September is one of the best months to visit Rome – tourist crowds begin to thin out, temperatures become more moderate, and the city remains vibrant and alive.
In this article you’ll discover what to do in Rome during September 2025: from visiting the Colosseum and Vatican to tasting Roman cuisine, exploring exhibitions, and enjoying family activities.
You’ll learn what weather to expect, what to wear, and how to plan the best experiences – whether you’re a solo traveler or a family with children.
September in Rome is characterized by cooler temperatures that make the city feel pleasant and comfortable rather than oppressively hot like in August.
>>> Read Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Rome in August Here <<<
What to Book in Advance for Rome in September
To avoid large crowds, most attractions in Rome are accessible through a system of pre-reserved time slots.
This is wonderful for the visitor experience since it eliminates long queues and overcrowded museums. However, this means all reservations must be made in advance, otherwise you risk not finding available time slots if you expect to buy tickets on-site.
September is tourist season in Rome, so it’s important to book accommodations in advance as well (weeks or months before your trip).
What’s the Weather Like in Rome During September?
September marks a transitional period in Rome, when summer gradually gives way to autumn. This leads to a gradual but consistent decrease in temperatures throughout the month.
Generally, September is considered more of a summer month than an autumn one.
The average temperature in Rome during September is around 22°C (72°F), with variations between 16°C (61°F) and 27°C (81°F).
During September, Rome typically has about six rainy days, which are often brief showers rather than extended periods of cloudiness.
Most days during September in Rome are predominantly dry and sunny.
What to Wear in Rome During September
September is considered a summer month in Rome, but with autumn’s approach, things begin to change.
During the day, especially early in September, it’s usually sufficient to wear short-sleeved clothing and sandals, but evening temperatures can drop noticeably.
Although you rarely need a jacket in Rome during September, it’s a good idea to have a light cardigan for the cooler hours of the day.
If you’re planning a trip to Rome in September, don’t forget to pack the following items:
1. Comfortable walking shoes, such as sneakers and sandals
2. Long pants (linen, cotton, or jeans)
3. Skirts/shorts (knee-length for church visits)
4. Short-sleeved tops
5. Light sweater or cardigan
6. Swimwear for hotel pools or coastal day trips (early in the month)
What Are the Best Things to Do in Rome During September?
The best things to see in Rome during September are a perfect mix of sightseeing, shopping, and dining experiences.
1. Visit the Colosseum
The Colosseum is fantastic to visit during September, and since 2021, September has become even more special than usual because it’s now possible to visit the lower level of the Colosseum, which was previously closed to visitors.
Visiting the underground section of the Colosseum takes you to the area of the amphitheater where gladiators and animals were kept, offering an incredible opportunity to see up close the architectural marvel that this massive theater represents.
>>> You can find my review of the experience and tips for visiting the Colosseum here <<<
This is an extremely busy period for visiting the Colosseum, so it’s essential to make advance ticket reservations (for example, months or at least weeks beforehand).
>> Check out the best best tickets for visiting the Colosseum <<<
2. Visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
September is the ideal month to visit the Roman Forum and especially Palatine Hill. During this period, Palatine transforms into a celebration of sunshine and flowers, and the view of Rome from its terrace is truly impressive.
3. Visit the Vatican Museums and Vatican
September can be a wonderful time to visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, but keep in mind that crowds will still be substantial.
Make sure you’ve secured tickets in advance and read all our tips for visiting the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica to avoid tourist crowds.
4. Visit the Vatican Gardens
September is the perfect month to visit the gardens, which I highly recommend.
The gardens are located behind St. Peter’s Basilica, rising up the slopes of Vatican Hill and offering a variety of landscaped gardens in Italian, English, and French styles.
Access to the Vatican Gardens is strictly controlled and is only possible with a pre-booked guided tour.
Tickets are available on the official Vatican website and include a visit to the Sistine Chapel.
