If you picture your dream trip to Italy, there are good chances that you envision sun-soaked piazzas, sun-soaked beaches, and sun-soaked hills. It isn’t sunny in November in Italy. You can still make November a great month to visit Italy, but you should be more concerned about saving money than getting a tan.
November acts as a bridge between Italy’s fall shoulder season (November) and the winter offseason (November). Prices for accommodation and airfare are usually low. However, the downside to this drop in cost is that the weather may not be as ideal as most people would like. Continue reading to learn more about November in Italy.
November Weather in Italy
November is Italy’s wettest month. It covers almost all of the peninsula. Although it is not the coldest month, it is often the best time to have a sweater and warm coat (not to mention water-resistant shoes).
It is more common for the southern regions of Italy to be warmer all year. If you are looking for something that feels like fall or early winter, you should consider heading south. An umbrella is a must, no matter where you are going.
These are the average temperatures for different regions of Italy:
- Northern Italy: 35-50°F (2-10°C)
- Central Italy: 45-60degF (7-16degC)
- Southern Italy: 55-65degF (13-18degC).
As always, make sure to check the extended forecast for your destination before you go – packing is a great time! This will allow you to know ahead of time if there are unseasonably cold spells or warm spells.
Italy’s November Holidays and Festivals
November begins with All Saints Day, an Italian national holiday. It is celebrated on November 1. While some places hold semi-public celebrations around All Saints Day (Ognissanti or Tutti i Santi in Italian), this is the day when most Italians visit cemeteries every year to pay their respects to those who have passed away. If you are a person who loves cemeteries, then November 1 and 2 are the best days to visit one in Italy. Respect the families who tend to graves of relatives.
The majority of fall harvest festivals end by November. However, it is worth checking the calendars for the places you will be visiting to make sure. Festivals can continue into November, such as the White Truffle Festival held in Alba. CioccolaTO, Turin’s chocolate festival was moved from March to November. It’s now a great November option for anyone who is in the north. To get started on your November event calendar, take a look at my holiday and festival list in Italy.
Why go to Italy in November when you can visit other countries?
It’s not the main reason to visit Italy in November. These are the big selling points, such as saving money and being able to avoid crowds. Although Italy is never empty of tourists, lines in November are significantly shorter than in summer. The weather might not be as important as it appears at first, since many top things to do and see in Italy are indoors.
Keep in mind that not only is it the weather, but some attractions and hotels also have different off-season schedules. This could mean that museums are closed for longer hours or, in certain cases, that hotels close completely during winter months. It is not an issue in large tourist destinations, but it could be in smaller towns. Before you make any final plans, it is worth looking at accommodation options.
If you don’t mind packing an umbrella and going to lots of indoor attractions, you will have a great time in Italy in November.
6 Responses to “Traveling To Italy In November: What You Should Know”
Nibu Jose says:
HI
I’m planning to go to Italy. Is October a good month to visit Italy? I plan to travel for 8-10 days in order to cover Italy. I will also be visiting Paris for a few days. Flying to Milan. I need your assistance in finalizing the schedule.
It has been a long time since I was there.
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Jess has the following:
This is my article on Traveling to Italy in October Nibu. You can decide if this sounds appealing to you. Personallly, October is my favorite month in Italy!
Debbie says:
Hello there.
I will be attending a conference in Rome from late November to early December. I had been considering a two-week vacation in Southern Italy with small groups. I was considering Sicily, Puglia, and possibly Malta. These are regions I haven’t explored on previous trips to Italy, and I haven’t been to Malta. Given the season and the weather forecast for Sicily, my options for tours are very limited. While I understand that I need to dress appropriately, I also know that I do not want to get a suntan. However, I don’t want my tour to be interrupted by rain or snow. Any comments or suggestions about where I might consider going would be appreciated. I enjoy good food, meeting new people, and am interested in history, scenery, and museums. This holiday should be relaxed. I’m not interested in large bus tours. Are you expecting too much? I look forward hearing from you!
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You’re likely to have wet weather in November, which is the rainiest month in Italy. Although it won’t get as cold or wet in Sicily in November as it is in Milan, the chances of it being cold will still be high. It was cold and rainy in Sicily in October last year. You never know what you might find. You can visit many indoor museums and churches in Palermo. However, it is possible to visit any of the outdoor attractions in Sicily, such as the Valley of the Temples, if it rains.
Amazing blog. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Your advice on this time of the year was very helpful in planning ahead.