One of the most asked questions I get about visiting Italy is when is the best time to visit. Having lived in Italy for several years now, I can easily say that Italy in October is probably one of my favourite months to explore. The summer heat is gone, the kids have returned to school, and you can experience a more authentic Italy.
October also offers more comfortable weather and fewer crowds (you’ll still find tourists, just not as many as during the summer months). It’s also a time for various harvest festivals, which offer an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and culture. Here is why you should visit Italy in October.
Weather in Italy in October
In October, you’ll still get lots of sunshine and mild temperatures. While Italians tend to pull out their sweaters and warm jackets the moment temperatures drop below 20°C, it’s warm enough to wear a T-shirt and a light jacket. You might get more rainy days, especially toward the end of the month, but there is still plenty of sunshine.
The temperatures in Italy in October will vary depending on where you go, but overall, the weather is still pleasant. In the north, you’ll get daytime temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F) and it gets warmer the further south you go. Temperatures in central Italy range from 18-23°C (64-73°F), while in the south and coastal areas, you can still get temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F) and above.
Festivals and cultural events in Italy in October
October marks the start of many local harvest festivals (called sagre), where you can indulge in regional specialties, from chestnuts and truffles to mushrooms and wine. I love this time of year, as many towns in our area host different events. One of the biggest festivals in our region is the Montella Chestnut Festival. Montella is known for its excellent chestnuts, and last year, I scored a 5 kg bag for five euros, which was a great deal.
- Alba White Truffle Festival (Piedmont) – Indulge in everything truffle at the 94th edition of this famous festival. Held in Alba from October 12 to December 8, the festival celebrates the prized white truffle, featuring truffle markets, cooking shows, gourmet food stands, and regional wine tastings.
- Festa della Castagna (Chestnut Festival) – Discover the flavours of chestnuts at one of the many festivals held in towns across Italy. You can find chestnut festivals across Tuscany, Campania and Piedmont. Many feature food stalls, chestnut-based dishes and cultural festivities.
- Wine festivals – October is the perfect month for wine lovers. You can explore vineyards and attend harvest festivals like the Vendemmia (grape harvest) in Tuscany and Umbria.
- Olive harvesting – October marks the beginning of the olive harvest in regions like Puglia, Tuscany and Umbria. You can visit local farms and participate in the harvest, followed by olive oil tastings and tours.
- Festa di San Francesco (Feast of Saint Francis) – This annual religious celebration, held on October 4, celebrates Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, animals and the environment. The event takes place in Assisi, his birthplace. It is a significant religious event marked by processions, masses and blessings.
- Venice Marathon (Veneto) – Taking place on October 27, the Venice Marathon brings over 5,000 runners to the city. If you’re into running, it’s a great way to experience the beauty of Venice as you make your way through this historic city.
- Sagra del Tordo (Tuscany): The Sagra del Tordo (Festival of the Thrush) takes place in Montalcino from October 25 to the 27 and celebrates the town’s hunting heritage with archery contests, parades in medieval costumes, and feasts featuring local game and wine. Enjoy historical re-enactments, music and performances as you immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying the region’s renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine.
Best places to visit in Italy in October
Italy in October is like a bridge between seasons. In the north, you’ll get more fall vibes as the leaves change colours and the air is crisp, especially in the morning. It’s a great time for wine tours, hikes and food tours. The further down you go, the warmer the weather, and you can still enjoy some beach time and outdoor activities.
As October is still reasonably warm, you can explore outdoor attractions that would be very uncomfortable in summer. This includes archeological sites, ancient ruins and parks. It’s the perfect time for walking tours, cooking classes and festivals. Here are some places in Italy in October that you might prefer to visit outside the primary tourist season.
Tuscany
October is a magical time to visit Tuscany. The rolling hills are cloaked in morning fog and fall colours. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and road trips. This is a great opportunity to visit vineyards and indulge in wine tastings.
Cities like Florence, Pisa and Siena are less crowded, making October an ideal time to explore these popular towns. Even though it’s not the peak tourist season, you should still book your tickets to the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo ahead of time.
- Explore charming hill towns like San Gimignano and Volterra without the summer crowds
- Enjoy a small group tour of the Val d’Orcia wine region
- Experience Tuscan truffle hunting with wine and lunch
- Visit Tuscany’s Chianti region on a private day trip from Florence (perfect for wine lovers)
- Visit Florence’s Uffizi Gallery with skip-the-line tickets
Piedmont
Piedmont is famous for its wine and truffles, and October is the peak season for both. The White Truffle Festival in Alba is a must for food enthusiasts, offering a chance to taste the prized white truffles and indulge in the region’s fine wines. In addition to culinary delights, Piedmont will wow you with stunning landscapes. The Alps offer a dramatic backdrop to the fall colours in the region’s vineyards and forests.
Piedmont is an ideal destination for those who appreciate nature and outdoor activities. Truffle hunting and indulging in the region’s hearty cuisine are must-do activities for any traveller.
