes. September is the beginning of fall, and it can still be quite remarkable in the mountains and at higher altitudes.
You should pack clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. You will spend much time walking, so you should wear comfortable shoes with good support.
How to save money on your trip to Italy
When planning your trip to Italy, there are some things you can do that will save money and make your trip more enjoyable. Here are a few suggestions:
- Book in advance: If you book at least seven days before leaving, you’ll get the best deals on flights and hotels.
- Choose the right time to travel: September is one of the best months to visit Italy because it’s not too hot or cold, but it can still be pretty warm during the day.
- Eat at local restaurants and cafés instead of touristy ones with high prices; they also have great food!
- Be careful when shopping, though they might try charging extra for things like water bottles even though those should be free; ask before buying anything so you don’t get ripped off by sneaky vendors trying to scam tourists out of their money while they’re visiting!”
Conclusion
Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world and for a good reason.
With its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and cuisine, it’s easy to see why people flock there yearly. But if you want to get more out of your trip than just taking pictures of famous landmarks or enjoying an afternoon at a café by the water, who doesn’t? Then September is the perfect month for exploring Italy.
Not only does it offer more opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking through Tuscany’s vineyards or swimming off Sicily’s coast, but there are also fewer crowds inside museums where tourists can learn about Italian history without worrying about bumping into other visitors.
Whether you’re planning on visiting Rome this fall or looking forward to spending time in Venice instead, we hope these tips will help make planning your Italy itinerary easier!
