Italy in October: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 77°F High • 59°F Low

The weather in Italy during October is mild and comfortable, making it an ideal time to visit for sightseeing, cycling, food tours, wine tasting, and more. While the southern region and islands tend to see high temperatures averaging in the mid to upper 60s Fahrenheit, it begins cooling off a bit in the central and northern regions, especially at higher elevations. But with plenty of sunny, dry days, October continues Italy’s extended summer-like conditions.

Discover popular destinations like Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast with fewer crowds, or delight in the rolling hills of Tuscany as the leaves change from green to golden. The best time to visit Italy can mean fewer crowds, pleasant weather, or both, and October can offer the perfect autumn Italian experience.

Sicily • Best Place for Great Weather

With its Mediterranean climate, Sicily maintains balmy weather even into October, making it an ideal Italian destination to visit in the fall. Sicily resides at the southern tip of Italy, resulting in higher temperatures that persist longer into the fall.

Daily highs in cities like Palermo still average in the low 70s Fahrenheit during October, offering plenty of sunshine for exploring the city’s history and beyond.

The comfortable October temperatures in Sicily create a pleasant atmosphere for discovering the island, whether touring vineyards, lounging in view of the seaside villages, or visiting the remains of ancient Greek temples.

Learn more: Best of Italy and Sicily Tour

Rome • Best Place for Families with Children

As one of Europe's great cities, Rome offers a dazzling combination of iconic ancient sites, vibrant street life, and mouthwatering cuisine for adults and children.

The city can bring the past to life with gladiator school, turn your family into detectives in the Vatican Museums, or teach everyone the art of crafting mosaics. Rome's mild fall and winter weather keeps the whole family comfortable while sightseeing and enjoying the changing colors of the season. Rome offers interactive adventures everyone can enjoy, with kid-friendly gelaterias never too far away.

Whether eager to make history exciting or explore the pleasures of la dolce vita,  Rome helps you create memories everyone can cherish.

Learn more: Best of Greater Rome Tour: Wonders of Lazio

Tuscany • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

With its sun-kissed rolling hills, cypress-lined country roads, and charming hilltop towns, Tuscany creates an idyllic backdrop for romance.

Indulge in the breathtaking landscapes of blanketing vineyards, lush olive groves, and fields of sunflowers that look like paintings. Historic estates and galleries showcase Renaissance masterworks and reveal history from a new perspective.

From honeymooners meandering beneath the medieval towers of San Gimignano to couples gazing over iconic panoramic views of Florence, the cooler fall temperatures can help you find more picture-perfect moments. Stroll hand-in-hand by the Arno River, watch the colorful sunset, and relax in historic country estates, where you can enjoy traditional farm-to-table cuisine.

Learn more: Tuscany Tour for Lovers: Siena, Cortona, Volterra, San Gimignano and Certaldo

Emilia Romagna • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Situated between iconic destinations like Tuscany and Venice, Emilia-Romagna flies under the radar for many travelers to Italy. With a string of crenulated medieval cities, like Parma, Modena, and Ferrara, coupled with a countryside yielding some of Italy’s most famous culinary productions, among them prosciutto and balsamic vinegar, Emilia-Romagna is an effortless immersion into history and heritage.

Wander beneath the portico-covered streets of Bologna and witness the Byzantine frescoes in Ravenna as you meet with more locals than tourists. You can quickly experience why the region is known as “Italy’s Breadbasket” as you linger in the cool October air among the aromas of rustic ragù, traditional bolognese, and authentic parmesan cheese.

Learn more: 8-Day Cultural Journey of Emilia Romagna

Uncover the History of Ancient Rome and Beyond

Crisp October air adds to the ambiance as the Italian landscape turns golden around the ancient wonders from Rome to Cerveteri, Ostia Antica to Paestum.

Trace the footsteps of gladiators in the Colosseum and Roman Forum, or stand amidst Pompeii's silent streets, frozen in time. Climb to the top of Mount Vesuvius' smoldering peak or roam the ancient port city of Ostia Antica. Unravel Etruscan mysteries found in the frescoed tombs or witness the titan construction of the largest ancient Greek temple built outside of Greece in Agrigento.

From ancient empires to vibrant traditions, October in Italy is a collection of history's impressive remains.

Indulge the Flavors of Traditional Italian Food and Wine

October in Italy is a feast for your senses. Whether you are interested in exploring the famous vineyards of Super Tuscan wines, the air thick with aromas of Sangiovese grapes, or eager to search for truffle-laced forests in Umbria, you can find an exceptional flavor tailored to your tastes.

Raise a glass of novello, the young wine of the season, or discover a creamy pumpkin risotto in Mantua. Sample autumn’s explosion of flavors, from figs to ricotta, as you explore hidden trattorias and famous restaurants for a true taste of Italy.

Cycle or Walk the Famous Country Roads

Italy’s legendary country roads can unfold like ribbons through time in October. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, you can glide beside Tuscan vineyards under a sun-drenched sky, conquer the narrow roads clinging to the coastal cliffs of the Cinque Terre, or weave among the granite pillars of the Dolomite mountains outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Italy's majesty spreads from the famous route of the Via Fancigena to lesser-known pathways among the Langhe hills, where Barolo vines add texture to the landscape. Breathe in the fresh scent of ripening autumn olives as you wander Umbria's rolling hills, discover welcoming hidden villages, and embrace the roads leading to authentic October experiences in Italy.

Whether you’re looking for an exploration of Northern Italy, an immersion into Southern Italy, or discovering Italy for the first time, October can show you the edge of resort season or the open streets with fewer crowds. As fall edges into winter, you can find inspiration for your custom-tailored tour with our Italy tours.

Find more information on planning your trip with our Italy travel guide or speak with a local travel specialist who can help you personalize your preferred experiences.