Italy in October: Weather Info & Best Places to Travel (2024)

Are you planning a trip to Italy in October?

October is our favorite month to visit Italy. The weather is pleasant, the leaves are changing colors, the food options are incredible, and the busiest part of the tourist season is officially over.

October in Italy brings delicious food festivals throughout the country and a more relaxed experience. The cities aren’t overcrowded, and you have the chance to truly enjoy Italy like a local.

We have spent months in Italy, traveling from north to south, and based on our experience, October is one of the best times to visit.

In this guide, we are sharing all you need to know about traveling to Italy in October. This includes an overview of the best places to visit, the weather, holidays, and tips on how to pack for your trip.

October Italy Weather

October’s weather is usually pleasant with mild temperatures; however, it tends to be a bit unpredictable as we transition into the fall season. You may experience occasional rain mixed in with both sunny and cloudy days.

The weather also varies greatly depending on where you are visiting. While the temperatures cool down and the leaves change colors up north, the southern regions stay pretty warm throughout October.

Take a look at the average temperatures throughout Italy below to get an idea of what to expect for your trip.

Average Temperature in Italy in October

• Northern Italy: Average high temperatures between 66°F – 71°F (19°C – 22°C)
• Central Italy: Average high temperatures between 69°F – 73°F (21°C – 23°C)
• Southern Italy: Average high temperatures between 71°F – 75°F (22°C – 24°C)

Is October during rainy season?

October is the start of rainy season, especially during the latter half of the month. Plan for rainstorms and bring a rain jacket and umbrella to prepare.

Here’s an overview of the weather throughout Italy in October:

Our Experience:

We have visited Italy during the month of October too many times to count. Every time we have visited, the weather has been really mild and enjoyable. It’s also a great time to explore the big cities without the high season crowds.

There are food festivals galore in October. One of our favorites is the Tortellini Festival in Bologna during the first week of the month. Turin’s chocolate festival starts the last weekend of the month and so does the White Truffle Festival in Piedmont.

Up north, the leaves start to change colors. The vibrant red leaves from the vineyards cover the countryside. Down south, in Puglia and Sicily, the towns are quiet and peaceful.

Overall, October is one of the best months to experience Italy’s authentic side, and enjoy the major cities at a more relaxed pace.

Advantages of Visiting Italy in October

• Pleasant weather: October offers a mix of sunny, mild days and cooler evenings, which makes it an ideal time for sightseeing.
• Food Festivals: From pasta to chocolate, there are a ton of food events throughout Italy in October. Keep your eye out for local festivals.
• Shoulder season prices: October is the beginning of the shoulder season, which means accommodation is more affordable than September and other summer months.
• Less crowded: Major attractions are less busy, and in general, there are less tourists in October.

Disadvantages of Visiting Italy in October

• Potential rain: We’ve experienced some rain during the second of half of the month, so plan for this just in case. It depends on the year but we always suggest taking rain gear to be safe.
• Too cold for beach days: October is usually too chilly for swimming and enjoying the beach. However, with that being said, we did go swimming in Puglia during October on a nice day. Again, it depends on the year – if you’re lucky, you may have warmer weather than usual.
• Not ideal for hiking in the mountains: There may be snow in the Dolomites and Alps in October, which makes it difficult for hiking. Plan to go during the first couple of weeks in October to beat the snow.
• Some places may be closed: Certain restaurants and tour operators close down for the season starting in late October. You’ll especially find this in the southern regions, such as Sicily, Puglia, and the Amalfi Coast.

1. Venice in October

Venice is beautiful year-round, but October is especially a nice time to visit. The crowds have slimmed down, the weather is lovely for wandering the canals, and you can enjoy this historic city at a slower pace with the locals.

In 2024, the Venice Biennale (one of the biggest art festivals in the world) is happening throughout the month of October. It starts in April and ends in November. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, this is definitely worth a visit.

A visit to some of the nearby islands, like Murano (the glass island) and Burano (the colorful island), is a great way to get out and explore.

While it’s technically shoulder season, there may still be some lingering crowds. We suggest booking tickets to the major attractions in advance, such as the Doge’s Palace.

Venice Weather in October

Expect highs around 66°F (19°C) and lows around 52°F (11°C). The evenings are crisp so make sure to bring extra layers. There may also be some rainy days, but Venice is wonderful rain or shine!

Things to do in Venice in October

• Attend the Venice Biennale art exhibition that takes place around the city.
• Explore the islands – Murano, Burano, and the Lido.
• Take a gondola ride.
• Visit the main sites, such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and Doge’s Palace.
• Take a vaparetto (water taxi) ride along the Grand Canal.

