Wondering what to wear in Rome in September? We cover everything you need to add to your what to pack for Rome in September list to help you deal with the heat, dress for Rome dress codes and more.
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Weather in Rome in September
Although the temperatures at the start of the month in Rome still feels like Summer, as you move into late September the temperatures start to feel more like Autumn/Fall which can make it a bit more challenging to pack for.
But before we start discussing Rome in September I wanted to quickly point out that the weather in Rome between months changes quite dramatically and there are always special events going on in Rome which can affect your packing list. If your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
- What to wear in Rome in August
- What to wear in Rome in October
And why not check our other Italy regional guides for September:
- What to wear in Italy in September
- What to wear in Venice in September
- What to wear in Florence in September
- What to wear to Milan in September
- What to wear to Pisa
- What to wear to Sicily
- What to wear to Sardinia
- 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 Garda
- What to wear in Lake Como
- What to wear in Positano
How hot is Rome in September? Is it too hot
Although Summer is technically over in September in Rome, the temperatures are actually still pretty hot.
The average high in Rome in September is 27°C/77F and has average lows of 15°C/59F.
Therefore if is important to pack natural fabrics and clothes that can cope with relatively high temperatures.
Does it rain a lot in September in Rome?
September in Rome usually sees around 5 days of rain. Therefore you don’t have to worry about too much about waterproof wear in Rome if you are traveling in September.
What to Wear in Rome in September
Tips for how to dress in Rome in September
When looking at how to dress in Rome in September, the key thing to remember is that you will need to dress for very high temperatures but also need some modesty in clothing for certain tourist attractions such as The Pantheon and the Vatican City to name but a few.
Therefore we recommend
- packing lightweight breathable fabrics – no manmade fabrics that make you sweat. Silk, cotton and linens are perfect. For more information on how to pack linen for travel check out this post.
- Choose loose and flowy dresses instead of tight fitting clothes to be more in keeping with the locals.
- have some outfits that keep your shoulders and knees covered as some Italian churches and the Vatican require modest attire.
- have accessories for sunshine such as sunglasses and sunhat.
- although Rome restaurants don’t have strict dress codes, you will find that many people choose to wear smart casual outfits for dinner in Italy.
- pack a capsule wardrobe as there is usually limited space in Rome accommodation. For information on how to pack a capsule wardrobe check out our 54321 packing guide or our sudoku packing technique.
Also if you are worried about what to wear to other tourist attractions in then be sure to check out our related Rome guides:
- Your Colosseum Dress Code Questions Answered
- Your Pantheon Dress Code Questions Answered
- Your Rome Dress Code Questions Answered
How do local people dress in Rome in September?
If you want to be more in keeping with the locals you will need to know how locals dress in Rome.
Locals in Rome tend to still be in their summer wardrobe in September, slowly transitioning to add more layers towards the end of September.
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 in Italian wardrobes.
And you will find that no matter what month you visit Rome that the local Romans are a fashionable bunch.
Best Shoes for Rome in September
Sandals
You will definitely want sandals on your what to pack for Rome in September list. Sandals are definitely the most practical shoes for September in Rome given the hot temperatures so long as you select the right pair.
I would define a good pair of sandals for Rome in September as a pair that has:
- good soles to deal with the uneven streets of Rome
- good arch support
Depending on your itinerary length I would take 1-2 pairs with you.
Sneakers
Sneakers are my go to shoes for September in Rome as any visit to Rome inevitably involve lots of walking, and sneakers are the best choice for these days.
However I would recommend selecting a pair of sneakers that are more fashion than sporty in nature. This is to help you fit in more with the locals. Also you will want a pair a breathable so they can cope with the heat.
Our go to brands are:
- Hoka,
- Sketchers Go Walks or
- All Birds
Just be sure to wear in any new shoes before travel.
