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Naples in September is possibly one of the best times of the entire year to plan your trip for, with perfect weather conditions and lots of fun things still happening. However, if you come this month, you won’t be alone!
September is one of the busiest times of the year to visit Naples but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax
Everything you need to know about Naples in September
September in Naples is right for a lot of people. The temperatures start to fall, making it cool enough to be out all day sightseeing but still warm enough to go to the beach and swim in the sea. There is also still a perception that with the end of school holidays, travel will be easier and crowds will have eased.
With temperatures falling from their summer highs, September is a great time of year to explore Naples
Unfortunately, with everyone thinking like this, and the fact the weather in Naples is ideal, September is extremely busy here! I get taken aback by the sudden increase in visitors from August to September every year, but with some forward planning you’ll be able to have a great trip.
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Naples at this time of year:
Naples weather in September
September Naples weather is everything you could want from a vacation destination. The average temperature during the day starts off around 82°F/28°C, steadily dropping to around 77°F/25°C by the end of the month.
The average low temperature follows a similar pattern, reaching lows around 62°F/16°C, so it feels a lot milder in the evenings. We don’t see a lot of rain falls in September but the average rainfall and cloud cover does start to creep up as we get closer to October.
These lower temperatures make September perfect for being outside a lot. Climbing Mount Vesuvius will reward you with stunning views and you can spend hours exploring Pompeii without being as worried about the heat.
The average temperature further south on the Amalfi coast is very similar to Naples so it’s still plenty warm enough to go swimming and enjoy the beaches in the sun!
We love how the light changes at this time of year as the evenings get shorter
What to pack for Naples Italy in September
Packing for Naples in September is all about being flexible and having a few different options available.
At the start of September we still get very warm temperatures during the day but the evenings are already starting to cool down. You should pack some slightly heavier layers like a cardigan or light pullover ready for when the sun sets, but you won’t need this during the day.
Cotton pants or hiking pants paired with light t-shirts or short sleeved tops will work well for sightseeing. You can wear shorts if you prefer but you may feel chilly if you go inside churches or visit an underground site so I’d recommend long pants or dresses/skirts instead.
Towards the end of September the chance of some rain gets slightly higher so I’d recommend packing a travel umbrella just in case you need it. The weather in Naples starts to have a hint of fall in it so I’d recommend packing slightly heavier clothes and definitely a light jacket for the evenings.
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the fall:
General Naples packing tips
There are certain things you’ll want to include in your packing whatever time of year you visit Naples, and I recommend that you keep these travel essentials with you in your carry on bags to avoid any problems, including:
You should also make sure to have copies of your passport (either paper photocopies or digital copies on your cell phone), the details of your travel including hotels and transfers and any medications that you need to take regularly.
Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:
What to wear during a September visit to Naples
There are two rules that apply year-round when deciding what to wear in Naples, but really, they apply anywhere in Italy!
Rule 1 – Be comfortable
As you’ll likely be walking around a lot in September, you should think about your footwear above all else.
Spending days walking the ancient streets of Pompeii, exploring the historic center of Naples and walking up and down stone flooring in museums really puts pressure on your feet. Wearing good quality walking shoes will help you avoid pain but also allow you to do as much walking as you want!
In September I alternate between walking sandals and reliable sneakers. This way I have sandals for when it’s warmer and closed toe shoes that are better if we have one of the occasional rainy days.
Rule 2 – Dress in layers
The changeable weather, especially at the end of September, means layers are key.
I suggest you wear layers that you can remove and put on easily according to whether you’re out in the midday sun or eating dinner outside at night. Light cotton t-shirts, light cardigans or jackets are all good choices, and I also would bring a light scarf.
Having a mix of summer clothes with some slightly heavier and long-sleeved options will mean you’re prepared for anything!
Want to know more about what to pack for a trip to Naples & Campania?
Check out our guide dedicated to what to pack including recommended and must have items, and our personal tips from years of travel experience:
Is September a good time to visit Naples Italy?
I always enjoy September in Naples. The slightly cooler weather after the heat of July and August is very welcome, and even with the influx of visitors, the city is still fun to be in.
Visiting Naples or Campania from Rome?
If you’re looking to visit Naples or Campania from Rome for a day trip, be sure to check out these incredible tours from our friends at Take Walks.
Each experience offers you an easy way to visit sites like Pompeii, Vesuvius or the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Transport and tickets are all taken care of, leaving you to focus 100% on enjoying your time here!
You will be able to enjoy the sights in Naples and Campania without struggling in the heat, lots of things are open late and you can still enjoy a lot of outdoor and nighttime events. Ferries are still running regularly to Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi coast so you can also make the most of the summer season on the coast before the weather turns more autumnal.
