Tuscany in October is known for its crisp mornings and fewer crowds. The mild Tuscany weather October and daytime temperatures make it comfortable to wander through medieval hill towns like Lucca, explore vineyards, and enjoy open-air markets. Autumn is also the grape harvest and truffle season.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Tuscany in October. We’ll highlight the best seasonal activities, from wine harvest events to hiking routes, and share the most beautiful places to visit at this time of year. We’ll also share practical tips on what to wear and pack, as well as what to expect from the weather in Tuscany Italy October.
Whether you’re planning wine tastings, vespa tours through small villages, or city explorations without the summer crowds, holidays in Tuscany in October might just be the perfect time for your getaway.
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Is October a good time to visit Tuscany?
October is one of the best months to explore Tuscany. It has pleasant weather, beautiful fall landscapes and colours, and many local events taking place. Visiting popular cities like Florence, Siena and Pisa at a slower pace is much more relaxing, since you can stroll through the museums and piazzas without long queues. Accommodation rates in larger cities and towns drop compared to the summer months, making it more affordable.
The Tuscan countryside is undoubtedly the most beautiful in October due to the deep reds and gold colours of the trees. You can also enjoy the seasonal harvest festivals, known as “sagre”, truffle fairs and many wine tasting opportunities.
So, is October a good time to visit Tuscany? Absolutely. With average daytime highs around 20°C and cooler, comfortable evenings, it’s perfect for exploring.
What is the weather like in Tuscany in October?
Tuscany weather October has comfortable, cool days, cooler evenings, and occasional rain. The temperatures are ideal for exploring cities, enjoying countryside roadtrips and even guided tours.
Discover the best of Tuscany’s unique tours, from its cinematic history to medieval castles.
- Average daytime highs: 18–22°C in early October, dropping to 15–18°C later in the month
- Nighttime lows: 10–13°C
- Rainfall: Around 90–120 mm, with 8–10 rainy days on average
Coastal areas like Viareggio tend to be slightly warmer, while inland hill towns such as Montepulciano are cooler. Expect northern spots like Lucca to be wetter.
Activities in Tuscany in October
Outdoor Exploration
- City sightseeing: Enjoy Florence, Siena, Pisa, and especially Lucca, in comfortable mild weather. Wander Lucca’s Renaissance walls, climb the famous Torre Guinigi, or stroll through peaceful public gardens, all without summer’s crowds.
- Scenic day trips: Head out to Val d’Orcia or the vineyards of Chianti.
Cultural and Seasonal Events
- Lucca Comics & Games: Held between late October and early November, this major festival fills historic palaces and streets with comic art, gaming tournaments, cosplay, live concerts, and author talks.
- Opera evenings in Lucca: Throughout October, the Church of San Giovanni hosts a nightly series of opera concerts from Puccini, Verdi, Mozart, and more.
Truffle & Food Experiences
- Truffle hunting tours: Go on a guided hunt in the forests near San Miniato (less than an hour from Lucca). Learn alongside expert truffle hunters and loyal truffle dogs, then taste truffle-infused specialities.
- Harvest cuisine: October brings chestnuts, mushrooms, olio nuovo (new olive oil), and freshly pressed wines. Many agriturismi and local restaurants create autumn menus incorporating these local flavours.
Wine season and harvest events in October
Here are some of the best events we recommend experiencing in Tuscany in October.
- Open Cellar Weekends (“Cantine Aperte”): Some October weekends, wineries in Chianti and Montalcino open for tastings, vineyard walks, and lunches.
- Harvest, Stomping & Tours at Tenuta Torciano: Sept 1–Oct 31, expereince grape picking, stomping, and vineyard tours.
- Dit’unto Street Food Festival: In Castelnuovo Berardenga, enjoy street food, star chefs, and live music.
- Camminata tra gli Olivi: Held in late October, take part in olive grove walks in six Chianti towns, celebrating olio nuovo.
- Sagra del Tordo: Held in Montalcino on the last Sunday in October, this event is celebrated with medieval parades, archery contests, and local traditions.
Why stay in Lucca?
Lucca is an excellent base for these harvest experiences. Within easy reach are Chianti’s vineyards, Montalcino’s Sagra del Tordo, and olive festivals near Trequanda and Reggello. Finding accommodation with Lucca Apartments and Villas is the perfect choice for your stay.
What are the best places to visit in Tuscany in October?
October is a wonderful month to explore Tuscany’s cities, countryside, and coast. Tuscany weather October is mild, and the landscapes are stunning with autumn colours.
Lucca is ideal for cycling along its Renaissance walls lined with trees in full fall foliage. The city has many cultural events to explore and has fewer tourists than in summer.
Florence in October is perfect for museums and pleasant walks along the Arno. Temperatures average 18–20°C, making sightseeing comfortable.
Siena is a must-see city when travelling outside of Florence and Pisa. Piazza del Campo and the hills around the city bring a certain charm to Siena’s centre.
In the countryside, the Chianti hills or hiking in the Apuan Alps are breathtaking. Alternatively, coastal towns like Viareggio or Marina di Massa are great for relaxing seaside holidays.
What to wear and pack in Tuscany?
For Tuscany weather October, bring layered clothing like light sweaters and long-sleeve shirts. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. It’s never a bad idea to add a scarf for cool evenings or a small umbrella.
Experience Tuscany’s autumn charm
October is an underrated yet ideal time to visit Tuscany. The summer crowds are gone, the Tuscany weather October is pleasantly mild, and the landscape is glowing with warm fall colours. If you are looking for a slower-paced getaway, visiting Tuscany Italy in October is the perfect time.
For the best experience, stay with Lucca Apartments and Villas. This charming town puts you close to both the Tuscan countryside and major cities, so you can explore with ease while enjoying comfort, authenticity, and a true local feel.
