On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling to Rome in October – from what to expect from the weather, to what to pack in your luggage and what to do in Italy’s capital during October.
October is a wonderful month to be in Rome.
As the summer heat slowly fades away, the city’s sky becomes clearer, autumn colors appear in Rome’s numerous parks, and delicious seasonal produce begins filling Roman tables.
Romans absolutely love October in Rome and there’s even a special name for this time of year – “Ottobrate Romane.”
Ottobrate Romane is the term used to describe those fresh and mild October days in Rome – days that have traditionally been so pleasant that aristocrats in the past chose them for excursions and day trips during harvest time.
Contents:
Weather in Rome during October
Is Rome rainy in October?
How warm is Rome in October?
What can I do in Rome in October weather-wise?
What to wear in Rome in October
Is October high season in Rome?
Best things to do in Rome in October 2022 – our top 10!
More fantastic things to do in Rome in October
October in Rome with kids
Additional resources for October in Rome
What’s the Weather Like in Rome During October?
October marks the beginning of autumn in Rome and you can expect sunny days, mild temperatures, and occasional rainfall. The average temperature in Rome during October is 18°C (64°F) with a range from 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F).
Typically during October in Rome there are around 7-12 rainy days throughout the month.
October in Rome brings light, fresh air and temperatures that are absolutely perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city on foot.
On dry days the temperature is pleasant and it may warm up nicely during the day without becoming uncomfortably hot.
On the other hand, during rainy days and when the sun begins to set, you’ll want to wear outer layers like a jacket suitable for the autumn season.
The weather in Rome during October is mild enough to allow children to play comfortably in parks. However, October isn’t warm enough for outdoor swimming pools, beach visits, or hot enough to require air conditioning.
Does It Rain in Rome During October?
October in Rome is a moderately rainy month, with an average of 7 to 12 rainy days per month. Rainfall is usually more frequent during the second half of the month. These are typically brief showers rather than prolonged heavy downpours.
If you do happen to catch a rainy day, seek shelter in a café, church, or museum. Often the rain lasts only a short while before passing completely.
How Warm Is Rome in October?
During October, Rome’s weather is delightfully pleasant, with warm but not high temperatures during the day and cool evenings once the sun sets.
However, October weather changes significantly from day to night and from the beginning to the end of the month.
In early October, during midday hours, Rome can feel quite warm, and during the central hours of the day you can often comfortably wear just a t-shirt.
Early morning, evening, and during rainy days, temperatures drop significantly and you’ll need an outer layer like a jacket.
Unless you’re accustomed to very cold weather, October in Rome isn’t the time for shorts and sandals – locals have already transitioned to autumn-winter clothing.
What Can I Do in Rome During October?
During October in Rome you can:
1. Visit attractions, both indoor and outdoor, with comfortable weather for extended exploration.
2. Dine outdoors for lunch and possibly dinner. October weather is usually a bit cool for outdoor dining, especially toward the end of the month, so you should have a sweater, light jacket, and light scarf when dining al fresco.
3. Take children to parks and playgrounds with ideal weather for outdoor family activities. During October in Rome you cannot go swimming, visit water parks, or swim, as the weather is too cool for water activities.
What to Wear in Rome During October
The key to dressing in Rome during autumn is having several different types of outer layers to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. During this month you’re likely to have warm weather during the central hours of the day (warm enough for outdoor lunch), but chilly mornings and evenings.
>>> My complete packing list for October in Rome can be found here <<<
If you’re traveling to Rome in October, it’s important to pack:
1. Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes (sneakers are ideal)
2. Socks (during October it’s unlikely to have weather suitable for sandals)
3. Long pants (jeans, but also cotton are often appropriate during this time)
4. Short-sleeved tops for warmer midday hours
5. Cardigan or light sweater
6. Light jacket (leather or faux leather, but make sure it can withstand rain)
7. Rain jacket or poncho
8. Small umbrella
9. Sunglasses
During October in Rome you’re unlikely to need a sun hat or hot weather clothing.
However, I highly recommend bringing quality sunscreen if you have sensitive skin.
Style-wise, in Rome during October locals are already wearing autumn/winter clothing and this includes long pants (jeans, chinos), sweaters in muted or warm tones (white, black, beige, brown, and dark red are common), sneakers or even ankle boots (the weather is usually too warm for tall boots).