Also as feet can swell in Rome in September due to the heat and amount of walking you are doing it is wise to take a small travel first aid kit with you and anything you will need to deal with blisters if the worst happens. And you will also want to wear sneaker socks with your sneakers to reduce sweat and odor.
Click here to shop good sneakers
What to wear in Rome for Women
Longer length skirts and dresses
I always pack longer length skirts and dresses for Rome in September. I also recommend selecting clothes that are looser fitting to help deal with the high temperatures.
And although it can be tempting to go for shorter skirts and spaghetti straps in September I don’t recommend these for Rome.
In fact they are top of my the what not to wear in Rome list as these are not appropriate for wearing inside Rome attractions such as churches as you need to dress modestly in these places.
I also recommend picking light and breathable fabrics and clothes that are looser in fit.
Click here to shop maxi dresses.
Cotton trousers and Capri Pants
When selecting trousers for Rome in SEtpember I recommend picking natural fabrics. A top choice has to be linen, but cotton is also a great pick.
I also recommend choosing capri pants rather than shorts if you don’t want to look like a tourist in Rome.
Romans don’t tend to wear shorts in the city so Capri pants instead of shorts will help you dress like a local in Rome. As an added bonus you can wear capri pants in Italian churches which you can’t with shorts.
Blouses
Blouses are great for day to night transitions and work for visiting churches and catacombs and for going out for dinner in Italy.
The best choice of blouse will be a looser fitting one with shoulders covered in a natural fabric.
T Shirts
Short sleeves are a more versatile pick for Rome in September than long sleeve, especially at the beginning go September.
Cardigan
During the day you are unlikely to need a cardigan but I always pack a layer for dining out in al fresco in September.
Jacket (optional)
Jackets will not be needed during the day in September unless you get a highly unusual cold snap. Having said that a smart blazer is a great option if you are going to one of Rome’s fancier restaurant.
Pashmina
A pashmina should be on your Rome packing list whatever the season.
PJs or Nightie
It is worth remembering when you are packing nightwear is that many Rome hotel rooms will not have AC. Therefore you will want lightweight nightwear whether than be PJS or a nightie. And as it is still warm in September you will still want lightweight nightwear.
Swimwear (optional)
Unless your hotel in Rome has a pool or you are going to another destination on your trip where there will be a pool or chance to swim you can leave the swimwear at home.
Sunglasses
It is bright in Rome in summer so protect your eyes.
Sunhat
A sun hat isn’t necessary all year in Rome but you will definitely want one in September.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying. We recommend having sneaker socks for with sneakers.
What to pack for Rome in September for Men
Chinos
For men lightweight trousers are a must. Chinos are a good choice instead of jeans which can be too heavy. Another great choice for men is a pair of smart linen trousers.
T Shirts and Shirts
Short sleeve T shirts are a must for Rome in September. Long sleeves shouldn’t be necessary in summer.
However for the evenings we recommend having a smarter top such as a long sleeve or short sleeve button down shirt as Romans tend to stick with smart casual outfits at night.
Blazer
Again not essential for days, but a great way to look smart in the evenings.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
Sunglasses
Swimwear (optional)
Sneakers
Smarter Shoes
A pair of smart shoes for the evening will help you look less like a tourist and more like a local in Rome.
What Else to Pack for Rome in September
- Crossbody bag – one with plenty of zips that can put off pick pockets is best.
- Reusable Water bottle – as the temperatures are still hot in September, you will need to stay hydrated. One of my favourite things about Rome is the free water fountains around the city so be sure to make use of them.
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera / Aftersun
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Blister plasters
- Camera
- Travel Adaptor
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
How to Dress for Special Events in Rome in September
There are no real special events in Rome in September that have special dress codes. Therefore there is nothing that you need to pack special.
FAQs about September Rome Packing List
What do locals wear in Rome in September?
You will find locals still in their summer capsule wardrobe in September but more layers will be added towards the end of the month.
What would you add to this Rome September Packing List