Thinking about a fall trip to Milan? You’ll notice the city changes a lot this time of year. Daytime highs start out around 80°F in early September but cool to the upper 40s by late November. Nights can drop into the 30s. That’s quite a shift, and it means you’ll get crisp mornings, pretty mild afternoons, and chilly evenings all in the same week sometimes.
Rainfall stays pretty steady, averaging just over 3 inches per month. As autumn goes on, the clouds roll in more often. Early September can feel bright and fresh, but by November, the skies get overcast and the city takes on a softer, almost muted look.
The days get shorter too, with sunsets creeping up earlier, which kind of changes the vibe in the evenings. Outdoor sights and activities feel different when the sun sets before dinner.
Humidity and wind don’t usually get out of hand, so the cooler air feels more comfortable than the damp, bone-chilling cold of winter. Fall in Milan really balances things out between the heat of summer and the freeze of winter, making it a great time to wander the streets or check out events without having to deal with weather extremes.
Overview of Milan’s Fall Climate
Milan’s fall weather shifts from warm and humid to cooler, damper conditions. Afternoons stay mild at first, but nights get chilly, and the rain starts to pick up as the weeks go by.
General Climate Characteristics
In September, daytime highs usually hit about 25°C (76°F), while nights cool down to around 14°C (58°F). By October, highs drop to about 19°C (66°F), and lows settle near 11°C (52°F).
November gets much cooler, with daytime averages around 12°C (54°F) and nighttime lows close to 6°C (43°F).
Rain shows up often, especially in October, which usually brings some of the year’s heaviest downpours. Skies can stay gray for days, and fog sometimes creeps in during the mornings, especially in low-lying spots.
Humidity stays pretty high, making those cool days feel damp. If you’re visiting, pack layers and don’t forget a waterproof jacket.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Fall in Milan feels way less hot and muggy than summer. July and August often push highs above 30°C (86°F) with sticky humidity, but by fall, the heat backs off and walking around the city gets a lot more pleasant.
Winter brings colder, harsher weather. From December through February, lows hover near freezing, and fog hangs around more often. Snow can show up, but it’s not a regular thing.
Spring shares some traits with fall—rainfall is similar—but spring usually has more sunshine and temperatures climb, while fall just keeps cooling off as the weeks pass.
Geographical Influences
Milan’s spot in the Po Valley really shapes its climate. The mountains nearby block airflow, trapping moisture and leading to high humidity and foggy mornings. That geography also brings on the damp chill you’ll feel in late fall.
Since Milan sits far from the sea, it doesn’t get the moderating effect that coastal cities enjoy. Temperatures swing more, so warm afternoons can turn into cool evenings fast.
The city itself plays a part too. All the buildings and pavement hold onto heat, so central Milan often stays a bit warmer at night than the countryside. You’ll notice this most in September and October before the real cold sets in.
Average Fall Temperatures in Milan
Milan’s fall temperatures start out warm and then drop off pretty steadily into late November. Both highs and lows shift month to month, and you’ll definitely feel the difference as the season moves along.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
In September, daytime highs often reach about 80°F (27°C), with nights staying mild around 62°F (17°C).
By November, afternoons average closer to 47°F (8°C), and nights can fall to about 36°F (2°C).
You’ll feel the change, especially by mid-season. A light jacket works in September, but you’ll want something heavier by November.
To break it down:
- Early Fall (Sept): Warm days, mild nights
- Mid Fall (Oct): Cooler days, crisp nights
- Late Fall (Nov): Cold days, cold nights
The cooling is steady, so layering up is the way to go.
Monthly Temperature Trends
September still feels like late summer, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s °F (25–27°C). Nights stay comfortable and rarely drop below 60°F (16°C).
October cools down more, with daily highs averaging 65°F (18°C) and lows near 50°F (10°C). This is usually when you first notice the chill in the evenings.
By November, it’s definitely cold. Highs stick to the upper 40s °F (8–9°C), and lows can get close to freezing. Frost pops up more toward the end of the month.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 80°F / 27°C | 62°F / 17°C |
| October | 65°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C |
| November | 47°F / 8°C | 36°F / 2°C |
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
Averages help, but Milan’s fall weather can surprise you. Early September sometimes hits 85°F (29°C), while late November nights might drop below 32°F (0°C).
