Visiting Italy in October: Everything You Need To Know

Planning a trip to Italy, and wondering what it's like during the month of October? You’re in the right place. This guide covers everything—weather, demand, pricing, and the best seasonal experiences. October in Italy offers a beautiful transition into fall: cooler air, vibrant autumn colors, and a more relaxed pace without the summer rush, or cost.

Italy’s Weather In October

October ushers in true autumn across Italy, with crisp air, changing colors, and weather that varies noticeably by region and altitude.

• Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, Dolomites): Days are mild to cool, with highs around 15‑18 °C (59‑65 °F); evenings can be chilly. Occasional rain and some cloudy days.
• Central Italy (Rome, Florence, Tuscany): Comfortable daytime temperatures around 17‑22 °C (63‑72 °F); mornings and nights cooler. Better chances for sunny days especially early in the month.
• Southern Italy & Islands (Naples, Sicily, Sardinia): Still relatively warm, especially in early October. Highs often reach 20‑24 °C (68‑75 °F). More stable weather, less extreme swings in temperature.

Bring layers for mornings/evenings, and a rain jacket—some showers are expected, especially in the north and mountainous areas.

Italy's Sunrise & Sunset Times In October

In Rome, for example, sunrise is around 7:19 AM and sunset around 6:27 PM, giving about 11.1 hours of daylight. Elsewhere, expect similar daylight hours, gradually shortening through the month as fall progresses.

October's Tourism Demand & Pricing

• Crowds drop significantly from the summer high. Popular cities like Rome, Florence, Venice are less packed, especially after early October.
• Pricing for hotels, flights, and tours begins to decline. Shoulder season perks: better deals, more availability.
• Atmosphere feels more relaxed. Smaller towns and countryside become more attractive. Harvest season events add charm. Rain becomes more common, and weather is more unpredictable. The Travel Folk+2Designer Journeys+2

Best Things To Do In Italy In October

• Explore fall foliage in Tuscany, Umbria, the Dolomites, and other hilly or forested regions.
• Attend harvest festivals: grapes, olives, truffles—especially in regions like Piedmont and Tuscany.
• Enjoy cultural and food‑events in smaller towns without big crowds. Museums, wine tastings, local markets are more pleasant.
• Take coastal walks or visit islands earlier in October before the weather cools too much. Southern Italy is more favorable for this.
• Tour cities early or late in the day to avoid cooler mid‑day and to catch good light; evenings can be crisp, so plan accordingly.

You can:

• 🍂 See autumn colors and harvest in the countryside
• 🍷 Enjoy wine, olive, and truffle festivals
• 🚶 Explore historic cities more comfortably — fewer lines, more space
• 🌤 Catch mild weather in southern Italy and islands
• 📸 Take advantage of softer light and beautiful fall landscapes
• 🥾 Prepare for cooler evenings and some rain — layer up