Italy in November: Is it the best time to visit Italy?

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Planning to visit Italy in November and wondering if it is the best time to visit? We got you covered. From weather, sightseeing to how each of the popular Italian destinations looks like in November; you will find all the pictures and travel tips from our trip. 

We are also sharing our packing list for the month of November in Italy. 

Visiting Italy in November: Is it the best time to go to Italy?

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Italy is a diverse country, and it experiences four distinct seasons. Month wise, November is part of the fall or autumn season. Here is a quick breakdown, 

• Spring: March to May 
• Summer: June to August
• Autumn: September to November
• Winter: December to February

Our experience in Italy in November: 

We spent close to a month exploring the length and breadth of the country. We extensively used public transportation including high-speed trains (and mixed a few guided tours in between). 

We explored popular places like Rome in November, Venice, Milan, Florence, and smaller towns and the Amalfi Coast. Our Italy itinerary included UNESCO World Heritage sites, trattoria hopping, and lots of food, shopping, and amazing views!

The pictures that you see in this post are from November – and the days when it was raining or overcast you can clearly see it, and when the skies were sunny – you will know it too! 🙂 

We will go deeper into each, and more – we have also included weather and sightseeing for places close to Italy like San Marino and Monaco. 

What is the weather in Italy in November? Italy in November Weather 

Here is how the weather looks in the month of November.

On average, you can expect temperatures to be in the range of 0 – 11 degrees C (33 – 52 °F) in northern Italy. The central side is warmer at 7.7 – 16.7 degrees C (46 – 62°F) and southern Italy averages at around 12.7 – 14.4 degrees C (55-58°F).

Rainy days average about 6 to 11 days a month. Overcast days are common in cities like Rome, Venice, and Milan, but it also gets cleared up the next day. Rain ranges from a slight drizzle to a heavy downpour. 

The weather app in Italy actually is very accurate unlike here in Canada. So when we were in Rome, it warned us about rain from 4 to 8 pm local time, and accordingly, we planned our sightseeing activities. The first day we assumed it wouldn’t be THAT accurate, but it rained cats and dogs! We were completely drenched. 

Although there was rain, we also got warm and sunny days in Italy, without any gray skies! The weather overall was pleasant and perfect for outdoor sightseeing and photography!

November is an autumn month, but it is a crossover or transition month too. So the weather is a little unpredictable.

And you will need to carry some woolen clothes, warm accessories, and waterproof boots. You must also carry tops and blouses for use during the day when the temperatures are warm and sunny. 

In the evenings, the temperatures do dip a little, and a cardigan or a warm jacket is needed. Sunsets also happen sooner and when it rains it is darker than normal. 

When we were exploring Rome, we had clear weather during the day. It was perfect for sightseeing, photos, walking, and chilling at various piazzas. Most days we had temperatures of 9 to 15 degrees Celsius (48 to 59 F). Late evenings it was slightly chilly, but not too cold. 

Venice was similar, but it was much colder during the day. Overcast days were common. We did have a nice day when the weather was warm and nice (I also did a photoshoot and a gondola ride during that time), but certain parts of the city were flooded. Water did clear up during the course of the day (more on that below).

We stayed in Tuscany for a week in November and actually experienced no rains. But Florence and other Tuscan towns were chillier. We had to wear a light cardigan or a jacket at all times.

During our trip, Amalfi Coast had a severe thunderstorm warning, but we were still able to visit. Amalfi town was open with hotels, restaurants, and shops, but a waterproof jacket was important. Of course, no swimming and no sunbeds in November in Amalfi!

Advantages of visiting Italy in November

There are clear advantages of visiting Italy in November, as long as you are prepared and planned for it. Know that the weather is unpredictable, and hence we recommend planning to stay in a city for 1-3 days so that you can experience some sunny days for outdoor sightseeing.

And when it rains, well – Italy has a ton of museums, art galleries, restaurants, and oh shopping – so you won’t be bored. That’s guaranteed! 

November is off season in Italy with fewer crowds

November is not a busy month as far as tourists go. You can say that it is a low season. 

Popular cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice experience fewer crowds in November. Booking last minute entry tickets (for hard to get museum passes, etc) was actually easy, and we were in with very little waiting time.  

