Italy is an iconic travel destination that is influential on a global level. Art, architecture, cuisine, and the natural beauty of Italy make it a dynamic destination. These features are impressive and can be best enjoyed by travelers in the fall season. Italy’s foliage is a rustic yet intricate addition to the sprawling land and charming landmarks that have made the country famous. The fall is the best time to visit Italy for many reasons, but mostly because the country’s ambiance can not be topped at this time of year.
Average Temperature This Time of Year
- 55-90 Degrees F
Weather
The weather in Italy varies quite a bit in the fall season. Locals and frequent visitors to Italy consider the first half of the fall season to be an extension of summer. This time of the year offers the same heat as the summer season but provides a little relief as the seasons change. In early autumn, travelers will experience sunny days with cool nights but as the season progresses the weather conditions shift considerably. Nearing November, travelers can expect more rainfall and chilly temperatures.
Travel Tip: A good rule of thumb for travelers to remember is that the northern part of Italy is typically colder and wetter during fall while the southern portion is warmer and drier.
Festivals
Italy has plenty of festivals for travelers to enjoy during the fall. The season brings plenty of communal fun and things to do. Some of the popular harvest festivals include the Sagre Festival and various truffle festivals. The Sagre Harvest Festival usually celebrates the local community, food, or even a saint patron. These types of festivals often take place in October and November. Truffle festivals are popular throughout multiple regions of Italy including Tuscany, Umbria, and Piedmont. These weekend festivals typically occur in October.
Travel Tip: To learn more about Sagre festivals, travelers should ask locals or check out the posters along the roads. Travelers often have better luck with the small celebrations, especially if they arrive early.
Shoulder Season Perks
Italy’s shoulder season runs from September to October, allowing vacationers some of the perks of high season, like the weather, without having to endure the least pleasant parts. The fall is the best time to sightsee in Central Italy due to the less crowded classic sites. Since travelers often visit Europe in the summer, those visiting during the fall can appreciate the somewhat quieter environment. With Italy’s bustling crowds nearly gone, the price of travel is usually more affordable too. Travelers may notice lower prices for things like flights while they plan their fall visit.
Travel Tip: Although the best part of the fall to visit typically changes year to year due to the weather, November is the cheapest time to fly to Italy.
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is one of the most popular activities for (adult) travelers visiting Italy. The hilly wine country of Italy is gorgeous. It is a great area of Italy for travelers to get great vacation pictures too. Fall is the best time to visit Italy for wine because the grape harvest is in September and October. This means that travelers can get a close look into how the local wineries create high-quality wines. Guided tours of the vineyards are a popular excursion especially in the fall since travelers can appreciate the fall foliage and relaxing views of regions like Tuscany.
Travel Tip: Some wineries require appointments or reservations so travelers who are visiting popular locations should be sure to book their spot ahead of time.
Olive Harvest
The olive harvest is another widely celebrated occasion in Italy during the fall. Olive harvesting is a significant activity that locals put a lot of energy into so visitors have plenty to learn. The traditional harvesting typically begins in October and continues until November or December. Travelers can take tours where they pick olives in regions like Tuscany but there are many different experiences to choose from. Throughout the country, agriturismos offer different types of tourism opportunities that travelers will likely find interesting and rewarding.
Travel Tip: It is recommended that olives are picked near the end of October or the beginning of November for the best quality olive oil, so travelers may be wise to plan their trip during this period.
Perfect Time For The Beach
The coast of Italy is famous for its charming villages and popular beaches. Although the high season is the most popular time for travelers to enjoy Italy’s beaches, the fall is a great pick too. Due to the milder weather, September is the best time to visit Italy for swimming and sunbathing. Some of the most popular beaches are in different regions, including Liguria, Puglia, and the Amalfi Coast.
Travel Tip: The best bet for travelers wanting to take a dip during a fall visit is to visit the south of Italy in early October.
Visit The Dolomites
The Dolomites are a popular mountain range in Italy with unmatched scenic views. The northeastern range of Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so even if travelers are not up for a hike, a visit is a great tourist experience. Travelers who are interested in hiking can expect to explore the range in a little over a week if they plan a road trip. An alternative way to explore the Dolomites is through a camera lens since this site is popular for how photogenic it is.
Travel Tip: At the beginning of the fall season, travelers can expect the temperatures at the Dolomites to be around 65 degrees but the nights get significantly colder. At times, and higher elevations, temperatures may drop to below zero and travelers may see snow.
Explore Historic Areas
Italy is a historic hub with plenty of landmarks to explore. Enjoy fewer crowds at popular tourist sites and throughout the surrounding areas during fall. This season also brings a charming aesthetic that travelers have come to love. When visiting Italy in the fall travelers should be sure to see Rome, Florence, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast. These areas have some of the most intriguing historic spots. Some specific historic sites for travelers to explore in the fall include the Saint Mark’s Basilica, Vatican City, and Herculaneum.
Travel Tip: October is likely to be the ideal month to visit historical sites in Italy since the heat is at a minimum and the changing leaves create the perfect background.
Travelers can appreciate all the features of Italy most during the fall. The lack of sweltering heat and the slightly smaller crowds are some of the reasons why this season is considered the best time to visit Italy. A fall visit may grant visitors a brand-new experience of the country and even allow them to see the benefits of avoiding the high season. The fall season may be underrated but it is certainly a great time to experience Italy.
