September eases Florence from its summer crush into a golden lull. Long, warm days invite late gelato strolls; locals return, art shows reopen, and the countryside brims with vendemmia (grape harvest) joy. Aim for early morning museum slots and cool evenings across the Arno. Many artisan studios resume full hours this month.
Florence in September 2025 at a glance
🌧️ Weather
Average highs 27 °C / 81 °F; cool evenings and light early showers.
Skip the gondola envy. Florence has its own flat-bottomed barchetti. Glide under Ponte Vecchio and past riverside palazzi before the season ends.
Offbeat experiences in September
See the Carro Matto roll into town
A wine-loaded cart led by white oxen Florence welcomes Chianti novello with this quirky September parade. Barrels are stacked pyramid-style and blessed near the Duomo. 📍 Where:Piazza del Duomo
Photograph sunrise from Fiesole hilltop
Etruscan views and golden fog Take the #7 bus to Fiesole pre-dawn. The Arno valley below glows pink in early fall light — a favorite for photo buffs. 📍 Where:Fiesole Belvedere
Browse Sant’Ambrogio Market midweek
Local chatter, fresh figs, no tour groups More authentic than San Lorenzo, this is where locals shop. September figs, cheeses, and porcini are at their peak. 📍 Where:Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti
Watch artisans restore ancient art
Behind-the-scenes at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure This lab isn’t a museum — it’s where Florence repairs its masterpieces. Book a guided visit to see real restorers at work. 📍 Where:Via Alfani 78
Evening jazz in cloisters
Cool sounds under Renaissance arches Venues like Cenacolo di Fuligno host autumn jazz sets in hushed refectories. Check local listings for one-night shows. 📍 Where: Varies – Fuligno or Museo del Bargello
Festivals and events in Florence this September 2025
Kids parade with handmade paper lanterns through Florence’s streets, celebrating the Virgin’s birthday. Best seen after dark; buy a lantern from local stalls.
Tents pour hundreds of wines; local food stalls and live music complete the vibe. Catch the bus from Florence for a full-day outing.
Estate Fiorentina Finale
Dates: Until mid-September
Event type: Cultural Festival
Location: Citywide
End-of-summer concerts, theater, and film screenings wrap up this city-sponsored arts fest. Some events require RSVP; check the city portal.
Highlights for different traveler types
Couples
Share sunset picnics at Piazzale Michelangelo with seasonal wine and cheese.
Book a private vineyard tour near Greve for a romantic harvest escape.
Dine al fresco along the Arno as lanterns reflect in the water.
Culture vultures
See Botticelli, Giotto, and da Vinci with elbow room at the Uffizi.
Attend Firenze Jazz Fringe sets in Oltrarno cloisters.
Join a guided tour of art restoration labs at Opificio delle Pietre Dure.
Foodies
Taste schiacciata all’uva still warm from the bakery.
Sample porcini-laced pasta at neighborhood trattorie.
Sip new-release Chianti at Carro Matto and countryside wine events.
Your perfect 3-day Florence in September itinerary
Morning:Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome right after opening.
Breakfast: Espresso and cornetto near Piazza San Giovanni.
Midday: Cross Ponte Vecchio and visit artisan workshops.
Lunch: Tuscan plate at Trattoria La Casalinga, Oltrarno.
Afternoon: Explore Boboli Gardens and Bardini Terrace.
Evening: Watch sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo with wine.
Morning:Uffizi Gallery , prebooked for 10:30 am.
Breakfast: Sit-down at Caffè Gilli near Piazza della Repubblica.
Midday: Browse Sant’Ambrogio Market; snack on focaccia.
Lunch: Cheese & salumi board with wine at La Prosciutteria.
Afternoon: Visit Opificio delle Pietre Dure or nearby Accademia.
Evening: Catch jazz at Cenacolo di Fuligno or riverside set.
Morning: Head to Greve in Chianti by bus (~1 hr).
Breakfast: Cappuccino and brioche in town square.
Midday: Tour a Chianti Classico estate during harvest.
Lunch: Winery lunch with seasonal pairings.
Afternoon: Return to Florence; stop at gelateria.
Evening: Aperitivo near Santo Spirito, then stroll.
Best day trips from Florence in September
Greve in Chianti
🚌 Travel time: ~1 h by bus Visit during the Chianti Wine Expo for tastings, live folk music, and autumn vineyard backdrops. Book vineyard visits ahead for harvest access.
Fiesole
🚌 Travel time: ~30 min by bus #7 A quick escape with Etruscan ruins and sweeping views. In September’s softer light, it’s a calm spot for morning hikes or open-air lunches.
San Gimignano
🚃 Travel time: ~90 min via train + bus Medieval towers, gelato glory, and crisp countryside air. Fewer groups visit in September. Climb Torre Grossa for golden-hour vistas.
