Though it does not happen every year, Liguria and the Cinque Terre, like the rest of Italy, has seen increasingly intense and frequent autumn thunderstorms, with violent wind and heavy rain.

Cinque Terre has a Mediterranean climate where rainfall is highly seasonal; while it doesn't rain "a lot" year-round, it can experience heavy, concentrated downpours in the autumn. The rainiest months are typically October and November, with October often seeing over 200mm of rainfall. During this time, the region is prone to flash flooding, and the famous hiking trails between the five villages are frequently closed for safety. Conversely, July is the driest month, often seeing only 5 or 6 rainy days. Winter (December–February) is moderately wet and damp, with about 12 to 14 rainy days per month. In 2026, visitors are encouraged to pack a high-quality raincoat even in the "shoulder" months of April and May, as sudden sea mists and afternoon showers are common. If you visit during the rainy season, many of the ferry services between the villages will be suspended due to rough seas, making the local train the only reliable way to travel between Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.