Travel to Italy in November

Most of Italy should be fine but it would really depend on where you are going. I would never use the word "miserable" to describe Italy at any time of year.

I would not view it as an ideal time. Days will be short, nights long. The weather is mixed with a tendency toward cool and rainy or at least overcast some. But it is Italy.

Lynn,

I've been in Italy in October and fortunately always had good weather (except for some rain on occasion). However, travel there in November wouldn't be my first choice.

Some areas tend to "close down" somewhat in the winter months so that's something to consider also.

Our first trip to Italy (Rome, Florence, and Venice)was in December. We had nice weather, for the most part, except that Venice got very cold, especially at night. Weather is always somewhat unpredictable, but if you stick to areas that aren't in the mountains, you should be fine. Check the monthly averages on weather.com and bring appropriate clothes. The upside is fewer tourists and lower prices.

Spent 10 days in November - Rome and Venice. In Rome, the weather was great - sunny and in the 70's. Venice was in the 50's and overcast (which I think was perfect - added to the mystique of Venice. I think you take a chance with the weather, but think of the positives - low airfares, hotel prices, and less crowds! Works for me. And as a previous poster said - "It's Italy."

Lynn - I've done two seperate Italy trips in November. Yes, be prepared for some rain but this, I believe, will not damper your trip at all.

On my first trip to Venice, around the 5th of the month, we had weather that reached around 70 degrees the first day. The next day we had rain and severe "high tides" (we were thigh-high in water walking back to hotel that evening). We were certain we'd be stranded at our hotel with our rolling luggage (the next day which was the day we were to train to Florence). But the next morning the waters had subsided and it was another sunny 70 degree day.

On one November trip we had unseasonably warm days in Rome, over 80 degrees, and on the other Nov trip there was "some" rain in Rome...nothing too severe.

There was one day in Florence when it rained buckets and we were soaked to the skin (yes, we had umbrellas...travel umbrellas, but the rain was persistent and seemed to hit us from every direction). We dealt with this by ducking into cafes for hot chocolate or warm milk with cognac.

I don't recall any major sites being closed during this time of year and because it is off-season you won't have to worry about long lines at any of the major museums or sites. Another reason to recommend Italy in November is the off-season hotel rates and lower rates for private tours.

You can prepare by checking average temperature and rainfall for the areas you are considering, but weather is unpredictable everywhere, including Italy. If November travel works best for you (I actually prefer it), don't let the possibility of rain deter you. Take a good raincoat, layer underneath with a turtleneck and/or sweater, and don't forget the gloves and scarf.

Ours was a little earlier than some other posters -- October 21 to November 8 -- Rome / Pompeii / Venice / Switzerland / Cinque Terre / Florence / Rome

In Rome the weather was beautiful -- high 70's and clear. Venice was a bit nippy and rained. The Cinque was spectacular, though the temp dropped like a rock at night -- 70's in the daytime, 40's at night.

Having been in Italy in early September (freaky hot...) I'd call October/November the perfect time of year to go to Italy.

Hi Lynn, I was in Siena and Florence in November and had a side trip to Parma and then to Lucca( which was really good) and the weather was a little rainy but the fall colors were still out and the drives were wonderful.Room rates were reasonable at that time.
Pat

I've only been into the first week of November. It was comfortable but not beach weather with occasional light rain. We luckily missed some heavy rains the week before so you could get that too.

We went during the last two weeks of November and had a mix of sunshine and rain. Temperatures were in the 50s or so, maybe 60s on some of the nicer days. We were in Rome, Orvieto, and Florence. I wouldn't recommend doing Lake Como and areas north at that time of year.

I really enjoy traveling in November though, as the lower prices and thin crowds are well worth the trade off. Yes, it gets dark earlier, but there's plenty to do after dark.

I just spent this past November in Rome and the weather was fine. In the 50-60. It did rain a little. But that was a good thing. Everyone was wearing the cutest rain boots. I bought a purple pair.

Thanks for all the responses. I'm going in November, for firt-time ever trip. Yes, cost was a big factor. And, less tourists would be nice. I get the message. Go and enjoy, no matter the weather. Lynn

I was in Rome until October 11th last year. It was (by my standards) hot (80's every day), and in 3 weeks only one day of rain. As I usually do, when I get home, I check the weather reports for cities that I have visited. I noticed that the temperature went down to the 50's and it got rainy in the 2 weeks after my trip.

Lynn, I've been to Italy 3 times - all in November. I wouldn't go at any other time. The weather is very comfortable, there are fewer tourists and the cost of hotels is way down. A few years ago I looked at going in October. The cost of a room in Venice dropped by more than 1/3 from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. I think in the time I've spent there (35 days or so), there's been 3 rainy days. Remember when looking at the average number of rain days and average temp that it's for the entire month. The first of the month will be more like the previous one. A few years ago I had to go later in the month so I started in Venice and worked my way south. Absolutely perfect! I'm going again next year - in November!