Packing for Rome in November

Packing for Rome in November?

Wondering what to bring and what to wear when you visit Rome in November? 

Find out what kind of weather to expect, how to dress, and what not to leave at home!

Packing for Rome in November - what to bring and how to dress

Packing for Rome in November is all about being flexible in your dress.

Whether you are visiting Rome in early November, mid-November or the end of November, the most important thing is to be comfortable.

On this page you'll find:

• Preparing for rain in Rome
• My suggestions for packing for Rome in November
• What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late November
• More suggestions for things to pack no matter what the season
• How to dress in Rome in November

Dressing for the rain in Rome

Rain in Rome in November is not uncommon.

Some years it doesn’t rain too much but overall it tends to be a rainier month so you should be prepared for this.

A rain-hat can be the perfect packable accessory - it doesn't take up much room but is so useful when you need it, plus it can easily be carried in a day-bag or backpack.

I also suggest a quality travel umbrella along with some sort of waterproof jacket or poncho. More below.

Packing for Rome in November - essentials

After nearly 20 years of living here and experiencing the weather in Rome in November, I know just how to dress comfortably for walking around the city a lot throughout the month, just as you will be doing when you visit.

These are my personal recommendations for packing for Rome in November:

What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late November

November is a funny month and can be strangely warm at the beginning and downright wintery-cold at the end.

Whether you're packing for Rome in November in the beginning, middle or end of it, you'll want to bring some good basics for layering such as a cotton t-shirt or henley, jeans/cotton pants, a cardigan or pullover, and a rain-jacket with removable lining.

To be more specific:

Packing for Rome in early November

In early November, about the first 10 days or so, the weather in Rome can be warmer than you might expect, something like an Indian summer, with temps during the day in the high teens/low 20s Celsuis / high 60s/low 70s Fahrenheit.

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You should layer and plan on wearing a short-sleeved shirt under your cardigan/jacket, as it can be quite warm in the middle of the day, especially if you are walking around a lot or eating lunch outside.

It's not really shorts/tank tops weather, so I suggest sticking to jeans/cotton pants.

Packing for Rome in Mid-November

If you're planning to visit Rome in mid-November, you can count on the weather being fairly fall-like.

The days are continuing to shorten and the nights start getting pretty cold, heading into the single digits Celsius / 30's and 40's Fahrenheit.

You could bring a short-sleeved top like a t-shirt but you'll definitely want to wear a pullover or cardigan AND wear/bring a light jacket as you walk around Rome during the day.

At night, you may want to wear a sweater/jumper plus a jacket.

And don't forget that scarf!

Packing for Rome in late November

By the end of November, late fall has set in and we are nearing winter.

Even if the climate in Rome is generally mild, it can be pretty chilly by late November/early December.

If you're packing to visit Rome in late November, you may want to bring a hat (besides a rain hat) and gloves.

These don't take up too much room and you'll be glad you have them, especially at night when temps drop into the low digits.

On the other hand, if you don't bring a hat and gloves (and of course a scarf), there are many places to buy them here in Rome.

General Rome packing tips for any time of year

So what else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in November?

These are just a few of my personal recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:

I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.

See my page about What to Pack for Rome where you can download a handy packing list, and visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!

What to wear in Rome in November

So how should you dress when you visit Rome in November?

You will probably be walking a lot, so you need comfortable shoes.

Rule 1: Be Comfortable!

My number one rule for sightseeing in Rome, at any time of year: be comfortable.

This is most important for your shoes. It is crucial to wear good walking shoes, and good quality socks.

I would recommend only bringing shoes you have already broken in, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!

Rule 2: Dress in Layers

The next rule, which is especially relevant for November is: dress in layers.

Since, as I mentioned, the weather in Rome in November can be unpredictable, be prepared for the temperature to change significantly throughout the day, and for it to sometimes rain unexpectedly.

This means wearing layers that you can remove/put on easily such as cardigans/pullovers/jumpers and waterproof jackets.

This also means it's a good idea to wear a backpack as you go around Rome, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off.

Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Rome in November:

• Wear good walking shoes
• Dress in jeans or heavy cotton pants
• Wear a light cotton shirt
• Wear or carry a sweater/jacket 
• Last but not least, don't forget the Italian MUST WEAR - a scarf. Always a scarf.

If you are planning to go to an event, for example a wedding, opera or dinner at a special restaurant, then you may wish to bring something elegant to wear.

Otherwise, it is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Rome so you do not need to pack much if any evening-wear.

Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in November here or watch my video:

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Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:

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