What to wear in Rome in October Packing List

Visiting the Eternal City and wondering what to wear in Rome in October? In this guide we cover what to pack for Rome in October alongside the Rome October weather to make sure you have a trip to remember.

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Weather in Rome in October

Rome in October is classified as Fall. Or autumn as we would say in Europe. As such you can expect traditional Fall weather with changeable conditions throughout your trip.

As a general rule of thumb the weather in Rome in Early October tends to be better than that later in the month.

How hot is Rome in October? Is it cold in Rome in October?

The average temperature in Rome in October is 18C. However it is warmer in Early October in Rome than late October. Therefore in answer is it cold in Rome in October I would say no but the evenings can get quite chilly so you will want at least some layers in your case.

Does it rain a lot in October in Rome?

Rome in October is actually a fairly dry month. By the time you get to November Rome gets rainier. Having said that we have been in Rome in October and been caught in some severe downpours so it is worthwhile preparing for at least a bit of rain in Rome in October.

What to Wear in Rome in October

Note: This Rome in October packing list covers the city of Rome not the Vatican City and some of the main tourist attractions in Rome will also have their own dress codes. For more information check out our other related Rome guides:

Best Shoes for Rome in October

Sneakers

Whenever I go to Rome whatever time of year my number one go to shoe is a sneaker. There is a lot of walking involved in Rome and the streets are uneven and cobbled so you need to have a good pair of shoes with you.

I recommend shoes like Sketchers Go Walks or All Birds for walking in Rome. If you buy shoes especially for this trip then be sure to wear them in before you go.

Ankle Boots

The weather in Rome in October is just turning and even though sneakers are ok on the what to wear for dinner in Italy, I personally prefer to wear a smarter shoe.

The best shoe is an ankle boot that is water proof and also has a thick heel and good sole that will work on Rome’s uneven streets.

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Jeans

Although the Romans are stylish jeans are perfectly acceptable to wear in October. I recommend wearing a more stylish fitted pair rather than baggy varieties

However if you are visiting Rome in early October then you may also want to have some chinos or smart tailored trousers with you for evenings.

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Longer length skirts

I would put short skirts on the what not to wear in Rome list. However I recommend taking at least one longer length skirt with you as the perfect day to night transition item.s

Blouse

A blouse works for the cooler days and nights. Italians are a smart bunch so a nice blouse is the perfect Italian Fall Packing List addition.

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T Shirt

Whether you are using them just as a base layer or as your top will depend on whether you are visiting in Early or Late October. I recommend picking plain t shirts rather than graphic tees for use in Italy.

Jumper

If you are visiting Rome in October one of the keys to your packing list will be having lots of layers. I recommend having some jumpers or some cardigans that can be used to layer up on cool days or for when it get chilly at night.

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Jacket

If you are wondering what to wear to Rome in early October, one of the key items to put on your packing list has to be a light jacket or blazer. It works as both an evening and a day time item when the temperature starts to drop.

Pashmina

It doesn’t matter where I am traveling, a pashmina is always on my packing list and Rome is no different. A pashmina for Rome can act as a scarf or lovely accessory on warmer October days but can double up as an added extra layer in Late October.

PJs

You won’t need thick fleece or flannel pjs for Rome in October but similarly you won’t want your lightest weight nightwear.

Waterproof Jacket

You can get a rainy day in Rome in October so be sure to have a lightweight waterproof jacket with you so you can carry on sightseeing in the rain.

Underwear

Goes without saying

What to pack for Rome in October for Men

Chinos/Jeans

For men visiting Rome in October I recommend having a couple of Pairs of smarter jeans and chinos with you. If you have a smarter tailored pair of jeans or chinos this will be the perfect day to night transition item.

Shirt

During the day Shirts are fine but I recommend having at least one button down shirt with you for Rome in October. The Rome dress code at night tends to be more smart casual than casual so you will feel more comfortable when out in a shirt over a shirt.

Polo

However if shirts aren’t your thing then be sure to pack a smart polo on top of

T Shirts

T Shirts are fine for sightseeing in Rome during the day. However I recommend making them the plain type instead of highly graphic or slogan t shirts.

Blazer

A blazer is perfect if you are going to a high end restaurant in Rome and will double up as a jacket as an extra layer if you are visiting towards the end of October.

Waterproof Jacket

Rome In October can be rainy so be sure to have a waterproof jacket with you just in case you get caught in the rain.

Sneakers

Sneakers are perfect shoes for days of sightseeing particularly if you have the smarter type. However you will want at least one other pair of shies with you for Rome in October

Smarter Shoes

A smarter pair of shoes or ankle with a good sole will be perfect for evenings out in Rome in October. Just try and pack a waterproof pair and leave the suede at home in case you get caught in a shower.

Underwear

What Else to Pack for Rome in October

Small Umbrella
Crossbody bag
Travel Adaptor
Power Pack / Battery recharger

FAQs about October Rome Packing List

What do people wear in Rome in October?

People in Rome in October know that layers are your best friend. October is a shoulder season transition month so you can have warm days and chiller ones. Layers will mean you are ready for whatever Rome has to throw at you weather wise.