2. Florence in October

Florence is still a bit crowded in October but not nearly as busy as September and the summer. You still need to book tickets in advance for the main sites, such as the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and the Duomo.

The weather is lovely – not too hot and not too cold – and there is a certain excitement in the air as the countryside and city transforms into a rainbow of fall colors.

Florence Weather in October

October temperatures in Florence are perfect for sightseeing. High temperatures tend to average at 71°F (22°C) and evenings are around 53°F (12°C). This is one of the rainiest months in Florence, with average precipitation around 3.5 inches, so be prepared for potential rainy days.

Things to do in Florence in October

• Explore the Duomo, baptistry, and bell tower.
• Visit the Uffizi Galleries.
• Wander across Ponte Vecchio.
• See Michelangelo’s “David” at the Accademia Gallery.
• Visit the Boboli Gardens.
• Take a walking food tour around the city.

3. Rome in October

Rome is dreamy during the fall season. It’s still warm enough to explore without a jacket during the day, and you can dine outside for lunch and dinner.

The main tourist attractions are still quite crowded in October. To avoid waiting in lines, book your tickets in advance for the Colosseum and Vatican museums.

Get up early or stay out later to enjoy some of the public sites, such as the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, without all the crowds.

Additionally, the Rome Film Festival takes place from October 16-27, 2024.

Rome weather in October

The temperatures in Rome in October are ideal. Daytime highs reach 73°F (23°C) and lows are 53°F (12°C). It can be rainy in October, so make sure to pack accordingly.

Things to do in Rome in October

• Visit the ancient Roman sites, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon.
• See the Trevi Fountain.
• Visit Vatican City and see the Vatican museums.
• Climb the Spanish steps and enjoy the views from Pincian Hill.
• Wander around the Trastevere neighborhood.
• Eat at the Testaccio market, one of the best indoor food markets in Rome.

4. Verona in October

Verona is one of northern Italy’s most charming cities, and it’s wonderful in the fall. The surrounding hillsides are bursting with color, and the city isn’t packed with summer tourists.

Whether you have one or two days in Verona, there is plenty to do here to keep you busy. Verona also makes a good home base if you’re planning to explore the region and take some day trips.

Here are a few day trips we recommend:

• Mantua
• Padua
• Vicenza
• Venice
• Lake Garda

Verona weather in October

October in Verona sees average daytime temperatures of 66°F (19°C) and evening temperatures of 49°F (9°C). Expect some rain and bring warmer clothes for the evenings.

Things to do in Verona in October

• Visit the city’s main sites, such as the Roman Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and Juliet’s Balcony.
• Enjoy the views from the top of Torre dei Lamberti and Castel San Pietro.
• Visit Verona’s 4 churches.
• Wander through the beautiful Giusti Gardens.

5. Milan in October

Milan is Italy’s modern business capital, and it’s busy year-round. October is a great time to visit, thanks to the pleasant weather and decline in peak season crowds.

With that being said, it’s still best to book your tickets for popular attractions, such as the Milan Duomo and The Last Supper in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.

Milan weather in October

October temperatures are perfect for sightseeing with daytime highs of 66°F (19°C) and evening lows of 51°F (11°C). October is one of Milan’s rainiest months, so it may be a bit overcast and wet.

Things to do in Milan in October

• See The Last Supper by Leonardo DaVinci.
• Visit the Duomo and get tickets to climb to the roof.
• Shop at the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II.
• Enjoy aperitivo by the Navigli Canals.
• Visit the stunning Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore.

6. Bologna & Emilia Romagna in October

Bologna is one of Italy’s up-and-coming destinations. In total, we have spent over 2 months exploring the best of Bologna and most often we visit during the months of October and November.

October is probably our favorite month to go to Bologna. Not only is the weather nice, but the rich and heavy food from the region is more enjoyable to eat when it’s a bit cooler outside.

It’s a great time to visit local food producers, enjoy handmade pasta, and visit some of the historical sites in Bologna.

The surrounding hills and countryside are spectacular and vibrant throughout the month. We recommend taking day trips to some of the beautiful towns in the Emilia Romagna region, such as:

• Parma – home to Parmigiano Reggiano and one of the most beautiful Duomo’s in the region.
• Modena – home to Balsamic Vinegar and the Ferrari Museum.
• Ravenna – home to incredible must-see Byzantine Mosaics.
• Dozza – a small village with beautiful outdoor art murals and a fantastic regional wine shop.
• Brisighella – a medieval village with gorgeous scenery and a lot of delicious olive oil and local wines

Bologna weather in October

Every time we have visited Bologna in October, the weather has been sunny and mild. Average daytime temperatures are 67°F (19°C) and evenings are 52°F (11°C).

