Italy might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a November vacation. The days are shorter, the weather can be unpredictable, and you’re definitely not going to get the hot, sunny days that Italy is famous for in the summer.
But after spending 10 days road-tripping through Italy from November 13–26, I honestly think November is an underrated time to visit.
We travelled from Rome through Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Venice, Lake Como and Milan, experiencing everything from warm afternoons in Rome to colder, rainy days farther north. And while the weather wasn’t always perfect, travelling during the off-season came with some pretty big advantages.
There were fewer crowds, we had no trouble getting restaurant reservations, driving and parking were easier, and some of Italy’s most popular destinations felt surprisingly peaceful.
Plus, November is an incredible month for food. Truffles are in season, olive oils are fresh, wineries are quieter, autumn dishes start appearing on menus, and depending on when you visit, you might even catch the beginning of Italy’s Christmas markets.
If you’re considering visiting Italy in November, here’s everything I would want to know before booking your trip.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Italy?
Yes! I would absolutely visit Italy in November again.
But I don’t think November is necessarily the best time of year for everyone.
If your dream Italian vacation involves swimming along the coast, spending every evening on a patio, hiking the Cinque Terre trails in sunshine and wearing summer dresses through Tuscany, I would choose another time of year.
But if you’re travelling to Italy for the food, history, architecture, wine, scenic road trips and incredible cities, November has a lot going for it.
One of the biggest advantages for us was the seasonal foods and simply how manageable everything felt.
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and some of the destinations on our road trip are notoriously busy during the summer. Visiting in November gave us a completely different experience.
We could wander through towns without fighting through crowds, find parking relatively easily and enjoy restaurants and attractions without having to plan every minute months in advance.
The trade-off is the weather gamble.
November can be rainy, temperatures vary considerably depending on where you are in the country, and daylight hours are much shorter than during the summer.
For us, we found unbeatable flights so those were compromises we were more than happy to make.
What Is the Weather Like in Italy in November?
If there is one thing I learned during our trip, it’s that there really isn’t one answer to this question.
Italy is a long country, and November weather can vary dramatically depending on where you are and even which week of the month you’re visiting.
We travelled from November 13–26, and we noticed the temperature changing even over those 14 days.
During our first couple of days in Rome on November 13–14, the weather was surprisingly mild. At some points during the day, I was comfortable walking around in a T-shirt with just a light sweater nearby.
By the end of our trip around November 25–26, things felt completely different.
By the time we reached northern Italy, I was wearing a jacket most days. I bought a pair of cashmere-lined leather gloves in Venice as a souvenir and was very glad I did, because I ended up wearing them for the entire second half of our trip!
That pretty much sums up packing for Italy in November: bring layers and be prepared for rain.
Northern Italy in November
Northern Italy was noticeably cooler than Rome and Tuscany during our trip.
By the time we reached Venice and Lake Como, I was regularly wearing a jacket, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Rain is also something you need to prepare for, particularly if you’re visiting destinations where most of your plans involve being outside. We got lucky and only had a bit of rain during some of our drives. Other than that, the weather was awesome.
That said, cooler weather didn’t ruin these destinations for us. Wandering around Venice in a jacket was completely fine, and Lake Como was beautiful even without the warm summer weather. The leaves on the trees were changing colour and looked beautiful, especially at golden hour.
You just need to go into the trip knowing that northern Italy in November is going to feel much more like late fall heading into winter.
Central Italy in November
Rome and Tuscany were noticeably milder for us.
Rome especially surprised me. For mid-November, we had some beautiful weather, and during the warmer parts of the day, I occasionally didn’t even need my sweater.
Tuscany was cooler, particularly in the mornings and evenings, but the temperatures were still comfortable for exploring towns, visiting wineries and road-tripping through the countryside.
November also suited Tuscany surprisingly well. The rolling hills had their autumn colours, the towns were quiet, and sitting down for a big Tuscan meal and a glass of red wine somehow felt even better when it wasn’t 30°C outside.
Does It Rain a Lot in Italy in November?
This is probably the biggest gamble when planning an Italy trip in November.
You should expect some rain.