It was easier to get a seat in a restaurant, store associates paid close attention to your queries, and tour guides chatted with us, sharing local insights and tips! All because it was not busy with crowds. All of our tours were small groups of 10 or less, and it was a nice experience. 

High-speed trains were half full, and many compartments were almost empty. 

Read: What to buy in Italy

Great flight and accommodation deals in November for Italy

If you are planning a trip to Italy, make a note of this – November, January, and February are great months for flight tickets. It is usually discounted – due to it being a low tourist season. 

The same goes for hotels. We like to stay in mid-budget properties near or at the city centre, and we were able to score deals for $100 USD or less (double occupancy). These hotels are listed as 3 or 4 stars on Booking.com, which we use to book. Taxes were paid at the property with cash. 

Enjoy festivals in November in Italy

These festivals might motivate you to visit Italy in November. November is Truffle Season in Italy, and the Alba White Truffle Festival is held from early October through late November every year. You will also find harvest-related and food festivals taking place in smaller towns across Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.

The capital city of Rome is home to two major festivals – Roma Europa Festival (art fest) and Rome Jazz Festival (music fest) and it takes place every year in November. 

Many cities including Rome and the Italian Riviera start gearing up for Christmas markets and the festive season. Restaurants and stores are decorated by mid-November, and some areas also have Xmas stalls set up for the holiday season. 

The Turin Film Festival also takes place in November. 

All Saints Day (celebrated all over Italy on November 1st) and Feast of Our Lady of Good Health (Venice) are some of the other festivals that are held in Italy annually in November. 

While All Saints Day is a national holiday, the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health Madonna della Salute Festival takes place in Venice on November 21st every year. 

Santa Maria della Salute festival is a popular event that celebrates the Virgin Mary and includes a procession of boats from St. Mark’s Square to the Church of Santa Maria della Salute. 

This festival had its origins in 1630 when Venetians were dying, and the city authorities pleaded for divine aid, promising to construct a church in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Most attractions are open, just be mindful of the weather

If your goal is to visit tourist attractions like the Colosseum in Rome, the Vatican Museums, Milan Cathedral, ride the gondola in Venice, and Pompeii ruins site – you will be happy to know that they are all open. Some attractions might have a seasonal schedule for fall and winter, but they will be welcoming visitors. 

However, you have to be mindful of the weather – as all of these iconic landmarks are outside (unlike a museum). 

We were blessed with good weather while exploring the Colosseum, as well as the gondola ride in Venice. While at the Pompeii archeological site it rained continuously – we had a tour booked and we completed our sightseeing using an umbrella and a rain jacket. It was fun though.

It also rained one of the days we were in Milan. Our entrance tickets to the Milan cathedral included rooftop access, and of course…..it was raining.

But the good news is that our tickets were valid for 3 days – so we explored the church and the museum on one day, and then on the third day (when the weather was a bit better) we utilized the rooftop access. 

So don’t worry if you are unable to activate a ticket for weather related reasons. 

Prepare for the weather and limited restaurant options in some places

You are going to be 10000% okay in cities in Italy. This particular travel tip is true for seasonal destinations like the Italian Riviera/ Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, and some of the Venetian Islands. 

When we visited these listed destinations, not all restaurants were open. Burano and Murano islands were almost dead and close by afternoon. Same for Positano; Amalfi town was open though. 

Italy in November is great for photography lovers

Italy in November is a great time for photography lovers! For one, there are fewer crowds, so wear your Instagrammable dresses and snap that photo for social media. 

Trust me, it is a pain when it is too bright for photos during the daytime! But the off-season is great, and also easy to edit later. 

Being a crossover month, you can capture fall leaves in November as well. 

Oh…Italy is so picturesque; so play with rainwater, puddles on the road and cute festive lights, and more!

Disadvantages: Things to consider when visiting Italy in November

To be honest, we don’t have a lot of negative things to say about visiting Italy in November. We had a great time traveling across the country and were able to check off all the popular attractions that we had on our Italy bucket list and more.

We ventured to quieter alleys, visited museums with ease, took awesome photos with fewer people, and just had a blast! 

