Visiting the Amalfi Coast in October: Pros, Cons & Must-Know Tips
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Visiting the Amalfi Coast in October will grant you the most relaxing holiday on this luxurious coastline. There’s no better month to plan the Amalfi Coast itinerary of your dreams!
In October, you can be the first to foot-print the morning sand, take postcard-worthy photos at Ravelloโs villas, and waltz reservation-free into Positano’s best terrace bars for an afternoon spritz or fresh seafood snack.
When you travel to Amalfi Coast towns in October, youโll delight in warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices… But there are some downsides to be aware of, too!
In this guide, Iโll cover all the reasons why (and why not to) visit the Amalfi Coast in October. Plus, I’ll share what the weatherโs like, what to pack, what to do, my personal experiences, top tips, and more.
Pros of Visiting the Amalfi Coast in October
Early October in this Mediterranean paradise sees the close of the high tourist season.
Crowds begin to dissipate, along with the scorching heat of the summer months. Meanwhile, the most iconic Amalfi Coast hotels remain open at lower rates, and the local townspeople take a collective sigh of relief (peace and quiet, at last!). Plus, there are a few exciting annual events and festivals in October – but more on that later.
Many of the ferry services are still operating. You can view the timetable, plan, and book your ferry trips here.
All of these factors make visiting Amalfi Coast in October an absolute dream.
Cons of Visiting the Amalfi Coast in October
Thereโs just one con to visiting the Amalfi Coast in October. And thatโs the chance of closures in late October.
Since November is the off-season in the Amalfi Coast, beach clubs start to pack up for the season around October 15th.
During this transition to off-season (November through mid-March), ferries donโt run (except from Sorrento), most boat tours come to a halt, and some of the best Amalfi Coast hotels and restaurants are closed. What a bummer!
I had a life-changing 10 days on the Amalfi Coast so I could write this Positano travel guide, discover the best things to do in Ravello, the best things to do in Vietri sul Mare, and beyond! But I learned from many locals that the best time to visit is from early- to mid-October.
Amalfi Coast Weather in October
Weather in Amalfi in October is simply amazing. The average high temperature in October is 75ยฐF, with the average low dipping to 53ยฐF at night.
How about that coveted Mediterranean sunshine? On any given day, there’s a 54% chance of perfect sunshine, and a 46% chance of some clouds overhead. Not bad, right?
October on the Amalfi Coast does come with a chance of rain (about 30%). But on average it rains just seven days, so you wonโt have to worry about your Amalfi Coast trip being rained out!
Swimming in the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas will be pleasant, since the average temperature of the water in Amalfi in October is 71ยฐF.
Amalfi Coast October Packing List
Since itโs a little chillier, this packing list isnโt your typical Italy packing list! Make sure to bring:
- A light jacket
- A scarf (fashionable, and practical for sun protection)
- A raincoat or poncho
- Natural, marine-friendly sunscreen
- Hiking boots or running shoes (thereโs plenty of hiking to do on the Amalfi Coast!)
- Sunglasses
- A swimsuit (of course!)
- Travel insurance
If you plan to be on the Amalfi Coast in late October, pack a warm coat for cool weather.
Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in October
Though some beach clubs and beach bars may be closed, there are still plenty of things to do in the Amalfi Coast.
1. Watch Epic Sunrises and Sunsets
Sunrises and sunsets are lifeโs most coveted cinemas. On the Amalfi Coast, expect some of the most breathtaking youโve ever seen! The sun rises at 7 am and sets at 6:45 pm in early October. Then at 7:30 am and 6 pm in late October.
You wonโt have to set your alarm to appreciate the tantalizing colors that grace the sky when the sun rises in the Amalfi Coast. And when the sun sets? The perfect time to โcin cinโ an aperitif to welcome an unforgettable evening. Bravo!
2. Hike the Lattari Mountains
I was grateful to have packed running shoes for my Amalfi Coast trip, and you will be, too!
Octoberโs beautiful, mild weather is perfect for hiking the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (Path of the Gods), the ancient stairs of Ravello, and the Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of Lemons) between Minori and Maiori.
These hikes – and other magnificent trails – are found in the Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari (Lattari Mountain Regional Park).
Check out this guided hiking tour of the Path of the Gods with a Local Guide. Itโs available year-round.
3. Enjoy the Chestnut Festival (Festa Della Castagna)
Celebrate the arrival of autumn and chestnut harvest at the annual Chestnut Festival in the medieval town of Scala, the oldest village on the Amalfi Coast!
Youโll be transported back in time with traditional song, dance, food, and games over two weekends in October (exact dates vary yearly).
