Lucca in October

April through June gives you Lucca at its most beautiful. The walls explode with wisteria and climbing roses. Temperatures hover around 20°C, perfect for long walks and outdoor dining. Hotel prices stay reasonable except during the Lucca Summer Festival in July. September and October bring harvest season. The surrounding hills turn golden, and restaurants serve fresh porcini mushrooms and new olive oil. October can be rainy, but those gray days make the city feel even more atmospheric. Skip July and August unless you love heat and crowds. Temperatures hit 35°C, and the narrow medieval streets trap hot air. Many family-run restaurants close for vacation in August anyway. Winter has its charms if you don't mind cool weather. December brings Christmas markets to Piazza San Michele, and you'll have the walls mostly to yourself. Just pack layers — those stone buildings stay cold.