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A Complete Guide to Visiting Naples in November

By Sara MaxwellOctober 31st, 2024No Comments

Want to visit Naples when there’s no one else around? Come to Naples in November! Learn why it is so quiet at this time of year with our guide.

Naples in November chapel of santa restitua in duomo
November is a great time to visit if you’re not concerned about the odd rain shower and lower temperatures

Everything you need to know about Naples in November

November is the ultimate low season in Naples. The start of the fall season means the resorts in Sorrento and on the Amalfi coast are closing up. Cruise ships are much less frequent. Few people take vacation in November, and are often waiting for the Christmas time festivities to start.

Local Campanian produce on shelves inside the shop Vizi e Sfizi, Sorrento
November is a great time to visit Naples for shopping in preparation for the holidays, where there are less people around and some stores are clearing their summer stock

All of these factors make Naples blissfully calm – at least, as calm as Naples gets! If you are okay with colder temperatures and don’t mind some rainy days, November is a fantastic month to visit Naples and Campania.

Here’s what you need to know about visiting Naples at this time of year:

Naples weather in November

November is when we see the highest chance of rain in Naples, with around a 35% chance of rain through the month. This isn’t actually too high, we are in southern Italy of course, but when it rains, it tends to rain hard and fast. If it starts to rain, it’s best to stay indoors or take shelter to wait out the worst of it – trust me, you will be absolutely soaked if you choose to keep walking!

Even with the higher chance of rain, November is not the coldest month of the year. The average temperatures during the day sit around 62-65°F/16-18°C and the average temperature at night is around 50°F/10°C.

If you’re thinking of heading south to Sorrento or the Amalfi coast, the temperatures are about the same as in Naples. However, with the average wind speed picking up, the chance of storms and heavy rain is higher. The beach clubs are all closed by November, and with an average water temperature of 64°F/18°C it will feel very cool if you decide to go for a swim!

snow on sorrento's main street
While snow is rare in Naples, it is not quite as uncommon in other parts of Campania such as Sorrento, pictured here as winter approaches. Photo credit Giovanni Cuomo
sorrento snow at central villa
Snow in Sorrento makes for an interesting experience and creates a unique view with the classic southern Italian white architecture. Photo credit Giovanni Cuomo

What to pack for Naples Italy in November

Warmer and waterproof clothing is key for November trips, with some lighter layers.

The weather in November can change quickly from comfortably warm fall sun to chilly rainy days, so it’s important to pack plenty of layers. Jeans or heavy cotton pants paired with a long-sleeved top and a heavier cardigan or pullover work well. I tend to go for a mix of dresses, leggings or tights and ankle boots as I feel these are better when it rains, but sneakers or walking shoes would also be suitable.

With the likelihood of seeing some rain during your trip, make sure to bring a travel umbrella and light rain jacket to put on quickly if needed.

Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the fall:

General Naples packing tips

There are certain things you’ll want to include in your packing whatever time of year you visit Naples, and I recommend that you keep these travel essentials with you in your carry on bags to avoid any problems, including:

You should also make sure to have copies of your passport (either paper photocopies or digital copies on your cell phone), the details of your travel including hotels and transfers and any medications that you need to take regularly.

Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:

What to wear during a November visit to Naples

There are two rules that apply year-round when deciding what to wear in Naples, but really, they apply anywhere in Italy!

Rule 1 – Be comfortable

This rule is mainly focused on your shoes, but also applies to your packing in general. There’s nothing more annoying than being too hot or too cold because you made the wrong packing choices!

Your shoes are particularly vital because you’ll be doing tons of walking. Wearing uncomfortable shoes will make your life a lot harder, particularly if they’re not water-resistant and you get caught in the rain.

I recommend only bringing closed-toe shoes, so good quality walking shoes or sneakers. Don’t forget the socks, as good socks help enormously with comfort!

If you need to buy something to help with your feet or general comfort when you’re in Naples, there are pharmacies across the whole city where you can get assistance.

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Rule 2 – Dress in layers

The days are shorter in November, since we move to Standard Time in late October, so there is less of that gorgeous light that makes Naples shine. Having said that, we do get pleasant temperatures during the day at the start of the month.

You’ll probably find yourself putting on and taking off clothing and jackets a lot during your trip as the weather changes throughout the day. Make sure to bring enough layering options so that you will be perfectly comfortable no matter the temperatures!

Want to know more about what to pack for a trip to Naples & Campania?

Check out our guide dedicated to what to pack including recommended and must have items, and our personal tips from years of travel experience:

Is November a good time to visit Naples Italy?

As long as you’re okay with the chance of rain and cooler temperatures, November is absolutely a great time to visit Naples!

You don’t have to book anything in advance, there are no queues for anything and even popular sights like Pompeii are pretty quiet. Hotel prices and flights tend to be cheaper so you can get a good bargain if you’re on a budget, and can walk into almost any restaurant and get a table immediately.

I would not recommend visiting Sorrento, Capri or the Amalfi coast in November however. Many hotels, restaurants and shops close to give their staff a well-earned break after the summer high season rush, so you won’t have many options. Ferry services are also very reduced and don’t offer a lot of choice.

If you’re keen to see the Amalfi coast in some form, Ravello is a better option as it’s not on the coast. The main towns of Positano and Amalfi are slightly more lively, but it’s still not the same experience as you’d get if you came in high or shoulder season.