Are There Many Tourists in Rome During October?
Yes, there are many tourists in Rome during October because of the weather, which is neither too hot nor too cold – making it ideal for comfortable sightseeing.
This means you need to book hotels and buy tickets for places you want to visit in advance, otherwise you’ll be waiting in lines for hours (literally) or won’t be able to enter certain places at all.
Below I list the main attractions that will require advance tickets, and for your convenience I’ve added links to my favorite reliable providers.
Best Things to Do in Rome in October – Our Top 10!
October in Rome is a wonderful time for both outdoor and indoor sightseeing, with perfect weather conditions for exploring.
The only thing you need to watch out for are crowds, because as we mentioned, October is still tourist season in Rome, so advance reservations for popular Roman monuments are absolutely essential.
1. Visit the Colosseum in October. The Colosseum is a wonderful place to visit in October thanks to the mild weather plus extended opening hours during this season, including nighttime visits. Advance reservation is mandatory – information for Colosseum tickets can be found here.
2. Stroll through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in October. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are stunning during this season with beautiful autumn colors painting the ancient ruins. Access to them is included in most Colosseum entrance tickets.
>>> Find our guide to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill here <<<
3. See the Viaggio nei Fori light show. This is a spectacular light show in the Forum of Augustus and Forum of Caesar that runs only a few weeks each year, creating an immersive experience that brings ancient Rome back to life. More information here.
4. Explore the Vatican in October. During this time the Vatican is vibrant and fantastic with perfect weather for exploring. Make sure to visit the square, basilica, Vatican Museums, and also the Vatican Gardens, which are particularly impressive during October with their autumn displays.
>>> Find our complete guide to visiting the Vatican here <<<
5. Visit Rome’s most famous piazzas in October. Don’t miss the famous Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), Piazza di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), and Piazza del Pantheon, but don’t forget to include some lesser-known gems in your itinerary as well.
>>> You can find our guide to the best piazzas in Rome here <<<
6. Visit the gallery and gardens of Villa Borghese. One of the best places to visit in Rome during October are the Borghese Gallery and the fantastic gardens surrounding it, which look absolutely spectacular during autumn with their changing foliage!
>>> See our guide to the Borghese Gallery here <<<
>>> See our guide to the Borghese Gardens here <<<
7. Visit Rome’s underground attractions. Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum are must-see places, but did you know Rome has many fascinating attractions hidden underground?
There are several of them throughout the city, including Nero’s incredible palace, temples to the god Mithras, and ancient residential buildings that offer a completely different perspective on Roman life.
>>> Here you can find our guide to Rome’s underground attractions <<<
8. Enjoy the sunset. Did you know that October in Rome is famous for its stunning sunsets? During this month, Rome’s sunsets paint the sky with incredible red and orange hues – it’s an unforgettable sight that photographers dream about!
>>> See our guide to the best sunset spots in Rome here <<<
9. Have a drink up high. During October, Rome’s rooftop establishments are still open and perfect for relaxing after a day spent sightseeing, offering spectacular views over the ancient city.
>>> See my guide to favorite rooftop venues in Rome here <<<
More Fantastic Things to Do in Rome During October:
1. Visit Nero’s Domus Aurea (Emperor Nero’s palace). A great place to visit in October because it’s indoors and ideal for rainy days, while also being located in a beautiful park, making it perfect for normal, warm October days too.
The Domus Aurea was once Emperor Nero’s luxurious palace and is now one of the most intriguing ancient sites in Rome. Built in the 1st century AD, the Domus is now an archaeological attraction located entirely underground.
With the help of a guide and modern technology, you’ll discover this stunning Roman archaeological site and appreciate the grandeur and magnificence of what was once the most extravagant palace Rome had ever seen.
Advance reservation is recommended.
>>> You can read my guide to the Domus Aurea and visiting tips here <<<
2. Explore Trajan’s Markets
Perfect if you’re in Rome during October because they have both outdoor and indoor areas, wonderful for changeable weather conditions.
Trajan’s Market is one of my favorite archaeological sites in Rome, which I highly recommend visiting, especially if you’re visiting Rome during autumn.
The market is one of the best-organized ancient Roman attractions and is ideal for visiting during October for two reasons: the covered section will save you from rain, and being less well-known means fewer tourists!
