Italy in November: weather, what to wear & where to go
Last updated on October 4th, 2026.
November isn't the month most people picture when they dream about Italy.
The large crowds have gone, the beach chairs are stacked, and there's a real chance you'll need an umbrella more days than not.
But as someone who spends most of my autumns in Vicenza, I can tell you November has a quiet appeal.
It’s the last calm before the Christmas storm.
We kick off the month with a public holiday, All Saints Day (Ognissanti), and end it with the first sightings of Christmas markets.
In this guide, I'm covering everything you need to plan a November trip to Italy. It’ll include:
- What the weather is like, region by region
- Whether November is worth it
- What to wear so you don't freeze or overpack
- The best places to visit this month, and why
- Events, festivals and practical travel tips
Why visit Italy in November
November sits in Italy's low season, and that comes with real upside.
Flights and hotel rates drop noticeably once the October school half-term crowds clear out.
Popular sights like the Uffizi or the Colosseum can still sell out on weekends. But, with the booking scramble easing off, availability is likely better than in summer.
November is also one of the best months for seasonal food.
It’s white truffle season in Piedmont, olive harvest season across the country, and the start of chestnut roasting.
If you care more about a proper plate of pasta than a beach day, this is a strong month to book.
But there is a tradeoff. This is Italy's rainiest stretch in most regions. Days are short, and many small towns scale back their hours or close entirely for the winter.
We did a Dolomites road trip one time in mid-November and found exactly this. In Bressanone, the Plose Cable Car (Funivia Plose/Plosebahn) was already closed for the season. It didn't ruin our trip, but it had been on our itinerary.
If you're flexible and pack accordingly, November rewards you with an Italy that's lived-in and down-to-earth.
Preparing for your November trip
- Check regional weather before you pack. Northern Italy is cold and often foggy by mid-November, while the south stays milder. Don't pack one wardrobe for the whole trip.
- Book truffle and food experiences early. November is peak white truffle season in Piedmont (Alba's truffle fair runs from October to December), and the best tastings and hunts fill up fast.
- Verify opening hours before you go. Winter hours come into effect at many sites and seasonal attractions in November. Many services in smaller coastal towns, like our hometown in Sicily, partially shut down for the season.
- Pack a sturdy raincoat or waterproof jacket. November is one of the wettest months in most of Italy, so function matters more than style. If you find one that ticks both boxes, even better. This is Italy after all.
Use this guide to help plan your trip to Italy.
Jump to:
- Why visit Italy in November
- Preparing for your November trip
- Italy in November: weather by region
- Is November a good time to visit Italy?
- What to wear in Italy in November
- The warmest place in Italy in November
- Best places to visit in Italy in November
- Events in Italy in November
- Travel tips for visiting in November
- Map: places to visit in Italy in November
- Last words
- FAQs on Italy in November
- 💬 Comments
Italy in November: weather by region
Italy's weather in November varies depending on where you are, more than most first-time visitors expect.
Below is a regional breakdown, based on recorded weather from November 2025 rather than long-term averages. This way, you can see what the month looked like most recently.
Italy in November 2025 averaged between roughly 40 and 67°F (4 to 20°C), with the north noticeably colder than the south.
Northern regions saw the first real cold snaps and fog of the season. Central Italy was cool and rainy, while the south and Sicily stayed mild, though it wasn’t necessarily the driest end of the country.
| Region | Average highs/lows November 2025 (F/C) | Climate |
| Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, the Dolomites) | 54 to 55°F (12 to 13°C) /40 to 42°F (4 to 6°C) | Cold, often foggy, first snow possible in the Dolomites |
| Central Italy (Florence, Rome) | 61 to 64°F (16 to 18°C)/43 to 47°F (6 to 8°C) | Cool and rainy, Florence saw the rainiest days of any city on this list |
| Southern Italy (Naples, Amalfi) | 64.6°F (18.1°C) / 48.8°F (9.3°C) | Mild, with rain on about half the month's days |
| Sicily (Palermo) | 67.3°F (19.6°C) / 56.7°F (13.7°C) | Sicily is the warmest place in Italy in November, but also among the rainiest, 21 of 30 days |
| Sardinia (Cagliari) | 66.2°F (19.0°C) / 50.4°F (10.2°C) | Nearly as warm as Sicily, with a lower total rainfall (58.5mm) but still rain on 20 of 30 days |
Source: Il Meteo (ilmeteo.it) daily archive data for Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Palermo, and Cagliari, November 2025. Individual day-to-day swings within the month were wider than these monthly averages suggest. Because these are single-year actuals rather than 30-year climate norms, expect some year-to-year variation.
Is November a good time to visit Italy?