Things to do in Bologna in October

• Go on a Bologna Food Tour.
• Climb the longest portico in the world to San Luca.
• Enjoy the views from the Asinelli Tower.
• Appreciate the medieval architecture in Piazza Maggiore.
• Explore the oldest university in the world.

Check out our one, two, and three-day Bologna itineraries to help plan your stay.

7. Tuscany in October

October in Tuscany is fantastic, not only because it’s much quieter than September but also because the countryside is absolutely stunning. It’s a bit cooler this time of year, but in my opinion, fall weather is perfect for visiting Tuscany’s charming hilltop towns.

We recommend taking a road trip around Tuscany. From small villages like San Gimignano, Volterra, and Montepulciano, to larger ones like Lucca and Siena. You could easily spend a week exploring the Tuscan countryside.

Additionally, the mild temperatures make for a great excuse to head to one of Tuscany’s natural hot springs, such as Saturnia Hot Springs.

Tuscany weather in October

October is the second rainiest month in Tuscany, so be prepared for potential storms. The first half of the month should have better weather than the second half.

Depending on where you are visiting, the weather varies throughout the region. Located in central Tuscany, Siena’s average temperatures range from 71°F (22°C) in the daytime and 53°F (12°C) in the evening.

8. Turin & Piedmont in October

Turin is one of Italy’s underrated destinations. With its elegant cafes, historic museums, beautiful baroque buildings, and delicious cuisine, October is a fantastic time to explore this city.

If you’re visiting Turin at the end of October, you’re in luck. The famous chocolate festival, Cioccolatò, starts the last week of the month. Chocolatiers from around Italy showcase their delicious chocolate creations over the course of ten days.

Sadly, we missed the festival by a week on our last visit to Turin, so we took ourselves on a self-guided chocolate tour instead. Make sure to taste some Gianduja chocoalte from Caffarel or Guido Gobino, a soft chocolate mixed with hazelnuts.

Also, order a Bicerin drink from a cafe – a warm drink made with espresso, chocolate, and cream. Yum!

Turin weather in October

October is chilly in Turin. Expect highs of 59°F (15°C) and lows of 51°F (11°C).

Things to do in Turin in October

• Visit the oldest Egyptian Museum in the world – Museo Egizio.
• Enjoy the view of the city and the alps from the Basilica of Superga.
• Wander around the Piazza San Carlo.
• Visit the Mole Antonelliana and the Cinema Museum.

READ ALSO: One Day in Turin Itinerary

9. Puglia in October

Puglia is a popular summer, coastal destination located on the heel of Italy. You may be wondering why we are including this on our October list of best places to visit in Italy?

Well, we spent 2 weeks in Puglia in October and we absolutely loved it! No, it’s not the best time for swimming, but the crowds were pretty much non-existent.

We visited popular towns, such as Alberobello, Poliganon a Mare, and Ostuni, and many restaurants and shops were still open. If you’re looking for a calmer and more relaxed Puglia experience, October is the time to visit.

Puglia weather in October

Located in southern Italy, Puglia is quite warm in October. With daytime highs of 73°F (23°C) and evening lows of 60°F (16°C) , it’s a great place to visit if you’re in search of warm weather in the fall.

Things to do in Puglia in October

• Visit historic towns, such as Locorotondo, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Lecce, and Alberobello.
• Taste some fresh seafood.

10. Sicily in October

Looking for warm weather in October? Head south to Sicily!

With fewer crowds and nice weather, October is a wonderful time to enjoy Sicily’s ancient sights and historic towns. During the first half of the month, you may even have warm enough weather to enjoy the beach, or a dip in the Mediterranean!

Sicily weather in October

Daytime temperatures in October get up to 75°F (24°C) and evening tempratures around 64°F (18°C). There is a chance of rain, as Palermo sees an average rainfall of 3.78″ in October.

Things to do in Sicily in October

• Visit Palermo, Taormina, Catania, Cefalu and the island’s other main cities.
• Explore the Aeolian islands just off the coast of Sicily.
• Hike to the top of Mount Etna.

11. Cinque Terre in October

Cinque Terre can be a hit or miss in October. Either you’ll have a gorgeous sunny day, or a cloudy and rainy day. You should have the best luck during the first half of the month.

The highlight of visiting Cinque Terre in October is that you won’t have the insane summer crowds. This region gets extremely busy during the spring and summer, but it’ll be much less busy in October.

We recommend spending one night in Cinque Terre, so you can enjoy your visit without feeling rushed.

Cinque Terre weather in October

With pleasant days around 68°F (20°C) and evenings around 55°F (13°C) , the weather is nice for hiking and exploring the villages.

Things to do in Cinque Terre in October

• Enjoy the beach in Monterosso al Mare.
• Hike the Vernazza to Corniglia trail.
• Experience the sunset in Manarola.
• Take in the views in Riomaggiore.
• Go swimming in Vernazza or Manarola.

