Italy in October: Your guide to weather, events & travel

Italy in October smells like crushed grapes and woodsmoke. The hills in Tuscany and Umbria turn rust-red, and vineyard trails feel cooler after the late-summer heat fades. Truffle markets pop up in stone-paved towns, and olive nets start to appear under the trees. Even the light shifts. It’s softer, warmer, and made for slow walks and long lunches.

Travelers move at a calmer pace. But make no mistake, the country is anything but sleepy. Chestnut festivals, grape harvests, and weekend food fairs draw locals out in full force. Simply put, this is the kind of month where you don’t need a packed itinerary — just a good coat and a few perfectly-timed plans. An advisor on TravelJoy can help you with that, so you can enjoy the best harvest dinners or catch the truffle season right at its peak.

October in Italy finally brings a break from the heat. Up north, in places like Milan or the Dolomites, you’ll get cool days in the mid-50s. Rome and Naples stay in the high 60s, while Sicily still hits the low 70s. Overall, it’s a great time for hiking, grabbing a coffee outside, or winding down by a fireplace with a glass of vin brulé or amaro.

This is also the perfect shoulder season. In early October, some of the summer crowd may still be around, but things start to ease up once the grape and olive harvests are done. Flights and hotel bookings may come with some surprise upgrades, and popular vineyards and museums feel a lot more relaxed. If you’re worried about getting the timing right, an advisor on TravelJoy can help you book a stay just after the grape harvest or visit olive mills before the big tour groups show up.

Still, there are a few compromises, like shorter days, water that’s too cold for a swim, and some off-limit beaches. But this can be a blessing in disguise because you get slower mornings, winery lunches that last for hours, and evening concerts or plays without the usual city rush. So, if you’re after something that feels a little less hurried and a little more relaxed, Italy in October is a great idea.