October in Rome is amazing because the weather is nice, there are fun events, and you can really feel the local life. It’s a perfect time to visit, whether you love history, food, or just want to enjoy the Italian way of life.
In this guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know about visiting Rome in October. We’ll cover what to bring, where to stay, what to see, and even some secret spots locals love. So, get ready to discover Rome at its fall best!
1. Weather in Rome during October: Mild and Pleasant ☀️🌡️
🌡️ Comfortable temperatures: The average temperature in Rome in October is around 18°C (64°F), with highs reaching a comfortable 23°C (73°F) and lows dipping to about 12°C (54°F). This mild climate is ideal for exploring the city’s countless attractions without breaking a sweat or freezing your toes off.
🍁 Gradual cooling: Early October tends to be warmer, with daytime temperatures hovering around 23-24°C (74-76°F). As the month progresses, you’ll notice a gradual cooling, with temperatures settling between 19-22°C (67-71°F) towards the end of October. You can wear light layers during the day and add a jacket for evening strolls through the charming streets of Trastevere.
🧥 Evening layers: Pack a light jacket or sweater for those cooler evenings, especially if you’re planning to enjoy Rome’s vibrant nightlife or outdoor dining scenes.
☔ Brief showers: When it comes to rainfall, October in Rome can be a bit unpredictable. On average, you can expect about 7-8 rainy days throughout the month. However, these are usually short showers rather than all-day downpours.
🏛️ Outdoor activities: The pleasant autumn weather in Rome during October is perfect for:
- Exploring outdoor attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Enjoying al fresco dining in charming piazzas
- Taking leisurely walks through Villa Borghese gardens
- Visiting the Vatican without the sweltering summer heat
- Photographing the city’s beautiful fall foliage
📸 Golden light: One of the things I love most about Rome in October is the beautiful golden light that bathes the city, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s no wonder that many consider this the best time to visit Rome for photography enthusiasts.
⏱️ Shorter queues: With the high tourist season ending, you’ll find shorter queues at popular attractions like the Vatican Museums and Colosseum. However, I still recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance to make the most of your time.
🌤️ Weather variations: As you plan your trip to Rome in October, keep in mind that the weather can vary from year to year. In 2023, for instance, Rome experienced an unusually warm October with temperatures reaching up to 27°C (80°F). It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you pack, but in general, you can expect mild and pleasant conditions that are perfect for sightseeing and enjoying all that Rome has to offer.
2. What to Pack: Autumn Essentials for Rome 👚🧥
👕 Layering is key: Pack a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops that you can easily layer. I typically wore a light t-shirt or blouse during the day and added a cardigan or light sweater as the evening cooled down. For bottoms, I recommend bringing a couple pairs of comfortable jeans or trousers. They’re perfect for both day and night activities. I also packed a skirt to dress up for evenings out at Rome’s fantastic restaurants.
🧥 Light jacket essential: Don’t forget to pack a light jacket or coat. I brought a water-resistant jacket that was perfect for those unexpected rain showers and cooler evenings. It also came in handy when visiting churches, where covering up is often required.
👟 Comfortable footwear: When it comes to shoes, comfort is key. I walked an average of 10 miles a day exploring Rome! Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for daytime sightseeing and a dressier pair of flats for evenings out.
📋 Packing checklist: Here’s a quick checklist of what to pack for Rome in October:
- 3-4 short-sleeve tops
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2 pairs of jeans or trousers
- 1 dress or skirt for evenings out
- 1 light jacket or coat
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
- 1 pair of dressier shoes
- 1-2 scarves
- Umbrella
- Day bag (backpack or crossbody)
- Universal adapter
- Portable charger
🧣 Accessories: Don’t forget to pack a scarf or two for those cooler days or when visiting religious sites.
👜 Day bag: A small backpack or crossbody bag is essential for carrying your daily essentials while exploring the city. Make sure it’s secure to protect against pickpockets.
🔌 Electronics: Remember to pack a universal adapter for your electronics.
Insider Tip: Leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs! From delicious Italian food products to beautiful leather goods, you’ll want to bring a piece of Rome home with you.
3. Top Attractions: Rome’s Best in Autumn Light 🏛️🍂
Ancient Wonders: Colosseum and Roman Forum
🏛️ Colosseum glory: The Colosseum, completed in 80 AD, is the largest amphitheater ever built at the time. It could hold up to 80,000 spectators who came to watch gladiatorial contests, executions, animal hunts, and battle re-enactments.
