Florence, often hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance, offers an enchanting summer escape in Italy. Step into a world where romance fills the air, and every turn reveals a new delight—from the city's renowned wine and gourmet cuisine to its captivating art and iconic Gothic architecture. Meander through its cobblestone streets, admire the soft glow of candlelit chapels, and be mesmerized by the vibrant hues of stained-glass windows in towering cathedrals. The city's grand marble basilicas, each a symbol of Florence's rich cultural heritage, affirm its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. September is the ideal time to visit, allowing you to explore famous landmarks during the day and relax poolside in the evening with a glass of exquisite wine and a plate of savory pasta beneath a canopy of stars. Read on to uncover more about this magical destination!
What makes Florence in September a must-visit?
Perfect Summer Weather:
Florence boasts delightful weather in September, making it an ideal time for family vacations. Despite the crowds brought by school holidays, the lively atmosphere only enhances the experience of exploring this culturally rich Tuscan city.
Abundant Outdoor Activities:
September in Florence is brimming with activities to suit all interests, as the city remains one of Europe's most sought-after destinations. From concerts and exhibitions to festivals and theater performances, there's a wide array of entertainment to enjoy.
Grape Harvest Season:
Experience Italy's beloved Vendemmia, the grape harvest festival that celebrates the nation's deep connection to wine. Take a trip into the scenic Tuscan countryside to join in grape picking, savor wine tastings, and participate in expert-led workshops.
Florence in September: Weather
In September, Florence enjoys ideal outdoor weather, with daytime temperatures averaging around 29°C and cooling to a comfortable 17°C at night. The days are typically warm and clear, although the humidity can reach a moderate 63%. While rain is generally rare, there's a slight possibility of showers toward the end of the month, so it's wise to consider this when making your travel arrangements.
Florence in September: Things to do
1
Uffizi Gallery
For an ultimate experience at Uffizi, use these passes to skip the long queues at the entrance and spend time admiring the brilliant masterpieces on display. With an expansive collection of artwork from the Renaissance era, the exhibits are a visual treat to the eyes. Do not miss the Botticelli room or the works of Da Vinci, Raffaello, Masaccio, Cimabue, and Giotto on your visit here.
September timings
Tuesday – Sunday: 8:15am to 6:30pm
Closed on Mondays
Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
2
Florence Duomo
Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the Duomo is a Gothic-styled cathedral that dominates the city skyline. Originally called Santa Maria del Fiore, it has a marbled exterior and quaint interiors with intricate mosaic floorings. Iconic artefacts housed in the church include Paolo Uccello’s clock, Vasari and Zuccari’s frescos of the Last Judgement, and Bandinelli’s marble choir.
September timings
Florence Cathedral: Monday to Saturday 10:15am to 4:45pm. Closed on Sundays.
Dome: Monday to Friday 8:15am to 7:30pm. On Saturday 8:15am and 5:15pm and on Sunday 12:24pm and 5:15pm.
Giotto's Bell Tower: Daily 8:15am to 7:45pm.
Duomo Museum: Open 9am to 7:45pm. Closed on the first Tuesday of every month.
Baptistery of San Giovanni: Daily 8:30am to 7:45pm.
Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
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3
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most famous buildings in Florence. It is a symbol of the city's power and wealth. It was the seat of government for the Medici family and later for the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. It is now a museum. The palace was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and completed in 1314. It has a square plan with four courtyards.The most famous room in the palace is the Hall of Five Hundred, which was used for meetings of the Florence city government.
September timings
Thursdays : 9am - 2pm
All the other days : 9am - 10pm
Piazza della Signoria, 50122
Firenze, Italy
Getting There ›
4
Accademia Gallery
The Academia Gallery boasts an extensive collection of art from across the world and also chronicles the illustrious history of the city. A haven for art aficionados, the most prominent pieces housed here include Michelangelo’s ‘David and Slaves’ and ‘Tree of Life’ by Pacino di Buonaguida besides other notable sculptures and paintings.
September timings
Tuesday – Sunday: 8:15am - 6:20pm
Closed on Mondays
Via Ricasoli, 58, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
5
Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is the stunning cluster of five villages that have sprung up over rugged hilltops overlooking the Ligurian coastline. Colourful houses, garden vineyards, fishing harbours, and trattorias reign in abundance here. With this pass, you can explore the exotic landscape of different hamlets, hitch a ferry ride and enjoy the quaint town!
September timings
Depends on tour chosen
Piazzale Montelungo, Yellow Street Sign,
Florence, Italy
Getting There ›
6
Food & wine tours, and cooking classes
Elevate your taste buds in Florence by joining food and wine tours that take you deep into the heart of Tuscany's rich gastronomic traditions. Savor world-class wines paired with artisanal cheeses and cured meats, and explore local markets brimming with fresh produce. You can also participate in hands-on cooking classes led by expert chefs. Learn to craft authentic Italian dishes, from handmade pasta to traditional Tuscan desserts, and bring the flavors of Florence into your own kitchen.
September timings
Depends on tour chosen
Kiosk , Firenze, Italy
Getting There ›
7
Day Trip to Chianti
Explore the picturesque locales of Chianti, renown for its world-class wine, with a day trip to a few conic Tuscan landmarks such as Palazzo Pubblico, Cathedral of Sienna, Monteriggioni, and Palio Museum. With a multilingual tour guide and a luxury vehicle, this promises to be a relaxing and rejuvenating trip!
