October brings Florence back to life with cooler weather and a calendar of exhibitions and film fests. You’ll stroll easier without summer heat, and locals return from holidays, bringing buzz to restaurants and galleries. Expect golden leaves in Boboli Gardens, and warm hues across Tuscan hills. Tip: book key museum tickets in advance—weekends still get busy.
| Category | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
Weather | Warm days (~27 °C), light rain later | Cooler (21 °C), frequent showers | Chilly (15 °C), heaviest rain |
Crowds & vibe | High early, then relaxed | Medium; cultural and local | Low; quieter, authentic |
Key events | Grape festivals, Carro Matto | Biennale, film fests | Truffle & oil fairs nearby |
Best for | Wine lovers, countryside tours | Art buffs, indoor/outdoor mix | Museum-goers, budget seekers |
Book early? | Yes—especially early Sept | Yes for museums, mid-Oct hotels | Not critical, except Nov 1 |
Transport notes | Few delays; city full | Wet roads; normal trams/buses | Florence Marathon, minor reroutes |
Budget | Still high, easing late month | Moderate; some hotel deals | Low-season prices resume |
| Festivals & Events | Dates | Event type | Location | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Florence Biennale | 18–26 October 2025 | Art Exhibition | Fortezza da Basso | Global artists gather for one of Europe’s top contemporary art fairs. Skip weekends to avoid crowds; weekday mornings are best. |
50 Days of International Cinema | Mid-October–December 2025 | Film Festival | Cinema La Compagnia | An acclaimed showcase of indie films from around the world. Check screening times online—some include English subtitles. |
La Fierucola delle Lane di San Martino | 26–27 October 2025 | Artisan & Food Market | Piazza Santissima Annunziata | Autumn fair featuring wool goods, natural dyes, and traditional sheep cheeses. Bring euros—most stalls don’t take cards. |
Halloween at Palazzo Vecchio | 31 October 2025 | Family Event | Museo di Palazzo Vecchio | Spooky storytelling, treasure hunts, and late-night museum hours for kids. Check museum website for language and age group info. |
Rain is likely. Always carry a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes—many alleys flood after sudden showers.
Museums may still have long lines on weekends. Book major sights online (Uffizi, Accademia, dome) even in shoulder season.
Halloween events are growing but still low-key. Expect themed nights at bars; few street crowds.
Watch for early closures. Some museums and churches start winter hours by late October (last entry ~4:30 pm).
Take advantage of indoor gems during rain: Palazzo Davanzati, Museo Horne, and lesser-known cloisters.
Outdoor restaurants keep heaters on hand but bring a scarf for late dinners.
Locals return from vacation. October is great for meeting real Florentines at cafés and markets.
Yes—mild temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and a packed cultural calendar make October one of the best months to go.
Yes, especially for weekends or mid-October festivals. Book Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo dome slots in advance to skip lines.
Layers, a light rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and a small umbrella. Evenings are cool, and showers are frequent.
Yes—Halloween isn’t a public holiday in Italy, so businesses stay open. Some bars host themed nights.
Very. Trains and buses run normally, and weather is cool enough for countryside walks and wine tastings.
Only Nov 1 (All Saints’ Day) may affect your travel if staying into early November. Some attractions begin winter hours late in the month.
Truffles, ribollita soup, chestnut cake (castagnaccio), and new olive oil. These flavors define Tuscan autumn.
Mostly—bring sturdy footwear. Some cobbled alleys get slippery, and puddles form near piazzas.
Yes. It’s post-harvest, so some offer tastings and tours. Book ahead—this is peak wine-tourism season.
Yes—try Palazzo Vecchio’s Halloween activities, artisan fairs, or kid-friendly films at La Compagnia theater.
![Grilled pork steak close-up at a local food tour in [City, Country].](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/a879e6dcf8ea90fe7d6c01614d05d38a-Grilled%20meat.jpg?auto=format&q=90&crop=faces&fit=crop)
Wild boar is leaner and richer than pork. October marks start of hunting season, and this rustic ragu shows it off.
Where to eat: Trattoria Mario, Via Rosina 2r
October is peak for fresh black truffles—shaved raw atop buttered noodles. Prices vary daily.
Where to eat: Trattoria Cammillo, Borgo San Jacopo 57r
This Tuscan bread-and-vegetable soup is hearty and perfect for chillier days. Best after it sits overnight.
Where to eat: Da Ruggero, Via Senese 89r
Chestnut flour cake with pine nuts and rosemary. Slightly savory; a historic Tuscan fall dessert.
Where to eat: Pasticceria Nencioni, Via Pietrapiana 24r
