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Alfresco lunches, fewer crowds at Florence’s top sites, and a wealth of festivals celebrating the region’s bounty make October an excellent time to visit Tuscany. The olive harvest is beginning, the countryside is slowly changing color, and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts.
The weather in Tuscany in October is less predictable than in September, but there are still plenty of pleasant, sunny days, especially in the first half of the month.
The slower pace and cooler temperatures make it a wonderful time to wander through the cobblestone streets of Tuscany’s prettiest small towns, explore art-filled churches and museums, eat your way around local food markets, and admire the region’s famous landscapes in their autumn colors.
Visiting in mid-fall also means olive oil and new wine tasting, truffle hunting, and traditional village festivals that offer a glimpse into Tuscan life beyond the usual tourist attractions.
So, what makes October the best month to visit Tuscany? Quite a few things, actually.
The Weather Is Lovely
While September can feel like an extension of summer in Tuscany, October is when fall really starts to settle in. That means comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, exploring the countryside, and enjoying outdoor activities without the intense summer heat.
Daytime temperatures typically range from 17°C to 23°C, with warmer weather more likely at the beginning of the month. Evenings can be chilly, especially in the countryside and hill towns, where temperatures sometimes drop below 10°C. Rain is fairly common in October, but there are plenty of wonderful museums, historic churches, and cozy trattorias to duck into when the weather turns.
And if you’re wondering what to wear in Tuscany in October, my advice is smart but comfortable. Think jeans, tees, and midi dresses for sunny afternoons, with a sweater, cardigan, or trench coat for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and a small umbrella wouldn’t hurt either.
Fewer Crowds, More Room to Explore
October brings a welcome change of pace to Tuscany. Although Florence and the most famous hill towns still attract plenty of visitors, the summer rush has eased, making it a particularly pleasant time to explore the region.
The rolling hills of Chianti begin to turn rusty red and golden yellow, Siena’s magnificent medieval squares are a little less crowded, and traditional sagre (local food and wine festivals) bring a festive atmosphere to villages across the countryside.
Florence is still lively in October, with concerts, exhibitions, and seasonal celebrations. On October 8, the city honors its co-patron saint, Santa Reparata, with a traditional ceremony at the Duomo, usually accompanied by a historical procession. And on the first Sunday of each month, state-run museums, including the Uffizi, Galleria dell’Accademia, Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Gardens, offer free admission.
If you’re planning to visit Florence’s major attractions, it’s worth looking into a city pass or booking your tickets in advance, especially for the Uffizi and Accademia.
October is also a wonderful month to bike along Lucca’s Renaissance city walls, discover the medieval nooks and crannies of Pienza, stroll along Siena’s honey-colored streets, lined with splendid palazzi and sweet-smelling pastry shops, or spend entire afternoons getting pleasantly lost in Tuscany’s smaller hill towns.
You may still encounter queues at the big attractions, but outside the busiest tourist spots, there’s more opportunity to slow down and enjoy Tuscany at your own pace.
It’s Food Lovers’ Heaven
Tuscany is at its most delicious in autumn, no doubt about it. In October, local markets are brimming with wild mushrooms and seasonal produce, game dishes feature heavily on restaurant menus, chestnut stalls pop up across the region, and, toward the end of the month, vino novello (young wine) makes its first appearance.
The olive harvest usually gets underway in October, bringing the opportunity to taste freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil. One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy it is fett’unta, a slice of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and generously drizzled with the new oil.
This is probably the best time of year to embark on a foodie trip across Tuscany and discover its rich culinary traditions. Swap your gelato for a slice of castagnaccio, warm up with a bowl of hearty ribollita or pappardelle with wild boar ragù in a cozy trattoria, and treat yourself to a plate of creamy risotto topped with freshly shaved tartufo bianco.
October is also white truffle season, and heading into the hills around San Miniato, between Florence and Pisa, with an experienced truffle hunter and their dog is a wonderful way to experience this Tuscan tradition. One of our favorite experiences is this Tuscany truffle hunt by Eating Europe, which ends with a four-course home-cooked meal and local wine tasting at a century-old farm.
There are also plenty of opportunities to join guided wine tastings, cooking classes, harvest festivals, and traditional village fairs celebrating seasonal specialties.
Whether you’re after memorable Michelin-starred meals, cucina povera at its best, or the ultimate wine-tasting experience, explore our guide to the best culinary adventures in Tuscany.
There’s a Wealth of Festivals
From antique fairs and food markets to harvest celebrations dedicated to the flavors of fall, October brings some of Tuscany’s most interesting local festivals. Many take place in small countryside towns, so if you’re planning to explore these events, learn more about how to rent a car in Tuscany for convenient travel.
The walled hill town of Volterra hosts Volterragusto on October 24 – 25 and October 31 – November 1, 2026. Dedicated to white truffles and other regional specialties, the festival combines tastings, cooking demonstrations, and historical performances, including the wonderfully eccentric Palio dei Caci Volterrani, a traditional cheese-wheel rolling competition.
In Montalcino, the annual Sagra del Tordo (October 23 – 25) turns the medieval town into a lively celebration of local history, food, and wine. Expect costumed processions, traditional dancing, an archery tournament between the town’s four districts, and plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes alongside a glass of Brunello.
Chestnuts take center stage at the Festa del Marrone in Campiglia d’Orcia on October 25, while the medieval village of Piancastagnaio, at the foot of Monte Amiata, celebrates its 59th Crastatone from October 30 to November 1. Expect roasting chestnuts, open wine cellars, traditional music, and all manner of local specialties, including castagnaccio and sweet chestnut dishes.
The Countryside Is Gorgeous
October brings a different kind of beauty to the Tuscan countryside. The vineyards of Chianti turn shades of russet and gold, while the winding, cypress-lined roads of Val d’Orcia are perfect for scenic drives and leisurely bike rides. Early morning mist sometimes settles over the valleys, leaving isolated stone farmhouses and hilltop villages floating above the landscape.
For more spectacular fall foliage, head to the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, on Tuscany’s eastern border with Emilia-Romagna. Its vast forests of beech, maple, oak, and other deciduous trees put on a magnificent display of autumn colors, with hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails to explore.
The foliage season typically begins in October at higher elevations, with colors gradually spreading to lower areas. Mid-to-late October is often an excellent time to visit, although the exact timing depends on the weather.
Where to Stay in Tuscany in October
Bob W Florence Santa Croce – For a sleek city stay in Florence, Florence Santa Croce tackles all the right boxes – chic, smartly appointed rooms and a killer location on the banks of the Arno River, 800 meters from the Uffizi Gallery.
Maestà Del Sasso – Traveling with family or a group of friends? This beautifully restored seven-bedroom villa near Cortona comes with spacious gardens, a private pool, and plenty of room to enjoy a proper Under the Tuscan Sun-style vacation.
Apartment Licia – Want to stay right in the heart of Lucca? This stylish rooftop apartment combines modern interiors with a lovely private terrace, all within walking distance of the city’s medieval walls, historic towers, charming piazzas, and lively shopping streets.