While still busy, Naples in October is coming out of high season so it is a wonderful time of year to explore the city – let’s dive in!

I love October in Naples. The crowds of September are thinning out and the weather conditions of early fall create incredible sunsets for days on end. The sun is still plenty warm enough to sit outside, and although it’s a little cool for me, plenty of visitors make the most of the beaches this month.

Choosing the right base for your trip to Naples in October is fundamental and with the arrival of fall, prices drop even if the weather remains nice almost everyday of this month.

October is a great time of year to stay in our favorite town in Campania, Sorrento. The crowds from September have gone, but everything remains open and the general atmosphere is relaxed as businesses look forward to their winter break.

Staying in Sorrento means you can easily get to Naples, conveniently access sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, and venture further afield to iconic locations like Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

If you’re looking for a little slice of La Dolce Vita during your trip to Naples in October, look no further than Sorrento!

While October is far from the coldest month, the average temperatures do take a dip. At the start of the month the average temperature in the day is around 75°F/24°C but by the end of October they’re closer to 68°F/20°C. With the average wind speed picking up and an increase in the chance of rain, the weather in Naples definitely feels fresher this month.

I always end up getting out my heavier jackets and jumpers towards the end of October, as the evenings are on the cooler side. With low temperatures ranging from 55-58°F/13-15°C it’s not so cold that you need to be inside, but you’ll absolutely want something to keep you warm at night!

Along the Amalfi coast and in Sorrento, the weather is very similar to Naples’ weather. Ferries still run their full schedule in October, although the chance of last minute cancellations or delays gets higher as the month goes on. Average precipitation is pretty low and if it does rain, it doesn’t rain for long.

If you’re coming to Naples in early October, you’ll want to bring mostly lighter clothing with a few warmer layers. Think long cotton pants, leggings with light dresses, hiking pants and t-shirts, along with a light jacket and cardigan or pullover. Don’t forget your swimwear if you’re planning to have some beach days!

Coming to Naples for mid-October or at the end of the month? I recommend packing more of a mix of heavier and light clothing that layers well. This way you’ll be prepared for both warmer and cooler weather as it can be unpredictable.

A scarf is essential this time of year as it is so versatile, and can easily be put away in your bag when you’re not wearing it. Don’t forget a small travel umbrella or light rain jacket/poncho for the same reason, it’s good to be well prepared!

How crowded is Naples during October?

At weekends Naples is extremely busy with locals enjoying their city. Many schools in Europe have a break around the third week of October, which combined with the celebrations of Halloween and All Saints Day on November 1 makes Naples very busy.

However, outside of these times the city feels much less crowded. Save trips to see popular sights like the National Archaeological museum for during the week and you’ll be fine.

October to me means one thing – pumpkins! Italy has a huge variety of pumpkins which come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and I can’t wait to see all of them appear each year on market stalls. Minestrone is of course available all year round, but in October a version filled with pumpkin is made which I get whenever I see it.

You’ll also see chestnuts being roasted on large braziers in the streets as the month progresses which are a clear sign that fall has started. I personally don’t like eating them but I love how the smell of the fire and chestnuts fills the streets.

As I always end up doing a lot more walking in October because of the cooler weather, this is also the time when I indulge in more Neapolitan pastries. Ricotta-filled sfogliatelle are one of the best pastries anywhere in Italy in my opinion. I prefer the frolla (made with crumbly shortcrust pastry) to the riccia (crispy flaky pastry) but they both appear regularly in our home!

October is a great time of year to join a food tour as well as try lots of Neapolitan classics.

Free Things to do during October 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:

• MANN – National Archeological Museum of Naples
• Royal Palace of Naples
• Capodimonte Museum
• Castel Sant’Elmo
• The Museum and Charterhouse of San Martino

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

• Pompeii
• Herculaneum
• The archeological park and museum at Paestum
• The ancient Roman villas at Oplontis and Stabiae
• The sites within the Phlegrean Fields area

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.

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 browse the stalls and nativity scenes in San Gregorio Armeno (‘Christmas Alley’), explore the large Capodimonte park and gardens or visit some of Naples’ many churches. There are tons of possibilities across the whole city!

More ideas for things to do in Naples during October

Do you have more time available to spend in Naples or Campania? October is a great month to take advantage of this opportunity, with lots of fun things to see and do besides the main attractions.

Check out our pages all about exploring beyond Naples for inspiration and day trip ideas, or set your aim further afield in Italy. With the excellent rail network you could easily do day trips to Rome or Florence, or head south to Salerno, so what are you waiting for?