12. Umbria in October

Umbria is one of our favorite regions to escape the crowds and enjoy authentic Italian life. October brings many harvest festivals to the region and incredible fall landscapes.

Take a road trip to some of the enchanting towns, such as Orvieto, Spello, Assisi, and Perugia.

Umbria weather in October

In October, Umbria experiences highs of 69°F (21°C) and lows of 51°F (11°C). Perfect weather for sightseeing around the countryside.

Things to do in Umbria in October

• Explore Lake Trasimeno and Isola Maggiore.
• Visit Assisi, Orvieto, Spoleto, and Perugia.
• Go biking or hiking around the hills.
• Check out Marmore Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.

Cost to Visit Italy in October

Is Italy cheap in October? Overall, prices for accommodation, rental cars, and certain activities are cheaper in October, especially compared to peak summer months.

This makes it a great time to visit popular destinations, like Rome or Florence, because hotels are more affordable than during high tourist season.

Even though it’s less busy this time of year, we still recommend booking well in advance to get the best rates for your hotels, flights, and rental cars.

Holidays & Festivals in October

October is a month of local food and harvest festivals. If you’re a food-lover, this is a great time of year to visit.

Here are a few festivals in Italy in October:

• White Truffle Festival: Over the course of 2 months in the town of Alba, this festival celebrates the highly coveted white truffle. With cooking classes, Medieval festivities, wine tastings, and other events, this is a must-visit if you are truffle fan.
• Pistachio Festival: Located in the town of Bronte in Sicily, this festival celebrates Sicilian pistachios. With music performances, tastings, tours, and other celebrations, this is a must-visit while you’re in Sicily.
• Tortellini Festival: Hosted in the Palazzo Re Enzo, 21 chefs from around Bologna cook up their version of tortellini. We experienced this festival in 2022 and tried 6 different versions! It’s one of our favorite food experiences in Bologna.
• Feast of Saint Francis: On October 4th, in Assisi, the city celebrates Saint Francis, the patron saint. He is the patron of animals and the environment. You’ll find festivities throughout the city between October 3-4.
• Boccaccesca Festival: Located in Certaldo, near Florence, this is a festival dedicated to local food and drinks. You’ll find people cooking meals on the street and other events happening throughout this Tuscan town.
• Sagra dell’Uva: During the first weekend in October in Marino, Italy, just south of Rome, the entire town turns into a giant wine festival. You can drink wine from the city’s central fountain and wander around the market and other celebrations.

What to wear in Italy in October?

Wondering what clothes to pack for your trip to Italy in October? The weather during this month can be quite unpredictable, and it all depends on what region of Italy you’re visiting. Here’s what we recommend packing:

• Pack for rain: Bring a rain jacket and umbrella just in case it rains while you’re in Italy.
• Pack layers: The days may be warm and the evenings cooler. Pack layers, so you can dress accordingly.
• Bring comfortable shoes: No matter where you go in Italy, there’s always a lot of walking involved. Wear shoes that you can walk in all day.

If you are visiting the southern regions, such as Puglia or Sicily, pack light layers and some summer clothes, as the temperatures are much warmer than the northern and central regions.

Getting around Italy in October

Whether you rent a car, take the train, or take a flight, Italy is easy to travel around. Here are a few tips to help you navigate your way around:

• Train travel in Italy: Taking the train is one of the best and most convenient ways to get around for your trip to Italy. Book your tickets online in advance via Trenitalia.com, the official website for booking train tickets. Download the app for the easiest use. For high-speed trains, try to reserve your tickets at least 3-weeks ahead of time for the best prices.
• Renting a car in Italy: We have rented a car more times than we can count in Italy and it’s one of the best ways to explore some of the more hidden gems in Italy. Rent your car through Discover Cars, our go-to rental car site for Europe, to get the best prices.
• Traveling by air in Italy: There are plenty of airports to get you around Italy. If you’re planning to visit both northern (Venice or Milan) and southern (Sicily or Puglia) Italy on the same trip, then flying is the quickest way to get around.

Travel Tips for visiting Italy in October

• Book advance tickets: For popular attractions, reserve tickets online to avoid lines.
• Reserve travel: Book hotels, flights, rental cars, and high-speed train tickets well in advance to get the best prices and options.
• Reserve restaurants: Reserve restaurants at least a couple of days in advance for popular spots in the major cities.
• Check for festivals: Research local festivals and events happening in October. There are many food-related festivals happening all over the country this month.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Information for your Trip to Italy

• Italy in April
• Italy in May
• Italy in June
• Italy in July
• Italy in August
• Italy in September
• Italy in November
• Italy in December