Is November a good time to visit Italy?
The weather in Italy in November provides an opportune time to explore the country. Not only is the cultural calendar still abuzz with events like The Bologna Jazz Festival, but museums like the Uffizi in Florence also offer half-price admission when compared with March to October.
While the weather in Italy may see an increase in rainfall, it also unveils the beauty of autumn colours, transforming the landscapes of Tuscany, Umbria, and Piedmont into a captivating canvas of red, orange, and gold.
Now is the time to visit Gran Paradiso National Park for dramatic sightings of its 3500 ibex during the mating season in November and December. This is when you may see pairs of males fighting it out for a female. You might also spy golden eagles nesting.
Alba hosts the world-famous White Truffle Fair in November and the Mount Etna ski season starts around this time, too. Weather permitting. Do note that it is also a legal requirement to have snow tyres or chains in your car between mid-November and mid-April when travelling on motorways; you will incur a hefty fine if you’re not suitably equipped.
If you're visiting Venice, be prepared for the acqua alta, the winter flooding caused by a combination of seasonal tides, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure in the Adriatic and persistent southeasterly winds.
Always a feature of Venetian life, it has got worse in recent years. If the siren sounds, you can expect a serious flood in three to four hours’ time. The tidal barrier built to protect the city has already saved the city on several occasions since opening in 2020.
The world-class wines and truffles waiting to be discovered on this tailor-made Piedmont Discovery. The capital city Turin is a cultural centre with a picture-perfect skyline. Afterwards, continue to the countryside around Alba, with wine tastings, cooking classes and enjoying the mountains and nature.
Average rainfall in Italy in November
As Italy undergoes a climatic shift in November and begins to welcome winter, varying levels of rainfall across its regions. November downpours have been known to impact travel plans, especially Venice which, along with Milan, sees slightly higher rainfall averages, ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm.
Central regions, including Florence and Rome, experience moderate rainfall, averaging between 40 mm to 80 mm. Southern parts, like Sicily and Naples, receive relatively lower rainfall amounts, typically between 40 mm to 60 mm.
Although November is not the wettest month in Italy, travellers should be prepared for occasional showers, especially in the northern and central areas. The Mediterranean climate of the southern regions offers a more temperate environment, with a lesser chance of prolonged downpours. Pack accordingly.
