Indy Chronicler

Rome in September is Rome in high season. Indeed, September is a very attractive time to travel, because there is no more summer heat, which made walking around the city at lunchtime unbearable. In September there is also no frequent rain, so this time is ideal for outdoor excursions, relaxing in Roman parks and photo shoots.

August holidays and school vacations are behind us, and Rome returns to normal life. While some restaurants and establishments may be closed in August, in September everything is business as usual and there are no unplanned days off. September sees the start of several cultural and arts festivals, exhibitions, fairs, sports and music events.

Table of Contents:
1. What’s the Weather in Rome in September?
2. How to Dress in Rome in September?
3. Holidays in Rome in September
4. What to Do in Rome in September?

1. What’s the Weather in Rome in September?

September in Rome is the “velvet” season. The summer heat is finally waning, but fall is not yet making itself known with frequent rains, wind and gloomy skies. If at the beginning of the month the weather can be summer-warm (+27°C/80°F on average), then by the end of the month it becomes a few degrees cooler, which is generally even better for your health.

You can no longer hide from 11 AM to 4 PM in air-conditioned rooms, and go for a walk, without losing precious vacation time. This weather is most comfortable for photo shoots and outdoor excursions.

• Average daily temperature in Rome in September: +27°C/80°F
• Maximum daytime temperature in Rome in September: +30°C/86°F
• Minimum daytime temperature in Rome in September: +16°C/60°F

2. How to Dress in Rome in September?

September in Rome feels more like summer than calendar fall. Officially, summer in Italy ends only on September 23, the day of the autumnal equinox. If you go to Rome in the beginning of the month, then safely take summer things with you – dresses, sundresses, shorts, T-shirts, T-shirts.

But in the second half of the month a couple of sweaters and pants or jeans in your travel closet will not be superfluous. A cardigan that you can quickly throw on and take off when you need it is just what you need for the fickle fall weather. And don’t forget about comfortable shoes, which in Rome with its cobbled streets will come in handy at any time of year.

3. Holidays in Rome in September

September 3 – St. Gregory the Great Day

On September 3, Catholics around the world pay tribute to Pope Gregory I, who for his deeds came to be called the Great Pope, as well as “defender of Rome,” “father of the fathers,” and “teacher of the church.” On September 3, 590 A.D., the pope ascended the throne of St. Peter and for 14 years of service raised the authority of the Catholic Church, so that even the warlike Germanic tribes bowed before him.

On the day of St. Gregory’s accession to the throne, a mass is celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica, where he is buried, after which you can join the procession to his altar, located in the sacred grottoes of the cathedral.

September 9 – 17 – European Heritage Days (European Heritage Days)

European Heritage Days is a cultural event in which various European countries, including Italy, participate. During the European Heritage Days, cultural events, lectures and exhibitions are organized. On Saturday, some museums and cultural sites are open extra hours in the evening and the cost of admission is a symbolic 1 euro.

The theme of the event in 2023 is Living Heritage. A set of knowledge and skills that are passed on from generation to generation and allow us to preserve cultural heritage. The people whose job it is to preserve great works of art are the ones to whom this year’s European Heritage Days are dedicated.

September 27 – World Tourism Day / World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day is an international holiday established by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization. It reminds us that money is not enough to recover tourism after the pandemic and to develop it further. It needs to be invested wisely: investing in people, in caring for the planet and our shared prosperity. On September 27 (a Friday in 2024), the Vatican Museums open their doors free of charge to the public.

4. What to Do in Rome in September?

Free Admission Says to Rome’s Museums in September

The free admission day to public museums (except the Vatican Museums) is the first Sunday of each month, which in September 2023 falls on the 1st. Museums and archaeological areas such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Thermae of Caracalla, Galleria Borghese, Palazzo Barberini, Ostia Antica, etc. can be visited free of charge.

Have a Picnic in One of Rome’s Parks

September is the perfect time for picnics and outdoor recreation. Let yourself relax in Rome the way Romans do! We invite you to a picnic in a secret but no less beautiful Roman park, which not all tourists know about. This huge green oasis is located between the Vatican and Trastevere district, not far from the historical center of the Eternal City. Locals love the Doria-Pamphili Park and consider it the ideal place for walks and outdoor sports.

Discover what it means to relax in true Roman style: in the lap of nature, with fruit and Prosecco, with birds singing and under the shade of slender Roman pine trees. We will take care of all the organization of the picnic. You will only have to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature, delicious Italian food and pleasant company.

Taste Rome

September is the season for fruits and berries. Head to the market in Testaccio or Trastevere to buy fresh figs, grapes, melons, watermelon or even opuntia (edible cactus) for lunch.

Visit the Annual Horticultural Art Show and Fair

On September 15, 16 and 17, 2023, the annual La Conserva della Neve fair will be held. The event brings together the best gardeners, landscape designers and park masters from all over the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to buy seedlings and flowers or simply enjoy the creations of master gardeners.

• Ticket price: 10 euros, free admission for children under 13 years old.
• Venue: Museo Orto Botanico di Roma in Trastevere.
• Address: Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23A.

Go to a Soccer Game

September is the start of the soccer season. If you want to watch the favorite pastime of all Romans and Italians or are just a fan of soccer, buy tickets and go to the stadium (Stadio Olimpico ROMA), where two local teams – Roma and Lazio – play their home matches.

Visit the RomaEuropa Festival

From September 6 to November 19, 2023, Rome hosted the RomaEuropa festival. The festival brings together events in contemporary dance, theater, digital art, film and music. Artists, musicians, artists and photographers from all over the world take part. As of writing this, it’s unclear what the 2024 program will be like but you can always visit the official site of the festival at https://romaeuropa.net/programma/ for up to date information.

What Else to Do in Rome in September?

• Travel to the Pope’s summer residence at Castel Gandolfo by train from the Vatican train station
• Take a unique tour and walk through the Vatican gardens, which are not accessible to every tourist.
• Go to Tivoli and the Villa d’Este, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Walk around the filming locations of legendary movies shot in Rome, visit secret corners and picturesque streets on our unusual tour “The Eternal City and the Magic of Cinema”.
• Make delicious Italian gelato at a master class in one of Rome’s best gelaterias