It’s rare, but sometimes you’ll get a hot day over 88°F (31°C) in early fall, or a cold snap below 28°F (-2°C) in late fall. These don’t last long, but they’re worth keeping in mind if you’re planning to be outside.
The city’s urban landscape keeps things a bit warmer at night compared to rural spots nearby. The center usually stays a degree or two higher than the countryside.
So, be ready for mild afternoons but also the occasional cold snap.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rain in Milan during fall shows up often and gets heavier as the season moves along. Early autumn and late autumn feel pretty different when it comes to both how much it rains and how often.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall climbs through the fall months, and November usually takes the prize for the wettest. November averages about 178 mm of precipitation, which is more than double what you’ll see in early fall.
September usually brings moderate rain, around 80–100 mm, while October bumps up to 120–140 mm. By late fall, the rain gets heavier and more regular.
This pattern comes from changing weather systems that bring moisture up from the Mediterranean. Milan’s spot in the Alps and Po Valley also makes rain more likely this time of year.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~80–100 |
| October | ~120–140 |
| November | ~178 |
These numbers help you plan for wetter conditions, especially if you’re thinking about being outdoors in November.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days also increase as fall goes on. September usually brings 8–10 days with measurable rain, which isn’t too bad for outdoor plans.
October gets up to about 11–12 rainy days, and November averages 13 or more days with rain. Even when totals are high, not every day’s a washout. Rain often comes in bursts, and you might get clear spells between showers.
Some days just bring light rain or drizzle, but heavy downpours aren’t that rare in late autumn. By November, carrying an umbrella or a light rain jacket is pretty much a must.
You’ll likely run into rain every few days, especially in October and November.
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation
Autumn in Milan shifts from the drier summer into a wetter stretch before winter. Early September still holds onto a bit of summer, with warm days and quick showers.
By October, storms show up more often, and the rain gets heavier. November is the peak, both in how much and how often it rains.
These changes don’t just affect the rain—they change the feel of the city. Streets stay damp longer, and clouds become a regular part of the backdrop.
If you’re visiting, expect wetter days in late autumn compared to early on. That’s one of the biggest differences in Milan’s fall weather.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Fall in Milan starts out with mostly clear skies, but by late November, overcast days become the norm. The sun sets earlier and earlier, so early autumn feels a lot brighter than late autumn.
Cloudiness Trends Through Fall
In early September, you’ll see clearer skies, with about two-thirds of days being clear or partly cloudy. That makes early fall a great time for sightseeing or snapping photos.
As the weeks go by, the clouds move in. By mid-November, the chance of overcast or mostly cloudy skies climbs to around 50%, and the cloudiest days usually come in the second half of the month.
This change happens gradually. September gives you a good shot at blue skies, but by November, gray and overcast weather is more likely.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Chance of Clear/Partly Cloudy Skies | Chance of Mostly Cloudy/Overcast Skies |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~68% | ~32% |
| October | ~55% | ~45% |
| November | ~48% | ~52% |
That shift in cloud cover is one of fall’s most noticeable changes in Milan’s weather.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Daylight drops off quickly in Milan during fall. You lose more than four hours of daylight from early September to the end of November.
In early September, you get about 13 hours of daylight, with sunsets near 8:00 PM. By late November, there’s only 9 hours of daylight, and the sun sets before 5:00 PM.
Clouds cut down on actual sunshine even more. September still gives you long sunny stretches, but November brings shorter, dimmer days with less direct sunlight.
Here’s the breakdown:
- September: 6–7 hours of sunshine on average
- October: 4–5 hours of sunshine on average
- November: closer to 3 hours of sunshine on average
So, early fall feels lively and bright, but late fall in Milan gets darker, with short days and heavy cloud cover changing your outdoor plans.
Daylight Hours and Sun Position
Autumn in Milan means the days shrink and the sun sits lower in the sky. That affects how much natural light you get and when sunrise and sunset happen.
Changes in Day Length
From early September to late November, Milan loses more than three hours of daylight. In September, you see between 11.8 and 13.3 hours of daylight. By November, that drops to about 9.0 to 10.1 hours.
