September in Italy: Harvest, Festivals, and Traditions

September is one of the most pleasant months to visit Italy. The weather turns mild, the crowds thin out after the August holidays, and the slower rhythm of life allows you to soak in Italian culture. Whether you’re drawn to the sparkling waters, the rolling hills of Tuscany, or the bustling piazzas of Florence and Rome, September has something for everyone!

The Beauty of September Travel

The days are still long and sunny, making it a perfect time for walks along the beach, afternoons by the pool, or wandering through Italy’s historic cities. If water is your element, explore the lakes, seas, and rivers. If not, Florence offers incredible art, architecture, and some of the best leather goods in the world.

For those who can’t climb hills or walk long distances, Italy is just as enjoyable from the comfort of a café terrace, where you can sample good food and watch daily life unfold.

Food, Wine, and Harvest Season

September marks the beginning of the grape harvest—la vendemmia. Across Tuscany, Piedmont, and beyond, vineyards are alive with activity, and wine tastings become unforgettable experiences. Food festivals also abound, offering visitors the chance to celebrate seasonal flavors and even participate in cooking classes.

In my own family, September meant preparing for homemade wine and vinegar. My grandfather Ernesto and my mother Brigida would order grapes well in advance. When the cases arrived in Cleveland—sometimes from California—we pressed, barreled, and stored them for the year. That tradition of vendemmia still holds a special place in my heart.

Festivals and Local Traditions

• Regata Storica (Venice) – On the first Sunday of September, Venice hosts a spectacular water parade and rowing competitions featuring colorful historic boats.

• Festa della Rificolona (Florence) – On September 7th, children light colorful paper lanterns (rificolone) to celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary the next day.

• San Gennaro Feast (Naples) – On September 19th, Neapolitans honor their patron saint, San Gennaro, protector of the city. This devotion later inspired the famous San Gennaro festival in New York, which Neapolitan immigrants initiated.

  
  

Folklore and Italian Sayings

Italians often look to the skies and to tradition for weather wisdom. September sayings reflect both the shift in seasons and the rhythm of life:

• “Quando l'Angiolo si bagna l'ale piove fino a Natale.”When the Angel bathes his wings, it rains until Christmas.”This proverb is tied to the Feast of the Archangels on September 29th, a date Italians believed foretold the weather for the coming year.

• “In settembre, la notte a dì contende.”In September, the night begins to outlast the day.”

• “Settembre è il mese del rientro in città.”September is the month of returning to town.”Schools reopen, parents return to work, and the long August holidays come to an end.

  
  

A Month of Transition

September bridges summer and autumn. The air turns cooler and breezier, offering perfect sleeping weather. The shift invites us indoors a little more—to read, bake, or enjoy a routine. Yet the evenings are still pleasant enough for concerts under the stars, movies with subtitles in the piazza, or quiet moments on a café terrace.

Vocabulary for September

• l’autunno = autumn

• equinozio d’autunno = autumn equinox (September 22nd)

• inizio della scuola = start of school (between September 11–15, depending on the region)

September is September

Italy in September is unforgettable: the harvests, festivals, traditions, and food. But even if you can’t be there, you can still celebrate September wherever you are. Start your own tradition by sharing a seasonal recipe, lighting a lantern with family, or simply enjoying the crisp nights and the promise of autumn ahead.

September is September—beautiful, memorable, and worth savoring!