Yes, if you're prioritizing lower prices, fewer crowds, and food season over guaranteed sunshine. November is one of Italy's least crowded months, but 2025's data shows rain wasn't limited to the north: Florence and Sicily logged more rain days than Rome or Milan. It's a strong trip for budget-conscious travelers and food lovers, but a riskier one if you're set on outdoor sightseeing or guaranteed sun.
There's a Reddit thread that comes up in search results asking bluntly if Italy in November is 'a bad idea.' It's not, but it's also not for everyone.
If you want guaranteed blue skies and long golden evenings, this isn't your month. However, if you want to eat well, pay less, and see major sights without fighting for a photo, November is ideal.
Based on Il Meteo daily archive data from November 2025, the rain didn't split neatly along a north-south line the way you might expect.
Florence had the rainiest days of any city on this list (20 of 30), and Sicily, despite being the warmest region, had the most of all (21 of 30).
Milan and Rome were comparatively drier, with 14 and 16 rain days. This is one year of data, not a long-term pattern. So, treat it as a snapshot of what November 2025 looked like rather than a guarantee of what any future November will bring.
Pros
- Noticeably fewer tourists in bigger cities like Rome and Florence
- Lower flight and hotel prices than almost any other time of year
- White truffle season in Piedmont and olive harvest across the country
- Better odds of last-minute tickets at major sights, even if they can still sell out on weekends
- Cozy, indoor-friendly travel: wine bars, museums, thermal baths
Cons
- Rain is a real possibility nationwide, not just up north. In 2025, Sicily and Florence had more rain days than Milan.
- Short daylight hours, especially by late November
- Some coastal towns and seasonal restaurants close for the winter
- Not beach weather, even in the south
- Fog can disrupt northern Italy sightseeing, especially around the lakes (Milan recorded fog on half the month's days in 2025)
What to wear in Italy in November
This is one of the most searched questions about November travel to Italy. And, the honest answer is, it depends heavily on which region you're in, more than most packing guides let on.
In northern Italy, dress for cold weather, i.e. a proper coat, layers and closed shoes. In central and southern Italy, a mid-weight coat over layers is usually enough, and Sicily rarely needs more than a light jacket. Italians dress more formally than most American tourists expect year-round, and November is no exception.
How Italians dress this time of year
Many Italians layer clothing rather than bundling up in one bulky piece.
A typical November outfit that I wear living in the north is a cotton/cashmere base layer with a wool or cashmere sweater. I pair this with tailored trousers or dark jeans, and a structured wool coat. I prefer wearing leather boots because they keep my feet warmer, though many Italians wear sneakers too.
In late November, I’ve usually brought out my oversized scarf and wool hat. You’ll see many Italians wearing sunglasses, but this is typically more of a practical issue than one of style.
What to pack for Italy in November
- A wool or down coat (heavier for the north, lighter for the south)
- Thermal or wool/cashmere layers you can add or remove
- A sturdy waterproof jacket or umbrella
- Leather boots or waterproof walking shoes/sneakers
- A scarf, doubling for both style and warmth
- One smarter outfit for dinners out
- Gloves and a hat if you're visiting the Dolomites or the northern lakes
Traditional Italian dress, like folk costumes you might see in embroidery or festival contexts, isn't what you'll see on the street.
Day-to-day Italian style in November is closer to quiet, tailored minimalism. Good fabrics, muted colors and pieces that layer well rather than anything overtly ‘traditional.’
For a more detailed guide on clothing and packing month-by-month, read my guide on what to wear in Italy as a local.
The warmest place in Italy in November
If you're chasing the mildest weather this month, head south.
Sicily is the warmest place in Italy in November, with a daily station-recorded average high of 67.3°F (19.6°C) in November 2025.
But warm doesn't mean dry. Sicily was also the wettest region on this list that month, with measurable rain on 21 of the month's 30 days. The solution? Pack for showers even where you're chasing the sun.
As with all the figures in this guide, that's a snapshot of November 2025 specifically, not a promise of what any given November will bring.
Southern Italy more broadly, including Naples and the Amalfi Coast, also holds onto noticeably milder temperatures than the north through most of November, even as rain becomes more frequent.
Best places to visit in Italy in November
Rome
Weather: November 2025 averaged a high of 63.8°F (17.7°C) and a low of 46.9°F (8.3°C), with measurable rain on 16 of the month's 30 days.
Rome in November is a different city than Rome in July.
Lines outside the Colosseum and Vatican Museums are far shorter. Tickets can still sell out on busy weekends, but the booking scramble eases off, and there's likely more availability compared to summer.
Locals are likely the majority in trattorias over the tourists, and there’s a calmer atmosphere overall.