5. Visit the Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla are among the most magnificent archaeological sites in Rome and during September they’re particularly enchanting, when summer heat gives way to pleasant sunlight streaming through their spacious halls.
This is an architectural marvel in Rome that absolutely must be seen, comparable to Palatine Hill in terms of its beauty and visual impact.
6. Visit Nero’s Domus Aurea
The Domus Aurea was once Nero’s lavishly decorated imperial palace, a place that ancient sources describe as the most luxurious and best-decorated residence Rome had ever seen.
The palace now lies in ruins and is located entirely underground! Visits are guided-only, making them informative, interesting, and entertaining. I highly recommend visiting the Domus Aurea to anyone interested in ancient history.
>>> You can find my review of our visit to the Domus Aurea here <<<
7. Forum of Augustus
Make the most of Rome’s mild evenings with an evening “Journey Through the Forum,” when it comes alive with a light show called “Journey Through the Forum.”
The show uses lighting technology to recreate the Forum as it was in the past.
You can find official information and tickets here.
8. Visit Borghese Gallery. The Borghese Gallery is one of the most beautiful museums in the world, housing priceless masterpieces by masters like Bernini, Canova, Raphael, and Caravaggio. It contains some of the finest sculptures in Rome and the place is absolutely captivating.
The gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that you can enjoy with the same admission ticket as the main collection. Information and tickets can be found here.
Important! Last entry tickets of the day are offered at reduced prices – an excellent solution for budget-conscious visitors!
9. Visit the Mausoleum of Augustus. The Mausoleum of Augustus is the tomb of Rome’s first emperor and is a delight for history enthusiasts. The mausoleum is open to visitors, but due to high demand, finding tickets is quite difficult.
If you’re among the lucky ones with tickets, you’ll be able to see one of the most special monuments in Rome, whose history begins from Augustus’s time but continues all the way to the fascist era!
>>> My impressions from visiting the Mausoleum of Augustus can be found here <<<
10. Explore Rome’s most famous and “hidden” piazzas. September is a magnificent time to visit Rome’s famous squares. Here are the ones not to be missed:
Piazza Navona, where works by Bernini and Borromini are located and where many films set in Rome are shot.
1. Piazza del Pantheon, where the Pantheon itself is located and which is one of the most romantic places in Rome.
2. Piazza del Popolo
3. Campo de’ Fiori
4. Trevi Fountain
5. Spanish Steps
Also explore some lesser-known squares and parks. Rome’s Protestant Cemetery is a special place during this time and I think you’ll love it, as well as the beautiful Coppedè quarter and the unique Garbatella neighborhood.
11. Go to a park. Rome has beautiful parks and there’s no better time than late summer/early autumn to enjoy them.
Don’t miss visiting Villa Borghese (home to the famous Borghese Gallery, but also the small Roman zoo, a lake, and playgrounds), but also Rome’s botanical gardens in Trastevere, which are stunning during this time.
During September, the beautiful municipal rose garden on Aventine Hill is usually open and makes for a wonderful stroll – it also offers beautiful views of the imperial palaces.
>>> Here you can find a list of beautiful parks and villas in Rome <<<
12. Attend opera or concerts. Rome offers a good opera and ballet program that takes place at several venues, some of which are outdoors.
Music lovers should also check out the program at Auditorium Parco della Musica – a wonderful musical venue with a diverse selection of performers.
Since summer 2021, three new venues have been added to the list of wonderful music places in Rome: Circus Maximus, Teatro di Marcello, and Parco del Celio in front of the Colosseum – music can’t get more scenic than this!
13. Join a food tour with tastings. A Rome food tour with tastings can be a wonderful way to combine sightseeing with discovering new and delicious foods.
Here are the food tours worth considering:
- Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide and Food Tastings
- Evening Trastevere Tour with Food Tastings
- Rome Espresso, Gelato and Tiramisu Tour
During this season I recommend trying the following foods in Rome:
- Saltimbocca alla Romana – veal and prosciutto, a Roman classic
- Seasonal vegetables like zucchini (Rome has amazing local zucchini varieties that are super delicious!)
