Traveling to Italy in November: What You Need to Know (2024)

You’ve found a great flight deal, or you have a window in your calendar in November and can finally take your dream trip and explore Italy. Fantastic news! But is visiting Italy in November a good idea?

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This post about traveling to Italy in Novemberwas written by Italy travel expertVanessa Huntandcontains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this website.

Early November is a wonderful time to visit Italy if you want to sightsee in big cities with fewer tourists around it’s the low season. It’s also a great time to visit if you’re traveling on a budget as flights and accommodation will be much cheaper than in the summer months.

However, one mistake some travelers make is that Italy has year-round sunshine. November is a mild and rainy month, so you’d need to pack a waterproof jacket or water-resistant shoes when visiting most regions.

There’s a lot more to consider when planning to visit Italy in November than just the weather. This guide includes absolutely everything you need to know including all the fun national holidays, what to pack, and the best destinations to visit to make the most of your dream trip to Italy in the off-season!

Italy in November – What we’ll talk about

The pros and cons of traveling to Italy in November
Holidays and events in Italy in November
Weather in Italy in November
The best places to visit in Italy in November
What needs to be booked ahead in November

Pros and Cons of Traveling to Italy in November

November is the low season in Italy. It’s an in-between sort of month as it’s no longer fall, yet not quite Christmas.

Depending on where you want to go in Italy and what you want to do, November could be the best time for you to explore Italy and get an authentic experience of the Italian lifestyle! But if you mostly want to visit outdoor attractions and take part in outdoor activities, it could be the worst.

This pros and cons list will help you decide whether it’s the best month to visit Italy for you!

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Pros of Traveling to Italy in November

Fewer Tourists: November is the low season in Italy which means there aren’t many tourists. It’s the perfect time to visit Milan, Rome, Venice, Florence, and other big cities that are overcrowded in summer. Since there are fewer people around, it’s an ideal time to sip cappuccinos in cafes, stroll the cobblestone streets, and experience a taste of the laid-back Italian lifestyle.
Cheaper Hotels and Flights: Because there are fewer travelers, Italy’s hotel prices are much cheaper in November than they are in the high seasons and shoulder seasons. And it’s not just hotel prices but you might be able to find great flight deals to Italy too!
Christmas Markets and Festivals: There are lots of fun and religious festivals happening in November throughout Italy so you can gain a deeper insight into some parts of Italian culture. For example, All Saints Day is an Italian national holiday where Italians visit cemeteries and leave flowers on graves to pay respects to the dead. You could also visit a Christmas Market or attend a harvest festival.
Ski Resorts Reopening: Many travelers have the most amazing skiing experiences in Italy during November because the resorts are only just reopening and there are fewer skiers and snowboarders. The Dolomite Mountains and the Italian Alps are the best places to visit for winter sports.

Cons of Traveling to Italy in November

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Cold and Rainy Weather: There’s no sugar coating it, November is the rainiest month of the year in Italy. This makes visiting outdoor attractions like the Roman Forum or Pompeii a little less enjoyable. You probably won’t want to spend a lot of time in scenic hotspots like Cinque Terre, Lake Garda, or Lake Como either! But the weather makes absolutely no difference when visiting indoor attractions like the Vatican Museums in Rome or Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Plus, the southern regions of Italy will still mostly have pleasant, warm weather.
Beach Resorts Close: If you’re itching for some beach time this November, Italy is not the best destination. Not only is the weather not ideal, but beach resorts tend to close during the low season. Even if you just want to visit seaside towns like Cinque Terre for wintery walks on the beach, many local restaurants will also close for the low season if they’re located in highly seasonal areas.
Snowfall is Unpredictable: While you could have the most amazing skiing experiences in the Italian Alps or Dolomites in November, it’s a risk. The ski season in Italy is from November to April which means if it’s been a particularly warm year, you could be too early for the snowfall.

Festivals, Holidays, and Events in Italy in November

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There is one Italian National Holiday in November: All Saints Day (or All Souls Day), as well as a few regional semi-public festivities and festivals open to everyone. Many events celebrate seasonal produce in Italy that’s harvested in November. Italy is famous for its delicious dishes, after all!

Here are some of the annual events and festivals you can experience when visiting Italy in November.