Too cold for beach time or swimming

If you are planning to visit Italy for its coast, or a beach vacation, then November is not the time. There are thunderstorm warnings, and swimming is not possible.

Ferries will be operating on a limited frequency. 

Unpredictable Weather 

This is true that the weather is a little unpredictable, so we recommend checking and planning for each day. Our recommendation to beat this con – is to pack an umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket. 

We also suggest staying in a destination for at least a minimum of 2 days (3 is better), that way you can see the city in the rain, and also enjoy a warm day sightseeing. 

The weather in November is not cold, it is wet. If you are okay with a little rain, you will LOVE Italy in November for all the good reasons (listed above). 

Best places to visit in Italy in November: By Destination

Here are some of the activities and must see attractions in Italy in November,

Rome in November: Is November a good time to visit Rome, Italy?

The weather in Rome, Italy in November is slightly unpredictable. It is not cold, although it’s November. But it rains often. 

You can expect daytime temperatures to be at 15+°C (60° F) with balmy temperatures and clear skies. Even with the rain, the temperatures are above 10° C (50°F). 

We were able to explore the Colosseum grounds comfortably without having to worry about the heat or cold. A nice cardigan or lightweight jacket was enough to wander about outdoors.

A pair of waterproof walking shoes are a must. You can wear booties too – but leave your woolens at home (it is not cold yet). 

Visiting museums, cathedrals, and stores will be a breeze as it is not super crowded. Piazzas had fewer people hanging out, and hence capturing photos or chilling out was easy. 

In terms of accommodation, you can find suites at the center or near the Vatican for $100 USD or less (3 or 4 stars). Read all about how to spend 4 days in Rome

Venice in November

Venice is a popular destination in Italy, and between the months of October to January, it experiences a seasonal high tide, and together with rains and storms, it leads to a flood (high water aka ‘acqua alta’). 

In 2019, mid-November Venice was 80% underwater, with many ground floors damaged. During our visit, we saw water (flood) in the San Marco Piazza with cafes and the square partially merged in water. 

People were wearing colorful boots (known as Goldon plastic boots) that one can buy from the Piazza for 10 euros. They are one-time use only, but they are useful in keeping your feet and shoes dry.

In terms of sightseeing, there was no line-up anywhere. Various districts or Sestieri had fewer tourists, so wandering in Venice was a dream. Finding a table by a canalside cafe was also easy, and we always had the best view!

Temperature-wise Venice was on the cooler side (as compared to Rome). Places like Burano, Murano, and Torcello islands were very quiet, and the sunset was early. 

Milan in November

There is not much difference in temperatures between Milan and Venice. During our trip, it rained for a day, and the next day it was bright and clear and there was no flooding in Milan.

It rains for 6+ days a month. 

Milan surprisingly was very clean and actually enjoyable in the rain. We visited churches, museums/galleries and went shopping. It was a good experience taking a ride through the city soaking in the lovely weather (yea we like rain, and a nice cuppa latte and croissant to go with it).

The only thing to remember is that you won’t be able to enjoy its urban parks in the rain – it looked nice and green though. 

Cinque Terre in November

The coast is not a great time to visit in November, especially if you are seeking a beach vacation. Restaurants and hotels will be limited. 

You can hike, walk around villages, take photos, and hang out when the weather is nice. But to experience everything that the Riviera is known for, you will have to visit in the summer or fall. 

Amalfi in November

Just like Cinque Terre, Amalfi was also quiet. With the rain, hiking is a challenge too. 

Most of the village including the picturesque Positano will be closed (restaurants and limited hotels). During our visit in November, we drove past Ravello and Positano as it was quiet, but Amalfi town was slightly different (even though it was raining). 

We visited the Amalfi Cathedral, which had nice places to eat and shop around. Some of the popular trattorias were also busy – like all tables were occupied. Marina Grande (beachfront) was lovely for a walk. You do have to wear warm clothing though for hikes or strolls. 

Read: One day in Amalfi itinerary | 4 days in Amalfi itinerary

Tuscany & Florence in November

Tuscany was the only place we experienced no rain or overcast days during our trip in November. There was a chill in the air, so a warm jacket and a scarf are essential. 