November is one of the wetter times of year in many parts of Italy, so I wouldn’t plan an itinerary where every activity depends on having perfect weather.
That doesn’t mean it will rain your entire trip. We had a mix of weather, and honestly we got extremely lucky. We had mostly sunny days, with a few light showers here and there.
My biggest recommendation is to leave yourself some flexibility and bring a small umbrella or rain jacket.
If you have a sunny day, take advantage of it for viewpoints, countryside drives and outdoor attractions. Save museums, churches, food tours and other indoor activities for rainy periods whenever possible.
What We Experienced Visiting Italy in November
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to write this guide is because November feels very different depending on where in Italy you go.
Here’s what I thought about each destination we visited.
Rome in November
Rome would be one of my top recommendations for Italy in November.
We were there November 13–14 and had some of the warmest weather of our entire trip.
The biggest advantage, though, was being able to explore Rome without peak summer heat.
Rome involves a LOT of walking, and I honestly can’t imagine doing the same amount of sightseeing in 35°C weather.
November temperatures made it much more comfortable to spend an entire day walking between the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and all the little streets in between.
There are also so many indoor attractions in Rome that a rainy day doesn’t have to ruin your plans.
Cinque Terre in November
This is the destination where I’d give the biggest warning.
Personally, I would avoid Cinque Terre in November unless seeing it is really important to you and you don’t mind the possibility of heavy rain.
Cinque Terre is a destination that is heavily dependent on the outdoors. The hiking trails, coastal views and colourful villages are the entire reason you’re there.
November brings a higher chance of rainstorms, and heavy rainfall can cause trail closures and transportation disruptions in the region.
That doesn’t mean you can’t visit. We did, and I’m glad I got to see it.
But if I were planning another November Italy itinerary, Cinque Terre wouldn’t be one of my first recommendations.
If it’s somewhere you’ve always dreamed of visiting and you’re willing to explore in the rain, then absolutely go for it. Just build some flexibility into your itinerary and understand that you may not get the sunny coastal experience you’ve seen all over Instagram.
Milan in November
Milan works well as a November destination because so many of the city’s main attractions aren’t weather dependent.
You can visit the Duomo, shop, eat, explore museums and spend plenty of time indoors if the weather isn’t cooperating.
For us, it rained in Milan periodically throughout our time there and it didn’t affect us much. And when the sun peaked out, the weather was perfect.
Lake Como in November
Lake Como in November is beautiful, but you need to manage your expectations.
This isn’t going to be the lively Lake Como you see all over social media during the summer. Some restaurants, hotels and attractions operate seasonally, the weather is colder and the towns are much quieter.
But honestly, that was also part of what I liked about it.
Rather than staying in one of the busy lakeside towns, we stayed at an agriturismo just outside Como. It gave us a completely different experience of the area, surrounded by beautiful countryside and getting a little taste of rural life in Northern Italy. With the summer crowds gone, even exploring the towns around the lake felt much more peaceful.
If you’re looking for nightlife and a packed itinerary, November probably isn’t the best time to visit Lake Como. But if you’re happy wandering through quiet streets, enjoying the scenery and slowing down for a day or two, I think it’s still well worth adding to your trip.
Planning a stay around Lake Como? Read more about why agriturismos are one of my favourite ways to stay in Italy and see where we stayed near Lake Como.
Venice in November
I actually really liked Venice in November.
Yes, it was cold being right on the water. But a pair of Italian leather gloves was something on my list to buy, so the weather gave me a great excuse to treat myself with a cashmere-lined pair.
But Venice is another destination where I think avoiding the summer crowds can be a huge advantage.
You can wander through the narrow streets, stop for cicchetti, explore the canals and actually enjoy getting lost without thousands of other tourists doing exactly the same thing.
You should still prepare for rain and potentially high water, but for us, the quieter atmosphere was worth dealing with colder weather.
We also did a food tour here, which was perfect for November. It gave us plenty of stops indoors and introduced us to some of Venice’s traditional foods and cicchetti bars. If that interests you check out my other guide: Food tour in Venice.
Tuscany & Florence in November
Tuscany might actually be one of my favourite places to visit in November.
