November is one of the most underrated yet charming months to visit Rome. The weather is cool but not cold, there are fewer tourists, and the atmosphere is more authentic than ever.
In this article you'll discover a complete list of clothing and items to pack, plus useful guidelines on how to dress for walks, dinners, and visits to sacred places like the Vatican. Prepare well and enjoy the autumn charm of the Eternal City!
In November you can expect moderate temperatures in Rome and a mix of sunny and rainy days, and you'll be carrying a coat around: usually mid-day you can take it off completely, but in the evening you'll need to wear a jacket and possibly a scarf.
Therefore, when packing for Rome in November, I recommend paying attention to two things: different types of clothes and more than one pair of shoes.
Different types of clothes will be useful during long days out when you won't have time to return to your Rome hotel between sightseeing and dinner, and spare shoes will be invaluable when Rome's rain soaks you to the bone.
Rome doesn't rain very often, but when it does it pours! So having an extra pair of shoes at the hotel to wear while the first pair dries will be important.
Rome Weather in November at a Glance
- High temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Low temperature: 7°C (45°F)
- Rainy days: 9
Is Rome Cold in November?
No, November in Rome is an autumn month with mild temperatures. You'll need a jacket and light scarf, especially for evening, but overall you're unlikely to be cold, especially on a dry day.
Is Rome Hot in November?
No, November isn't a summer month and you won't be able to wear shorts or summer clothes.
What to Wear in Rome in November?
When packing for Rome in November, I recommend bringing the following:
- Underwear and socks (no thermal layer needed)
- Short-sleeved tops (to wear alone or under a vest)
- Long-sleeved tops
- Vest
- Not-too-heavy jacket, ideally water-resistant
- Tights if you plan to wear a dress/skirt
- Knee-length skirt/dress
- Jeans/long pants (cotton or chinos are suitable)
- Long-sleeved shirt for men
- Polo for men
- Long pants for men
- Sleepwear (pajamas, nightgown: cotton or similar is suitable, doesn't need to be fleece, but not summer pajamas either)
- Blazer for men (for smart casual daytime look or for dinner)
- Light scarf - Italian women and men love scarves! I wear one all the time. In November you're unlikely to need a very warm wool scarf, so bring a lighter one to protect yourself from the weather and use as a fashion element! When looking for what to pack for Rome in November, this is a must-have!
Women's style tip: A popular look for women in Rome in autumn that can be comfortable and stylish for travel is to combine pants with a long-sleeved top and a short-sleeved sweater on top. This is a popular all-day look.
>>> Good to know: you can find more style tips in our article on how to dress in Rome to blend in with locals! <
Men's style tip: Men in Rome love polo shirts for casual wear and blazers for more elegant occasions, worn with chinos or similar pants. Unless you're going to a very elegant restaurant, you don't usually need a tie in Rome.
November is very tricky when it comes to choosing a coat, as temperature and rain seem to require different ones.
Temperature-wise, the best type of coat for November in Rome is a cape or down jacket.
Rain-wise, you'll need some kind of poncho or a suitable winter rain jacket (too warm for the weather).
The easiest way I've found to balance temperature and rain when packing for Rome in autumn is to wear several types of clothes.
I usually bring a leather jacket or down jacket, both excellent for travel as they easily fold to small sizes, and then a long rain jacket that I can wear when it rains.
What Are the Best Shoes for Rome in November?
You don't want to weigh down your luggage with too many pairs of shoes, but in this packing list for Rome in November I've included more than one pair, as I believe you'll happily swap one for another.
Specifically, I recommend packing:
- Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers or ankle boots
- A second pair of shoes in case the first gets wet
- A third pair of nicer shoes, like ballet flats, for evening outings
- For men I recommend fashionable sneakers or Camper-style walking shoes, and for walks a nicer pair of shoes for evenings out
I also recommend bringing a pair of flip-flops or shoes to wear inside the hotel.
>>> My complete guide to choosing the right shoes for Rome can be found here <
What Essentials to Pack?
- Travel documents - passport and visa if needed
- Travel insurance
- Basic medications and prescriptions (translated or with generic active ingredient name - brand names in Italy are usually different abroad)
- Copy of all your reservations/tours (many operators require a paper copy)
- Crossbody bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Phone and charger
- Adapter
- Portable power bank/battery
- Camera if different from your phone + extra memory cards
- Italian phrasebook
- Portable travel umbrella
- Wet/dry bags
Accessories, toiletries, and nice-to-have items
Accessories are the easiest way to upgrade or downgrade your outfit and feel comfortable and confident. The best ones I recommend for Rome are:
- Sunglasses - November can still be very bright
- Light scarf - for style but also for cooler hours of the day
- Hair ties
- Necklaces to enhance your outfits. Italian women love necklaces!
- Easy-to-carry rain jacket
- Headphones
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, body/hair lotion / deodorant / tweezers / comb and brush / face and body moisturizers / sunscreen / feminine hygiene products / perfume / makeup / shaving cream, razors and accessories, etc.)
What to Pack for Rome in November with Kids?
I always recommend bringing a stroller and baby carrier.
Even if cobblestone streets aren't difficult for stroller wheels, you'll walk a lot in Rome and the ability to not carry your baby the whole time will likely make the experience less tiring!
>>> Here you can find my tips for visiting Rome with a baby or toddler < >>> Here you can find my complete guide to visiting Rome with kids <
In short, the must-haves for November are:
- Baby carrier
- Stroller that moves easily on cobblestone streets
- Rain cover for stroller
- Change of shoes for rainy days
- Well-stocked diaper bag
- Sleepwear
- Daytime clothing
- Hat (for sun and cold)
- Sippy cup
- Pacifier
- Travel-ready toys (stacking cups, sticker books, magic boards, etc.)
- Stuffed toy/teddy bear
Particularly warm clothes aren't usually needed for kids at this time, but I think a warm sleeping bag for the stroller can be useful, especially in later hours of the day or early morning.
What to Wear to Visit the Vatican in November
One of the biggest concerns when deciding what to wear in Rome comes with visiting the Vatican.
The Vatican really does have a dress code and it's enforced: people who don't comply are turned back, regardless of having tickets or having waited in line for a long time.
Please note that the Vatican dress code also applies to museums (and of course to the Sistine Chapel).
Dressing for the Vatican in November isn't difficult though, as the season is on your side.
To make sure you're admitted, choose long pants or a below-the-knee skirt with tights, avoid deep necklines and any clothing that might be considered offensive by the Church (sweaters with certain logos or slogans, body-hugging and see-through clothes).
Be careful with tattoos too, as they can also be grounds for not being admitted to the Vatican.
I hope this packing list has been helpful and has helped you figure out what to wear in Rome in November.