Some might say it’s a bad idea to take a fall vacation to Italy, but we disagree. Fewer crowds, stunning fall foliage, olive harvesting, and truffle hunting… Italy in November can be a fantastic time to visit, especially if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the real Italy and its seasonal fall delights.
It’s the epitome of cozy, fall weather. It’s worth trading a few sunny afternoons for empty piazzas and a table that feels like it’s yours
At the start of the low season, and before the hustle and bustle of the weeks-long Christmas holiday celebrations, you’ll experience a slower pace of life during your November visit. You may even have the opportunity to enjoy those typically packed bucket-list tourist attractions in Rome or Florence without waiting in lines.
While the weather can be hit or miss, with November and December being Italy’s wettest months, there’s really no wrong time to visit Italy! If you pack the right items and plan indoor activities like museums or other historic sites, the benefits of lower tourist crowds might outweigh the potential for rain and fewer daylight hours.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about visiting Italy in November, including what to pack for the weather, must-visit festivals and cultural events, and autumnal cuisine you must try because when the temps drop, there’s no better time to dig into this season’s most sought-after dishes!
November Weather in Italy
The first thing to know about visiting Italy in November is that if you’re looking for blue skies and beaches, this may not be the time to plan a trip. It’s a common misconception that much of Italy is warm and mild year-round, and the region you visit will also factor into your decision.
Northern and Central Italy have much cooler weather and many cloudy days in November, while the Southern regions are warmer but still not quite beach-worthy. For that reason, many shops and restaurants, especially in coastal villages and places like the Amalfi Coast, will close for the season, turning into absolute ghost towns. This is why a trip to the Italian seaside is better reserved for May to September.
November is Italy’s wettest month, with an average monthly rainfall of 3-4 inches in the northern and central regions. Rome, for example, averages around 8-10 days of rainfall during November.
While it’s hard to predict exactly what the weather will do, you’ll likely have a mix of rainy and sunny days during your trip.
Average temperatures will vary by region. Here’s a breakdown of the average temperatures:
- Northern Italy: Average High 55°F – 59°F (12°C –15°C), Average Low 48°F – 54°F (8°C – 12°C)
- Central Italy: Average High 61°F – 64°F (16°C – 17°C), Average Low 48°F – 63°F (8°C – 17°C)
- Southern Italy: Average High 64°F – 68°F (17°C – 20°C), Average Low 50°F – 59°F (10°C – 15°C)
Especially in Northern and Central Italy, temperatures can drop come nightfall, and the days do get shorter in November (sunrise around 6:45 am and sunset around 4:30 pm), with the country switching to standard time in late October.
What to Pack for Italy in November
Having experienced this firsthand, there’s no worse feeling than getting to your hotel and realizing you didn’t pack the right items for the weather. Not only is it a recipe for not being a happy camper, but being underdressed this time of year can also put you at risk of catching a cold on your Italian vacation.
That is why planning ahead, dressing like an onion, and packing for the weather are essential for your November Italy vacation. The last thing you want is to be caught in the rain with wet socks and feeling like you can’t warm up!
Layered Clothing
My first piece of advice for anyone visiting Italy outside the hottest months is to pack layered clothing! With temperatures varying throughout the day, jackets, sweaters, and scarves you can add or remove will help you adjust.
Bringing a merino underlayer may be a lifesaver if temperatures dip, which is why I always pack a few lightweight ones that go under any shirt, sweater, or cardigan.
Rain Jackets and Umbrellas
As I’ve mentioned, November is Italy’s wettest month, so it’s best to come prepared. Bring your best rain jacket to layer over your regular outfit and a compact umbrella you can throw in your bag so the rain doesn’t put a damper on your excursions!
Personally, I love a long, oversized, water-resistant trench that you can wear chunky knits under, but you don’t have to worry about your umbrella getting your pants wet when you no longer need it and are carrying it in your pocket.
Water-Resistant Shoes or Boots
Nobody wants to walk around with wet socks. November is not the month for flimsy sandals or fancy footwear. Water-resistant tennis shoes or sneakers are an excellent option for daytime, while a stylish boot works well for a nighttime dinner out.
Don’t forget to wear good socks underneath! I always choose ones with reinforced toes and heels for extra comfort, especially for enjoying walking tours and exploring cities on foot.
Scarves or Pashminas
For the ladies, scarves or pashminas are versatile accessories for layering outfits. Also, many churches or religious sites require women to cover their shoulders, so something like this can come in handy.
If you don’t want to get on the plane feeling you’ve forgotten something, grab our FREE Italy Packing Checklist!
What to do in Italy in November
November in Italy brings many local festivals, cultural activities, and events that may be on your travel bucket list. With fewer crowds and no scorching summer heat, these autumnal events make a perfect vacation for those ready to explore and immerse themselves in Italian culture.
Truffle Season and Festivals
Truffles are an essential part of Italy’s culinary culture, and truffle hunting season is certainly something you’ll want to witness in your lifetime. November to January is the peak season for white truffles, the most valuable variety found in Italy.