All Saint’s Day/Souls Day: This is an Italian national holiday held every year on November 1st when schools, post offices, and other government offices close for the day. Local Italians visit cemeteries to leave flowers and pay respects to the dead. This occasion is an example of semi-public festivities. You might see some public shrines in some towns on All Saint’s Day where you can also leave flowers and pay respects to the dead, but most Italians visit cemeteries with their family and close friends.
Christmas Markets: Starting around the third week of November, Italy starts ramping up the Christmas celebrations! Many Christmas Markets are open from around the 21st or 28th of November. A couple of the best markets to visit at the end of November are the Govone Christmas Market and the Bolzano Christmas Market, which is the largest in Italy.
Olive Harvest: The olive harvest season in Italy begins in late October and continues into December. Visiting Italy in November is the perfect time to see olive pickers in the fields and visit mills to watch them press the olives to make extra virgin olive oil. Some of the best regions for the olive-picking season are Tuscany and Umbria. Visit Tuscany if you would like to witness the white truffle harvesting in the same region in Italy at the same time of year!
Turin Chocolate Festival: Also known as CioccolaTÒ, the Turin Chocolate Festival takes place every year during the first week of November in Piazza San Carlo. There are lots of vendors selling locally-produced chocolate treats at the chocolate festival plus tons of events for children.
Romaeuropa Festival: Taking place over two months in Rome, Romaeuropa is a multi-artistic fair and one of the most prestigious arts festivals in Europe. This diverse, multi-artistic fair blends theater, contemporary art, music, and dance performances across a huge list of venues around the city. Check out the Romaeuropa program if you’re planning to visit the Italian capital any time from September to November.
San Miniato White Truffle Festival: White truffles grow in many woodland areas across northern and central regions of Italy and you can find them at any time between late October and January. There are lots of food festivals dedicated to this delicious fungus, but one you should visit in November is the San Miniato White Truffle Festival in Tuscany. It’s held over the second, third, and fourth weekends with market stalls, local restaurants, and expert hunters all selling and tasting fresh produce at this fun and welcoming white truffle festival.
Feast of Madonna Della Salute in Venice: While the Feast of Madonna Della Salute is not an Italian holiday like All Saints Day is, it’s incredibly important to the Venetian people. This feast day is another great example of semi-public festivities and is held annually on November 21st. This day is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and local Italians attend mass in the iconic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. It gets so busy that local authorities construct a temporary bridge across the Grand Canal to deal with the traffic on this feast day! Outside of northeast Italy, you might hear nothing of this festivity but it’s important to local Italian culture there.

Weather November Italy: Temperatures and Rainfall

November is Italy’s rainiest month regardless of whether you’re traveling to the northern, central, or southern regions. While the north can get fairly cold in Italy in November, Italy in the south has milder weather.

Best Places to Visit in Italy in November

While it’s too cold to visit popular outdoorsy destinations in northern and central regions of Italy like Cinque Terre and Lake Como, there are lots of other great options if you want to know exactly where to go in Italy in November.

Whether you’re into city sightseeing or enjoying the warmth of a Mediterranean climate, these are the top choices.

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Rome: You almost cannot move for other tourists if you visit Rome in the busy summer season. It’s better to plan a trip to Rome in a quieter month like November so you don’t have to wait in long lines to explore iconic landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. Sure, you might get a little wet exploring the open-air Colosseum and Roman Forum but it’ll be worth it!
Venice: Most of the cruise ships that usually call into Venice during the summer all sail away for the winter before November. Although the temperatures will be chilly, the ability to walk around these beautiful canal lanes without trailing 700 people will keep you warm! Plus, the mosquitoes will have disappeared. Check the water levels before you go to be sure there isn’t any flooding.
Milan: It’s also better to visit Milan when there aren’t as many tourists as you’ll be able to explore the Duomo, castle, and galleries with almost no queues or crowds. You’ll still have to book tickets to see The Last Supper painting in advance but you can be much more spontaneous otherwise. Visiting Lake Como on a day trip might be off the cards, though!
Sicily: Head to the southern islands like Sicily for the warmest weather in Italy during November. You’ll be able to sit on a terrace outside and drink a lemonade or spritz without feeling cold and maybe even take off your jacket!
Umbria: For the best fresh produce, head to either Tuscany or Umbria in November as both regions harvest olives and white truffles during this month. Check out the dozens of food festivals and weekend farmer’s markets throughout the region. Orvieto, Perugia, and Assisi in Umbria are top choices for Italian culture and cuisine.

What Needs to be Booked Ahead for Italy in November

Accommodation

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Whether you’re booking accommodation in Italy for a long weekend or an epic trip lasting over a month, November is the best time to travel to Italy for cheap accommodation! However, it is also the off-season which means there are fewer accommodation options.

