Packing for Rome in September? Let's Make It Easy!

Packing for Rome in September?

After living in Rome for more than 20 years and enjoying this beautiful time of year, I can tell you just what to pack, how to plan for September weather, and how not to overpack.

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

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

My favorite thing about September in Rome is that the weather turns near-perfect right from the beginning of the month.

Almost like clockwork, September 1 brings relief from the muggy August heat, ushering in warm, comfortable days and slightly crisp evenings.

The weather for the whole month is fairly stable, and you can count on not needing heavy layers, even at night.

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:

• What weather to expect in Rome in September
• Dressing for the sun in Rome
• How I dress in Rome in September - my best advice
• Things to pack in any season

Weather in Rome in September

The first time I visited Rome in September as a tourist in 1997, I was shocked at how hard it was to find a place to stay and how busy it was. My friend and I had thought this would be shoulder season, since what we thought was the high season of summer was over. (This was the year I would meet my husband, Alessandro.)

Years into running our B&B in Rome, Alessandro and I would try to tell people that September was one of the peakest months of the year for visiting Rome, precisely because so many people thought the way my friend and I had thought, and because people were looking for a month with great weather - not too hot and not too cold.

September fits that bill.

The days are long and sunny and the evenings are comfortable enough to enjoy rooftop bars and nighttime strolls without needing a heavy jacket. There is little rainfall compared to autumn in Rome.

At the beginning of the month, still summer, temperatures average around 80-84 Fahrenheit/27-29 Celsius during the day and around 64-68 Fahrenheit/18-20 Celsius during the night.

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.

Dressing for the sun in Rome in September

September in Rome is not as hot as July and August, but it's still a relatively warm month, especially during the first two to three weeks (technically still considered summer).

I wear mostly sundresses, or capri-length or full-length light cotton pants. For tops, I wear tanks or tees, and on occasion, a cotton Henley. This is not the month to get out my sweaters yet, and I typically don't get out my jeans until the second half of September.

Most of my September clothing is made from breathable natural fabrics like linen, cotton/cotton blends, or jersey fabrics.

Romans don't usually wear short shorts in the city, and I don't see many Romans wearing shorts in September, but they are used to tourists doing so.

If you want to wear shorts, by all means do so.

Just be prepared that you may not be allowed to enter a church (like the Pantheon) or other holy sites. This is one reason I mostly wear capri-length pants or dresses that come to my knees or just below them.

When I walk around Rome in September, I always have a scarf with me. This is in part so I can cover my shoulders if they're bare, and I find myself wanting to go inside a church.

And it's also because if I'm out past sundown, I might need the scarf if it gets a tad bit chilly.

Don't forget to stay hydrated. You can carry a bottle with you and fill up with fresh, cold water from Rome's water fountains.

During summer, and this includes September, I wear a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 

I wear either sandals or sneakers, both super comfortable with lots of support. You'll need sturdy shoes for all the walking you'll be doing in Rome.

I urge you to avoid flip flops, as they will not hold up to the cobblestones or the heat.

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

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 maybe a jeans jacket.

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 hot. 

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

Packing for Rome in September - How I dress

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 I know just how to dress in Rome year-round.

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

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.

For more packing inspiration, check out my video about what to pack for summer in Rome:

General Rome packing tips for any time of year

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

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

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.

Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in September here, here for general tips about visiting Rome in summer, here for visiting Rome in autumn (the last 10 days of September), and here for current exhibits and events in September in Rome.

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

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