Packing for Rome in October

Packing for Rome in October? Wondering what to bring and what to wear when you visit Rome in October? 

Find out what kind of weather to expect, how to dress, and what not to leave at home.

Packing for Rome in October - what to bring and how to dress

Packing for Rome in October is pretty straightforward as the weather is consistent across the month. The sun is shining most days but it isn't overly hot, with mild days and comfortable, cooler nights, with only a slight chance of rain.

Whether you're visiting Rome in early October, mid-October or at the end of October, I recommend packing a mix of heavier and light clothing that layers well, so you'll be prepared for both warmer and cooler weather.

On this page you'll find:

• Dressing for the rain in Rome
• My suggestions for packing for Rome in October
• What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late October
• More suggestions for things to pack no matter what the season
• How to dress in Rome in October

Dressing for the rain in Rome

Seeing some rain in Rome in October is fairly likely, especially at the end of the month when it starts feeling more like fall.

Any rain showers we get in October are usually over quickly, so even if it does rain at some point during your visit, it shouldn't stop you from having a great time. (And you might even get some cool photos!)

I always recommend packing a rain-hat, as they are small, light, and easy to carry with you in your day-bag ready if you need it.

When packing for Rome in October, I would also suggest bringing a good-quality travel umbrella along with a waterproof jacket or coat.

Packing for Rome in October - Essentials

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I walk around Rome a lot.

I love to walk everywhere when I can, because in Rome there is always something new to see. I also love looking at things I know well, like the Colosseum, and seeing it in a new light, or finding a new detail. I walk around Rome at many different times of day, throughout the year.

So believe me when I tell you, I know just how to dress in Rome year-round.

These are my personal recommendations for what to include when packing for Rome in October, many of which I own or use:

What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late October

Rome in October is one of the best months for visiting Rome, with ideal weather for exploring and enjoying the city!

The temperature in Rome in October changes quite a lot over the month. At the start of October temperatures average around 75-79 Fahrenheit/24-26 Celsius during the day and around 56-60 Fahrenheit/14-16 Celsius at night.

By the end of October the clocks change and fall is definitely here, with daytime temperatures averaging 16-18 Celsius/60-64 Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures averaging 8-10 Celsius/46-50 Fahrenheit.

Whether you're packing for Rome in October for the beginning, middle or end of the month, you'll want to bring clothes that can layer well, so good basics like cotton t-shirts or long-sleeved tops, jeans/cotton pants, a cardigan or pullover and a light rain jacket.

To be more specific:

Packing for Rome in early october

In early October, the weather in Rome is perfect for sightseeing, featuring warm days with plenty of sunshine, so during the day it will be warm enough for short-sleeved tops or t-shirts.

I wouldn't recommend wearing shorts in October. Light jeans, cotton pants or hiking pants are better options, and make sure to bring a light jumper or cardigan with you to put on when you go inside any sites or churches, which will likely feel cooler.

During the day you could wear sandals if you prefer, as long as they can hold up to lots of walking, but I'd pack at least one pair of closed-toe shoes as well.

It's still warm enough to dine sitting outside, but once the sun goes down, the evenings do feel a bit cooler, so bring a light jacket or pullover to wear when you're at dinner so that you feel comfortable at all times.

Packing for Rome in Mid-october

The weather in Rome by mid-October is starting to feel cooler, and definitely more autumnal.

Make sure to pack a mix of heavier and lighter layers so whatever the weather is doing, you'll be prepared! Bring some light t-shirts and some long-sleeve tops, along with cotton pants or jeans and a few warmer jumpers and cardigans.

I'd leave the sandals at home for any trips in mid-October onwards, and stick with good quality walking shoes, sneakers or other comfortable closed-toe shoes.

The chance of rain showers starts to increase at this point in the month, so make sure to include a light rain jacket, a rain hat or travel umbrella in your packing. These options are all light and small, so can be carried in your day bag ready in case it starts to rain when you're out exploring Rome.

Packing for Rome in late october

By the end of October, fall is definitely here in Rome. The clocks change at the end of the month so the days are starting to get shorter, the sun is less hot and the evenings are much cooler as we look ahead to November.

If you're packing for Rome in October, and visiting at the end of the month,
bringing jeans or heavy cotton pants is a good idea, although when the sun is out you may feel comfortable pairing these with a t-shirt, especially if you're walking around the city.

Pack a couple of warmer cardigans or pullovers to put on if the weather is cooler, and don't forget a rain jacket.

In the evening you'll definitely need a heavier jacket or jumper, and a scarf is absolutely essential, both for keeping you warm and looking stylish at the same time!

General Rome packing tips for any time of year

So what else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in October?

These are just a few of my personal recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:

I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.

As well as the specific information here about packing for Rome in October, 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!

What to wear in Rome in October

So how should you dress when you visit Rome in October?

My top tip for any time of year is to wear comfy shoes, as you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking - more than you might think!

Rule 1: Be Comfortable!

My number one rule for sightseeing in Rome, all year round: be comfortable.

This is most important for your feet. It is crucial to wear good walking shoes with good quality socks. Bringing shoes you have already broken in is essential, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!

While Rome in October is still warm during the day, you will be most comfortable wearing good-quality sneakers, tennis shoes or walking shoes rather than sandals. Rome's cobblestone streets are killer on your feet if you don't have sturdy enough shoes, so when packing for Rome in October, you need to wear shoes that give your feet enough support.

Rule 2: Dress in Layers

The next rule is: dress in layers.

While the weather in Rome in October is generally warm during the daytime, especially at the beginning of the month, the evenings will feel cooler. The sun also isn't as hot, so when stepping inside museums or churches you will likely feel chilly. It's best to wear layers that you can remove/put on easily according to what you're doing such as cotton t-shirts, cardigans or jackets, and the all-important scarf.

As part of your packing for Rome in October, I would also recommend bringing a light backpack to wear as you walk around Rome, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your scarf or other cover-up items ready in case you need them to go inside a church or other site.

Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Rome in October:

• Wear extremely comfortable shoes
  
• Dress in cotton pants, jeans or hiking pants
  
• Wear cotton t-shirts or long-sleeved tops
  
• Put on a cardigan or sweater for when it's cooler
• Bring a jacket with you for the evenings
  
• Bring a travel umbrella and/or light rain jacket that fits in your day bag
• Don't forget to pack a scarf for men and women!

Unless you are planning on attending a special event, there is no need to bring dressy clothes to Rome.

When packing for Rome in October, it is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Rome so you do not need to pack much, if any, evening-wear.

Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in October here.

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