Hotels in seaside resort towns or the Italian lake regions such as the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Lake Garda, and Lake Como close in late November and over the winter season.

Don’t forget that the Christmas Markets start opening later in November too! If your long weekend break is over the last weekend of the month, accommodation in Italy will be in higher demand.

Book accommodation for your Italy in November travel in advance so you can choose the best hotel or guesthouse for your dream trip.

High-Speed Trains

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Traveling by high-speed train is the best way to explore Italy without the hassle of a rental car. While visiting Italy in November means there are fewer tourists traveling around the country, local Italians still use these trains to get from city to city.

In order to travel on these trains, you need a seat reservation and so these services can (and do!) sell out. Book your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

Highly-Popular Tours & Attractions

Visiting Italy in November means that lines to the top tourist attractions, like the Vatican Museums or the gondolas on the Grand Canal, will be much shorter. Tickets won’t sell out as far in advance so you can be a bit more spontaneous.

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But there are some attractions that will sell out even in low season. Some examples are The Last Supper (a must-do if you are planning to visit Milan) and advance tickets to the Statue of David in Florence.

What to Wear in Italy in November

To completely butcher a Forrest Gump quote: when you travel to Italy in November, you never know what weather you’re going to get! Check the weather forecast and then check it again before you close the padlock on your suitcase.

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You need to pack water-resistant shoes and a rain jacket no matter where you go as November is a rainy month. However, there can be very sunny days in Italy year-round, so pack your sunglasses and wear layers you can remove if it gets warmer.

This is a general guide to what you should wear in Italy during the late fall/early winter season depending on which regions you’re visiting.

Northern Italy

Daytime: Warm coat, long pants or equivalent, comfortable boots, and a sweater with a scarf and wool hat.

Evening: Warm coat with a maxi dress that has sleeves or jeans with a long-sleeved blouse or button-up with a scarf.

Outdoor Activities: Water-resistant shoes like hiking boots, a warm fleece, and a waterproof jacket with sweat-wicking layers.

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Central Italy

Daytime: Light jacket with a sweater, long pants, and sneakers or boots.

Evening: Warm coat or a light jacket with a sweater, long pants, or maxi dress/skirt with boots.

Sightseeing: Rain jacket with a sweater or fleece, long pants or equivalent, and comfortable water-resistant sneakers or boots with a scarf.

Southern Italy

Daytime: Light jacket or sweater with longer pants or skirt (you might get away with ankle-grazers or midi length on a warm day) with canvas sneakers.

Evening: Light jacket with long pants and a polo shirt or a dress with a long skirt or sleeves with boots.

Beach Destinations: Pack your sandals and a sunhat but still wear long skirts or pants you can roll up.

FAQs About Italy in November

Is it a good time to visit Italy in November?

Traveling to Italy in November is a good time if you want to explore Italy with fewer tourists and enjoy fall foliage and festivals with cheaper flights and accommodation options.

The weather in Italy in November is rainy and mild at best. But as long as you’re not planning to sunbathe or hike, it’s a great time to visit Italy.

Is Italy still warm in November?

Yes, Italy can still be warm in November but the southern regions are warmer than those in the north. The average temperature is 62.5°F/17°C with coastal winds and some rain.

Where in Italy is best in November?

Some of the best places to go in Italy in November are the big cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples. November is the off-season, which means there are fewer tourists in these usually overcrowded places.

You’ll be able to better indulge in the laidback Italian lifestyle!

What’s the warmest place in Italy in November?

The warmest places in Italy during November are the southern islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Sicily boasts over 15 sunny days over the month and an average high temperature of 68°F/20°C.

What’s the weather like in Italy in November?

The weather for Italy in November can be mild, rainy, and unpredictable. There are some sunny days but lots of rainy ones. Coastal winds pick up in November and the average temperature is 62.5°F/17°C.

Snowfall also picks up in late November in the Italian Alps and the Dolomites Mountains in northeast Italy.

The weather can vary and change a lot over a month. Early November can often be much warmer than late November in Italy.

Enjoy Visiting Italy This November

Visiting Italy in November is not ideal if you want some beach time or to visit seaside resorts like the Amalfi Coast. But it’s perfect if all you want to do is explore cities and eat delicious food with fewer tourists around and you don’t mind wearing a rain jacket!

What November lacks in sunny days, it makes up for in affordability. This is the best time to go to Italy if you’re traveling on a budget and want to visit big cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Italian Lakes like Lake Garda and Lake Como, which can be expensive, will also be cheaper too.