Opening hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) Insider tip: Book skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially for the Arena Floor and Underground tours.
Must-see areas:
- Arena Floor: Stand where gladiators once fought
- Underground: Explore where animals and gladiators awaited their fate
- Second Tier: Offers panoramic views (check if open, as it’s often under renovation)
🍂 Roman Forum foliage: Adjacent to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is particularly beautiful in autumn. The ancient ruins are surrounded by trees sporting fall colors, creating a stunning contrast between nature and history.
Opening hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) Insider tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
Vatican Treasures: Museums and Sistine Chapel
🎨 Art appreciation: The Vatican Museums house one of the world’s most impressive art collections.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM) Insider tip: Visit on Friday evenings when the museums are open late (until 11:00 PM) for a less crowded experience.
Must-see highlights:
- Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling frescoes
- Raphael Rooms: Stunning frescoes by Raphael and his students
- Gallery of Maps: 40 giant topographical maps of Italy
- Pinacoteca: Vatican’s painting gallery featuring works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci
St. Peter’s Basilica: Opening hours: Daily, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April to September); 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM (October to March) Insider tip: Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Rome.
Iconic Landmarks: Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
⛲ Fountain magic: The largest Baroque fountain in Rome, standing 26.3 meters high and 49.15 meters wide.
Opening hours: 24/7 Insider tip: Visit early morning (around 6:00 AM) for the best photos without crowds.
Fun facts:
- Approximately €3,000 is thrown into the fountain each day
- The fountain is featured in famous films like “La Dolce Vita” and “Roman Holiday”
- It’s made from the same travertine stone as the Colosseum
🍁 Spanish Steps autumn beauty: 135 steps connecting Piazza di Spagna to Trinità dei Monti church.
Opening hours: 24/7 Insider tip: Visit in October when the steps are adorned with fall flowers.
Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Attractions
🍕 Trastevere charm: Its narrow cobblestone streets are even more inviting in the cool autumn air. Enjoy a delicious pasta dinner at a cozy trattoria, followed by gelato in the lively Piazza di Santa Maria.
🏰 Castle views: For a panoramic view of Rome in its autumn glory, visit Castel Sant’Angelo. The terrace offers a stunning vista of the city, with St. Peter’s Basilica dominating the skyline. The changing leaves in the surrounding park added splashes of red and gold to the view, creating a breathtaking autumn panorama.
🍇 Seasonal specialties: October is also grape harvest season. Take a trip to a nearby vineyard in the Roman countryside. It’s a perfect way to experience the flavors of autumn in Rome.
🌳 Park life: Villa Borghese is particularly stunning, with its tree-lined avenues turning golden and red. I rented a bike and spent a leisurely afternoon exploring the park, stopping for a picnic by the lake.
- Here’s a quick list of must-visit attractions in Rome during October:
- Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
- Pantheon
- Borghese Gallery and Gardens
- Trastevere neighborhood
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Trip to a vineyard
4. Things to Do in Rome: Festivals and Celebrations 🎭🎉
🎬 Rome Film Fest: One of the highlights of my October visit was the Rome Film Fest. Held in the second half of the month, this star-studded event transforms the city into a cinema lover’s paradise. You can catch a few screenings at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and even spot some celebrities on the red carpet!
🎨 Rome Art Week: For art enthusiasts, Rome Art Week is a must-attend event. Usually held in late October, it’s a citywide celebration of contemporary art. You can explore numerous galleries and artist studios that are normally closed to the public.
🍷 Food and Wine Festivals: October is harvest season, and Rome celebrates with gusto! Attend the Taste of Roma festival, where you can sample dishes from some of the city’s top chefs. There was also a wine festival in the charming Monti neighborhood, where you can taste local wines and learn about Italian wine-making traditions.
🏛️ Domenica al Museo: On the first Sunday of October, many of Rome’s state-run museums and archaeological sites offer free entry. Visit the Galleria Borghese without spending a euro!
🎵 Oktober Fest Roma: Believe it or not, Rome has its own Oktoberfest celebration! While not as grand as the Munich original, it was a fun experience to enjoy German beer and food with an Italian twist.
🍝 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi: On October 4th, witness the celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy. The highlight is a special mass at the Church of San Francesco a Ripa in Trastevere.
