Visiting the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast in October
If you are planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento this October? Well, this blog post is for you! I’ve got you all the information you need, including sea temperatures and all the weather stats. And tips for saving too!
While the summer crowds have lessened, hotels and restaurants are open. And ferries are still running between the towns of Amalfi Coast, Salerno, and Sorrento. October has a warm sea temperature, delicious seasonal foods, and perfect weather for hiking adventures. A fabulous holiday awaits you on the Sorrento and Amalfi Coast if you choose to visit in October.
(from left to right).
Why is October one of the best times to visit the Amalfi Coast?
October is shoulder season, making it one of the best times to visit. It’s a great month if you wish to avoid the crowds. And enjoying a high chance of good weather.
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula?
The best months to visit are May to June or September to October.
July and August are very crowded. While it’s not primarily a beach destination, you’ll enjoy the smaller beaches more before or after the peak season. Prices can also be high in August. Not only the hotels: parking and sun loungers are also more expensive in peak season.
I love the Amalfi Coast during the winter. Around December or January, when only locals stay, tourist crowds are mostly gone. Sunny winter days are perfect for beach walks and mountain hikes, and some restaurants remain open even during the off-season.
It’s best to avoid visiting in November or February and the beginning of March. It can get quite rainy in this period. February and March are also the windiest months on the Peninsula.
If you plan to visit during Easter (usually in April or May), it’s best to book ahead, as it’s a popular time for weekend getaways among Italians.
Transportation and Savings:
- Ferries are still operational in October and provide a quick and convenient alternative to long bus rides. Use them, as they can save valuable time on your day trips.
- Travelmar company has regular ferry services between the Amalfi Coast towns, from Salerno to Amalfi. You can also find ferries between Amalfi and Positano.
- Some direct services from Amalfi and Positano to Capri are still running during October. Sorrento also has frequent connections with Capri during this month.
- Although ferry services are less frequent in October compared to the peak season, most routes still have regular service.
- You can find bargain prices for accommodation during this time. Many higher-priced 4 and 5-star hotels offer rooms at a fraction of their usual rates before they close for the season (usually in early to mid-November).
- Budget-friendly options are also available, especially if you plan to stay in Sorrento or lesser-known villages like Minori or Maiori. During this period, it is possible to find hotel rooms for less than $70 for two people along the Amalfi Coast. Even the usually pricey Positano offers some good deals in October (around $150-$200)
- More free beach space and lower prices for sun chair rentals in beach clubs. Beach clubs usually start to close in mid-October. Leaving you with more free public beaches to enjoy sunbathing for free. Whole-day sunchair rental can get as low as €7 during October and around €15 in Positano.
Swimming and Weather:
- The water in October is still warm, with an average temperature of around 21-22 degrees Celsius. Swimming is possible, especially during the first half of the month, and sunny days are ideal for sunbathing on the seaside or swimming in the pool.
- The average outside temperature ranges from 16°C(low) to 23°C(high). From 60°F to 74°F. Evenings can be a bit chilly, especially in the mountainous areas, but are warmer in Positano, which is more sheltered.
- The chance of rain is around 30% in October. Weather statistics suggest around 9 rainy days during this month. November is the rainiest season. So you might encounter showers towards the end of October. Overall, October is a relatively dry month on the Amalfi Coast (with 130mm-150mm of rain over 6 days-8 days).
Outdoor Activities:
- October weather is perfect for outdoor dining. Bars and restaurant terraces, and outside sittings are open. A lightweight pullover would provide enough comfort for outdoor dining on most days.
- The fall weather is ideal for hiking and taking long walks without sweating or overheating. You can walk along the coastal paths, with mountains rising on one side and the sea on the other. The views are ever-changing dreams.
- October is perfect for hiking the Path of Gods (Sentiero degli Dei). But you can also choose from less challenging hikes too. Punta Campanella near Sorrento is a fantastic hike. With little to no elevation change. This walk provides pretty views of Capri Island.
- Many of the popular hiking trails have little shade. Completing them in the summer heat is not very pleasant. Lucky you choose October!
- The month of October is still a touristy month. So almost all restaurants and hotels are open. But it’s much less crowded than July, August, or September.
Operating Hours:
- Sights and museums have reduced hours during the winter and typically stay open until sunset during the summer. In October, they have hours adequate for shoulder season. They often open in the afternoon until around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.
- Sunset is around 7 a.m. during October and sunset is around 6:20 pm (average time during the month).
Road Trips:
- If you’re up for a road trip along the Amalfi Road, October is one of the best months for driving along the Amalfi Coast. The road is winding, and the views are fantastic. Traffic is considerably lighter on the main coastal road in October. And you’ll find parking spots, with relative ease (which are extinct during summer). Check out my blog post on driving along the Amalfi Coast.
Seasonal Foods:
- Italian cuisine places a strong emphasis on seasonality. Some dishes are only prepared when their ingredients are in season. October is for mushroom lovers (King boletes, or porcini as they are called in Italian) and the chestnut picking time. Olives are also harvested during this season, with new oil production starting around October. If you’re interested, it’s a good time to visit a local olive farm.
- Some festivals continue in October, particularly sagra-s (festivals) related to seasonal delicacies like mushrooms.
Travel Savings and Pros/Cons on visiting in October:
- Of course, plane and train tickets tend to be cheaper during the fall season, allowing you to save considerably on intercontinental flights from the USA to Italy.
- Weather can change from one day to the next during October. A sunny day might be followed by rain or chilly weather. You may not enjoy much swimming towards the end of October if the weather is unfavorable.
- It’s a good idea to have rainy day plans as there are not many indoor activities on the Amalfi Coast. The best experiences are enjoyed outdoors along the Coastline.
Sea temperature stats all year round and table:
Below, you can find historical water temperature data for the Tyrrhenian Sea, near the Amalfi Coast. Sourced from the en.climate-data.org website. The last column displays average water temperatures in Fahrenheit.
| Month | Min. Temp (°C) | Avg. Temp (°C) | Max. Temp (°C) | Avg. Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.1 | 14.8 | 15.5 | 58.5 |
| February | 13.6 | 13.8 | 14.0 | 56.5 |
| March | 13.6 | 13.8 | 14.3 | 57.1 |
| April | 14.4 | 15.3 | 16.8 | 59.5 |
| May | 17.0 | 18.7 | 20.5 | 65.7 |
| June | 20.6 | 22.7 | 24.3 | 72.9 |
| July | 24.4 | 25.3 | 25.8 | 77.5 |
| August | 25.7 | 26.0 | 26.1 | 78.8 |
| September | 23.0 | 24.2 | 25.5 | 75.6 |
| October | 20.8 | 21.8 | 23.0 | 71.2 |
| November | 17.9 | 19.3 | 20.6 | 66.7 |
| December | 15.6 | 16.8 | 17.9 | 62.2 |
