Florence in September is the stuff movies are made of… cool morning strolls, sunny days wandering across the Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno, and enjoying evening aperitivo and meals in lively piazzas.
You can also feel the energy of the surrounding Tuscan countryside as the grapes are harvested and local sagre and festivals are in full swing.
If you’re thinking of visiting Florence in September (settembre), you’re choosing a lovely month to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I’m a mamma of three living just outside Florence and we’re exploring in the city twelve months of the year. I’ve also worked in Florence, lived in Florence, and spent plenty of time here in my 2+ decades of living in Italy… including in September! You can rely on my advice based on extensive first-hand experience here.
Table of Contents
Typical September Weather in Florence
First things first – you’re probably wondering about Florence weather in September.
If you imagine sunny days with cooler evenings, you’re spot on.
Of course, it can rain, and the weather the past few years hasn’t been predictable, but Florence in September tends to be very pleasant.
September in Florence brings average temperatures of 60-80°F (15-27°C), and it’s an average month for rainfall (but I can tell you I don’t carry an umbrella in my purse in September).
I’ll go over some packing tips below.
The Crowds in September
And after I’m asked about the weather, the next question I get is usually about the crowds in September in Flornece. You’ve likely seen photos of wall-to-wall visitors in the historic center (or maybe you’ve experienced it yourself) and you’re wondering if September’s the same.
Yes – September is busy in Florence! It used to mark the end of the high season here, but now it’s just another popular month to visit the Renaissance city.
Don’t fret though – it’s doable, and enjoyable to visit Florence in September. Tips:
- Explore in the early morning if you want to feel like you have the city to yourself. Visitors sleep in (you’re on vacation, after all!), so take advantage of the quiet morning hours (see the photo above).
- Leave the historic center. Cross the Arno and wander around the Oltrarno streets. Visit the Stibbert Museum. Walk in the Giardino dell’Orticoltura. See a soccer match at the Franchi stadium. Get a gelato at the original Badiani location (Via delle Mille, 20r).
- Balance the crowds with visits to the countryside. Go for a bike ride or hike in Chianti, take a vineyard tour, drive out to Peccioli to see the Giants, or head to colorful Ghizzano for photos and coffee.
Why You Should Visit Florence in September
Along with May, September is one of the months I recommend most to visiting clients, friends, and family. Here’s why:
- Pleasant weather – It’s typically warm and sunny, but the horrendous summer heat is on its way out.
- Outdoor aperitivo and dining – Now’s the time!
- Grape harvest – Head out into the countryside for the Tuscan grape harvest (weather-dependent, but typically late-September, early October).
- Days are still long (lots of sunlight), but the mild temperatures mean you don’t need to take a break during the day.
Check out my monthly guides to visiting Florence: January – February – March – September – October – November – December
Reasons to Skip a Visit to Florence in September
While lovely in September, keep in mind:
- It’s still crowded. And advice to ‘leave the busy area’ means you’re leaving the area with all of Florence’s famous sites. So, if you want to see Florence’s main sites and attractions, you’ll be surrounded by others with the same idea. Just keepin’ it real, folks.
- Prices are still high. Hotels, tours, and drivers still have high demand… and high prices. It’s not a great time if you’re traveling on a tight budget and looking for great deals.
- You still need to plan and book everything. For example, you should reserve your visit to the Accademia and the Uffizi. This isn’t the month to ‘fly by the seat of your pants.’
- The new Tuscan olive oil isn’t pressed until later in the fall. I only mention this because I’ve met disappointed visitors in September. If you want to try our liquid gold or participate in the olive harvest, you’ll need to return in November.
Things to See and Do in September in Florence
There’s not much you can’t do in Florence in September (besides play in the snow). Still, here’s a handpicked selection:
Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower or the Duomo – Now that temperatures are cooler, climbing the city’s structures (think narrow staircases and no A/C) is much more pleasant. You do still need to reserve or risk finding them sold out.
Read more about Giotto’s Bell Tower – Our Favorite Climb in Florence
Go For a Stroll – Wander along the Arno River, walk in the shade of the Parco delle Cascine, or go for a passeggiata when the city’s lit up in the evening. September is one of my favorite months to go for a walk in Florence.
Evening strolls are one of our favorite Things to Do in Florence at Night
Take a Cooking Class – Learn how to make pasta, pizza, gelato, and more! We have enjoyed our classes with:
- Jacopo and Anna from Let’s Cook
- Tommaso from Towns of Italy
Visit Boboli Gardens – Cooler temperatures make Boboli Gardens a pleasant destination again. Enjoy the views of Florence, have a picnic or a snack, and pretend you’re part of the Medici family and you’re just hanging out in your backyard.
Read more about
Visiting Boboli Gardens
Boboli Gardens with Kids
Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo – Check out the Florence skyline at sunset (you won’t be alone) or sneak up early in the morning. You can also head further up to San Miniato for equally lovely views and a peek at the frescoes inside the church.
See my guides to
Visiting Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo with Kids
Have Aperitivo on the River – Simple riverside bars pop up along the Arno during the summer, and they’re still active in September. Classics include Il Fiorino and Habana 500.
Get Gelato – Florence doesn’t disappoint with its gelato.
Check out my picks for the Best Gelato in Florence
See the Classic Sites – Say ciao to Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, and marvel at the art in the Uffizi.
Learn more about
Skip the Line Tickets to See David
Accademia with Kids
Helpful Tip: Be sure to buy your tickets to the Uffizi and Accademia in advance, as they could (and often do) sell out certain days/times in September.
Good To Know: A few Florentine museums participate in Free Sundays at the Museum, so if you want to avoid crowds, don’t visit on the first Sunday of the month.
