Are you wondering what to wear in Milan in September? Although summer has ended you will find it is still very warm in Milan in September and as such you will still be needing your summer clothes, particularly at the start of the month. In this guide we tell you everything to pack for Milan in September for men, women, to cope with the heat, look like a local and more.
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Weather in Milan in September
Although the temperatures at the start of the month in Milan still feels like Summer, as you move into late September the temperatures start to feel more like Autumn/Fall. Therefore you will need to add more layers to your packing list the later in the month you visit.
How hot is Milan in September?
The average high in Milan in September is 24°C/75F and has average lows of 16°C/60F.
Therefore if is important to pack natural fabrics and clothes that can cope with relatively high temperatures.
And if your visit covers two months be sure to check out our other Milan packing list guides:
Is it rainy in Milan in September?
September actually averages around the same amount of rain as August with on average 5 rainy days. Therefore waterproof wear should not be too much of a concern no matter if you are visiting in early or late in the month.
Note: if you are traveling to other cities and regions in Italy be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
- What to wear to Tuscany in September
- What to wear in Florence in September
- What to wear in Rome in September
- What to wear in Venice in September
- What to wear in Italy in September
- What to wear to Pompeii
- What to wear in Naples
- What to wear to the Amalfi Coast
- What to wear in Puglia
- What to wear in Cinque Terre
- What to wear in Lake Como
- What to wear in Lake Garda
- What to wear in Positano
How do local people dress in Milan in September?
Milan is a fashion capital no matter the time of year. However this is especially true in September. That is because September has one of the two Milan Fashion Weeks. Therefore you will see even more high fashion and style in September than at other times of year.
Note: The other Milan Fashion Week is in February.
Therefore when visiting Milan if you want to dress casually be sure to so in a stylish way.
In September locals in Milan tend to still be wearing their summer wardrobe in September, slowly transitioning to add more layers towards the end of September.
And you will find that their Summer clothes are stylish opting more for maxi dresses and flowing skirts over short shorts in the city.
It is worth noting that you are unlikely to find locals wearing short skirts and short shorts as this isn’t something you often find the locals in Milan wearing.
Dress Codes in Milan
The main considerations for September in Milan are dressing for heat alongside dress codes in churches and restaurants. This translates into your packing list in the following ways:
Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silks are more breathable and reduce sweat. And natural fabrics are more stylish looking than their man made counterparts which is perfect for fashion week.
If you do decide to pack linen be sure to check out our guide on how to pack linen to prevent wrinkles.
Restaurant Dress Code
Not many dress codes in Milan have strict and enforced dress codes. However you will find that locals do tend to dress in a smart casual fashion for dinner.
Church Dress Code
All Italian churches have dress codes including the Milan Cathedral. On days you play to visit churches be sure that your outfit keeps your knees and shoulders and is modest.
What to wear in Milan in September
So now you know what to expect from the weather, what should you wear in Milan in September?
Best Shoes for Milan in September
Sneakers
In my opinion, sneakers are the best shoe for any city break where you will be doing lots of walking. And you will be doing lots of this in Milan as it is a city best explored on foot.
In September you will still want to have a lightweight pair of sneakers as it will still be warm. And we recommend wearing sneaker socks with them to reduce odour.
I know some people worry that sneakers won’t be smart or fashionable enough to wear in Italy, but especially in the fashion capital that is Milan, but please do not worry. Tourists and locals alike will be wearing sneakers in Milan.
Sandals
September is still warm enough to wear sandals in Milan, especially at the start of the month. Depending on whether you are staying in the city or whether you plan to do some more vigorous hikes in the area around Milan such as Lake Como will influence the type of sandal you bring.
For walking in the mountains and hill we recommend hiking sandals however if you are in the city only then more fashion sandals are better. Just be sure they have good arch support and are ok to walk long distances in.
Also I personally think sandal are better for dinners in Milan where there is usually a smart casual dress code.
If you want some sandals with height we recommend wearing wedges as opposed to thin heels as there are lots of cobbles in Milan and thin heels are not safe. Click here to shop sandals for London.
What to wear in Milan in September for women
So what does a Milan Packing List for women in September look like? In our opinion you should have the below on your Milan Packing List:
Longer length skirts and dresses
Short skirts and dresses are on my what not to wear in Milan list. That is because they are not appropriate in churches such as the Cathedral.
