Italy in November

While November is typically off-season for Italian tourism, there’s a long list of reasons you should consider going against the grain.

Time Off

While November may be slow season in Italy, in the States the month comes with time off from work for Thanksgiving and fall break for students and teachers. With a few extra days free, it may be possible to squeeze in a fall vacation.

Budget-Friendly

Being the off season, airfare, hotel, Airbnb and general travel expenses tend to be on the lower end. A November trip is just the start of off-season in Italy, so you’re getting the fading perks of the on season, weather wise, but with the added price cuts on the essentials, like flights and hotels.

Weather

Speaking of weather, while November may sound a bit on the cold side, it’s actually quite mild in some areas of Italy. Watch the leaves change over the rolling hills and in the mountains, or stick to the cities and enjoy brisk strolls. Air conditioning is not a standard in Italian hotels and homes, much to summer vacationers’ chagrin, but that won’t be a concern for fall travelers. 

Truffle Season

This time of year is a truffle-lovers dream. Italians love truffles, so expect fairs in the Piedmont region of Italy where they are grown. Enjoy the mushroom-esque, earthy delicacy in homemade pasta, oil, ricotta and more. Purchase some to take home, or enjoy the general buzz about the season.

Festival Fun

Not a truffle fan? No problem, November brings musically charged festivals to Italy as well. Head to Rome for the world-famous festivals, including the Rome Jazz Festival, Roma Europe

, the Rome Film Festival or the Feast of Saint Cecilia — dealers’ choice.

Christmas Market opens in Trento, Italy in November © Loren Image | Dreamstime.com

Vino Vino Eccolo Qua

In other words, November is wine bottling season in Italy and Tuscany will be a flurry with family fun and activities. Think local produce and food festivals, arts and crafts for the kids, homemade cheese, cultural festivals, public tours through wineries and free entry to museums, for starters. Check out a full list here of fun in and around the Tuscan region in November. Plan to visit Nov. 1–12, when the bulk of the fun begins, or head over later for Mercatino di Natale, or night of lanterns Nov. 18–Dec 26. The Italian Christmas market, held in Aerozzo, involves lights, decorations, local goods, events and the traditional launching of the candle-lit lanterns on Nov. 26 to start the event. Make a wish!