Here’s a quick list of events to look out for in Rome during October:
- Rome Art Week (usually late October)
- Taste of Roma food festival
- Local wine festivals
- Domenica al Museo (first Sunday of the month)
- Oktober Fest Roma
- Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th)
Insider Tip: Many of these events can get crowded. For popular festivals like the film Fest, book your tickets in advance if possible. For free events like Domenica al Museo, arrive early to beat the queues. Remember, dates for these events can vary slightly from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check the official websites or local event calendars when planning your trip.
5. Culinary Experiences: Autumn Flavors of Rome 🍝🍷
🍂 Seasonal delights: October in Rome is a food lover’s paradise. The autumn harvest brings a bounty of fresh ingredients, and the cooler weather calls for hearty, comforting dishes.
🍄 Funghi porcini: Fall is mushroom season in Italy, and porcini mushrooms take center stage. I savored a delicious risotto ai funghi porcini at Roscioli (Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22). The earthy flavors perfectly captured the essence of autumn.
🌰 Chestnuts galore: Roasted chestnuts, or “caldarroste,” are a quintessential Roman street food in autumn. I bought a paper cone full from a street vendor near Piazza Navona. The warm, nutty aroma is pure autumn magic.
🍷 Wine harvest: October coincides with the grape harvest. I joined a wine tasting at Trimani Wine Bar (Via Cernaia, 37b), where I sampled some excellent local Lazio wines, including the crisp white Frascati and robust red Cesanese.
🍖 Hearty Roman classics: The cooler weather is perfect for enjoying Rome’s heartier dishes. Don’t miss:
- Carbonara at Da Enzo (Via dei Vascellari, 29)
- Cacio e Pepe at Felice a Testaccio (Via Mastro Giorgio, 29)
- Trippa alla Romana (tripe) at Agustarello (Via Giovanni Branca, 100)
🍎 Autumn produce: The markets burst with seasonal produce in October. I visited the Campo de’ Fiori market and found:
- Porcini and other wild mushrooms
- Pumpkins and squash
- Artichokes (the first of the season)
- Persimmons
- Figs (late season)
🍨 Seasonal gelato: Even gelato flavors change with the seasons. At Fatamorgana (Via dei Chiavari, 37), I tried their autumn specials:
- Castagna e miele (chestnut and honey)
- Zucca e amaretti (pumpkin and amaretti cookies)
🍇 Grape festivals: If you’re up for a trip, head to Marino (about 20 km southeast of Rome) for the Sagra dell’Uva in early October. This grape festival features parades, music, and fountains that flow with wine instead of water!
Insider Tip: Many restaurants offer special autumn menus in October. Look for “menu autunnale” or ask your server about seasonal specialties.
🍽️ Food tours: To really dive into Rome’s culinary scene, I recommend joining a food tour. I had a great experience with Eating Europe’s Twilight Trastevere Tour, which included stops at several local eateries and plenty of autumn specialties.
Remember, dining in Rome is about more than just the food – it’s a social experience. Take your time, enjoy your meal, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the locals at the next table. October’s mild evenings are perfect for long, leisurely dinners al fresco, soaking in the atmosphere of this incredible city.
6. Day Trips: Exploring Beyond Rome 🚗🏞️
🍁 Autumn adventures: While Rome in October is perfect for city exploration, the surrounding areas offer equally enchanting experiences. The mild weather makes it ideal for venturing beyond the city limits.
🏰 Tivoli treasures: Just 30 km east of Rome, Tivoli is a must-visit destination. You can explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana. Villa d’Este’s Renaissance gardens are a riot of autumn colors, creating a golden carpet around magnificent fountains.
🍇 Frascati wine tasting: For a taste of la dolce vita, head to Frascati, just 20 km southeast of Rome. This charming town is renowned for its white wine. You can enjoy a tour and tasting at a local cantina, sampling crisp Frascati Superiore while taking in panoramic views of autumn-hued vineyards.
🏖️ Ostia Antica: Often called “The Better Pompei”, Ostia Antica is just 30 km from the city center. You’ll love wandering through the remarkably well-preserved ruins, imagining life in ancient Rome. The pleasant weather in October is perfect for exploring this vast site.
🍂 Nature escapes: For nature lovers, the surrounding areas offer beautiful hiking opportunities. You can explore the Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani with its stunning fall foliage, or climb Monte Soratte for panoramic vistas of the Tiber Valley clothed in autumn colors.