There will be a lot of other people doing the same thing however!
One of our favorite sites to visit in September is the archeological park at Baiae – it is rarely busy and offers an insight into how the the ancient rich and famous lived in this area
How crowded is Naples during September?
Why is September so busy? This isn’t just the case in Naples, many other places in Italy like Rome, Venice and Florence are equally as full in September.
I think it’s because it’s a beautiful time of year for the visitors who crave a quieter, slower-paced experience here. These people tend not to base their vacations on school schedules so they come in huge numbers, ironically to avoid the summer crowds.
This makes Naples in September high season, and the crowds don’t really go away until November. In September Naples hotel rates are higher than in August and flights can also be on the higher side.
Luckily, even with the increase in visitors, Naples and Campania have such a wide variety of things to do that you can easily visit places that aren’t packed! Take a look at our page here about what to do beyond Naples for some ideas.
If you do want to go to the top sites like Pompeii, make sure to book your tickets well in advance (or arrange a tour) and try to plan your visit for either the very start or end of the day when the crowds are smaller.
What food to eat in September in Naples
September in Naples is the perfect foodie month, with the end of the summer produce giving way to the fruit and vegetables of early fall. Getting the best of both worlds means I can have a fresh Caprese salad one day and then a hearty dish of pasta e fagiole (pasta and beans) the next, so I always love when September comes around!
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is particularly good at this time of year as well, with the last of the sweet tomatoes perfect for making a delicious sauce. Originating in Sorrento, this is one of those simple but incredible dishes that will leave you wondering how they made it taste so good.
Unsure what you want to eat? Do as we often do and get a mix of smaller plates to try different things
What to do during September 2024 in Naples Italy
September holidays and special dates in Naples
There are no national holidays in September but there is one big Neapolitan holiday to be aware of:
September 19 – Festa di San Gennaro
While the feast of San Gennaro that happens in May commemorates the day his body was moved to the catacombs that bear his name, September 19 commemorates the day he died in the early 4th century.
As in May (and again in December) the ampoule that holds his blood is brought out and after a passionate service is held, it is inspected to see if the blood has liquefied. If the blood is indeed liquid, this is a cause for huge celebration as it bodes well for the city!
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Explanations for the blood solidifying and then liquefying have long been discussed, with some people convinced it is all a trick of some kind. Whatever the truth may be, it is a truly unique ceremony which Neapolitans are very passionate about.
I have been fortunate enough to be in the presence of the liquid blood in the Royal Chapel of San Gennaro and the atmosphere was electric. I choose to believe in what it means to the people of Naples even if it may be that the blood itself isn’t real – count how many representations of the saint you see all over the city and you will see what I mean!
Discover what’s on in Naples and Campania
There’s no shortage of special events, exhibitions and unique experiences happening right now in Naples and Campania! Check out the full listing here:
Free Things to do during September in Naples
On the first Sunday of each month, a number of museums, art galleries and archeological sites are open for free to all visitors all over Italy.
In the city of Naples you can get free entry to many places, including these locations:
- MANN – National Archeological Museum of Naples
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Capodimonte Museum
- Castel Sant’Elmo
- The Museum and Charterhouse of San Martino
In Campania, you can visit some locations for free as well, including:
- Pompeii
- Herculaneum
- The archeological park and museum at Paestum
- The ancient Roman villas at Oplontis and Stabiae
- The sites within the Phlegrean Fields area
Booking in advance for the Free Sunday is not generally possible so aim to arrive early and expect large lines at the most popular sights – particularly Pompeii.
Lower average temperatures but almost-guaranteed sunshine makes September a great time of year for active pursuits such as kayaking along the Sorrentine peninsula
If you have another day when you could visit Pompeii, I would recommend avoiding the Free Sunday event and visiting one of the other free sites, saving your Pompeii sightseeing for a different day when it will be easier to get in.
Of course, there are lots of other things you can do for free at any time. You could explore the narrow streets of the historic center, browse the stalls in San Gregorio Armeno (‘Christmas Alley’) or head up to the Vomero hill and admire the view of the city and Mount Vesuvius – just some of the other free Naples experiences!
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More ideas for things to do in Naples during September
Maybe this is your second, third, fourth or more time visiting Naples, or you have time in your itinerary to spare and want to see more of Campania. Luckily, as well as all the must-see Naples and Campania attractions, there are lots of fantastic things to see and do here!
Take a look at our dedicated page all about going further afield to explore beyond Naples for some ideas, or set your sights on other Italian destinations. With the excellent rail network running up and down the country you could easily do day trips to Rome or Florence, or head south to Salerno to see a different city!
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To sum up…
Naples in September has the perfect weather, but this attracts lots of other visitors so you will need to be prepared to deal with busy sights and beaches.
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