Midi and maxi length skirts and dresses are a better choice for Milan as they are good for day to night transitions and are good for visiting churches.
Just be sure that whatever skirts you pack don’t reveal your knee and remember to check for any slits that may make your outfit less modest for visiting Italian churches.
Trousers
Trousers are a more versatile pick than shorts for Milan as they adhere to most dress codes.
I would advise picking loose trousers to keep cool and sticking to fabrics such as linen and cotton and leaving the jeans at home in September, particularly at the start of the month.
The only reason you may need to shorts is if you are planning a day trip to the Italian Lakes or are doing hiking. Click here to shop trousers.
Blouses
Loose blouses are perfect for Milan in September as they work brilliantly for smarter dinners and for churches.
They are also the perfect choice for visiting the Milan duomo and churches where modest attire is required.
T Shirts
Although summer is ending, short sleeve t shirts are still a better piece than long sleeve ones in September.
To help you not look like a tourist I would recommend sticking to plain t shirts instead of those that have a graphic or text or are in loud colors.
Towards the end of the month you may want to add one long sleeve t shirt into the rotation.
Layers
This is particularly important if you are visiting towards the end of September. We recommend packing at least one cardigan or sweater for evenings and cooler days as the weather turns more autumnal.
Pashmina
A pashmina should be on your Milan packing list no matter the month you are visiting.
Pashminas can act as a scarf or extra layer on cooler nights and can help make your outfit more modest for visits to churches in Italy. Click here to shop pashminas.
Swimwear and beach cover (optional)
Only required if you plan to do a day trip to the coast or are staying at a hotel with a pool
PJs or Nightie
Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are essential for Milan in September as you will find that many Italian hotels lack air conditioning.
Sunglasses
The sun is bright in Milan even in September so definitely bring a pair with good UVA protection.
Shop Sunglasses for Italy here.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
Top Tip: We recommend packing sneaker socks and some odour eaters if you have room in your case just in case your feet do get sweaty when wearing sneakers to sightsee around the city.
What to Wear in Milan in September Packing List for Men
The general pieces you need to pack for Milan in September for men has some similar themes to the women’s packing list. We recommend packing lots of natural fabrics and having at least one outfit that conforms to church dress codes.
For this reason we recommend packing the below for one week in Milan:
- Trousers – we recommend selecting natural fabrics such as cottons and linen. Again leave the jeans at home for if you are visiting at the beginning of the month in favour of chinos.
- Short Sleeve T Shirts – a staple for any Milan packing list.
- Shirts – long sleeves are better for dining al fresco at night.
- Shorts – just be sure not to wear them on days you plan on visiting churches in Milan.
- Linen Jacket – A jacket is a great pick for dining in Italian restaurants. A t the start of September it is still too warm for blazers therefore a linen jacket is a better pick.
- Layers – For the end of September you will want some light layers such as sweaters or cardigans with you as the weather starts to cool.
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sneakers
- Smarter Pair of Shoes for dinner
- Pjs
- Underwear
- Swimwear
What to Pack for Milan in September (Non Clothing)
- Reusable Water Bottle – as the weather is still hot it is important to stay hydrated. And a water bottle is better for the environment.
- Sun Screen
- Aloe Vera / Aftersun
- Camera
- Charging Equipment
- Battery Pack
- Travel Adaptor for electronics
- Crossbody Bag – anti theft type.
FAQs about Milan September Packing list
Do you need a jacket in September in Milan?
In Early September you won’t need a jacket weather wise. However in late September you may want a jacket for evenings and for when dining al fresco in Milan at night.
Can you wear jeans in Milan in September?
There are no reasons why you can’t wear jeans in September in Milan and not any dress codes that these would be against. However I find it too warm for jeans in early September in Milan.
However in late September it can feel like Fall, so jeans may be appropriate later in the month.
Should I pack swimwear for Milan in September?
Unless you are staying somewhere with a pool you can leave your swimwear at home. .
Can you wear shorts in Milan in September?
Shorts are perhaps the least versatile option for visiting Milan in September, which is why we left them off our pacing list. That is because you won’t be able to wear these in some places such as churches.
Have you been to Milan in September? What did you wear? We would love to hear in the comments.