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Rome In October – Your Guide For A Perfect Italian Vacation

ByBeppe Castro

A trip to Rome in October requires planning and this user guide is great for taking advantage of the amazing weather, the shrinking crowds and the great food.

Rome In October - American Football Season Again
American Football Season Again

Is Rome In October A Good Time To Go?

I’ve repeated my mantra every time this question has been posed: “Anytime is a great time to visit Rome!”. You will need to keep in mind that while the crowds are the largest during the summer months, there is a slight decline in October. Also consider that the heat, while generally delightful, can still be unexpectedly hot and you should plan accordingly.

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Don’t let that convince you to avoid making plans for a vacation in Rome in October. You should plan your activities to minimize the chance of fighting with the crowds and take some simple steps to avoid an unexpected heatwave if it happens, and you can still have an amazing time here. The general travel recommendations are still very valid:

  • Plan your outdoor activities, like visiting the Colosseum, early in the morning or as late in the afternoon as possible. For me, morning is best because even during the hottest months, the mornings are pleasant and in October it is downright refreshing.

  • Plan to use your middays for indoor activities, like visiting museums, or better yet, take a relaxing and rejuvenating nap after an indoor lunch.

  • To avoid any last minute troubles, be sure to make reservations for every restaurant, tourist site and train ride well in advance of your trip. If you are working with a travel agent or tour company, be sure to tell them how important this is.

Follow these general recommendations and you should have an amazing time visiting Rome in October.

Is Rome In October Too Hot?

Rome is not really hot in October, but it is warm and you want to make sure you stay well hydrated. October continues the decline of temperatures, but I have experienced the unexpected heatwave, which can make packing a challenge. Make sure you don’t underestimate the impact of heat: wear comfortable clothing, drink LOTS of cold water, wear sunscreen and take advantage of shade and A/C whenever possible.

Rome In October - Cooling Weather
Cooling Weather In October

What Is The Weather Like In Rome In October?

The weather in Rome in October is beginning to cool, but it still can be hot and it should be accounted for. The average low temperature in Rome in October didn’t change much from the previous month, but is a delightful 62°F (16°C) and the average high temperature is a more comfortable 72°F (22°C). These sound comfortable, but walking around in the hot sun all day combined with the possibility of a heatwave (or just unexpectedly higher temperatures) can be impactful, so plan accordingly.

Is Rome In October Very Crowded?

October is the shoulder season for travel to Rome, but it definitely will still be crowded. Determining if it is too crowded is really up to you. If you don’t like being in crowds at all, then Rome might not be a good place for you because the tourist season is almost year round due to its popularity.

If you want to come in October the crowds can still be easily managed. Just be sure to book tours ahead of your visit, make reservations for every meal and make sure your hotel has A/C just in case you need to escape from the oppressive heat.

Rome In October - Pears Are Back
Pears Are Back

What Foods Are Seasonal in October?

The selection of seasonal foods that are available in October are definitely changing, and they shouldn’t be missed. There are some new citrus fruits available in October, like: Clementines and Lemons and the ones that disappeared are: Figs, Melons, Blueberries and Peaches. There are new additions to your choice of vegetables: Cauliflower, Fennel and Turnips . Here is a more complete list of the fruits and vegetables you should be able to find in Rome during October:

  • Fruits: Clementines, Persimmons, Raspberries, Lemons, Apples, Pears, Grapes, Chestnuts.

  • Vegetables: Garlic, Beets, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Chicory, Fennel, Salads, Eggplants, Potatoes, Peppers, Chicory, Turnips, Radishes, Celery, Spinach, Pumpkins.

What Are The Important Italian Holidays In October?

There are no major bank/national holidays in Italy during October. There is one commemoration from which you shouldn’t expect any closures and as such, wouldn’t impact your vacation plans. If you are curious, on October 4th, Italy recognizes Saint Francis and Saint Catherine with a feast as the Patron Saints of Italy.

What Is Happening In Rome In October?

Rome In October - Garbatella Food Festival?
The Garbatella Food Festival?

There are many interesting Rome events in October and you can see below that the major concert season is dwindling but smaller events are plentiful. A very good list of cultural events can be found on the RomeToday website. Here are some events in October that you might also want to be aware of:

  • StraWoman Roma 2024 (October 20th) – Now in its 14th edition, StraWoman is the largest female gathering in Italy, dedicated to passion for sport and fun. It will be held in Piazzale Napoleone I, Terrazza del Pincio, and includes a 5 km non-competitive run for a day of sport and fun.
  • Concert Galore In October – All month there are Italian singers performing all over Rome. These include:
    • Renga e Nek (October 6th and 7th) at l’Auditorium Parco della Musica
    • Achille Lauro (October 7th) at Palazzo dello Sport
    • Alex Britti (October 18th) at Palazzo dello Sport
    • Diodato (October 9th) at l’Auditorium Parco della Musica
  • The Roma Beer Festival (October 18th – 20th) –  EURHop is the international event on craft beers which returns to Rome again this year at the Salone delle Fontane dell’EUR. Dozens of stands will be set up to host Italian and international breweries who will offer their creations and new products brewed specifically for the event.
  • Tattoo Expo Roma (October 11th, 12th and 13th) – This VIII edition of the event will bring together the best tattoo artists for two whole days, and will take place in the San Paolo district on via Alessandro Severo, 48.
  • Maker Faire Rome (October 25th – 27nd) – The 12th edition is back and will be held at the Gazometro in Ostiense. It will include all the key components of innovation: from digital manufacturing to the Internet of Things, from robotics to artificial intelligence, from the circular economy to agri-tech, from digital manufacturing to e-sports via big data and aerospace, up to the latest discoveries of the metaverse and augmented reality.

More Information On Things To Do In Rome In October

You should never hesitate planning a trip to Rome any time during the year, but if you are uncertain which month would be right for you, check out some of these other posts that can assist you with your planning.

More Information On Things To Do In Rome All Year

You should never hesitate planning a trip to Rome in October, or any time of the year, but if you are uncertain which month would be right for you, check out some of these other posts that can assist you with your planning.

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