This museum also offers an excellent free virtual tour – if you want to see what it’s like and check if it might interest you, see here.
Important to know: Trajan’s Markets are just one of many attractions in Rome that offer virtual tours. I find them an excellent tool for trip planning.
>>> You can explore the best virtual tours of Rome here <<<
You can buy standard tickets here or choose a private tour (with free cancellation) here. Advance reservation is usually not necessary.
3. Visit Rome’s catacombs. Wonderful during October because they’re indoors and provide shelter from unpredictable weather. Among the best underground attractions in Rome are the catacombs – early Christian burial sites located in extensive underground tunnels beneath the city.
They’re fascinating, and during October they’re also a wonderful place to escape from rain.
With the help of a guide, you’ll be taken through the accessible parts of the burial sites and see tombs from early Christian times, underground chapels, and hear stories about the first popes and martyrs.
There are several catacombs you can visit.
I recommend starting with those of San Callisto, which are among the largest and best preserved.
Advance reservation is recommended.
You can find tickets here.
Important to know! I don’t recommend visiting catacombs with children. Read why here.
4. See Caravaggio’s works in Rome’s churches. Wonderful for visiting if you’re in Rome during October because they’re indoors (perfect for rainy days).
Caravaggio spent much of his life in Rome and left many beautiful masterpieces in the city’s museums and churches.
If you love his work, a fantastic way to see Caravaggio in Rome during October is to stroll around and visit the many churches that house his paintings.
>>> Here you can find my guide to Caravaggio in Rome <<<
5. Explore Rome’s “hidden” treasures. A wonderful thing to do in Rome during October because city life is in full swing and you can see the real Rome that tourists often miss.
I highly recommend heading specifically to Quartiere Coppedè – this is a beautiful neighborhood with unique Art Deco architecture for Rome and several lovely parks, ideal for afternoon strolls!
I also love Garbatella, a beautiful local neighborhood with unique history and architecture.
During October, when locals’ summer vacations have ended, local life in Rome is in full swing, so as soon as you leave the most popular areas, you’ll see the living, breathing heart of the city.
6. Visit the Baths of Caracalla
A wonderful thing to do in Rome during October because this site is outdoors and perfect for the pleasant autumn weather. The ancient thermal baths of Caracalla are among the most impressive archaeological sites in Rome.
The massive structure is now entirely open-air and October is a fantastic time to visit since it feels a bit like a park, except for the stunning mosaics and still-preserved arches!
This is one of the most visually striking attractions in Rome. Advance reservation is usually not necessary.
>>> You can find my tips for visiting the Baths of Caracalla here <<<
7. Go to Ostia Antica. Fantastic during October because of the stunning autumn colors. October is an excellent time of year to get away from Rome’s center, and a place that’s beautiful during this time is Ostia Antica – a magnificent archaeological site on Rome’s outskirts.
Ostia Antica has two areas worth visiting: the archaeological park, often called “little Pompeii” because of its exceptional Roman ruins, and the necropolis located around the medieval castle.
This is a wonderful place for an October afternoon – don’t forget to stay for dinner, the local trattoria is excellent.
8. Take evening strolls. If you’re in the city during October, take evening walks to see the main sites beautifully illuminated against the autumn sky.
A simple stroll through central Rome is one of the best things you can do in Rome at night.
9. Stroll through Trastevere neighborhood. An excellent place during October because of the changing leaf colors that make its charming streets even more attractive during autumn.
>>> Find my recommended Trastevere route here <<<
10. Get into the Halloween spirit Roman-style. Halloween isn’t traditional in Rome, but in recent years celebrations have become more and more popular and there are several ways to mark the occasion.
You can spend a fun evening in an Irish pub, join an organized event, visit some of Rome’s most mysterious attractions, or even join a ghost tour.
>>> You can read everything about Halloween in Rome here <<<
11. Join a Rome food tour with tastings.
Here are the food tours worth considering:
- Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide and Local Food Tastings
- Evening Trastevere Tour with Local Food Tastings
- Rome Espresso, Gelato and Tiramisu Tour – ideal for this pleasant season!
