September in Puglia: The Best Festivals and Events

Good morning, I’m Elisabetta, your personal concierge at BeBari Apartments. Let me guide you on a journey to discover the wonders of Puglia in September, a month where the heat of summer gently fades into an autumn rich in colors and flavors.

September: Ideal Climate for the Sea and Discovery

September in Puglia offers a particularly pleasant climate, ideal for those who want to avoid the intense heat of summer but still enjoy warm and comfortable temperatures. The days begin to shorten compared to the summer months, but September is still rich in sunshine with an average of seven to eight hours of daylight per day. Daytime temperatures generally range between 20°C and 28°C, creating the perfect environment for a variety of outdoor activities, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the numerous natural and cultural sites in the region. Precipitation during this period is relatively low, with occasional short rains that can refresh the air, making the evenings pleasantly cool and ideal for enjoying the Puglian nightlife or a moonlit dinner. The sea still retains the warmth accumulated during the summer, with water temperatures around 24°C, inviting for swimming and water sports.

… It’s Still Time for the Sea!

If you love a more relaxed vacation, without the hustle of the high beach season, this is the ideal month. The climate (especially in the first two weeks) is ideal and the water is still very warm. A perfect time to go to the beach!

• Choose from the most photographed (and beautiful) beaches of Puglia or browse through the most beautiful beaches of Puglia (with map)

Cultural and Natural Explorations

The region blooms with cultural events, including film festivals, traditional music reviews, and art fairs that animate the cities and villages. A must-visit is the famous trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or a stroll through the stones of Matera, a city unique in its kind. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Torre Guaceto nature reserve, where nature begins to show the first signs of autumn.

• Be in the middle of nature with the best hikes, walks, and trekking in Puglia
• Go biking, read Cycling in Puglia: ideas and itineraries
• Discover what gravine are and where to see them (with map)

Gastronomic Delights of September

September is the month of the grape harvest, and Puglia, with its vast vineyards, offers the opportunity to participate in food and wine tours where you can taste some of the best local wines directly from the producers. It is also the time of festivals, where you can taste dishes made with seasonal products such as porcini mushrooms and the first truffles, as well as delight the palate with olives, figs, and fresh grapes. Fish dishes are always a winning choice, with the sea offering its best. Taste the typical dishes of Puglia: what to eat (by area) Taste the Best Apulian Wines: A Journey Through Types, Tours, and Wineries

Activities and Fun

Take advantage of the crystal-clear waters of our sea to dive into activities like snorkeling or diving. The less crowded beaches are ideal for those seeking tranquility or wanting to practice water sports like kitesurfing. Additionally, September is the ideal time to explore the trekking paths that line the coast or delve into the hinterland, offering spectacular views and close encounters with local flora and fauna.

• Read where to do water sports and adventure in Puglia

Events in September in Puglia

September in Puglia is a month rich in festivals and fairs, ranging from religious celebrations to cultural and gastronomic events. Here are some of the most significant events that take place this month:

1. Festival of San Rocco (Torre Paduli – Ruffano, first week of September)

In Torre Paduli, a fraction of Ruffano, the festival of San Rocco is famous for its sword dance, a tradition that sees participants dance to the rhythm of the pizzica, brandishing sticks or swords in a ritual dance.

2. Festival of Municeddha (Cisternino, first weekend of September)

The Festival of Municeddha celebrates snails, considered a local delicacy. During the event, snails can be tasted cooked in various ways, following the traditional recipes of the territory.

3. Festival of Santa Maria di Leuca (Leuca, 8-9 September)

The festival in honor of Santa Maria di Leuca is one of the most important events for the town, characterized by religious processions both on land and at sea and magnificent fireworks displays.

4. Patronal Festival of San Michele Arcangelo (Monte Sant’Angelo, 29 September)

Monte Sant’Angelo celebrates its patron, San Michele Arcangelo, with a series of religious and cultural events, including concerts, fairs, and a large procession through the streets of the town.

5. Festival of Tarantella (Diso, mid-September)

The Festival of Tarantella is an event dedicated to the celebration of this traditional Apulian dance, with performances by local and national folk groups performing the pizzica and the tarantella.

6. Grape Festival (Locorotondo, third weekend of September)

Locorotondo hosts the Grape Festival, an event that celebrates the grape harvest with wine tastings, local crafts exhibitions, and a parade with allegorical floats depicting scenes of grape picking.

7. Festival of the Fig (Martina Franca, end of September)

This festival is dedicated to the fig, a fruit very present in Puglia. The event offers the opportunity to taste and buy fresh figs and derived products, such as jams and fig desserts.

8. European Film Festival (Lecce, variable, generally at the end of September)

This festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts to Lecce for a week of screenings, meetings with the authors, and workshops dedicated to European cinema. September in Puglia is therefore an ideal time for those who wish to immerse themselves in the cultural and gastronomic traditions of the region, with an event calendar that offers unique opportunities to live authentic and engaging experiences.

For a September vacation in Puglia, choose BeBari Apartments

At BeBari Apartments, we offer the perfect base to explore all these wonders. With our virtual check-in, you are free to arrive whenever you prefer, and our comfortable and fully equipped apartments will allow you to live a vacation in total independence. We are strategically located, just a few minutes from the center of Bari and the main tourist attractions. September in Puglia awaits you with a warm embrace of late summer, rich in experiences and flavors. We look forward to welcoming you to BeBari Apartments, where your unforgettable journey begins with us. Be Free, Be Bari! If you have any other questions or wish to book your stay, do not hesitate to contact us. See you soon in Puglia!