Tuscany in September is absolutely worth it, and for many travelers it is even the best month of the year. The summer crowds thin out, temperatures are pleasant, the landscape is in full glory, and local gastronomy reaches its peak with the first truffles and the wine harvest. September combines the best of the Tuscan summer with the peace and authenticity that are rarely found in July and August.
Whether you are hiking through the Casentino hills, visiting wine tastings, or simply want to enjoy a terrace without the crowds of peak tourist season, September has it all. In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions about a Tuscany holiday in September.
What is the weather like in Tuscany in September?
In September the weather in Tuscany is warm and pleasant, without the scorching heat of the summer months. Daytime temperatures typically range between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius, while evenings become noticeably cooler. The chance of rain increases slightly compared to August, but showers are usually brief and are followed by bright sunshine.
For travelers who find the heat of July and August too intense, September is a breath of fresh air. You can comfortably hike, cycle, and explore the surroundings without overheating. In the Casentino hills, at a higher altitude than the coast, temperatures in September are also somewhat more moderate. Cool mornings and warm afternoons alternate in a way that invites you to be active during the day and relax in the evening.
The swimming pool is still perfectly usable in September, as the water has retained the warmth of summer. In short: the Tuscan weather in September is ideal for most travelers.
How busy is Tuscany in September compared to summer?
September is noticeably quieter than the peak months of July and August, although the first half of the month remains popular with European travelers. After mid-September, crowds drop considerably. Popular cities such as Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano are still busy during the day, but the atmosphere is relaxed and queues are shorter. In the countryside and in remote valleys such as the Casentino, the difference is even greater.
For those who want to experience Tuscany without the masses, September is an excellent time. Restaurants fill up less quickly, local producers have more time for personal contact, and the roads are quieter. The low season in Tuscany officially begins later, but September acts as a gentle transition that offers the best of both worlds: good weather and more space.
Travelers who consciously choose a Tuscany holiday in the low season find that they get closer to the local culture. Markets, festivals, and harvest celebrations in September are primarily aimed at the local population, not tourists. That makes the experience a great deal more authentic.
What are the best activities in Tuscany in September?
September in Tuscany is the month of the harvest, nature, and gastronomy. The activities available during this period fit the season perfectly and are often richer than what summer has to offer. Think wine harvesting, truffle hunting, hikes through forests that are beginning to turn color, and culinary workshops using seasonal ingredients.
Some of the best activities in Tuscany in September:
- Truffle hunting: From September, truffle season begins in the Casentino region. Together with a guide and trained dogs, you track down this delicacy in the forests. An unforgettable and unique experience.
- Wine tastings: The grape harvest is in full swing. Local producers open their doors and offer tastings of the freshest wines of the year.
- Hiking in the Casentino National Park: The heat is over, the trails are walkable, and nature is slowly beginning to change color. Walks through the forests toward La Verna are particularly beautiful in September.
- Pasta making: Culinary workshops where you learn how fresh pasta is made with local ingredients are a perfect activity for rainy September afternoons.
- River swimming and river walks: The water in the Corsalone river is still pleasantly warm in September, while the surroundings are quieter than in summer.
- E-mountain biking: With cooler temperatures, cycling through the hills is much more enjoyable. The routes through the Casentino hills are varied and spectacular.
Those looking for a combination of active and culinary experiences will find a rich selection of activities that perfectly suit the September season in the experiences in the Casentino valley.
Is September a good month for a romantic trip to Tuscany?
September is one of the most romantic months to visit Tuscany. The combination of warm but pleasant weather, fewer tourists, rich gastronomy, and spectacular landscapes makes it the ideal time for couples who want to escape the daily hustle. Tuscany in September offers romance without the chaos of peak season.
The evenings are warm enough to eat outside, yet cool enough to be comfortable. Long candlelit dinners on a terrace overlooking the hills, a glass of local wine, and the sound of nature in the background: that is the Tuscany couples are looking for. In the Casentino hills you will find exactly that kind of peace and beauty, far from the bustle of the big cities.
Activities such as a private picnic by the river, a joint truffle hunt, or a wine tasting at a local producer enhance the romantic atmosphere. For couples seeking authenticity and a connection with nature, a Tuscany holiday in September is an excellent choice. The charming cottages in the borgo provide the perfect, intimate home base.
Which parts of Tuscany are most beautiful in September?
In September, the lesser-known, rural parts of Tuscany shine in particular. While cities such as Florence and Siena are still relatively busy, the hills and valleys of the interior reveal their true character. The Casentino region, the Val d’Orcia, the Chianti hills, and the Maremma are at their most beautiful in September: green, peaceful, and full of seasonal activities.
The Casentino region deserves special attention for travelers seeking nature, tranquility, and authenticity. This densely forested area in the northeast of Tuscany, bordering the National Park, is stunning in September. The forests slowly begin to change color, mushrooms and chestnuts appear, and the quiet paths invite hours of walking. Arezzo, the nearest larger city, is less than an hour’s drive away and offers a lovely contrast to rural country life.
The Val d’Orcia, with its iconic cypress trees and rolling grain fields, is equally impressive in September. The harvest is over, the landscape is golden, and the atmosphere is timeless. For those who want to experience Tuscany as it has always been, these less touristy areas are the best choice.
What should you pack for a trip to Tuscany in September?
For a trip to Tuscany in September, it is best to pack for changing conditions. During the day it can still be warm, but evenings and mornings are noticeably cooler, especially in the hills. A combination of light summer clothing and a few warmer layers is the smartest approach.
These are the essential items for your suitcase:
- Light, breathable clothing: Cotton shirts, linen trousers, and dresses for daytime are ideal at temperatures around 25 degrees.
- A light jacket or cardigan: For evenings and mornings, especially if you are staying in the hills where it cools down more quickly.
- Sturdy walking shoes: Essential for hikes through the Casentino forests, river walks, and off-road rides on the e-mountain bike.
- Swimwear: The pool and the river are still well worth using in September.
- A light rain jacket or compact umbrella: September showers are brief but can come on suddenly.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun is still strong in September, especially in the afternoon.
- Comfortable evening wear: Tuscany has a culture of good food and dressing well at the table. Something smart for the evening is far from a luxury.
Travelers who want to be active in nature would do well to also bring a small backpack, a water bottle, and possibly walking poles. September in the Tuscan hills calls for flexibility: you can swim, hike, and enjoy a warm dinner indoors all on the same day.
Novanta in September: nature, peace, and a true Tuscan experience
Novanta, tucked away in the Gello valley in the Casentino hills, is at its very best in September. The borgo becomes quieter, the surroundings slowly begin to change color, and the activities fit perfectly with what the season has to offer. For travelers who want to experience Tuscany in September without the tourist fanfare, this is exactly the place.
What Novanta has to offer in September:
- Truffle hunting with a local guide and trained dogs through the forests of the Casentino
- Wine tastings with local producers during the harvest period
- Hikes through the National Park, including the walk to the monastery of La Verna
- Pasta making and other culinary workshops based on cucina povera
- Swimming in the 20-meter saltwater pool or in the Corsalone river
- E-mountain biking through the hills at more pleasant temperatures than in summer
The accommodations range from charming hotel rooms to spacious holiday homes for families or couples, each furnished with rustic charm and modern comfort. September is also an excellent time to have the borgo to yourself: fewer guests, more space, and a more direct connection with the local community and the nature around you. Want to experience September in Tuscany in the right way? Discover what Novanta has in store for you and book your stay in the Casentino hills.