Sample and purchase specialty chestnut-inspired culinary delights like gnocchi and pasta, and revel in this rich Amalfi Coast cultural experience that only comes around in October!
4. Listen to The Sounds of the Gods (I Suoni degli Dei)
500 meters from Praiano, on the Path of the Gods, marks the spot for one of the most special events on the Amalfi Coast: The Sounds of the Gods. This open-air concert series creates a space for โintimate harmony with nature and musicโ.
Admission is free; simply hike your way to the trail and find musicians amongst ancient ruins, perched on Lattari mountain peaks, on the Colle Serra pass, and around the church of Santa Maria a Castro.
I couldnโt think of a better way to begin a wondrous day on the Amalfi Coast!
Find the concert calendar and locations on this Facebook page.
5. Visit Capri and the Li Galli Islands
In October, there is less competition for day trips like boat tours, and generally less people in the water and the shore. Viewing this rugged coastline from the sea while island hopping is something you canโt pass up – especially if itโs your first visit to the Amalfi Coast.
This Li Galli Islands & Capri Boat Tour brings you to snorkel around the Li Galli Islands, explore the island of Capri, and discover the White and Blue Grottos and Fragolini Rock along the way. This tour runs daily through October 15th! Click here to book your Li Galli and Capri day trip.ย
6. Bask at a Beach Club
Good weather calls for a beach day, and the Amalfi Coast has no shortage of stellar beach clubs to spend the day at.
In the summer, crowds and competition for the best chairs can be daunting. So soak up the sun on a brightly-colored, cushioned lounge chair, or chill with an Aperol spritz in hand under the shade of an umbrella, at an Amalfi Coast beach club until mid-October.
This is one of the best months to enjoy less crowded Amalfi Coast beaches, meaning less photo-bombers and more space for you to enjoy the sunshine!
Looking to check out some chic Amalfi Coast beach clubs? Try: Arienzo or La Scogliera beach clubs in Positano, One Fire Beach Club at La Gavitella beach in Praiano, Tuoro Vecchio Beach Club in Cetara, and Lido degli Artisti in Amalfi town.
More Amalfi Coast Travel Inspiration
- 10 Magnificent Things to Do in Vietri sul Mare
- 19 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast
- The Dreamiest Amalfi Coast Itinerary (For 3, 4, or 5 Days)
- 11 Best Things to Do in Ravello, Italy (In 1 Day!)
- Positano, Italy: Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
- Ultimate Amalfi Coast Towns Guide: Where to Stay & Why
Amalfi Coast Vacation in October
You can experience all of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast in October. At this time, the ferries are still in service, guided tours are still running, and there’s less competition for lodging and dining (seasonal rates for the win!).
Relish the warm weather, picturesque Mediterranean beaches, legendary hikes, and grand boat trips that await you on the Amalfi Coast. Catch a sunrise, watch a cliffside concert, try traditional chestnut pasta, then watch the sun set against the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea.
The world is your oyster on the Amalfi Coast in October. What are you waiting for?
FAQs: Amalfi Coast Travel in October
Yes, October is one of the best times to visit the Amalfi Coast! The droves of summer crowds have left, the weather is very pleasant (not too hot!), and you can find better prices on everything from hotels to tours. Day trips, guided excursions, and ferry services are still available until at least October 15th, but from then on, businesses start to slowly close up shop. By November, the Amalfi Coast enters the off season, so itโs a good idea to plan to arrive in the beginning of October!
Yes, almost all the Amalfi Coast restaurants and bars are still open in October. By the end of October, however, most of the restaurants will begin to close for the off-season of November through mid-March.
October is a good time to go to Positano because there will be less tourist traffic, less competition for hotels and restaurants, and better rates for everything from lodging to daytrips and taxis. Plus, the weather is still mild and lovely! My Positano travel guide includes all the details!
The Amalfi Coast is not cold in October. The weather is cooler than in the summer months, but still mild with average highs of 72ยฐF (22ยฐC) and average lows of 61ยฐF (16ยฐC). The evenings can be cool, but the coldest months in the Amalfi Coast are from December through March. January is the coldest month, with an average daily temperature of around 50ยฐF (10ยฐC).
The Amalfi Coast shuts down at the end of October, since November is the beginning of the off season. During the month of October, hotels, restaurants, day trips, and ferries are largely still open and in service. A visit to the Amalfi Coast in the beginning of October is a great option to enjoy great weather, less crowds, and lower prices.
Yes, there are a few rainy days in the Amalfi Coast in October. The chance of rain is about 30%, with just seven rainy days throughout the month. Heavy rain doesnโt last long, and you may experience just one rainy day during a week-long trip to the Amalfi Coast in October.
Thanks for the Information.
My pleasure, Darron. Enjoy your trip!