Positano is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe. People tend to associate Positano with the quintessential European summer – days at the beach, endless gelato, going for a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean, and drinking Aperol spritz as the sun goes down. That being said, the busiest time in Positano is during the summer months, which brings in crazy crowds and EXPENSIVE accommodation.

You can still enjoy the European summer vibe in Positano throughout October. The temperatures won’t be as sweltering as they are during summer (which is a win, in my opinion), but instead, it will be pleasantly warm so that you can enjoy the Amalfi Coast without melting or spending the entire day lazing around the beach.

We had an incredible experience when we visited Positano in October. There were still a lot of tourists, but it didn’t feel super busy. The weather was amazing and it only rained 1 day out of the 17 we were on the Amalfi Coast. Hotel prices were reasonable and we got to stay in some really nice hotels that we wouldn’t have been able to afford if we had traveled during peak season.

If you are considering an October trip to Positano, go for it!

Here is what you can expect when visiting Positano in October:

Why October is one of the best months to visit Positano

October is a fantastic time to visit Positano. It’s shoulder season along the Amalfi Coast, which is the time of year that falls between peak and low seasons. By the time October comes around, the crowds have significantly slimmed down, meaning that you won’t feel like you’re packed in like sardines while you explore the town.

Weather has also cooled down from the summer months, replacing the scorching heat for pleasantly warm days. October in Positano feels like pleasant summer weather more so than the chilly fall weather you’ll experience in the north of Italy.

Hotel prices in Positano will also have dropped significantly by October, so you can get a lot more bang for your buck this time of year! A hotel that might have cost $500/night in July could go down to just $250 a night in October. There will also be more last-minute accommodation options available to book if you are a spur-of-the-moment kind of traveler, while last-minute bookings can be quite difficult to find during peak season.

October Weather in Positano

October weather in Positano is pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging low to mid-70s Fahrenheit. When we were there in October, it still felt quite hot in the sun, even when it was in the low 70s. The sun in the Amalfi Coast is strong, so it feels like comfortable summer weather, even in autumn! We were sweating like crazy when we did the Path of The Gods hike, and that day only had a high of 72! At night, the temperature drops to the mid-60s, so it can feel a little chilly.

October in Positano can have unpredictable weather, however, most days are still sunny. It only stormed one day out of the 17 we were on the coast, and otherwise, it was all sunshine and clear skies. October weather will vary from year to year, however, you can generally get pleasant temperatures with a slightly higher chance of rain.

Can you swim in Positano in October?

October is a great time to go swimming in Positano! The water hasn’t fully cooled down yet from the summer sun, so it is pleasant to swim in. The first half of October is best for swimming, but you can still swim towards the end of October, the water will just be slightly chillier.

Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach, was still pretty busy by mid-October but it had nothing on the summer crowds. Lots of people were in the water near the public beach area, but it wasn’t too hard to find a quiet spot. I found the water to be really comfortable and refreshing, especially after being out in the hot sun!

What to Wear during October in Positano

For an October trip to Positano, I suggest packing summer clothes and a light jacket to keep you warm at night when temperatures drop. I wore mostly summer dresses and shorts + t-shirts when I visited the Amalfi Coast in October and was very comfortable! The temperature can vary in October, so it’s a good idea to pack a few light layers in case you get cold easily or experience some stormy weather.

Best things to do in Positano in October

Hike the Path of The Gods

One of the best things to do in Positano in October is to go hiking along the Path of the Gods, a 4.8 mile trail that takes you along the top of the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, offering incredible panoramic coastal views. While many visitors come to Positano for its famous beaches and resorts, most tourists skip this trail, making it an incredible hidden gem easy to access from Positano. October offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy this hike, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

The trail starts in the mountain village of Bomerano and ends in Nocelle, a small village above Positano. The hike is mostly downhill or flat if you begin in Bomerano, making it accessible to hikers of all experience levels. It takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to rest and take in the views. You’ll pass through cliffside farms, enjoy coastal panoramas, and be rewarded with a spectacular view of Positano when you reach Nocelle.

While October in Positano brings cooler weather, it’s still a good idea to start the hike early to avoid the midday sun. We began around 7:30 AM, just as the sun was rising, and noticed the temperature significantly increased as the day went on. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection, as large portions of the trail are exposed.