September Timings
Depends on tour chosen
Piazzale Montelungo, Yellow Street Sign,
Florence, Italy
Getting There ›
8
Florence Segway Guided Tour
Get onto a segway and ride your way across the town for a fun way to explore the culture-rich Tuscan city of Florence. You can stop to admire the brilliant architecture of historical monuments, witness the art behind folklore, and listen to intriguing legends at the many squares, all this replete with a tour guide!
September timings
Depends on tour chosen
Florence, Italy,
Getting There ›
Florence in September: Events to look out for
Chianti Classico EXPO
5 - 8 September, 2024
Greve's central Piazza Matteotti comes alive to celebrate the annual Chianti Classico EXPO. With dance, music, workshops, and guided tours, this festival is set to be a riot of fun through and through. You can taste different wine brands, sample local products such as cheese, salami and prosciutto, and interact with grape producers and distributors.
Salamarzana
7 September, 2024
Sponsored by the municipality, Salamarzana is a unique extravaganza that brings together medieval history and culture. Participants can witness live re-enactments of ancient tribes, their crafts, military encampments, and live music to provide exciting glimpses of the enchanting medieval world.
Decibel Open Air
7 -8 September, 2024
Decibel Open Air is an annual music festival that takes place in Florence, Italy. The festival features a wide variety of electronic music, which makes it appealing to a wide range of people. techno, house, and trance are just some of the genres that can be enjoyed at Decibel Open Air. The festival takes place over two days, and there are usually four or five stages set up around the city.
Festival of the Paper Lanterns
7 September, 2024
On the night of 7 September, Florentines congregate on the river Arno, each carrying a colored paper lantern. On the day after, they participate in the procession while carrying lanterns on poles. The Festival of Paper Lanterns in Florence is one of the city's most beautiful and romantic festivals. It's a fantastic chance to explore the city while seeing all of its brilliant attractions. If you're in Florence on 7 September, you won't want to miss this remarkable event!
Florence in September: One-day itinerary
Read our detailed Florence itinerary and make the most of 24 hours in Italy's cultural capital.
Florence essentials
Florence weather in September
September in Florence signals the conclusion of summer, boasting daytime temperatures averaging 29°C and nighttime temperatures around 17°C. This month typically offers warm weather with abundant sunshine and clear skies, providing ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities even after dusk. With approximately ten hours of sunshine daily and a humidity level of 63%, it's an ideal time to embrace the city's outdoor charm.
Where to stay in Florence in September
A Florentine Holiday is your best bet if you're keen to explore the Tuscan-rich culture of Italy. The city is home to a variety of hotels for different budgets and travellers, and you can easily take your pick among the many options:
What to pack for visiting Florence in September
Florence in September heralds the beginning of Autumn, so you may have to pack a variety of clothes to feel comfortable while touring the city. It's best to keep some warm garments like jackets, jumpers, and scarves for nights while shorts, summer dresses, and t-shirts ought to have you covered in the day. Although temperatures are beginning to cool down, the summer heat can be pretty harsh, so it's a good idea to pack some sunscreen to be safe!
Getting around Florence in September
Florence boasts an efficient public transportation system, largely facilitated by the abundance of ATAF Buses. These buses offer amenities such as air conditioning and wheelchair accessibility. However, passengers must purchase tickets from authorized vendors before boarding, as the system operates on an automated ticketing basis. Each ticket allows for ninety minutes of travel, although it's recommended to avoid using the buses during peak hours. Additionally, there is a single tram line in Florence that extends to Scandicci. For alternative transportation options, bicycles are readily available for rent, and taxis can be hailed, though advance booking may be necessary in many instances.
Florence in September - Must try delicacies
The Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Florentine Steak is seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon, and is fire-grilled. Usually served on a huge platter, this t-bone cut meat is meant to be savoured with other companions.
Where to eat: Osteria di Giovanni
Favourite Tuscan street food that has medieval origins, the Lampredotto was considered peasant food for centuries. Essentially a sandwich made with sliced tripe that is boiled in broth and served with spicy red or green sauce, it can be eaten at any time.
Where to eat: Sergio Pollini Lampredotto
The famous Italian Gelato is basically a low-fat frozen dessert that is available in a variety of flavours and is produced in small batches, unlike mass-produced ice creams. Dig into scoops of this amazing dessert made without preservatives or artificial colouring.
Where to eat: Badiani
Famous the world over as appetizers, Crostini consists of small toasted bread with exotic and flavorful toppings. The grilled bread could be garnished to include cheese, meats, vegetables, and topped with sauces.
Where to eat: Le Volpi e l’uva
With ingredients ranging from chestnut flour, raisins, pine nuts, olive oil, rosemary and salt, the Castagnaccio is a traditional Tuscan cake that is typically made in September.
Where to eat: Restaurant da Lino
Tips to visit Florence in September
- For the best experience in Tuscan summers, it's best to start your day early on. Getting an early start will also ensure that you can cover more monuments when the bulk of tourists aren't there!
- It's a good idea to hit indoor places such as museums and art galleries in the afternoons, so you're safe from the harsh heat of the sun.
- September makes for a great time to head to vantage points across Florence. Whether you head to the top of the Duomo or the Campanile, the views are amazing and best paired with wine and cheese!
- The heat can get oppressive at times in September, so pace yourself adequately and stay hydrated. There are plenty of open-air cafes and lounges where you can catch your breath while enjoying a classic gelato!
- A little bit of planning and organizing can go a long way in ensuring that you have a terrific holiday - so book entrance tickets and accommodation in advance to get the best deals and to avoid wasting time in long queues under the hot glare.
Explore Florence through the year