The countryside is beautiful in autumn, the roads are quieter, wineries aren’t overwhelmed with peak-season visitors and the cooler weather makes Tuscan comfort food even better.
We spent our time driving through the countryside, visiting wineries, taking a cooking class, truffle hunting, exploring towns and finding some of the famous Val d’Orcia photo spots.
This is also where November’s seasonal food really starts to become part of the trip.
If you’re travelling to Italy primarily for food and wine, I wouldn’t hesitate to visit Tuscany in November.
The Best Things About Visiting Italy in November
Fewer Crowds
This was probably my favourite part of travelling Italy in November.
Some of Italy’s most popular attractions can be overwhelmingly busy during the summer months.
November isn’t empty by any means, especially in places like Rome and Venice, but it felt considerably more manageable.
Being able to wander through smaller Tuscan towns without crowds was especially nice.
Potentially Cheaper Flights
One of the biggest reasons we ended up visiting Italy in November was actually the flight prices.
We found round-trip flights from Canada to Italy for around $300 CAD per person, which was a deal that was pretty hard to pass up!
November falls into Italy’s off-season, and while you’re never guaranteed to find flights that cheap, it’s definitely worth watching prices if your travel dates are flexible. Flights can be considerably less expensive than travelling during the busy summer months, especially if you’re willing to travel mid-week or adjust your dates by a few days.
For us, the cheaper flights were what initially convinced us to book Italy in November. Once we got there, the fewer crowds, seasonal food and quieter atmosphere ended up making us really happy we had chosen the off-season anyway.
If Italy has been on your bucket list but summer flight prices are holding you back, I’d definitely recommend checking November before ruling it out.
Cooler Weather for Sightseeing
If you’re planning an active itinerary, cooler weather can actually be a huge advantage.
We walked A LOT on this trip.
Exploring Rome, Florence and Venice involves spending hours on your feet, and I’d much rather do that wearing a light jacket than sweating through 35°C summer weather.
It’s an Amazing Time for Food
This was something I hadn’t fully appreciated before our trip.
November is such a good time to experience Italian food. Think fresh truffles, olive oils and pastas.
Autumn ingredients are in season, meals become heartier, and Tuscany especially has some incredible seasonal experiences happening during this time of year.
Easier Road Tripping
We found driving around Italy in November surprisingly manageable. This was especially helpful when we went off-route and needed to find last-minute accommodations or tours.
Roads were generally less busy than you’d expect during peak tourist season, and parking in smaller towns was easier.
For a road trip like ours, that made November a great choice.
You Might Catch the Beginning of Christmas Season
If you’re visiting toward the end of November, you may also catch the beginning of Italy’s Christmas season. We started seeing Christmas markets and decorations popping up toward the end of our trip, which was such a fun bonus. More on Italy’s November Christmas markets below!
The Downsides of Visiting Italy in November
Of course, travelling during the off-season isn’t perfect.
Unpredictable Weather
This is the biggest downside.
You could have a beautiful sunny afternoon followed by pouring rain the next morning.
If bad weather would seriously affect how much you enjoy your vacation, November probably isn’t the best month for you.
Shorter Days
This was something we definitely had to consider when planning our road trip.
The sun sets much earlier in November, which means you have fewer daylight hours for driving, viewpoints and outdoor sightseeing.
If you’re road-tripping, I recommend planning your scenic stops earlier in the day and trying to avoid leaving all your driving until after sunset.
Seasonal Closures
This is more important in smaller towns and seasonal destinations like Lake Como and Cinque Terre.
Some hotels, restaurants, tours and attractions reduce their hours or close entirely during the off-season.
Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan are year-round destinations, so you’ll still have plenty of restaurants, museums and attractions to choose from.
Before visiting smaller towns in November, I’d recommend checking the opening hours for anything you’re really set on visiting.
What to Eat in Italy in November
One of the best reasons to visit Italy in November might just be the food.
Italy’s cuisine is incredibly regional, and autumn brings its own seasonal ingredients and dishes.
Truffles
If you love truffles, November is an amazing time to visit Italy.