November falls in the middle of truffle season, especially in regions like Piedmont, Tuscany, and Umbria. Many festivals and celebrations take place throughout these regions.
Perhaps the most famous is the Alba White Truffle Fair in Piedmont, which celebrates the prized white truffle with tastings, markets, and auctions. If you don’t like the crowds, you can also enjoy celebrating the season’s White Truffle at the Acqualagna White Truffles festival in the Marche region. Immerse yourself in the region and its culinary delights when you join us on Umbria Undiscovered or Italy’s Epicurean Journey.
The National White Truffle Fair in Acqualagna is one of central Italy’s largest and most important festivals, known for producing some of Italy’s highest-quality truffles. Rivaling the more famous fairs in Alba and Piedmont, this two-week-long festival offers a large truffle market, tastings, seminars, and guided excursions. There’s even a Truffle Museum!
Umbria also hosts many truffle festivals throughout November, like the Sagra del Tartufo in several towns, including Città di Castello, Gubbio, and Norcia. Read more about Umbria’s best food festivals!
But you don’t have to brave November’s colder, wetter weather for a once-in-a-lifetime truffle-hunting experience! Instead, you can join us on Italy’s Epicurean Journey in October to enjoy one of Italy’s hottest cultural commodities. October is ideal for truffle hunting, as you’re much more likely to enjoy nice weather than in November.
Olive Harvest and Festivals
The olive harvest continues in November, mainly in Puglia. Late October to mid-November in Marche, Umbria, Tuscany, and Puglia is the perfect time to visit Italy and witness the ancient tradition of the olive harvest. If you’re planning a trip to Southern Italy, Passport to Puglia is a great tour to experience the olive harvest.
With Italy topping the global charts as the largest extra virgin olive oil producer, the harvest season holds great cultural significance across the nation. Harvest timing is crucial because olive ripeness affects the oil’s flavor and quality, including its levels of polyphenols and antioxidants. Read more about the benefits of olive oil!
Weather is also a significant factor. In 2023, heavy rainfall and heat waves affected the olive harvest, reducing output in many regions and driving up prices.
Because of olive oil’s cultural significance, many festivals and events mark the occasion. In Umbria, La Mangiaunta celebrates the harvest with tours of local frantoi and tastings of olive oils paired with various dishes.
Wine Festivals
November is an exciting month for wine enthusiasts in Italy, marking the release of vino novello (new wine), and many wine festivals celebrate regional vintages.
Vino Novello release celebrations happen all over the country, especially in Veneto, Tuscany, and Lazio.
Towns and wineries host tastings and events to celebrate this fresh, young wine, meant to be enjoyed immediately and often paired with seasonal foods like mushrooms and chestnuts. You’ll find smaller-scale celebrations in towns known for wine production.
Olive oil or truffle festivals may also include wine tastings, such as the Oil and New Wine Festival in Vignanello, Lazio, or the Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco in Umbria.
Other Italy in November Cultural Events
- Chestnut Festivals: Throughout November, various towns in regions like Marche, Umbria, Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna celebrate the chestnut harvest with festivals featuring roasted chestnuts, chestnut-based dishes, and local wines.
- Festa di San Martino (St. Martin’s Day) – November 11: Celebrated across Italy, especially in the Veneto and rural areas, this festival marks the end of the agricultural year and features wine, chestnuts, and feasts. In Venice, children parade through the streets, singing songs and collecting treats.
- Feast of the Madonna della Salute – November 21: This religious event commemorates Venice’s deliverance from the plague in 1630. Venetians walk across a temporary bridge to the Church of the Madonna della Salute, lighting candles in a moving display of devotion.
- Christmas Markets – Mid-Late November: Many Christmas Markets open in mid to late November (depending on the region you’re traveling to). It’s a great time to explore without the crowds. Many towns also decorate for Christmas around this time, so you’ll experience this lively time of year without fighting the crowds. Once the first holiday, December 8th, comes around, crowds ramp up for Christmas vacation in Italy, which ends on January 6th.
Plan Your November Trip to Italy
While November weather can be unpredictable, a little planning and preparation can still help you have an unforgettable experience in Italy, as long as you set your expectations right and have a backup plan for when the weather doesn’t go your way.
Planning a trip to Italy can be stressful, but our guide on how to plan a trip to Italy covers everything you need to know before you visit.
If you want to skip the DIY planning and logistics altogether and enjoy the best time of year for outdoor activities like truffle hunting, join us on a tour! Although we believe you can enjoy Italy year-round, some months are better than others, so we’ve selected specific dates for each trip.
These trips take you to hidden locations off the well-trodden tourist path, including exclusive experiences only guests of The Italian on Tour® can access, with seasonal experiences carefully selected and curated so you can get the most out of your Italian vacation.
Ready for your backstage pass to Italy’s best seasonal cultural and culinary delights? Click here to discover your next Italian vacation today!
