Weather in Italy in October

Is October a good time to go to Italy?

October is a quiet month, neither ideal for a summer style holiday, nor cold enough for ski holidays. It is the first month that feels like autumn, sometimes warm enough for the beach, but never truly predictable as far as the weather is concerned because the winter rain and cold starts to set in. It is a fantastic month for visiting the numerous indoor attractions, such as the galleries and museums of Italy, primarily because there are fewer visitors. However, it is still a popular month for many travellers and isn’t necessarily much cheaper than September, or summer for that matter. However, if there is any time for a foodie to visit Italy it is in October because the harvest festival season is in full swing. 

 

Climate in Italy in October

October is an unpredictable month, but is considered the first real autumn month, characterised by cool and wet weather. Temperatures drop quite significantly and some of the coldest places, outside of the always cold mountainous areas, drop below 10°C (50°F), while high temperatures don’t reach much further than the low 20s (72°F). The most obvious sign of autumn, other than the beautiful autumn colours, is the increased rainfall; average rainfall sometimes exceeds 130mm (5.1in) during the month. 

 

What’s on in Italy in October

This is harvest season in Italy, with many special food and wine festivals and events around the country. The Alba White Truffle Festival is one such event, one of the biggest truffle festivals in Italy, and the Potato festival in Bologna continues in early October, another famous food festival.  As usual, there are some arts festivals in Italy, such as the Rome Film Festival and the International Accordion Festival. There are often many costume parties on All Saints Eve, otherwise known as Halloween, and there are a few more unique events as well, such as the Matera Balloon Festival.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Italy in October

October is often a wet and cool month and, while there may be a few sunny days, it is best to pack for a mixture of autumn and winter weather. It is best to take dark coloured clothing made of synthetic materials because they dry quicker than cotton or wool and do not show dirt as easily, which is a common problem with the wet weather. This means packing long sleeved shirts, T-shirts to be worn with a warm top, one or two jerseys, synthetic trousers and jeans for smarter occasions. A light coat, one that preferably doubles as a raincoat and a foldable umbrella are great for warmth and keeping dry. People travelling to elevated regions should take one or two thermals, a pair of gloves, scarves and a warm hat because it can be very cold up in the mountains. 

For footwear, comfortable walking shoes or trainers are best for the city and hiking boots or shoes for the country and alpine areas. 

Remember that many churches and monasteries require both men and women to cover up well, and pack something smart for a good restaurant or special event.