Packing for Rome in September

Packing for Rome in SeptemberWondering what to bring and what to wear when you visit Rome in September

people at spanish steps mid septemberRome in September is still warm, with lovely mild evenings to enjoy so you don't need to pack heavy coats or sweaters.

Find out what kind of weather to expect, how to dress, and what not to leave at home.

Packing for Rome in September - what to bring and how to dress

Rome in September is gorgeous, the sun is shining but the intense August heat is over, making for perfect sightseeing weather! So packing for Rome in September is all about being prepared for warm weather. 

Whether you're visiting Rome in early September, mid-September or at the end of September, I recommend packing light clothing, with some slightly warmer layers for the cooler evenings, especially towards the end of the month.

On this page you'll find:

The BEST packing cubes!

One of my favorite things to help me pack are these high-quality packing cubes.

They are super-sturdy, waterproof, and expandable.

They help me organize everything and keep stuff from moving around in my suitcase.

The packing cubes come in different sizes so it's also great for lumping together workout clothes or toilettries.

Dressing for the sun in Rome

While not as hot as July and August, Rome in September is still generally a warm month, with lots of sunshine.

To stay cool when exploring the city, it's best to wear cotton t-shirts, linen shirts, loose midi skirts or pants and it's crucial to stay hydrated.

You can wear shorts if this is your preference, Romans won't wear them but they are used to tourists doing so! Be prepared to cover up whenever you visit religious sites and bear in mind it can feel a lot cooler when you visit underground sites or churches.

I highly recommend bringing a sun hat to help protect you when sightseeing, as well as sunglasses and a reusable water bottle to fill up with fresh cold water from Rome's water fountains.

When packing for Rome in September, stick with comfortable walking sandals, good quality sneakers or cotton tennis shoes for walking around the city, flip flops will simply not hold up to the cobblestones or the heat!

Click here to read more tips about staying cool in Rome.

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Packing for Rome in September - Essentials

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I walk around Rome a lot.

I love to walk everywhere when I can, because in Rome there is always something new to see.

I also love looking at things I know well, like the Colosseum, and seeing it in a new light, or finding a new detail. I walk around Rome at many different times of day, throughout the year.

So believe me when I tell you, I know just how to dress in Rome year-round.

These are my personal recommendations for what to include when packing for Rome in September, many of which I own or use:

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Since most of September is a summer month, you may want to walk around Rome in shorts. But if you are visiting churches (including the Vatican and Vatican Museums), or any other religious site, you cannot have bare knees showing. These hiking pants with removable leg are perfect for a quick change.



Here is a men's version of the same type of hiking pants, with leg bottoms you can un-zip easily as and when you need to.



Otherwise light cotton pants ... 



 ... or knee-length skirts/dresses like this are the perfect end-of-summer outfit for September in Rome



Cotton, short-sleeved tops are easy to pack and easy to dress down for sight-seeing or up for going out in the evening!



T-shirts are the perfect thing to pack for Rome in September, since they are short-sleeved for warm weather, but still covering your shoulders.



light cardigan is a must for travel to Rome in mid-September, and perfect for going from hot sunny days to cool evenings.



cotton pullover is another way to be comfortable, flexible in changing temps during the day, and appropriately dressed for sightseeing in Rome.



Definitely, bring a light scarf and carry it with you throughout your trip. This can make a big difference, such as when sitting outside as the sun goes down and you feel the chill setting in.

Romans love to wear scarves to protect their necks from the cold so if you whip out your scarf and twirl it around your neck as the evening air turns brisk, you will be living the Roman life indeed!

When packing for Rome in September, don't forget to also include the following items:


The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.


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What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late September

September is a great month to visit Rome because the weather is ideal, with long sunny days and mild evenings to enjoy.

The temperature in Rome in September reduces as the month goes on, averaging around 80-84 Fahrenheit/27-29 Celsius during the day and around 64-68 Fahrenheit/18-20 Celsius during the night at the start of September.

By the end of September the days start to feel a little like Fall, with daytime temperatures averaging 24-26 Celsius/75-79 Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures averaging 14-16 Celsius/56-60 Fahrenheit.

The Roman Forum in Rome in SeptemberPacking for Rome in September? The weather is still warm and sunny so think t-shirts, light pants or skirts and a heavier top for the cooler evenings.

Whether you're packing for Rome in September for the beginning, middle or end of the month, you'll want to include clothes that are suitable for the hot weather, such as loose t-shirts or shirts, relaxed pants and maxi or midi skirts, as well as a light cardigan or jacket for when it feels cooler.

To be more specific:

Packing for Rome in early september

In early September, the weather in Rome is the warmest it will be all month.

