Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Amalfi Coast
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Dramatically reduced crowds - major attractions like Positano and Ravello have 80% fewer visitors compared to summer, allowing peaceful exploration and better photo opportunities
- Accommodation rates drop 40-60% from peak season - luxury hotels in Positano that cost €800+ in July are available for €300-450, making previously unaffordable stays accessible
- Authentic local atmosphere emerges as family-run restaurants reopen after tourist season closures, serving traditional winter dishes like minestra maritata and brasato that aren't available in summer menus
- Perfect hiking weather on the Path of the Gods and Sentiero degli Dei - temperatures of 15-19°C (59-66°F) are ideal for the 7.8 km (4.8 mile) trek without summer's exhausting 30°C+ (86°F+) heat
Considerations
- Limited ferry connections - SITA ferries to Capri run only 2-3 times daily versus hourly summer service, and routes to smaller islands may be suspended entirely due to rough seas
- Many beachfront restaurants and tourist-focused establishments close from early November through March, reducing dining options by approximately 50% in coastal towns
- Unpredictable weather requires flexible planning - rain can last 2-3 days consecutively, making outdoor activities impossible and indoor alternatives essential
Best Activities in November
Amalfi Cathedral and Historic Center Walking Tours
November's cooler temperatures make exploring Amalfi's Byzantine cathedral and medieval streets comfortable without summer's oppressive heat. The 11th-century bronze doors and intricate mosaics are best appreciated when you're not rushing between air-conditioned spaces. Rainfall creates dramatic lighting for photography, and the reduced crowds mean actual contemplation time in the cathedral.
Ravello Villa Gardens and Concert Experiences
Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens are spectacular in November as autumn colors peak and crowds disappear. The famous Infinity Terrace at Villa Cimbrone offers unobstructed views without the summer queue of 200+ people. November's crisp air provides exceptional visibility across the Gulf of Salerno, often extending 25 km (15.5 miles) to Paestum on clear days.
Path of the Gods Hiking Trails
The legendary Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) transforms in November with perfect hiking conditions. Temperatures of 15-19°C (59-66°F) make the 7.8 km (4.8 mile) high-altitude trail comfortable, while summer's 30°C+ (86°F) heat often forces hikers to start at 6am. Clear November days offer spectacular views of Capri and the entire coastline without summer's haze.
Traditional Cooking Classes and Wine Tastings
November marks the return of authentic local cooking traditions as tourist-focused establishments close and family-run places resume traditional operations. This is harvest season for late olives and wine-making completion, offering genuine farm-to-table experiences. Indoor activities provide perfect rainy-day alternatives while learning to prepare winter specialties like scialatielli ai frutti di mare.
Pompeii and Herculaneum Archaeological Exploration
November's mild temperatures and reduced crowds make exploring these UNESCO sites infinitely more comfortable. Summer's black volcanic stone creates furnace-like conditions reaching 40°C+ (104°F+), while November's 15-19°C (59-66°F) allows thorough exploration of both sites in one day. Fewer visitors mean better access to detailed mosaics and frescoes without crowds blocking views.
Capri Day Trips and Villa San Michele Visits
Ferry schedules are limited but crowds are virtually eliminated, making Capri feel like a private island. The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) has better access odds as rough summer seas often close it, while November's calmer morning waters increase visit success to 70% versus summer's 40%. Villa San Michele and Augustus Gardens offer solitude impossible during peak season.
November Events & Festivals
Olive Harvest Season and Frantoio Tours
November is peak olive harvest time across the Amalfi Coast, with family-run frantoios (olive mills) offering tours and tastings of the new season's extra virgin olive oil. Local families welcome visitors to see traditional pressing methods and taste oils with characteristic peppery finish from trees growing on terraced cliffs.
Chestnuts and Wine Festivals in Hillside Villages
Mountain villages like Tramonti host traditional chestnut roasting festivals paired with local wine tastings. These authentic celebrations feature families gathering around wood fires, preparing caldarroste (roasted chestnuts) and serving homemade wine from terraced vineyards.