- Supplì – fried rice balls with molten mozzarella center, an excellent Roman appetizer before pizza
- All the wonderful seasonal fruits, especially figs, which are magnificent during this season
- Gelato, of course!
- This is also a perfect time of year for outdoor aperitivo!
14. Visit an exhibition. Rome hosts many exhibitions year-round, and September is a wonderful time to visit them.
If possible, choose a weekday to avoid crowds – exhibitions are popular with both locals and tourists, and weekends get very busy.
Here you can find the current calendar of events in Rome during September.
15. Enjoy Rome from above. September is the ideal time to enjoy Rome from high-altitude terraces and rooftop venues.
Whether you’re into cocktails, dining, or iced tea, Rome offers it all. Some of my favorite terraces are the one atop Rinascente (department store) and the Divinity terrace at the iconic Hotel Pantheon, both in the city center, as well as the café near the romantic little lake in Villa Borghese.
>>> You can find a list of my favorite establishments in Rome here <<<
16. Bike along Via Appia. September is perfect weather for outdoor activities in Rome, and one of the most scenic is cycling along Via Appia and through Parco degli Acquedotti.
This is a large archaeological area on Rome’s outskirts featuring incredible Roman aqueducts across open fields! They’re breathtaking and offer a different way to experience ancient Rome.
This is a wonderful activity in Rome during good weather, but be careful as the sun and heat can still be intense.
Make sure you have sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water with you, especially if you’re going early in the month.
17. Take a day trip. September is excellent weather for day trips around Lazio, Rome’s region.
Some of my favorites during this time of year are to Lakes Bracciano and Martignano or to the thermal springs of Saturnia in southern Tuscany.
18. Watch a football match. If you want to see one of Rome’s football teams live, September is a great time to go to the stadium.
The beginning of the season usually minimizes the likelihood of heated matches, and the mild temperatures make long afternoons in outdoor venues pleasant. Book seats close to the field to maximize your enjoyment.
September in Rome with Kids
During September, schools in Rome reopen, usually around mid-month.
This means local children are around – something that’s a refreshing change compared to summer when most of them are either at home or at the beach!
This is wonderful for families visiting Rome since it means you can expect to see other children both in parks and if you join local activities, such as the “Art & Seek” tours recommended below.
These are my favorite things to do in Rome with children during September.
1. Family city tour by golf cart. A fun, informative, and relaxing way to visit Rome with children is to join a golf cart tour that shows you the city’s main attractions.
With the help of a driver/guide, you’ll be able to see many of Rome’s most beautiful places without having to walk for long hours, and you’ll be able to identify places you might want to revisit on foot later.
Information, prices, and tickets can be found here.
2. Visit the Colosseum. A Colosseum tour that includes the underground tunnels is wonderful for school-age children.
You can choose between a semi-private family tour with a guide or a self-guided tour using an app as an audio guide.
Both include a visit to the underground area, access to the main arena level and second level, plus access to the Roman Forum on the same day or the next day.
>>> My tips for visiting the Colosseum with children can be found here <<<
3. Visit Castel Sant’Angelo with children. Castel Sant’Angelo is the only castle in Rome and is a wonderful place to visit with children.
The towers, bastions, cannons, and secret passages make it interesting for children of all ages, while the view of the city is a delight for adults too.
>>> You can read everything about visiting Castel Sant’Angelo with children here <<<
4. Visit the catacombs. The catacombs are underground early Christian burial sites located beneath the city and connected by a vast network of tunnels.
They’re a very interesting historical site and unique sight that children usually enjoy.
Since the tunnels are deep underground, you really feel like an adventurer, and since the tour is only 45 minutes, it’s the ideal duration to hold their attention.
