Cinque Terre in mid October

reading today's postings http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/72843/cinque-terre-rain-out.html and then these first hits on a simple Google search http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/ITXX0033 http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/CAXX0518

I don't know if I would take the chance on the CT in mid-Oct but it depends on the rest of your itinerary & where you're coming from & then going after the CT...are there other suitable places you could spend those 2 days that perhaps offer some indoor activities in case of rain? Unfortunately there's really nothing to do in the CT when it rains. The CT portion of our trip in mid-Sept '09 was pretty much rained out & of course the trails were closed & the boats between the towns didn't operate. We just walked around the towns in the rain but one day it rained really hard & we got soaked so it was not the CT experience I was hoping for. We are going to try it again in Sept 2012 but I don't think I'd take a chance in mid-Oct.

Are you concerned about cold temps? If so, relax, it will not be cold- a fleece or light jacket will suffice.

We were in CT last oct with a RS tour of village italy and on the last day it did rain. The weather otherwise was sunny with the daytime temps in the mid 60's. Unfortunately the trail from city #2-3 was closed due to a landslide.

We did most of the CT 2 years ago in October. We lucked out and had beautiful weather, but we did not do the last town because we didn't allow enough time. It is difficult in parts and any bad weather, i.e. rain, could make parts treacherous. We got as far as Vernazza, and decided to take the train back to Riomaggiore where our car was parked. Bottom line: If the weather is good, go for it! There are few hikes more beautiful and October is a great month to do it.
Darrel

Thank you all for your replies. I don't think I'll take the chance this time.

But if the weather is good, it's a great time to be there, not at all crowded. Consider leaving it in. Try double-booking rooms for those 2 nights, with a good cancellation policy, then decide a few days ahead, based on the forecast.

Weather is so hard to predict. We went to Vernazza for three nights in late October 2008. Packed layers to wear, but not really any clothes for warm weather. Surprise! It was really hot! Some other hikers took our picture on the trail between Vernazza and Monterosso, and we are so soaked with sweat I probably would not have posed for the picture if I had any idea what I looked like. It rained the day we drove to Vernazza but not while we were there. We were in Italy in June of this year. When we first arrived we spent a week in Tuscany. The first three days were rainy. There was some weird weather thing going on, bright and sunny in Britain, rainy in the Mediterranean. I was really worried about the three nights we were going to stay in Corniglia because I thought the only thing to do there was hike between the towns. By the time we got to Corniglia, my husband wasn't feeling well, he picked up a terrible respiratory bug the first week we were in Italy. So, we didn't hike the trials, but we had a fantastic time anyway. Our first trip was mostly spent hiking between the towns. On this trip, we took the train between towns and just wandered around, visited the old churches and found great places to eat and/or have a glass of wine. I was pleasantly surprised at what a good time we had without ever setting foot on a trail.

I'm with Chani: if the weather is decent the CT could be a great choice in October. So leave it in your schedule and have an alternative location reserved (check for 24 hr cancellation policies) in case it's rainy. The CT is one of the few areas where one cannot prepare for rainy weather by simply packing the right clothing. The trails often get closed, boats don't run, and then there is not much left to do.

We were in CT last October and had a mix as far as weather. We enjoyed 2 beautiful days of sunshine with just a cool enough breeze to prevent us from going in the water (although the water felt nice and warm). Our last 2 days were rainy which was a drag since we rented a room and were going a bit stir crazy. One section of the trail was closed due to landslides but we still enjoyed our stay since the rain kept the bus groups of tourists away so the town was quiet and gave us a real peek at village life. I would say go for it!

We were in the CT mid-october 2008. Almost found it too hot to hike the trails - I would say high seventies. The most fantastic autumn blue skies and waters - wonderful! Take the chance!

It rained in CT when I was there 2 Octobers ago. Only the paved part of the trail was opened, even after the rain stopped on our last day. It wasn't cold, though. 60s F in the day. But I have to disagree with the idea that it's not touristy there in October. Vernazza was nearly intolerably busy (for me). Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore, however, were very quiet. We wished we had stayed in Manarola and if I do ever go back to CT that's where I would personally stay.

We were there late October and I thought it was ideal. I doubt I'll go back close to high season. Not much crowds, at least on weekdays, and the weather was great. The restaurants didn't stay open late and there wasn't much nightlife going on, but we came for relaxation and found it. We had missed a rain storm earlier in the week so I guess there is a possibility of some bad weather.

We went in October ( 20-25) 3 years ago and the weather was great. Not much rain. We dressed in layers everywhere we went, best system ever!

One of the most beautiful places on earth, in one of the most comfortable months of the year. Sounds like a no brainer to me! We were there last march, and it was bone chilling cold. We still had a great time, and so did my late 60's parents. Go, see, and enjoy! Ciao, Jeff