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Packing for Rome in November? Let's Make It Easy!
Packing for Rome in November?
After more than 20 years living through autumn in Rome, I can tell you just what to pack, how to plan for fall weather, and how not to overpack.
Find out what kind of weather to expect, how I dress in Rome in November, and what not to leave at home.
Packing for Rome in November - what to bring and how to dress
On my YouTube channel and on other pages on this site, I often talk about November being one of the best times to visit Rome. The main reason for this is the weather.
October can be much hotter than most people expect, and it's also peak season.
But November is perfect, in my opinion.
It's cooled down enough that I need a jacket - usually a denim or leather jacket. And I can finally wear jeans and my most comfortable tennis shoes without getting overheated.
We can get rain in November, but I never mind it as I love to look for reflections in the puddles after the rain.
On this page, you'll find:
- What weather to expect in Rome in November
- Preparing for rain in Rome
- How I dress in Rome in November - my best advice
- Things to pack in any season
Weather in Rome in November
November in Rome feels like autumn in every way - the temperatures can be cool, especially in the evenings, and also at the end of the month. Even during the day, it's pleasant to walk around with just a jacket and scarf.
We do get rain in November, which can cool things down further, but I don't mind.
Villa Borghese park is lovely in November and mild enough that you can still enjoy a little boat ride on the "laghetto."November is when we start putting away a lot of our summer clothes. It's no longer feasible to wear shorts or sleeveless tops, although I keep some of my t-shirts and short-sleeved tops available because some days can be a little warmer than you might expect.
But even then, I always carry a cardigan and a scarf with me when I walk around Rome in November.
Dressing for the rain in Rome in November
Because November can be a rainy month, I think it's a good idea to bring at least some waterproof gear with you when you visit.
Alessandro has a rain hat, and he inspired me to get one, too.
Although I often just rely on my umbrella and sometimes the hood of my waterproof jacket.
A rain-hat doesn't take up much room but is so useful when you need it, and it can easily be carried in a day-bag or backpack.
I also suggest a quality travel umbrella that shrugs off sudden November drizzles - no fumbling, no flip-over - along with a waterproof jacket or poncho.
More details below.
Packing for Rome in November - How I dress
If you follow me on Instagram or YouTube, you know how much I love to walk around Rome. November is one of those months I am out a lot, maybe because the cooler weather makes it more pleasant, maybe because the crowds are tapering off.
Either way, after more than 20 years living here, I've become well-versed in just how to dress for autumn weather.
These are my recommendations for packing for Rome in November based on what I wear when I walk around Rome this time of year:
I love my 100% waterproof rain hat.
It takes up almost no space in my backpack, so I can walk around with it just in case.
Alessandro typically wears a bucket hat like the one shown above, but this is another great type of rain hat.
I wear this kind of hat for hiking because I appreciate the chin strap and wider brim, and I think it would work well in Rome in the rain, too.
I wear this kind of hat for hiking because I like the chin strap and wider brim.
The weather in Rome in November can change quickly from warm-fall to chilly-fall, especially towards the end of November.
That's why I often wear one of my versatile waterproof hiking jackets with removable lining when I head out for the day or evening.
This is like having 3 jackets in one, or even 5 if the layers are reversible. If you bring only one jacket with you when you come to Rome in November, I suggest a lightweight jacket like this.
(I don't think November, even late November, warrants a heavy-duty winter jacket.)
Here's a men's version of the above.
I love these for late fall and early spring.
I don't carry a rain poncho except when I go hiking, but this could be another good idea to bring with you.
You can certainly buy one from street vendors, but a poncho like this one is of better quality and will last longer.
Like rain hats, these are super lightweight and take up very little room in your luggage and day pack.
When it starts to rain in Rome, umbrella sellers appear out of nowhere.
These are fine for a quick fix, but the quality of those umbrellas is not great, plus you may be somewhere where you cannot easily purchase one on the street.
If you want to come prepared with your own travel umbrella, get a quality umbrella that will last.
I love mine that has an open AND close button.
A scarf is a must in Rome year-round (yes, even in summer), and in particular in November.
The temperature in Rome in November can change from day to night, and a scarf is one of the fastest ways to warm up on a chilly fall evening.
In November, I still wear some of my summer scarves, and I start to wear some of my lightest winter scarves, but it's not time yet to get out the heavy wool and cashmere scarves.
In November, Alessandro and I mostly wear jeans and other semi-heavy cotton pants.
November is one of the months I use cardigans the most. I have a few longer ones and some more snug models and I love them all. It just depends on your style.
Cardigans or pullovers are an easy way to warm up or cool down quickly.
I'd suggest packing one light sweater or long-sleeved Henley and maybe a t-shirt or other short-sleeved cotton top, and at least one cardigan that can go with everything.
Bring two pairs of shoes with you - one basic comfortable walking shoe like a tennis shoe, and another sturdier pair, perhaps some waterproof.
Wear the bulkier shoes on the plane and pack the lighter ones. Then you have two pairs of shoes to switch out.