Relax at Spiagga Grande & Fornillo Beach

October in Positano is the perfect time of year to relax at the beach, with fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo Beach are the two main beaches in Positano, and since the crowds have thinned out by this time of year, you’ll find plenty of space to unwind on these beautiful beaches.

Spiaggia Grande is Positano’s main and most iconic beach, famous for its incredible views of Positano, trendy beach clubs, and beautiful turquoise water. October is the last month the beach clubs are open on Spiaggia Grande, where you can rent a sunbed for the day. If you don’t want to spend 70 euros on a sunbed, there will be plenty of room on the free side of the beach, where you can lay out your beach towel and soak in the sun for free!

Fornillo Beach is just a short walk from Spiaggia Grande and offers a much quieter experience. It has more of a relaxed vibe, with fewer tourists and a more local feel. By October you can expect Fornillo Beach to be very quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxing on the beach or taking a refreshing dip in the sea.

Take a Private Sunset Charter Tour of Positano

One of our most memorable experiences during our October trip to Positano was the Private Sunset Charter we hired, which took my partner and I along the coast, ending with a sunset view of Positano. The weather was absolutely perfect and we experienced the most beautiful sunset. While this experience is pricey and might be a splurge, I found it to be absolutely worth it for the intimate experience. It was definitely the most romantic experience we had in Italy (even more than the gondola ride we did in Venice!) and in my opinion, is a must for couples looking for a memorable experience while in Positano.

Alternatively, if you are on a budget or traveling as a family, you could sign up for a small group sunset cruise of Positano, which hosts up to 12 people and is ¼ the cost of a private sunset charter. You’ll still get to take in the incredible sunset views, it will just be a less intimate experience.

Take a Boat Tour of the Amalfi Coast

Another wonderful activity to do in Positano in October is to go on a boat excursion tour that stops at several places along the Amalfi Coast. I suggest signing up for a 7-hour Catamaran Tour of the Amalfi Coast, which will take you to Praiano, Amalfi, Fiordo di Furore, and Conca dei Marini. This is a wonderful way to experience what the Amalfi Coast has to offer, without waiting around for buses or paying for expensive taxis. You’ll also get the opportunity to snorkel and visit the Emerald Grotto – which is similar to Capri’s famous Blue Grotto, only instead of a glowing blue color the cave has a glowing emerald color!

Other Things You Should Know about Visiting Positano in October

Positano Closings in October

October is not yet the low season, so most shops, restaurants, and beach clubs will still be open. Some restaurants and beach clubs may close towards the end of October, but for the most part, you won’t have to worry about forfeiting that sunbed you’ve been dreaming of or a lack of good dining options.

Positano’s October Ferry Schedule

The ferry is one of the most popular forms of transport to and from Positano, with direct connections to Capri, Sorrento, Salerno, Amalfi, and Naples. The Positano ferry service typically closes for the season in the last week of October. Ferry closings can vary from year to year, so if you are planning to visit Positano towards the end of October I suggest researching the ferry schedule ahead of time.

Buses are available year-round along the Amalfi Coast, so if the ferry closes for the season you can rely on buses as public transportation instead. The SITA bus is the Amalfi Coast’s main bus line, and while buses tend to be packed during peak season, you’ll find them quite empty as you get closer to off-season.

Positano Hotel Prices in October

Visiting Positano in October is great for budget-conscious travelers who want to avoid spending $400+ a night on a hotel, which is the price a basic hotel in Positano will cost during peak season. By October, hotel prices had dropped significantly all over Positano, making the destination much more affordable.

Likewise, if it is your dream to stay at one of Positano’s best 5-star hotels, prices will drop by hundreds of dollars in October. While it will still be a splurge, you will be spending far less on a luxury hotel in Positano if you decide to visit in October, as opposed to the summer months.

Conclusion

October is a fantastic time to visit Positano. With beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and great hotel deals, you’ll have a wonderful experience visiting the iconic town this time of year.

Planning a dream trip to Positano? Make sure to avoid some of the most common mistakes tourists make that could inhibit your experience. Check out my other blog post on the top 10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid in Positano!

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