TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDES

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

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 3, 2025

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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.

Is October a good time to visit Italy?

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.

High temperature
68°F / 20°C
Low temperature
54°F / 12°C
Rainfall
3.1 in / 80 mm
Sun & daylight
6 hours / 11.5 hours
Seasonal tips

- Autumn colors

- Truffle and wine season

- Light jackets and boots

- Festivals everywhere

- Great for food lovers

Where to go in Italy in October

Marino, Lazio
Every first Sunday in October, Marino’s historic Sagra dell’Uva floods the town square with wine fountains and grape-tossing celebrations. It’s a riot of laughter, with local vintners serving pours while families cheer old-school grape pressing sessions. The energy here is loud, messy, and utterly Italian in the best way.
Lucca, Tuscany
Late October brings with it Lucca Comics & Games, Europe’s second-largest comic festival. The streets are full of cosplaying comic enthusiasts, pop-up stalls, and audiobook readings in medieval piazzas. The vibe is abuzz, not touristy frenzy, but with creative excitement. The days are also ideal for walking or biking along Lucca’s old city walls, which circle the town like a raised park.
Bologna, Emilia‑Romagna
In early October, Italy hosts the Giro dell’Emilia bike race, which usually begins in Bologna’s city center, loops through the Apennines, and ends with iconic climbs up to San Luca. You can catch cyclists streaking past trattorias pouring Lambrusco. After the race, locals stick around for long lunches that include tagliatelle, Lambrusco, and plenty of opinions about who should’ve won.
Aeolian Islands, Sicily
Island ferries are still running in this part of Italy in October, and you’ll get nearly warm weather (mid-60s to low 70s) without the summer crowds. On islands like Salina and Lipari, olive harvests are in full swing, and the thermal springs on Vulcano are still open for evening dips. The days end slowly, with grilled swordfish by the water and a quick swim if the sea is calm.

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Things to do in Italy in October

Event
Location
Timing
Alba White Truffle Fair
Alba’s truffle fair offers gourmet experiences
Alba
October weekends
Eurochocolate
Perugia indulges chocolate enthusiasts at Eurochocolate
Perugia
Mid–Late October
Barcolana Regatta
Trieste’s Barcolana regatta attracts sailing aficionados
Trieste
Early October
Rome Film Festival
Rome’s film festival screens premieres and hosts talks
Rome
Mid-October
Olive Harvest Tours
Umbrian mills invite visitors for olive harvest tours
Umbria
October weekends
Florence Contemporary Art Fair
Florence exhibits contemporary art collections
Florence
Late October
Chestnut Festival
Tuscany towns celebrate chestnut harvest with festivals
Tuscany towns
October

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