💡 Insider Tip: While you can reach most destinations by public transport, renting a car gives you more flexibility. Just be aware that driving in Italy can be challenging, especially in small towns with narrow streets. Remember, Rome in October is still at high season, but these day trips offer a perfect escape from the city crowds. When planning your visit to Rome, keep in mind that October days are shorter. Start your trips early to make the most of the daylight. These excursions are one of those things that make an October trip to Rome truly special, allowing you to experience the beauty of Italy in October beyond just the streets of Rome.
7. Travel Tips: Navigating Rome in October 🗺️💡
🌤️ Weather in Rome in October: The weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect in Rome for sightseeing. Although the weather can be unpredictable, October is usually dry with occasional rain.
👗 What to wear in Rome in October: Layer up! Bring comfortable walking shoes, light jackets, and scarves. You can still wear sandals on warmer days, but be prepared for cooler evenings.
💶 Free things: Take advantage of free things to do, like visiting St. Peter’s Basilica or exploring the charming neighborhoods of Trastevere and Monti.
🚶♂️ Explore Rome City: Take a whirlwind tour of Rome or leisurely stroll the charming streets. October is still a great time for walking tours.
🏛️ Museums of Rome: Visit world-class museums of Rome like the Vatican Museums or Galleria Borghese. Remember, many state museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month (October 1st).
🍇 Life in Rome: Experience the authentic life in Rome by visiting local markets, trying seasonal dishes, and enjoying outdoor cafes.
💡 Planning to visit Rome: Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance. Rome is still busy in October, especially during events like the Film Festival.
Here’s a quick list of 10 things to remember when visiting Rome in autumn:
1. Pack layers for variable weather
2. Book accommodations and popular tours in advance
3. Try seasonal Roman dishes like porcini mushrooms and roasted chestnuts
4. Take advantage of free museum days (usually first Sunday of the month)
5. Attend the Rome Film Festival if you’re a cinema enthusiast
6. Explore Rome’s beautiful parks in their autumn colors
7. Take day trips to nearby towns like Tivoli or Frascati
8. Enjoy outdoor cafes and piazzas in the pleasant weather
9. Visit major attractions early in the day to avoid crowds
10. Always carry a light jacket or scarf for cooler evenings
8. Budget Considerations: October Travel Costs 💶💰
- October is an excellent time to visit Rome, but it’s important to plan your budget carefully. Here’s a guide on things to consider for your stay in Rome this fall:
🏨 Accommodation: While October is generally still considered high season in Rome, prices start to dip towards the end of the month. Expect to pay around €100-€200 per night for a mid-range hotel. Budget travelers can find hostels for €20-€40 per night.
🍝 Food: Rome offers a range of dining options. Budget around €15-€25 per person for a meal at a casual restaurant. Rome also has excellent street food options that can help you save money.
🎟️ Attractions: Many top attractions in Rome have entry fees. The Colosseum and Roman Forum combo ticket costs about €16. Consider a Roma Pass for savings on multiple attractions.
🚌 Transportation: A 7-day public transport pass costs €24. This is a great way to get around Rome affordably.
💡 Money-saving tips:
- Visit free attractions like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
- Take advantage of free museum days, usually on the first Sunday of the month
- Enjoy picnics in Rome’s beautiful parks to save on meal costs
FAQs about visiting Rome in October ❔
Here’s a concise answer to those questions about visiting Rome and Italy in October:
Is October a good time for Rome?
October is an excellent time to visit Rome, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than summer. You can enjoy outdoor sightseeing comfortably and experience autumn events like food festivals.
Is October too late to visit Italy?
October is not too late to visit Italy and is actually considered one of the best months to go. The weather is still pleasant in most regions and you can enjoy fall activities like wine harvests.
Is October expensive in Rome?
October is considered shoulder season in Rome, so prices are generally lower than peak summer months. However, it’s still a popular time to visit, so book accommodations and flights in advance for the best deals.
Is everything open in Rome in October?
Most major attractions, museums, and restaurants in Rome remain open in October. Some seasonal beach establishments may start to close, but the city is very much alive with events and activities.
What is the cheapest month to go to Italy?
The cheapest months to visit Italy are typically November through February, excluding the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. For a balance of good weather and lower prices, consider visiting in late October or early November.
