Tinaindenver

We planned a trip to Positano and Puglia for late September and I have to move it for work. We thought late sept. would be great weather-wise. Is it still worth going the last two weeks in October? I don't mind if it is a bit cool, but don't want to run into rain.

Thanks

Tinaindenver

That should be a frown, not a smile. I hate missing vacations.

jim21

I have been to both places in October. Typically the weather is very nice and temperate but it is not unusual to run into rain also.

You will be avoiding the crowds but you must take into account that many seasonal hotels and services close at the end of October. For example, when we were on Capri the lift to Mount Solaro was closed for maintenance.

In Puglia, where I lived for 18 months, you will be there during the wine festivals which are plentiful and a great experience. If you enjoy spending time with the locals there is nothing better than a local wine festival. I recommend researching when and where they will be and making a point to attend some of them. You will need a car to access most of them but a car is a must in Puglia anyway.

I would not hesitate to go in October or even early November. After that Puglia gets a little drab and the weather very iffy.

I hope this helps.

Kate

I'm afraid no one can guarantee you won't get rain in October. The weather should still be mild but you can certainly expect some grey, rainy days.

Anna_Galea

Totally agree with Kate - but you can't guarantee days with no rain end of September either - so go for it - do not miss your vacation. I live in the Mediterranean, and there is, every single year, a day (two the most) of heavy rainfall, with even thunder and lightening, around mid September after the dry Summer months - then the sun shines again.

So no one can guarantee you sunny days during your vacation, end of September or end of October. There were times when it was warm and lovely weather enough to swim in the Mediterranean (not on AC of course - I would not be sure about that since AC is close to mountains) end of October/beginning of November during my kids' mid-term break, and other times when it was raining and thundering.

It will be quieter, and even more relaxing without hordes of tourists everywhere, less traffic etc. I certainly enjoyed my visit to the AC in December 2010 - we were lucky, it was lovely sunny weather throughout our five days' stop there, and it felt considerably warmer than Tuscany where we visiting prior to arriving to the AC.

So go for it - if you have the opportunity to go on a vacation - so many people go on vacation even to big cities like London, Paris etc any time of year - like in my younger days when I often used to visit London during the Summertime, I always experienced some rainly days every time - and we still went around everyhere.

vespacurves

What kind of a trip are you planning?

If it was mainly about being outdoors and enjoying seaside scenery and views, you could end up not getting what you paid for if you get several rainy or low cloud cover days in a row -- and those days just happen to be the same days you booked yourself in Positano or Polignano a Mare without a car.

If your itinerary was a real mix of indoor options and outdoor options, it doesn't matter so much.

Staying in Sorrento would give you more flexibility about having things to do in case it is pointless to be in Positano. (I've walked around there in the rain. I ended up hanging out in a bar having an expensive drink to stay warm!). If it rains, you can go to Naples and tour one of its truly great museums. Pompei on day of light rain and mist is fine whereas Ravello is not rewarding.

Consider booking a place in Positano with a good cancellation policy. If at the last minute, you are looking at weather forecasts of nothing but rain, you'll be able to find lodgings in Sorrento or Napoli last minute.