Some of the small towns in Tuscany do get some snow in December, but in November there was none. We could still see some fall foliage in the first half of the month. 

Pisa was almost empty and it was fun trying out different poses with the Leaning Tower!

The benefit of visiting Tuscany or Florence in November is fewer tourists. You can visit the Florence Duomo and Renaissance museums without waiting in line. 

We would not say that Florence was deserted – there were visitors, but it was not crowded – it was easy to find tickets to attractions, and restaurants and stores were all open. 

Other destinations: What is there to do in Italy in November?

Other than the prime destinations in Italy, you can head out to the Emilia Romagna region in November when it is celebrating the winter truffle season amidst some fall colors.

You can also explore various microstates like San Marino, Malta, and the Principality of Monaco. 

We couldn’t visit Malta in November, because traveling via Sicily was an issue due to the weather and thunderstorms. So we had to skip it. Of course, you can fly to Malta from Italy – that’s an option.

We visited San Marino and Monaco in November. Monaco was delightful with good weather, and festivities taking place in Monte Carlo. But San Marino was cold, wet, and foggy! 

Monaco is best explored from Milan via Genoa, and San Marino is feasible via Florence and Rimini on a day trip (or longer).

Things to know before your visit to Italy in November

We hope the information above has helped you to gather an idea of what visiting Italy will be like in November. We have compiled these additional questions and insights to share some more Italy travel tips

Italy in November Weather 

November is the rainiest month in Italy. And you must be prepared for light to heavy showers in most touristy destinations. Be well prepared – carry a rain jacket, warm jacket, waterproof shoes, or boots. 

In the first week of November, you can see fall foliage too, but as you proceed to the mid and end of the month, the weather gets a little chilly, and rains are frequent too. Expect rains for 9+ days in November. 

Snow is rare in cities, but in the northern part of the country (mountains), you could get some.

What to pack for Italy in November?

Here is what we packed for Italy in November

• Long sleeve tops: Long sleeve shirts, blouses & tops
• Bottoms: Jeans (in dark colors)
• Comfortable walking shoes 
• Lightweight waterproof jacket and cardigan 
• Sunglasses & sunscreen 
• A scarf and a warm hat
• Charger: Carry multi charging cables to charge multiple tech devices. This is our favorite  
• Universal Adaptor: Italy uses a plug with two round pins (type C), unlike the flat ones in North America. So do take a universal adaptor. If you don’t have one, you can buy it here
• Camera: Don’t forget your camera. We use – Sony Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii
• Passport: Check the validity of the passport. Ensure it is not expired. If you need a visa apply for the Schengen visa
• Currency and Credit Cards: Don’t forget your credit cards and currency. The official currency of Italy is the euros
• Don’t forget to apply for travel insurance to protect all of your vacations.

Read: Detailed guide to what to wear in Italy

Is November a good time to visit Italy?

With no snow and pleasant weather, it is 1000% worth visiting Italy in November. 

✓ It is a low tourist season with fewer crowds, so your Italy tour will be a breeze

✓ No line ups in touristy attractions

✓ Good flight deals, and accommodation options

✓ Pleasant temperatures, so you can go about sightseeing comfortably (not very hot, no snow)

We planned our trip to Italy using online resources and we were happy with our experience in November.

If you like city and culture-related attractions then you will enjoy visiting Italy in November  – museums, events, bars, and restaurants are open. 

Hotels and flights were affordable when traveling from Canada or the USA. A big plus for visiting Italy in November is beating the summer heat and rush, literally especially in cities. 

Fewer crowds mean more room for public transport, tours, and cobblestone lanes. 

However, if you want to hit the beach, swim, and can’t stand the rain, then Italy in November is not the best time to visit.

Ready to book your trip? Get all of our tips and information about Italy below  

• Access all of our Italy content here – Italy Travel Guide
• Italy itinerary: 10 days in Italy itinerary is perfect to explore the highlights and some
• Photo guides: Rome Instagram spots, Venice Instagram spots
• Need a hotel in Italy? We use Booking.com for all of our hotel needs. Choose from pet friendly hotels to luxury resorts at Booking.com

Pin: What to expect in Italy in the late fall?

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