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ground level corridor of naples archeological museum
Museums and galleries at this time of year can be almost empty at points, making any visit extra memorable

Curious to know more, or want to share your own recommendation? Leave a comment!

How crowded is Naples during November?

Not at all, except for the first weekend. The first weekend of November is almost an extension of October, thanks to the public holidays at the start of the month.

Since November 1 and 4 are both holidays, if these dates fall anywhere near a weekend, there will be a ‘bridge’, a 3-4 day long weekend. Locals often travel to Naples for this extended weekend so it’s a pretty busy time to be in the city.

In addition, some people have caught on that October is peak season. These people are pushing their trip to early November, counting on still pretty nice weather, and hoping for lower hotel rates. By the second week of November, things have slowed down a lot however.

As I mentioned above, the coastal destinations have mostly closed up for business so they are all extremely quiet.

What food to eat in November in Naples

The start of the fall season means we have an abundance of all sorts of lovely fruit and vegetables this time of year. You can choose from pumpkin, cardoons (not that easy to find, but super tasty), cabbage, leeks, chicory, carrots, fennel and more!

My favorites are the grapes and pomegranates, both of which come into season as the weather in Naples gets colder. The sweet fruit is a lovely contrast to the heartier food that becomes normal on menus this time of year.

Make the most of the cooler temperature and indulge in plenty of rich pasta dishes. Slow-cooked Neapolitan ragù or Genovese meat sauces are not light but so good in a cozy Neapolitan restaurant with a big glass of wine!

If you’d like to learn more about Neapolitan cuisine, why not join a food tour to explore the city?

neapolitan ragu pasta on bright ceramic plate
Is it me, or is it ragù?
pasta genovese dish
Genovese is one of my winter favorites

What to do during November 2024 in Naples Italy

November holidays and special dates in Naples

There are a number of holidays and events to be aware of in November:

November 1 – All Saints’ Day/Ognissanti

The main holiday in November is All Saints’ Day, Ognissanti in Italian. This holiday originates from the Catholic tradition of honoring all saints who have passed on to their next life in heaven. Nowadays, combined with All Souls’ Day (below), all people who have passed are remembered, not just saints, so it is an important day for many Italians.

As November 1 is a national holiday, many businesses will be closed. Most major sites remain open but you should still check in advance if you wish to visit a specific museum or restaurant on this day.

November 2 – All Souls’ Day/La Commemorazione dei Defunti

November 2 is All Souls’ Day, also known as the Day of the Dead, in Italian, Commemorazione dei Defunti, or more commonly, Giorno dei Morti.

Traditionally this is the day when Catholic church goers commemorate the souls in purgatory, but as with All Saints Day, the two days have become about a general remembrance of family and friends.

On this day, Italians visit cemeteries and pay their respects to their departed loved ones.

It is not a public holiday so no sights or businesses will be closed.

Visiting Naples or Campania from Rome?

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Each experience offers you an easy way to visit sites like Pompeii, Vesuvius or the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Transport and tickets are all taken care of, leaving you to focus 100% on enjoying your time here!
MORE ITALY TOURS

November 4 – National Unification and Armed Forces Day/Giornata dell’Unità Nazionale e delle Forze Armate

National Unity and Armed Forces Day is an Italian holiday commemorating victory in World War I, celebrated every year on November 4 since 1919.

There are some events around the city, including a parade and ceremony at Piazza del Plebiscito .

As another national holiday, businesses may be closed, but most museums and sites do not. Sometimes state and civic museums open for free on this day so check schedules in advance as these are popular local events.

Discover what’s on in Naples and Campania

There’s no shortage of special events, exhibitions and unique experiences happening right now in Naples and Campania! Check out the full listing here:
VIEW ALL EVENTS HERE

Free Things to do during November in Naples

On the first Sunday of each month, a number of museums, art galleries and archeological sites are open for free to all visitors all over Italy.

In the city of Naples you can get free entry to many places, including these locations:

In Campania, you can visit some locations for free as well, including:

Booking in advance for the Free Sunday is not generally possible so aim to arrive early and expect large lines at the most popular sights – particularly Pompeii.

gesu nuovo interior
Not only are churches free to visit, but they make a great place to escape any rain showers

If you have another day when you could visit Pompeii, I would recommend avoiding the Free Sunday event and visiting one of the other free sites, saving your Pompeii sightseeing for a different day when it will be easier to get in.

Of course, there are lots of other things you can do for free at any time. You could walk down past the Royal Palace to admire the stunning views of Mount Vesuvius across the bay, or spend time exploring Naples cathedral. You could also get ahead on your holiday shopping and stroll along San Gregorio Armeno in the historic center, also known as Christmas Alley.

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More ideas for things to do in Naples during November

There are lots of fun things to see and do here besides the obvious must-sees. If you would like to see a different side of Naples, take a look at our page here all about exploring further afield for some ideas and inspiration. There’s so much more to Naples and Campania than the Amalfi coast and Pompeii, so even if you’ve visited in the past you will have plenty to choose from!

You could also consider traveling a little further away in Italy for some day trips. From Naples there are easy and fast connections to Salerno, Rome and Florence so you can see another part of this wonderful country!

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