Mornings get darker and evenings come earlier as the weeks go by. The change isn’t sudden, so you still get long afternoons in September, but by November, daylight feels pretty limited.
The sun sits lower, too. Shadows get longer, and the light turns softer—never quite as harsh as in summer. Honestly, a lot of travelers find this makes for nicer walks and photos.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset times in Milan change pretty quickly during the fall. In September, you’ll see the sun rise around 6:45–7:00 a.m., and it sets between 7:30–7:45 p.m..
By November, sunrise shifts to about 7:15–7:30 a.m., and sunset sneaks up much earlier, landing around 4:45–5:00 p.m.
This early sunset can really shape your day. If you want to catch Milan’s outdoor sights, you’ll need to get out earlier to soak up the daylight.
With the sun rising later, mornings stay dim for longer, especially as autumn winds down. Paired with cooler temperatures, the season feels like it starts slower than summer ever did.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
During fall, Milan feels more humid and you’ll notice cloudy days show up more often than in summer. Fog starts rolling in, too, which can mess with visibility and travel plans.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity creeps up as fall goes on in Milan. In September, you’ll usually get 75–78% relative humidity, which most people find pretty comfortable.
By November, humidity climbs toward 82–85%, and the air feels damper and cooler. Mornings and evenings can feel heavy with moisture, especially after it rains.
October stands out as the wettest month, and humidity often tops 80%. When you throw in a light breeze, the air can feel even colder than the thermometer says.
Here’s a quick look at average relative humidity by month:
| Month | Avg. Humidity |
|---|---|
| September | ~76% |
| October | ~81% |
| November | ~84% |
As humidity rises, dampness tends to stick around on streets and buildings. If you’re planning to spend time outside, expect cool, moist air and maybe reach for warmer clothes.
Fog and Visibility
Fog shows up a lot in Milan during fall, especially in October and November. The city sits in the Po Valley, surrounded by mountains, so moist air settles in and creates low-lying fog on calm nights and early mornings.
Visibility can drop fast, sometimes under 500 meters. That can slow down traffic and even mess with flights at nearby airports.
Usually, the fog lifts by late morning when the sun gets higher, but sometimes it hangs around into early afternoon.
Fog appears most often after it rains and the ground stays wet. If you’re traveling, plan for slower commutes and reduced visibility on the highways.
The fog gives Milan a quiet, almost mysterious vibe, but you’ll need to be extra careful when you’re out and about.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Fall Weather in Milan
Temperatures in Milan drop fast from warm days in early September to chilly evenings by late November. Rain picks up, too.
You’ll want to prepare for both mild afternoons and damp, cool nights. Try to pick activities that fit the season’s mix of culture and outdoor fun.
What to Pack
Daytime highs range from about 27°C (80°F) in early September to 9°C (47°F) in late November. At night, lows can get close to 2°C (36°F), so layers are your best friend.
Bring a light jacket or sweater for September, but swap it for a warmer coat as October wraps up. In November, you’ll probably want a scarf, gloves, and hat.
Rain showers are pretty common, with about 80 mm of rain each month. A compact umbrella or water-resistant jacket will make life easier.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip help a lot, since the streets get slippery on wet days.
Pack a mix of long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and trousers. Toss in a short-sleeve option for those surprise warm afternoons.
If you’re planning to visit churches or any formal spots, bring modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
Best Outdoor Activities
Early fall feels like the perfect time to stroll through Parco Sempione. You might wander along the Navigli canals, too, since the temperatures stay pretty mild then.
Outdoor cafés still feel inviting in September. Grab a seat, enjoy Milan’s food scene, and maybe do a little people-watching while you’re at it.
By October, the air cools down, making it easier to take walking tours of the historic center. You’ll want to see the Duomo or the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in that crisp weather.
Daylight changes fast, though. Outings work best earlier in the day, since sunsets shift from 8:00 PM in September to just 4:40 PM by late November.
November tends to bring more clouds and dampness, but open-air markets and seasonal events still pop up all over the city.
If you catch a clear day, why not take a short trip out to the Lombardy vineyards or Lake Como? The air feels fresh, and the autumn scenery is honestly stunning.
Rain happens often, so it’s smart to keep indoor backup plans like museum visits in mind. Still, if you dress for the weather, outdoor experiences can be surprisingly rewarding.