Staying cool should be your top priority so you'll want to pack only clothes that will be suited to the heat.

Think clothing made from linen, cotton/cotton blends, or jersey fabrics which are breathable.

It will feel a bit cooler in the evenings, but still lovely and mild so you shouldn't need anything heavier than a light cardigan or jumper.

The pantheon in Rome in early SeptemberOutside the Pantheon in early September, you can see most people still wearing t-shirts, shorts, and sun hats as it still feels very warm during the day.

I always recommend bringing a scarf with you to Rome, and you'll definitely end up using one in Rome in September!

As the heat is not as intense, when you go inside churches, visit underground sites or if you're out at night, a light scarf in your bag is easy to put on whenever you feel chilly.

Packing for Rome in Mid-september

The weather in Rome by mid-September is starting to cool down a bit, but the days will still be sunny and warm.

Make sure to pack a combination of mostly lighter clothing with a few pieces of warmer clothing so that you stay comfortable whatever you are doing in Rome.

As the city starts to cool down, most people will wear longer skirts or pants.

If you prefer wearing shorts this is fine, but lighter long or cropped pants are more practical, especially if you plan to visit churches or other religious sites.

how to dress in rome in mid-septemberThe weather in mid-September is starting to cool down so make sure to bring a warmer cardigan or sweater with you when out exploring Rome!

Packing a couple of light sweaters, cardigans or jackets that can easily be folded up and carried in your bag is a good idea, ready for when it starts to feel cooler.

Packing for Rome in late september

By the end of September, the weather in Rome is starting to feel autumnal, with fresher evenings and the sun doesn't feel quite as warm. 

how to dress in rome in late septemberThe end of September feels almost like Fall, so you will start seeing people covering up more with long pants and light jackets

If you're packing for a trip to Rome in late September into early October, bring a mix of warmer and light clothing with you, think good basics for layering such as cotton t-shirts, light pants with a cardigan or pullover, and you may even wish to bring a pair of jeans.

There is a slight chance that there could be some rain showers in late September, so it's best to be prepared and pack a travel umbrella that easily fits in your bag, just in case you get caught in a rain shower!

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General Rome packing tips for any time of year

So what else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in September?

These are just a few of my personal recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:



Sunglasses!


medications

Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications - I would recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.


passport

Photocopies of your passport.



Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. Most electronic devices (cameras, cell phones, laptops, electric shavers) default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here. This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations if you travel to different parts of the world.



Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit will ensure peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.


Travel insurance isn't something to pack but it is something not to forget!

I can't tell you the times our B&B guests had lost luggage that never arrived, had flights cancelled or delayed, or had documents/wallets pickpocketed. Double check what your credit card covers - chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen!

I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.

As well as the specific information here about packing for Rome in September, see my page about What to Pack for Rome where you can download a handy packing list, and visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!

What to wear in Rome in September

So how should you dress when you visit Rome in September?

My top tip for any time of year is to wear comfy shoes, as you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking - more than you might think!

Rule 1: Be Comfortable!

My number one rule for sightseeing in Rome, all year round: be comfortable.

This is most important for your feet. It is crucial to wear good walking shoes with good quality socks or good walking sandals.

Bringing shoes you have already broken in is essential, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!

As Rome in September is still mostly a summer month, you may think you will stay cool by wearing light sandals or flip flops. But Rome's cobblestone streets are killer on your feet if you don't have sturdy enough shoes, and you'll actually feel hotter wearing flip flops!

When packing for Rome in September, I would recommend bringing some sturdy walking sandals or good quality sneakers that give your feet enough support.

Rule 2: Dress in Layers

The next rule is: dress in layers.

While the weather in Rome in September is mostly warm, especially at the beginning of the month, the evenings will feel cooler. It's best to wear layers that you can remove/put on easily according to whether you're out in the midday sun or eating dinner outside at night, such as light cotton t-shirts, light cardigans or jackets.

As part of your packing for Rome in September, I would also recommend bringing a light backpack to wear as you walk around Rome, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your scarf or other cover-up items ready in case you need them to go inside a church or other site.

Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Rome in September:

  • Wear extremely comfortable shoes or walking sandals
  • Dress in cotton pants, maxi/midi skirts or leggings
  • Wear light cotton t-shirts 
  • Bring a light cardigan or sweater for when it's cooler
  • Bring a travel umbrella or light rain jacket that fits in your day bag
  • Don't forget to pack a light scarf for men and women!

Unless you are planning on attending a special event, there is no need to bring dressy clothes to Rome.

When packing for Rome in September, it is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Rome so you do not need to pack much, if any, evening-wear.


Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:


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