Good day to all! I'd love to hear from folks who have traveled to Italy in October. I will be there October 2-26 and am wondering what clothing you packed. I typically am a light packer (carry on only), but usually am traveling during summer. We start in Lake Como October 2 and move south ending in Rome end of October. Average temps range 50s-upper 60s. This is somewhat helpful, but I'd still like to hear from those with experience packing for and traveling through Italy in October. Jeans? Level of warmth you found you needed? Just layer? Mostly tees/tops with layering pieces over? Chinos? Capris? Help! Thanks so much. :)
Posted by
Portland, OR
1090 posts
You hit the key - layers. Last October I took three pair of jeans, two dresses, two pair of shorts, and lots of T’s and long sleeves. I had one rain proof jacket as well as three pairs of shoes. All in a carry on. I always only carry on and if I need to do laundry, it can usually be done at a hotel for a nominal fee. I’ve even only carried on for three weeks in Germany and Switzerland in the middle of winter. It’s all about strategy!
Posted by
OP
Anacortes, WA
35 posts
Thank you for the validation in my strategy. I won't bring shorts, but am now thinking of trading out a pair of pants for a pair of capris. It's mostly bottoms I'm fretting about, now that I think about it. Tops I usually do a tank or two, solid tees (short sleeve or 3/4) a couple of button ups that can be used with or without the tees/tanks, a light pullover sweater, and a light zip topper that goes with everything. Bottoms though....... I was thinking 2 jeans and 2 others - maybe one a capris and one a lighter weight that can be rolled up. Hmmmmm...... Thanks for the info. :)
Posted by
California
1625 posts
We went to Italy from October 8-25. We had rain, cold weather, hot sun! You are spot on with layering. I packed jeans, capri jeans (boyfriend style), tank tops, long sleeve tops, a lightweight rain jacket, normal rayon type tops (think Lucky brand, Free People), a lightweight open front knit cardigan. A Must for me is a good scarf and booties. My leather booties saved the trip with the rain and being able to navigate going from wet cobblestone to slick museum floors with confidence and sure footing and having dry feet.
I pack carry on only but always pack 5 pairs of shoes, booties, sneakers, two pairs of sandals (same ones with one in natural leather color and one black) and a pair of flip flops. I wear the sneakers on the plane and all other line the edges of the suitcase, sandals can be squished down against the sides and mine have a cork heel of about 1". I got my shoe packing down! Inside of the boots are stuffed with socks and extra clothes that may fit with the heels of the boots in 2 corners of the suitcase.
We had some HOT weather also and the capris and tanks, with the cardigan over looked really nice and was comfortable and my scarf was in my purse for churches or if it got cold.
I dress so everything mixes and matches and I love Old Navy for basic layering pieces in solid colors. I choose a neutral color pallet of black, white, gray, maroon and beige.
We also went to Paris at the end of the trip and it was FREEZING..I had to buy a heavier scarf, gloves and beanie (Zara to the rescue) and wish I had tights on under the jeans. But keep in mind you will be walking a lot and that creates heat.
Posted by
281 posts
We had a mix of warm days in the Piedmont with cool rain around Lake Como in mid-Oct 2019.
My wife had a mix of long dresses and chino style pants.
Take a fleece layer and a water resistant shell and you will be fine.
If you need more, just go shopping in Italy!!!
Posted by
Los Angeles
4388 posts
Look for YouTube travel videos at your chosen time of year
Posted by
Pittsburgh, USA
295 posts
We were there in March, which I understand is the Spring equivalent to October in terms of temperature.
It was absolutely freezing most mornings and quite comfortable, even warm during the day. The evenings were mildly chilly to quite cold, depending on the night and how late we stayed out. We did not want to bring coats, so we brought a couple of packable down jackets (very thin) and layered with wool base layers under our sweaters or shirts.
I have very long fingers and not great circulation, and I brought thin gloves just in case. I wore them most mornings we were in Italy and in the later evenings as well and I have an inexpensive "pashmina"-style scarf that I was not sure I'd use and I wore it almost every day as well.