I recommend this visit for elementary school-age children or older (no small children).
Please note that since the catacombs are burial sites, the visit can be provocative for adults or children – they are not, as many believe, Christian hiding places, but burial places that can evoke strong emotions.
Tickets and information can be found here.
5. Visit Nero’s Domus Aurea. Emperor Nero’s underground palace (see above) is a fun place to visit with children.
The guided tour, while not specifically “for children,” is family-friendly and children will likely enjoy walking through the tall underground tunnels and watching the video at the beginning that shows what the now-destroyed palace looked like.
The beautiful park right in front of the palace is perfect for resting after the visit.
>>> You can read my review of our visit here <<<
6. Watch “Viaggio nei Fori”. Viaggio nei Fori is a light show that brings the ancient Forum of Augustus back to life.
The show takes place outdoors in the evening and is suitable for elementary school-age children.
7. Visit Circus Maximus. Circus Maximus was ancient Rome’s chariot racing stadium and is a great place to visit with children.
Thanks to the so-called “Circus Maximus Experience” tickets, you can get augmented reality visors that will allow you to see the stadium as it is now, but also as it was in its glory days!
The experience is fun, informative, and has that gamification element that many children crave.
>>> You can read our review of the visit and Circus Maximus experience here <<<
8. *Visit the “Welcome to Rome” exhibition. Welcome to Rome is a child-friendly exhibition that uses lighting technology to create 3D images of key Rome attractions and a short film summarizing the city’s history.
This is one of the best children’s exhibitions we’ve found in Rome and is perfect for a little break too.
The film is projected in a small cinema with comfortable seats, ideal for relaxing after all that walking and sightseeing!
You can find ticket information here.
9. Visit Explora. Explora is Rome’s children’s museum and is a wonderful place to explore with kids. During September you can visit its main exhibition space but also enjoy a zipline in the museum’s courtyard.
10. Go to parks. Rome in September is perfect for spending time outdoors, and the many city parks truly provide green spaces for running around.
Among my children’s favorites are Villa Borghese, Villa Torlonia, and Villa Doria Pamphili.
11. Take an art class. We love art lessons, and one of them is the mosaic-making class organized by Arte al Sole.
It’s wonderful for children who enjoy art and takes place right next to the city’s botanical gardens, which are beautiful at this time (small children enter for free).
12. Join locals during children’s sketching tours. A fun activity that allows children to get to know Rome while making friends are the Art & Seek tours.
These tours, designed for both locals and foreigners and visitors, are accessible and take place on weekends when children have the opportunity to visit a museum with a group of peers.
They’re the perfect activity for children who love to draw and one of our favorite children’s activities in Rome (many of them are outdoors!).
13. Take a pizza class. For a hands-on introduction to typical Roman “specialties,” we recommend a pizza course.
We did exactly this with our children through a local family pizza-making class, after which we naturally enjoyed eating our own creations.
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome has hotels for every tourist, regardless of budget. Below you’ll find links to hotels near the most famous attractions in Italy’s capital. Why these specific hotels? Because your time in Rome is limited and you don’t want to spend it traveling just because you’re staying far from the Pantheon or Spanish Steps.
- Hotels with Michelin-Starred Restaurants
- Boutique Hotels
- Hotels in the Historic Center
- Small Luxury Hotels
- Hotels Near Termini Station
- Hotels Near Aventine Hill
- Hotels Near Via del Corso
- Hotels Near the Pantheon
- Hotels Near the Colosseum
- Hotels Near Via Veneto
- Private Villas in Rome
- Hotels Near Fiumicino Airport
- Hotels with Swimming Pools
- Hotels Near the Spanish Steps
- Hotels Near the Vatican
- Hotels in Trastevere
- Hotels Near Campo de’ Fiori
- Hotels Near Piazza Navona
- Hotels Near the Trevi Fountain
I hope this article has been helpful and has assisted you in planning your trip to Rome during September.