Campania
Campania is known for the Amalfi Coast, Naples and ancient ruins. While the coast is still popular with tourists, you’ll find fewer crowds, making it easier to walk around and sightsee. Even in October, the water is warm enough to enjoy the beach or see the coast from a boat.
With cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time to visit the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Don’t miss the Roman amphitheatre in Benevento and the amazing Greek temples in Paestum, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another must in Campania is traditional pizza in Naples and a food tour.
- Explore the Amalfi Coast on a private all-day boat excursion
- Visit the ruins of Pompeii on a private tour with an archeologist
- Discover the highlights and hidden gems of Naples with a walking tour
Puglia
If you’re looking for warmer weather, head to Puglia. The heel of Italy remains warm in October, offering sunny days perfect for exploring its whitewashed towns of Ostuni, the trulli homes in Alberobello or the Baroque beauty of Lecce. Puglia is filled with little towns offering a laid-back vibe where you can unwind and indulge in local food.
Take a drive through olive groves and along the dramatic coastline of the Adriatic Sea. It’s the harvest season, so take advantage of the opportunity to experience olive harvesting at a local farm. If you’re craving some beach time, head to the Salento coast to catch the end-of-summer days.
Sicily
Fall and spring are the best times to visit Sicily. In October, the weather in Sicily is ideal for exploring, eating out and prolonging your summer. You can visit Sicily’s many archeological parks, including the ancient ruins of Agrigento, without the stifling heat.
You can also explore the streets of Palermo, take a road trip through Ragusa, Modica and Noto or hike around Mount Etna. Sicily is also known for its spectacular food, and fall is a great time to check out local markets where you’ll find fresh produce, including citrus fruits, olives and figs.
- Hike on Mount Etna without the summer heat
- Explore ancient ruins in the Valley of the Temples
- Indulge in a food tour in Palermo
Rome
The month of October is a great time to visit Rome. You’ll find fewer tourists in the Eternal City, and the cooler weather is more conducive to visiting the city’s iconic historical landmarks and popular attractions. The Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Baths of Caracalla are more enjoyable than they would be during summer.
It’s also a great time to stop by the Vatican City and visit the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. Both are less crowded and not as hot (spoiler, there is no AC inside, so during summer, it’s sweltering). Take advantage of the weather and wander through Rome’s parks, including the gorgeous Villa Borghese.
- Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with a guided tour
- Explore Villa Borghese’s gardens as they turn golden
- Tour the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s and Vatican Museums with a small private tour
What to eat in Italy in October
October is a harvest month in Italy. This means many seasonal dishes, including mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, grapes, figs and pomegranates. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit local markets, where you’ll find an array of fresh local produce and artisanal products. Here are some seasonal specialties to savour:
- Truffles: White truffles are at their peak and make a great addition to pasta dishes.
- Porcini mushrooms: Try them in risotto or as a side dish.
- Chestnuts: Roasted chestnuts are a must-try in Italy in October or November. You’ll also find chestnut honey, flour and desserts.
- Pumpkin: Often featured in ravioli and soups.
- Wild game: Enjoy dishes with boar, pheasant and venison.
- New olive oil: Try the fresh, peppery, olive oils perfect for bruschetta.
- Grapes and figs: Enjoy these late-summer fruits while they last.
What to pack and wear in Italy in October
As Italy in October can have a mixed bag of weather, you should consider clothes you can adapt for sunny and rainy days. You might also consider a light rain jacket or a small umbrella that you can easily carry with you. I would avoid bringing swimwear unless you’re planning on hitting the beach. Just remember it won’t be the same as it is in the summer.
The days in October tend to be pretty warm, so you can easily wear T-shirts and a light sweater. Evenings and nights tend to be cooler, so you might also consider bringing a light jacket. Depending on where we go, I bring a sweater or scarf with me and put it on when it gets colder. Wearing layers is a great way to adapt to the changing conditions throughout the day.
I would also recommend comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk a lot. Many of the towns have cobbled stone streets, which means they are sometimes uneven and challenging to navigate in heels. If your shoes are water resistant, you won’t have to worry about soggy feet if you get caught in the rain. Italians tend not to wear flip-flops or running shoes unless they are at the gym or the beach. If you want to blend in, avoid wearing those on your trip and opt for walking shoes or low-profile sneakers.
- Light jackets or cardigans for cooler evenings
- Long-sleeved shirts and light sweaters
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring cobblestone streets
- A stylish scarf – both for warmth and to fit in with Italian fashion
- An umbrella or light rain jacket
- Swimwear and a light cover-up if visiting coastal areas
So, is October a good time to visit Italy?
October is a great time to visit Italy. You can enjoy pleasant weather, with average temperatures way lower than they are during high season. This means you can escape the summer crowds and high prices and focus more on enjoying your trip.
Whether you’re into chasing summer in southern Italy or want to dive into the many wine-tasting and chestnut festivals in central and northern Italy, you’ll have a chance to see a different side of this beautiful country.