Pack a mid- to heavy coat and don't count on outdoor dining at every establishment. Have a museum- and indoor-heavy itinerary prepared as a backup for rainy days.
Things to do in Rome in November
- Visit the Vatican Museums
- Tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- See the many free churches in the center
- Warm up with a plate of cacio e pepe or a hearty oxtail stew (coda alla vaccinara). Both are classic Roman cold-weather dishes and ideal Italian comfort food
- Book a hands-on pasta-making or wine-tasting class, a warm, rainy-day-proof way to spend an afternoon. Below are several options I’d personally book myself.
- Pasta & tiramisu class with fine wine by the Vatican
- Pasta & tiramisu cooking class near the Spanish Steps
- Pizza or pasta cooking class, wine & unlimited gelato
- Trastevere wine tasting with food pairing and gelato
- Wine tasting & food pairing in underground cave in Rome
- Food tour in Trastevere 20+ tastings free flowing wine
Florence
Weather: November 2025 averaged a high of 61.0°F (16.1°C) and a low of 42.9°F (6.1°C). Florence saw the most rain days of any city on this list, with measurable rain on 20 of the month's 30 days, plus fog on 8.
Florence in November trades its summer crush for something closer to what the Renaissance city was built for: quiet piazzas, uncrowded museums and a slower pace.
The Uffizi and Accademia both become slightly easier to get into, though booking in advance is still advisable.
Things to do in Florence in November
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia without summer-level crowds
- Explore the Chianti countryside during the last of the olive harvest
- Tour the best museums in Florence (family-friendly options too)
Venice
Weather: November 2025 averaged a high of 55.2°F (12.9°C) and a low of 41.9°F (5.5°C), with measurable rain on 13 of the month's 30 days.
Venice in November is the start of one of mine and my husband's favorite weather seasons. Fog settling low over the canals, chilly mornings and evenings, but not to the point of freezing like Venice in winter.
That, plus one of our favorite bacari, El Sbarlefo San Pantalon, is quieter than usual. We spent one late November morning, yes, morning, drinking Prosecco and devouring an assortment of hot and cold cicchetti. Look it up; it's a Veneto thing.
Come to Venice in November, and expect fewer crowds, and the chance to take plenty of photographs without anyone blocking your view.
On the flip side, November is the trickiest month weather-wise on this list.
November is peak season for acqua alta. This is the high-tide flooding that can put St. Mark's Square underwater for a few hours around exceptionally high tides.
It doesn't happen every day, but it's frequent enough this month that waterproof boots aren't optional. That, plus it's worth checking the tide forecast the morning of your visit.
Things to do in Venice in November
- Walk St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace with a fraction of the summer queues
- Take a quieter, off-season vaporetto out to Murano, Burano and Torcello
- Enjoy a performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons live classical music concert
Northern Italy: the lakes, Vicenza, and the Dolomites
Weather: Milan averaged a November 2025 high of 54.6°F (12.5°C) and a low of 39.7°F (4.3°C). There were 14 rainy days and fog recorded on 15 of the month's 30 days. Expect similar or slightly colder around the lakes, dropping well below freezing at higher elevations in the Dolomites.
This is the Italy I live in come November. By this point in the season, I'm back in Vicenza after autumn in Sicily, and the shift is stark. It’s foggy, autumn leaves are everywhere, and the first boxes of panettone and pandoro rear its heads in our supermarkets.
Lake Garda and Lake Como don't go quiet the moment November starts.
When we visited Limone del Garda on Ognissanti (November 1st) one year, it happened to fall on a ponte long weekend.
The town was packed, and it felt like the last hurrah for the mainly Italian crowds.
Some lakefront restaurants had already closed for the season, but others in town were still open.
It's really from the day after November 1st that things tend to settle down.
Lake Como likely follows the same pattern as Garda, with popular towns winding down for the season.
If you head into the Dolomites, you might encounter the first snow on higher peaks. Though most resort towns haven't yet opened for ski season, it’s a different, but peaceful, in-between window.
During our November Dolomites road trip, I was overjoyed to see Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezze/Karersee) already frozen over. It was so unexpected and incredible to see in person.
Things to do in northern Italy in November
- Visit Lake Garda or Lake Como in their quiet, off-season rhythm
- Browse Christmas markets in Lake Garda towns like Riva del Garda at the end of the month
- Catch the first Christmas markets opening in late November in cities like Bolzano, Bressanone and Trento
📌 Lisa’s tip: if you happen to be in, or passing through, Vicenza in late November, you’ll likely see the Christmas lights already up. It’s my favorite time of year to be in the historic center, seeing the lights illuminate against the night sky. The Christmas market usually begins in the first week of December.
Southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast
Weather: Naples averaged a November 2025 high of 64.6°F (18.1°C) and a low of 48.8°F (9.3°C). It was noticeably milder than the rest of the mainland, with rain on 16 of the month's 30 days.
The Amalfi Coast in November is a real gamble. However, it can also be a gamble in a 'safer' month, as we discovered on our 4 days on the Amalfi Coast. It rained buckets for 3 of the 4 days of our trip in early May. It was far from the picture-postcard version we'd pictured in our heads.
But one thing we didn't have to worry about in May was any closures or limited services.
In November, it's more likely that some hotels and restaurants scale back their service or close entirely.
What you get in return is Positano and Sorrento without the crowds. However, you also get a strong chance of cloudy and overcast days.
Naples, by contrast, runs year-round regardless of the season. It's a strong November destination, with plenty of indoor options if the weather turns.
We spent one day in Naples, with torrential rain, but had fun regardless, taking shelter in pizzerias, churches and local bars.
Things to do in southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast in November
- Take a day trip to Pompeii with thinner crowds than summer (buy skip-the-line entry tickets or join a guided tour with an archaeologist)
- Explore Naples's churches and food scene, both unaffected by the weather
Italy in November: at a glance
| Destination | Best for | Rain days (Nov 2025) | Standout this month |
| Rome | Sightseeing without crowds | 16/30 | Better ticket availability than summer, though weekends can still sell out |
| Florence | Museums, art, quieter piazzas | 20/30 | Uffizi without the summer crush |
| Venice | Atmosphere, photography | 13/30 | Fog over canals, but watch for acqua alta |
| Northern Italy (lakes, Dolomites) | Christmas market start, mountain scenery | 14/30 (Milan) | First Christmas lights, frozen Lake Carezza |
| Naples & Amalfi Coast | Food, indoor culture, budget | 16/30 | Naples runs year-round regardless of weather |
| Sicily | Warmest weather | 21/30 | Warmest, but also rainiest region |
Events in Italy in November
- Alba White Truffle Fair (Piedmont): typically runs from October to early December, the country's most famous truffle festival
- Festa di San Martino (nationwide, November 11th): wine tastings, vin brulee and chestnut roasting. Many pasticcerie in Venice sell special San Martino cookies for the occasion: a knight on horseback. Try one if you’re planning on being there.
- Ognissanti (All Saints' Day) (nationwide, November 1st): a public holiday in Italy; expect some closures.
Travel tips for visiting in November
Book truffle experiences and hunts in Piedmont in advance; they sell out even in low season.
Travelmar and Alicost, two Amalfi Coast ferry operators, run as normal in November, so ferries aren't a concern. But some hotels and restaurants still close for the season.
Pack for rain first and the cold second: a good waterproof layer matters more than sheer warmth in most regions.
Daylight runs out early. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the first half of the day, especially if you plan on taking photos.
November 1st (Ognissanti) is a national holiday; some museums and shops might close for the day.
Map: places to visit in Italy in November
Here's a map of everywhere covered in this guide: Rome, Florence, Venice, the northern lakes and Dolomites, Naples and the Amalfi Coast and Sicily.
Use it to plan your route or just see how close (or far) these destinations really are from each other.
Last words
November won't give you a classic sun-drenched Italy trip, but it will give you shorter lines, better prices and more availability.
If you're the kind of traveler who'd rather eat well and skip the crowds than chase a tan, this is an underrated month to book.
What are your thoughts on this guide to Italy in November? Would you plan a trip this month? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something I've recommended. Thank you for your support.
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
FAQs on Italy in November
Yes, if you value lower prices and fewer crowds over guaranteed good weather. It's one of Italy's rainiest, quietest months, better suited to budget travelers and food lovers than beach or outdoor plans. 
It varies sharply by region. Northern Italy (Milan, Venice) averaged highs of just 54 to 55°F (12 to 13°C) in November 2025, while Sicily stayed far milder at around 67°F (20°C). (Source: Il Meteo.)
Sicily, with a November 2025 average high of 67.3°F (19.6°C)
Layers with a wool sweater, tailored trousers or dark jeans, and a structured coat, heavier in the north and lighter in the south. Add leather boots, a scarf and a waterproof layer.
Yes. Ferry services like Travelmar and Alicost run as normal in November, but some hotels and restaurants close for the season, so confirm those before booking.
Yes, but pack for rain. Venice in November is quiet and atmospheric, with a higher chance of acqua alta than other months.
There's no single best month. Spring and fall balance mild weather with manageable crowds, while summer is hottest and busiest. Months like November trade sunshine for lower prices and fewer tourists.
It refers to regional folk costumes seen at festivals, not everyday clothing. Modern Italians dress in tailored, understated styles: quality fabrics, muted colors, and well-fitted layers.
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