September Events in Florence
There’s always something going on in Florence in September, whether it’s an annual festival or a visiting singer.
Firenze Jazz (early-mid September) – Jazz lovers gather to listen to some of the best play at venues throughout the city.
Rificolona (September 7th) – If you’re in Florence (or a nearby village) on the 7th, be sure to wander around in the evening and watch the children with colorful paper lanterns parade through town. This is a must if you’re traveling with kids!
Free First Sunday – Entrance is free to Florence’s state-run museums on the first Monday of the month (we call it Domenica al Museo in Italian). Be sure to double-check the official site for confirmation and participating museums, but expect free entry into places like the Uffizi, Piazza Pitti, the Bargello, the Accademia, and more.
Carro Matto (last Sunday of the month) – Watch the ‘crazy cart’ of the traditional Tuscan bottles of wine make its way through Florence, pulled by two white oxen. There’s a parade that includes costumes from the past, flag throwers, and drummers. Definitely worth a visit for kids and adults.
Pitti Fragranza (mid-September) – Art and scent intersect in this event at Stazione Leopolda. It’s on my to-do list this year.
Concerts – There are smaller concerts around town at churches, and you can check Ticketmaster and TicketOne for bigger events.
Exhibitions – We like to see what’s on at Palazzo Strozzi.
What to Do Near Florence in September
Go to a Sagra – Hang with Tuscan locals at a sagra, and enjoy a particular food, dish, or drink. They’re casual, fun, delicious(!), and there’s often entertainment like a live band. The best way to find out about these food festivals is to look for colorful posters on poles or outdoor bulletin boards in the countryside villages. You can also check out this site for some local sagre.
Check out the Chianti Wine Harvest – Head south to Chianti Classico and see the harvest in action. Sip on wines in small villages and watch the tractors filled with grapes pass by. There are also wine-related events like the Expo del Chianti Classico in Greve in Chianti.
Read my guide to Visiting Chianti During the Grape Harvest
Take a Tuscan Cooking Class – Try cooking local dishes surrounded by vineyards and the Tuscan countryside.
Read more about Toscana Mia Cooking School
Participate in Rificolona in San Casciano Val di Pesa – This is our favorite place for Rificolona. The procession begins in Piazza Cavour and makes its way through the town streets to the Poggione Park, which hosts concerts, food, and fun for the entire family.
Soak in Tuscan Hot Springs – Best with a car. Some of our favorite Tuscan hot springs are at Bagno Vignoni, Saturnia, Bagni San Filippo, and Petriolo.
Go to the Beach – Head east by car or train to the Tuscan coast. Find a free beach or rent a spot at a bagno (beach club).
Read more about
Beaches Near Florence
Marina di Pietrasanta – A Day at a Tuscan Beach
Visiting Forte dei Marmi
Forte dei Marmi with Kids
You may want to check out
Day Trips from Florence
Family Day Trips from Florence
Florence to Cinque Terre Day Tour
Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip
How to Get Around Florence in September
On foot! Florence’s historic center is small and it’s easy to get everywhere by walking. It’s a flat city, but it’s surrounded by hills. The hill you’re most likely to walk up is the one to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Take public transport when needed. For example, take the bus up to Piazzale Michelangelo and walk down if it’s warm and you want to avoid pit stains for your photo.
Where to Stay in Florence in September
I always recommend staying in or around the historic center. Florence is a compact and extremely walkable city, so it would be a pity to stay far enough out that you need to use public transport to get in and out of the action.
Don’t worry – you don’t have to stay right by the Duomo if you don’t want to – there are plenty of amazing places in and around the center.
See my recommendations – Where to Stay in Florence
Also, September is a lovely month to stay in an agriturismo in the countryside. It’s still pool weather, and you can still spend plenty of time in Florence. If you day trip into Florence, you may be interested in parking at Villa Costanza.
What to Wear in Florence in September – Printable Packing Checklist
September is a month for layers. You’ll likely be able to wear warm weather clothing during the day and just add a light layer in the morning and evening hours in case it gets chilly.
Think short sleeve shirts with shorts, or sundresses.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot! I still wear sandals in September, but light sneakers will also be comfortable. Florence isn’t the place for heels (too many cobblestones)!
A swimsuit will come in handy if you want to hop in a pool, go to the beach, or soak in some of Tuscany’s hot springs.
Tip: If you’re visiting in late-September, check the weather forecast before you depart for Florence. We may have started our transition to fall weather.
Check out my free Printable Packing List for Florence in September for more items to add to your packing list like toiletries, your passport, etc. Just click on the list you want, and a printable PDF will open up in a separate window.
Not-To-Miss Foods in Florence in September
Florence never really disappoints on the food front. In September, try:
- Schiacciata all’Uva – Florence’s focaccia-style bread with grapes
- Depending on the weather, pappa al pomodoro or the last of the panzanella – bread soup or salad
- Late fichi – figs, although you’re getting the tail-end of the season
- L’uva – Grapes!
- Porcini – porcini mushrooms
Florence in September with Kids
Kids go back to school mid-month (Sept 15th this year), so your kids can see what daily life is like. More kids back at playgrounds (many head to the beach or out of the city for the summer, so September feels more lively).
Be sure to check out
Visiting Florence with Kids
Things to Do in Florence with Kids
Kid-Friendly Museums in Florence
Florence Bookshops for Kids
Our Favorite Toy Stores in Florence
Where to Get a Snack in Florence with Kids
What to Do with Kids on a Rainy Day in Florence
I hope this has helped you decide whether or not to visit Florence in September. And, if you are coming, that you’ve got some good ideas for how to spend your time here! Say hi if you see us in town!
Read more about
Tuscany in the Fall
Best Times to Visit Tuscany – Month-by-Month