We ran out of time to go truffle hunting, but are definitely going to on our next trip. Here is the tour we were going to do: Truffle Hunting in Chianti with Pasta Cooking Class & Lunch.
November falls right into truffle season in several parts of Italy, so you’ll see truffle dishes appearing on restaurant menus and seasonal events taking place in certain towns.
Even if you don’t go truffle hunting yourself, this is the time to order fresh truffle pasta whenever you see it!
Fresh Olive Oil
Autumn is also olive harvest season in many parts of Italy.
That means November visitors may have the chance to try freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, sometimes referred to as olio nuovo.
If you’re travelling through Tuscany, keep an eye out for olive farms and tastings alongside your winery visits.
Chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts are another classic autumn food you’ll see as the weather cools down.
Depending on where you’re travelling, you may find chestnut festivals or seasonal chestnut dishes. In almost every major town we visited, we came across street vendors roasting fresh chestnuts.
Seasonal Pasta & Comfort Food
November weather makes Italy’s heavier dishes feel especially appropriate.
This is the time of year when I want pasta, ragù, risotto, soups and long dinners with a bottle of wine.
One of my favourite parts about travelling through Italy was seeing how much the food changed between regions.
Wine
There is never really a bad time to drink wine in Italy, but November is especially nice for winery visits.
We visited Tuscany after the busy harvest season, which meant the wineries felt much quieter and more personal.
Our visit to Ricasoli at Brolio Castle was definitely a splurge, but it ended up being one of our favourite experiences in Tuscany.
Read my full Ricasoli Winery review here.
Christmas Markets in Italy in November
If you’re travelling during the last week or two of November, keep an eye out for Christmas markets starting to open.
Italy’s Christmas market season generally begins toward the end of November, although exact dates vary considerably depending on the city and year.
Northern Italy is especially good for Christmas markets, with some of the most famous found around South Tyrol and the Dolomites.
Cities and towns elsewhere in Italy may also begin decorating and opening seasonal stalls during the second half of the month.
We travelled November 13–26, so we were just reaching the very beginning of Christmas market season.
If Christmas markets are high on your list, I’d probably aim for the last week of November into early December rather than mid-November.
Always check the official dates for the year you’re travelling before building your itinerary around a particular market.
What to Pack for Italy in November
My biggest advice?
Layers. Layers. Layers.
The difference between Rome at the beginning of our trip and northern Italy toward the end was significant.
I went from occasionally walking around Rome and Milan in a T-shirt with a light sweater to wearing a jacket and buying gloves in Venice!
I’d pack:
- T-shirts and light base layers
- Sweaters
- A warm jacket
- A waterproof outer layer or rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof shoes if possible – I brought my Blundstones and was very glad I did.
- A compact umbrella
- A scarf
- Gloves – or use the cold weather as an excuse to buy yourself a pair of Italian leather ones!
- Comfortable pants or jeans
- A small day bag
Good walking shoes are especially important.
Italy’s cobblestone streets can become incredibly slippery when they’re wet, and you’ll probably be walking much more than you expect.
I brought a few dresses just incase and didn’t end up wearing any due to the weather.
Driving in Italy in November
We chose to rent a car for our Italy itinerary, and I would absolutely do it again.
Having a car gave us the flexibility to explore Tuscany, stop in smaller towns and reach places that would have been more difficult using public transportation.
November also meant the roads generally weren’t overwhelmed with summer tourist traffic.
That said, there are a few things you need to research before driving in Italy, particularly ZTL zones, toll roads and parking.
Planning an Italian road trip? Read my complete guide to Driving in Italy: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Road Trip.
Is Italy Cheaper in November?
November can definitely be a more affordable time to travel around Italy than peak summer, particularly when it comes to accommodations.
That doesn’t mean Italy suddenly becomes a budget destination.
Major attractions still cost the same, restaurants can still be expensive, and popular experiences like private wine tours aren’t necessarily cheaper just because you’re travelling in November.
But travelling outside peak season can give you more options when booking hotels and accommodations.
For us, the combination of fewer crowds and potentially lower accommodation costs was another major advantage.
Where Should You Visit in Italy in November?
Based specifically on the places we visited, here’s where I’d prioritize.