Some delicious Roman foods to try during October in Rome are:
- Carbonara – perfect for the slightly cooler weather during this season
- Cacio e pepe – traditional pasta dish prepared with pecorino romano cheese and black pepper
- Trippa – a warming dish for the adventurous
- Supplì – fried rice balls with molten mozzarella center
- Mushrooms – while not typically Roman, now is the time to order delicious mushroom risotto or tagliatelle with mushrooms
- Tiramisu – always a good idea for dessert
12. Visit an exhibition. Rome hosts many exhibitions year-round, and October, especially during the second half of the month when weather gets cooler, is a wonderful time to visit them.
>>> Here you can find the current calendar of events in Rome during October <<<
October in Rome with Kids
These are my favorite things to do in Rome during autumn with the family.
1. Visit kid-friendly historical sites in Rome. Not all historical sites in Rome are interesting for children, but some definitely are! The ones I recommend most are:
- The Colosseum and Roman Forum – with official tickets children enter free! Find my guide to the Colosseum with kids here
- Domus Aurea – see above. This is a cool place for school-age children who will enjoy the underground experience and may have already learned about Emperor Nero
- The Catacombs – this isn’t for everyone (catacombs are burial sites and this can be disturbing for some), but our children loved them. The adventure of being underground and the interesting stories were a hit. I recommend this for children aged 7 and up – tickets can be found here
- Castel Sant’Angelo – Castel Sant’Angelo is Rome’s castle. It’s a wonderful place to visit with children, and during October it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset over Rome! Great for both parents and kids
- Treat them to the best pizza they’ve ever had. Here I’ll assume your children love pizza. If they do, treat yourself and them to wonderful pizza at one of these addresses
- Dress up for Halloween. Halloween isn’t a traditional Italian holiday (Italian children traditionally dress up for carnival in February). However, in recent years pumpkins and Halloween-inspired decorations have appeared in stores, and children organize parties for friends and walk around in costumes (scary or not, the theme is open). If you’re visiting Rome with children on Halloween, pack their costumes and join the fun! You can read more about Halloween in Rome here
- Visit Explora, Rome’s children’s museum. Explora is Rome’s children’s museum and is a wonderful place to explore with kids. During October this is an extremely convenient place for a rainy day or anytime the weather doesn’t seem suitable for extended hours in the park
- Go to the park. October is still extremely suitable for visiting parks in Rome. Here you can find a list of some of our favorite parks and playgrounds
- Attend a cooking class. Rainy days are the perfect time to attend a cooking class. One that we absolutely loved with our children was the pizza-making class we took from Rome4Kids – it warmed us up, provided lots of fun (and new skills!), and of course we learned to make delicious pizza! You can read all about our pizza-making experience here
- Learn more about Rome with the “Welcome to Rome” exhibition. “Welcome to Rome” is a beautiful permanent exhibition that teaches children (and adults) about Rome’s history through 3D light reconstructions of the city’s main monuments and a beautiful short film. This is a small museum that’s fun for children and not overwhelming, and it’s a great place to rest indoors while having fun and learning. It’s located on Corso Vittorio and you can usually enter without advance booking – very convenient!
- Visit Leonardo’s machines museum. Another fun activity with children in Rome during October is visiting Leonardo’s machines museum. A small museum conveniently located near “Welcome to Rome” and Campo de’ Fiori, it features machines that children can touch and play with. They can also try their hand at building Leonardo’s self-supporting bridge. Very fun and not as easy as it looks! Good stimulating fun for a rainy day. Find everything about Leonardo’s machine exhibitions here
- Visit Circus Maximus. Circus Maximus was the venue for chariot racing in Ancient Rome and now children and adults can see it come alive again through augmented reality glasses! The glasses allow you to see the stadium as it was and are a fun way to learn and engage children in visiting a site that might otherwise not be interesting for kids. You can read our review of the Circus Maximus experience here
- Visit the Baths of Diocletian. The Baths of Diocletian are huge thermal baths in central Rome dating from imperial times. They’re wonderful to visit with children as they have a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, are impressive but don’t require too much walking – an ideal attraction for kids! You can read my guide to the Baths of Diocletian here.
Additional Resources for October in Rome
Here are some Rome guides that may be useful to you:
- One day in Rome – what to see
- Two days in Rome – what to see
- Three days in Rome – what to see
- Four days in Rome – what to see
- Five days in Rome – what to see
I hope you enjoyed this overview of Rome in October.