The eternal conundrum for all travelers of what to pack for a trip to Italy during fall is never an easy task to address. While the temperature will be significantly lower, fall provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy long walks accompanied by even longer lunches – minus the unbearable heat.
Read on to find the perfect Italy packing list for fall, complete with everything you need to know.
Autumn is the time of the ‘vendemmia’, the grape harvest. Though it varies year to year, some great advice for an Italian getaway in Autumn is to find out beforehand which vineyards are open to the public to watch or even participate in the harvest. They can usually contact you when there’s a more definite date determined for the harvest.” – Jasmine, Questa Dolce Vita
Weather in Italy during Fall
If you’re still uncertain of where to visit during fall, consider the following piece of advice. Venture up north for a cooler, more “autumnal” climate. Or, stay in the center, where Italy tends to stay a few degrees warmer than its northern neighbors. If you’re heading south, the evenings will continue with their balmy appeal as late as November.
A drop in temperature often causes a drop in prices across car hire, accommodation, or flights. This makes fall an attractive time to visit. From September to November, one could still expect vibrant blue skies and warm days – minus the swarms of travelers.
- September: Average temperature in Rome: 22°C / 71.6°F
As the season gently moves away from the heat of summer, September is an enjoyable time to travel with increased space in public squares and fewer lines to see notable attractions. - October: Average temperature in Rome: 18°C / 64.4°F
Visitors can expect cooler evenings and fewer crowds compared to the months prior. As the air temperature lowers, the vibrant colors will start to show as the leaves change across the countryside. In October, some of the best produce of the season hits the markets, including truffles and grapes from nearby vineyards or farms. - November: Average temperature in Rome: 13°C / 55.4°F
Slowly, the temperature is dropping, however, that does not mean Italy is any less of a showstopper compared to the warmer months. Make the most of a few rainy days and enjoy time inside museums such as the Uffizi Gallery or opulent churches.
Head over to Italy’s largest lake. Lago di Garda is stunning in all seasons, but it really comes into its own in autumn. Gone are the crowds of tourists. The sun is not scorching you to a crisp anymore. Instead, the many beautiful towns dotted on the shores of Lake Garda feel peaceful and all at your disposal. You will find Roman ruins and medieval castles, olive groves and thermal baths, excellent food and unforgettable views. Go for long walks, explore the many sights and take the lift up to Monte Baldo to admire the beauty of Lake Garda from a 1780 metres height.
Having lived in Italy for over three years now, there are many things I absolutely love about this stunning country. If I am hard pressed to choose just one, this would be its beauty! The beauty of Italy’s nature – lakes, mountains, sea, beaches, valleys – there is an incredible number of unique landscapes and die-for vistas. The beauty of Italy’s towns and cities – from the smallest to the largest, there is so much art, culture and architecture compacted in each one of them that discovering and savouring it all can easily take years. The beauty of Italy’s people – always so well presented with both men and women very conscious of their appearance and extremely well versed in the art of grooming. Coming to Italy is definitely coming in touch with beauty – every minute, at every corner, everywhere you look. You just need to open your heart to it and enjoy it.” – Rossi, Rossi Writes
What kind of clothing should you pack?
Aside from the obvious pieces like underwear and t-shirts, we’ve compiled a list of essentials.
Clothing suggestions
- A lightweight jacket – Consider the likes of a denim jacket, a light trench coat, or a thin jacket to cover up when a t-shirt by itself does not suffice.
- A scarf or wrap – Sometimes referred to as a pashmina or shawl, we would highly recommend keeping a scarf in your bag at all times. When the weather suddenly drops without warning, you’ll be prepared and can continue exploring.
- Sunglasses – Italians are notorious for their unique flair and style. Accessorize your outfit with a pair of funky sunglasses while protecting your eyes from the UV rays.
- A hat – If you have ever experienced a burnt scalp, you will know that it is seriously painful. While the risk is lower during fall, we would still suggest wearing a sensible hat. A baseball cap purchased from a local market will do the trick.
- A sweater – You need to be prepared for the cooler days with a casual sweater or two to throw on.
Get good clothes because it can be quite chilly in some areas. Enjoy the wineries and the wine harvest areas like Umbria or Tuscany. Try chestnuts in Piacenza, mushrooms in Torino or Putignano, truffles in Gubbio and Umbria or sausage in Messina, Sicily. Take advantage of smaller crowds and cheaper accommodation and flight prices.
Italy offers so many numerous highlights, but for me, it is the Italian lifestyle also named ‘La dolce vita’. It is the way the Italians enjoy their life with good food (fish, pasta, pizza) drink Prosecco and fantastic red wines. Italian coffee is a must try, Italian music is a delight to listen to and, last but not least, the elegant way the Italians dress up themselves every day.” – Gregor, The Vienna Blog
Optional clothing
- A rain jacket – During fall, there is a high chance you will see a drop of rain at least once on your trip. Consider a raincoat or disposable poncho that can be packed away into a small bag.
What kind of shoes should you pack?
- A – The ubiquitous Walking shoes – Comfort starts from the ground up, so invest in a pair of good walking shoes. Sneakers usually do the job; just make sure you’ve walked them in.
- B – Loafers – Suitable for both ladies and gents, embrace the Italian aesthetic with a flat loafer shoe.
- C – Heels – While loafers often do the job for men, the ladies may want to pack a pair of heels for that romantic dinner or a fancy bar. Italians love their fashion and, when in Rome…
What extras should you pack?
- Reusable water bottle – Forget about scrambling for coins to purchase a bottle of water and use a refillable bottle instead. Most towns will have public water stations for you to fill up. Our suggestion: splash those coins on ice cream or a slice of pizza and reduce your impact on the environment.
- A small backpack – For those days spent city-hopping or hiking, a small backpack can cater for extra snacks and sunscreen with the comfort of two shoulder straps.
- Camera – Get snap happy, and make those memories last.
- Suitcase lock – By investing in a quality lock, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you can quickly lock up your belongings.
- Portable charger – A portable charger can help you to stay on the go and keep moving throughout the day without having to worry about your phone battery.
- Photocopy of your passport – Print off at least two copies to have on hand in case of an emergency.