Rome: One of my top choices. Mild weather, endless things to do and plenty of indoor attractions if it rains.
Tuscany: Another favourite. Perfect for food, wine, road trips, cooking classes and exploring quieter towns.
Florence: An easy November recommendation because museums, food and architecture aren’t dependent on good weather.
Venice: Colder and potentially rainy, but much easier to enjoy without peak-season crowds.
Milan: Another good option because there’s plenty to do indoors.
Lake Como: Beautiful but very quiet. Go if you want scenery and don’t mind seasonal closures.
Cinque Terre: The one I’d be most hesitant about. If it’s a bucket-list destination and you don’t mind potentially exploring in heavy rain, go for it. Otherwise, I’d save Cinque Terre for a trip with more reliable weather.
Is Italy Worth Visiting in November?
For me, absolutely.
November isn’t going to give you the picture-perfect summer version of Italy you see on Instagram.
You might get rain. You’ll need a jacket. The sun sets early. Some seasonal restaurants and attractions will be closed.
But you’ll also get quieter streets, fewer crowds, incredible seasonal food, autumn scenery and a much more relaxed way to experience some of Italy’s busiest destinations.
Our November road trip gave us everything from T-shirt weather in Rome to buying gloves in Venice, drinking wine in Chianti, wandering through quiet villages and exploring some of Italy’s biggest cities without peak-season crowds.
I wouldn’t hesitate to visit again.
The biggest thing is choosing destinations that work well with November weather.
I’d happily return to Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice or Milan during November. I’d visit Lake Como again knowing it would be quiet.
Cinque Terre is the one destination I’d reconsider. Unless you’re determined to see it regardless of the weather, I’d save it for a month when rainstorms and trail closures are less likely to interfere with your plans.
If you’re okay trading perfect weather for fewer crowds, seasonal food and a completely different side of Italy, November might surprise you.
Italy in November FAQ
Is November a good month to visit Italy?
Yes! November is a great month to visit Italy if you’re more interested in sightseeing, food, wine and culture than beaches and warm weather. Crowds are generally lower, but you need to be prepared for rain and cooler temperatures.
Is Italy cold in November?
It depends where you go. Rome and central Italy can still have surprisingly mild days, while northern Italy becomes considerably colder toward the end of the month. During our November 13–26 trip, I went from occasionally wearing a T-shirt in Rome to wearing a jacket and gloves in northern Italy.
Does it rain a lot in Italy in November?
November can be one of Italy’s wetter months, so rain should definitely be part of your planning. Pack waterproof layers and try to keep some flexibility in your itinerary.
Can you visit Cinque Terre in November?
Yes, but I wouldn’t make it a priority unless Cinque Terre is somewhere you really want to see. November brings a higher chance of rainstorms, which can affect hiking trails and transportation. If you’re happy exploring regardless of the weather, you can still have a great trip.
Is Lake Como worth visiting in November?
I think so, as long as you understand that it will be very different from visiting in summer. Expect colder weather, fewer tourists and some seasonal businesses to be closed.
Can you swim in Italy in November?
For most of the itinerary we travelled, I wouldn’t plan on swimming in November. If beaches and swimming are an important part of your Italy vacation, I’d choose a warmer month. Or check out one of the hot springs in the country.
What should I wear in Italy in November?
Pack layers. Bring T-shirts, sweaters, a jacket, waterproof shoes or comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella, scarf and gloves. Temperatures can change significantly depending on where you travel and how late in November you visit.
Is Italy cheaper in November?
It can be, many tours and accommodations offer cheaper prices. November is outside the peak summer season, so you may find better accommodation prices and more availability. Attractions and restaurants won’t necessarily be cheaper, though.
Does everything close in Italy in November?
No. Major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan remain very active year-round. You’re more likely to encounter seasonal closures in destinations such as Lake Como and Cinque Terre.
What food is in season in Italy in November?
November is a fantastic month for seasonal Italian food. Depending on the region, look for fresh truffles, newly pressed olive oil, chestnuts, mushrooms and hearty autumn dishes. It’s one of the reasons I loved travelling through Italy at this time of year.
