Things to Do in Turin in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Turin
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Autumn foliage transforms the hills around Turin into spectacular viewing territory - the parks along the Po River and Parco della Rimembranza show peak colors mid-to-late October, with temperatures perfect for walking 9-18°C (48-64°F) without summer's heat
- White truffle season hits full stride - October through November is when Alba's famous Fiera del Tartufo brings the best truffle hunters to the region, and Turin's restaurants feature fresh tartufi bianchi at their peak flavor and (relatively) most accessible prices of the season
- Shoulder season pricing drops significantly after September - hotel rates typically fall 25-35% compared to summer peaks, and you'll actually get tables at traditional trattorias without booking weeks ahead, while museums and the Mole Antonelliana have manageable crowds
- Cioccolatò festival usually runs late October - Turin's chocolate heritage gets celebrated with tastings, demonstrations, and special events throughout the historic center, timed perfectly with cooler weather that makes wandering between chocolate shops genuinely pleasant
Considerations
- October weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get crisp sunny days perfect for exploring, or you might hit a stretch of grey drizzle that lasts three days straight, and there's no reliable way to know which until about 5 days out
- Daylight shrinks noticeably as the month progresses - sunset moves from around 7pm early October to 5:30pm by month's end, which cuts into your sightseeing time and means those golden-hour photos of the Alps behind the city happen earlier than you'd expect
- Some mountain attractions start closing - cable cars to Superga might run reduced schedules, and day trips to higher elevation areas in Valle d'Aosta become weather-dependent as early snow is possible above 2,000 m (6,560 ft) by late October
Best Activities in October
Po River cycling routes and park exploration
October is actually ideal for cycling Turin's extensive riverside paths - the 20+ km (12+ miles) of trails along the Po are lined with plane trees and poplars showing autumn colors, temperatures sit comfortably in the 12-16°C (54-61°F) range during midday, and you avoid summer's heat and winter's ice. The paths connect Parco del Valentino to Parco della Colletta with minimal car interaction. Locals use October weekends heavily for family cycling, which tells you something about the conditions.
Egyptian Museum and indoor cultural attractions
October's variable weather makes this the perfect month to properly explore Turin's world-class museums without feeling like you're wasting sunshine. The Museo Egizio is the world's second-largest Egyptian collection and genuinely requires 3-4 hours to see properly. October crowds are manageable compared to summer - you'll wait 15-20 minutes for entry rather than 45+ minutes. The bonus: when those inevitable rainy afternoons hit (10 days of rain spread through the month), you've got backup plans that aren't compromises.
Alba white truffle market day trips
Late October is peak season for Piedmont's famous white truffles, and the Saturday market in Alba (about 1 hour from Turin by train) is where serious buyers and curious tourists converge. The Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba runs weekends through October-November, with the actual truffle market happening early mornings. October weather is cool enough that the truffles stay fresh at market stalls, and the surrounding Langhe wine region shows autumn colors. This is genuinely seasonal - you cannot do this experience in summer.
Aperitivo culture and covered market exploration
Turin invented the aperitivo tradition, and October's cooler evenings make the 6-8pm ritual particularly appealing - you're not sweating through summer heat but don't need winter layers yet. The city's historic covered markets like Mercato Centrale and Porta Palazzo operate regardless of weather, and October brings seasonal products like porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, and early winter squashes. The combination of market browsing during the day and aperitivo in the evening gives you a genuine local rhythm that tourists often miss.
Royal Palace and Savoy residence tours
October's comfortable walking temperatures make exploring Turin's UNESCO-listed Savoy residences actually pleasant - the Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, and Castello del Valentino all involve significant indoor walking, and October's 15°C (59°F) average means you're not overheating in the unventilated historic rooms. The Venaria Reale, 30 minutes outside the city, includes extensive gardens that show autumn colors and are far more enjoyable in October's crisp air than summer's heat.
Superga Basilica and hill town excursions
The Basilica di Superga sits 670 m (2,198 ft) above Turin on a hill offering panoramic views of the city backed by the Alps - but only when weather cooperates. October gives you about 60% chance of clear viewing conditions, better than November-February but not as reliable as summer. The historic rack railway up the hill operates year-round, and October's crisp air means the Alpine views extend further when conditions are good. This is weather-dependent, so check forecasts and go on clear days.
October Events & Festivals
Cioccolatò - Turin Chocolate Festival
Turin's annual chocolate celebration typically runs for 10 days in late October, transforming the city center into a chocolate lover's destination with tastings, demonstrations, and special events. This isn't just tourist marketing - Turin has legitimate chocolate heritage as the birthplace of gianduja and solid chocolate bars. Expect crowds on weekends, extended shop hours, and special chocolate-themed menus at cafes. The festival timing varies slightly year to year but consistently lands in the October 20-November 1 window.
Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba
While technically in Alba rather than Turin itself, this white truffle fair runs every weekend from early October through mid-November and is the reason food-focused travelers visit Piedmont in autumn. The actual truffle market happens Saturday mornings with serious trading, while the broader fair includes wine tastings, regional food products, and truffle-hunting demonstrations. Turin serves as the logical base for day trips to Alba during this period.
Torino Film Festival
Usually scheduled for late October or early November, this is one of Italy's major film festivals with international premieres, retrospectives, and special screenings throughout the city. The festival has run for 40+ years and brings genuine film industry presence rather than just being a local event. Outdoor screenings become weather-dependent in October, but the multiple indoor venues mean the festival proceeds regardless of conditions.