I recommend only bringing shoes you have already broken in, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are.
I don't recommend bringing full-length boots. This will just take up a lot of room in your luggage, and you really don't need them for sightseeing.
Almost as important as bringing the right shoes for comfort is packing quality socks. They can be warm winter socks or even just regular cotton socks, but it makes a big difference if they are specifically made for walking.
With the amount of walking I do, and that you'll probably be doing when you visit Rome, having the right socks goes a long way in keeping my feet and my legs from wearing out.
November is a funny month and can be strangely warm at the beginning and downright wintery-cold at the end.
Packing for Rome in November? It's definitely autumn. Plan to layer and always be comfortable, especially where your shoes are concerned.Whether you're packing for Rome in November in the beginning, middle, or end of it, you should plan for cool fall weather and some rain.
In early November, about the first 10 days or so, the weather in Rome can be warmer than you might expect, like a burst of second summer, with temps during the day in the high teens/low 20s Celsius / high 60s/low 70s Fahrenheit.
November 1 - All Saints, or Tutti Santi in Italian - is a big holiday in Italy, and you may want to attend Mass. You won't have to worry about being properly dressed (with covered knees and shoulders) as you might in the summer, but you may also want to make sure to layer, as it could be hotter in church than you might expect.
November 2 is another holiday - All Souls, or Giorno dei Morti. This is a day when many Italians head to the cemetery to visit their departed loved ones. You may also decide to visit one of our beautiful cemeteries in Rome, but there is nothing special about what you should wear.
Here at Campo dei Fiori on November 2, you can see that some find it warm enough to wear t-shirts with bare arms. It's not hot but it can be comfortably warm during the middle of the day.If you're planning to visit Rome in mid-November, you can count on the weather being fairly fall-like.
The days are continuing to shorten and the nights start getting pretty cold, heading into the single digits Celsius / 30's and 40's Fahrenheit.
Here on the Aventine Hill on November 15, you can see that some people are wearing jackets, and others have taken them off. In mid-November, you should be prepared for comfortable daytime temps and chilly evenings.By the end of November, late fall has set in and we are nearing winter.
It can be pretty chilly by late November/early December.
Here at the Colosseum ticket office on November 30, you can see that most people are wearing warm jackets, with some hats and scarves in sight even in the middle of the day. It's not winter yet, but late November in Rome feels close.If you're packing to visit Rome in late November, you may want to bring a winter hat (besides a rain hat) although you really don't need gloves.
On the other hand, whether you're a shopper or just decide at the last minute you need some warm-weather gear, there are many places to buy hats, gloves, and scarves here in Rome.
Are you spending Thanksgiving in Rome?
It may not seem like it, but you can indeed celebrate American Thanksgiving in Rome, or at least, you can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
Visit our dedicated page about Thanksgiving in Rome to find out more.
If you do decide to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal out while in Rome, you probably don't need to dress up, unless you are heading to one of the more upscale venues like Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria.
A few other things I carry with me when I walk around Rome in fall include sunglasses, chapstick or lip balm (my favorite is Laneige), and a small tube of hand lotion.
You may not think November is a month when you'll need sunglasses but the sun can burn bright and you'll want to protect your eyes.
PRO TIP
Plan for 4-6 outfit combinations with 3-5 pieces.
Voilà! Your carry-on stays under 10 kg.
For more packing inspiration, check out my video about what to pack for autumn in Rome:
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General Rome packing tips for any time of year
What else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in November?
These are just a few of my recommendations for what to pack for Rome, any time of year:
I don't leave the house, let alone travel, without my handy portable charger. Since I use my phone for so many things, such as taking photos, watching videos, getting directions, checking mail, etc., the battery can deplete pretty quickly.
This charger quickly brings the battery up to full, so I don't have to worry about running out while I'm on the go.
Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications - I recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
Photocopies of your passport (or a scan on your phone or tablet).
Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. Most electronic devices (cameras, cell phones, laptops, electric shavers) default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here.
This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations if you travel to different parts of the world.
One of my favorite things to help me pack are these high-quality compression packing cubes.
They are super-sturdy, waterproof, and expandable.
They help me organize everything and keep stuff from moving around in my suitcase.
The packing cubes come in different sizes so it's also great for lumping together workout clothes or toiletries.
Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit will ensure peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.
No matter the season, I almost always walk around Rome with a small comfortable backpack.
I like keeping my hands free, and I like having a place to keep all my stuff, especially clothing layers, including a scarf.
But most importantly, I need to keep the weight balanced on my back. For some, a messenger bag or crossbody bag could work too.
Travel insurance isn't something to pack but it is something not to forget.
I can't tell you the times our B&B guests had lost luggage that never arrived, flights cancelled or delayed, or documents/wallets pickpocketed. Double check what your credit card covers - chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen.
I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.
See my page about What to Pack for Rome where you can download a handy packing list, and visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations.
Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in November here, here for general tips about visiting Rome in autumn, and here for current exhibits and events in November in Rome.
Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:
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