When is the Best Time to Visit Italy?
Whether you're holidaying in the big cities or dreaming of a lazy week on the beach, there's an ideal time for you to visit Italy.
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Surely, there is no bad time to go to Italy. However, there are some factors to take into consideration when it comes to finding the best time of year for you. First, consider the purpose of your holiday. Do you dream of a quiet week in the Tuscan countryside? Is it seeing the celebrated sites of Rome and Florence that lure you to Italy? Or is spending a sun-soaked week lounging by the gorgeous coast, and swimming the in sea more what you have pictured? There’s an ideal time to visit Italy for all the above and more.
Our Experts Say...
"The best time to visit Italy is late spring (April – May) or autumn (September – October) when the cities are less crowded than the peak months of July and August and it is not as hot. Venice in particular is very humid in July and August with lots of crowds. If you're visiting Southern Italy in March and November, the region can still offer mild weather but there will be a higher chance of rain. Visiting cities in the winter months can mean fewer visitors but the weatherwill be colder with a higher chance of rain. In tourism-focused areas, such as Taormina in Sicily, keep in mind that hotels, restaurants and some shops may be closed during the winter months."
Hannah Ingle, Europe Specialist
Monthly Climate Guide for Italy
, Italy
Average temperatures (Celsius) and rainfall (mm)
Surely, there is no bad time to go to Italy. However, there are some factors to take into consideration when it comes to finding the best time of year for you. First, consider the purpose of your holiday. Do you dream of a quiet week in the Tuscan countryside? Is it seeing the celebrated sites of Rome and Florence that lure you to Italy? Or is spending a sun-soaked week lounging by the gorgeous coast, and swimming the in sea more what you have pictured? There’s an ideal time to visit Italy for all the above and more.
Our Experts Say...
"The best time to visit Italy is late spring (April – May) or autumn (September – October) when the cities are less crowded than the peak months of July and August and it is not as hot. Venice in particular is very humid in July and August with lots of crowds. If you're visiting Southern Italy in March and November, the region can still offer mild weather but there will be a higher chance of rain. Visiting cities in the winter months can mean fewer visitors but the weatherwill be colder with a higher chance of rain. In tourism-focused areas, such as Taormina in Sicily, keep in mind that hotels, restaurants and some shops may be closed during the winter months."
Hannah Ingle, Europe Specialist
Italy boasts a warm, pleasing climate all year. During the summer months (June-August), temperatures can peak at 37°C or higher in regions like Sicily and southern Italy, such as Puglia and the Amalfi Coast.
The in-between seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer cooler temperatures of 15°C to 25°C. These can be the best times to travel to Italy and explore cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, without such big crowds.
Winter in Italy (December-February) ushers in cooler temperatures, particularly in the north. The south enjoys mild winters with temperatures around 10°C to 15°C, while the north, especially the Dolomites, become freezing, which makes way for excellent ski conditions.
Italy’s Seasonal Highlights
Deciding which season is best to visit Italy depends on what you’d like to experience. From admiring Renaissance masterpieces in the spring to sampling some heartwarming Italian cuisine in the winter, there are endless things to do in Italy, no matter the time of year. Below are some of our travel experts’ favourite ways to enjoy Italy’s vibrant seasons.
A Seasonal Guide to Italy
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March, April, May
For a taste of all this country has to offer, spring is one of the best times to visit Italy. Temperatures typically range from 18 to 28℃, ideal for many activities.
In the spring, you can explore Rome’s magnificent museums and galleries before the summer heat sets in or take a trip to the beautiful Puglian countryside as the wildflowers begin to bloom. If you’re interested in Italy’s heritage, we recommend planning a springtime visit to the island of Sicily to take in preserved Greek temples while tourist numbers are still relatively low.
Spring in Italy is marked by a variety of festivals and events, Easter being one of the biggest celebrations. Along with the more solemn processions and religious ceremonies that take place in cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, the streets are also often adorned with flowers and decorations, creating a truly magical atmosphere. And there are parades, games and concerts that take place all over the country.
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June, July, August
With temperatures in Italy in the 30s, summer beckons beach lovers to the stunning coastline. From the glamorous Amalfi Coast to the picturesque Cinque Terre, there are plenty of beach destinations to choose from. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and indulging in delectable seafood along the coast. If you have young children, one of the best places to visit in Italy in the summer is Puglia, in the south, with its soft sandy beaches and chic hotels.
For something a little different, the Dolomites are a great place to visit during Italy’s warmer seasons, providing a scenic backdrop for summer drives and picnics. Or, if you’re looking to escape the scorching heat, you can take in the fascinating Matera cave houses in the lesser-known region of Basilicata.
And, if you can travel outside of the school holidays, Italy in June is beautiful everywhere.
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September, October, November
Weather in Italy in September and October sees mild temperatures and reduced crowds making autumn one of the best times to go to Italy to avoid tourists.
A trip to Florence in October will allow you to wander from gallery to gallery along the cobbled streets, without worrying about the queues. Some attractions begin implementing reduced opening times from September onwards, so be sure to check as you plan your activities. Alternatively, tell us what you like and allow our travel experts to put together your ideal itinerary.
September is also the ideal time to visit Italy if you're a foodie. It's the month when the country celebrates its rich culinary heritage with harvest festivals. Indulge in delicious local produce, from grapes and olives to truffles and mushrooms. Join in the festivities and experience Italy's passion for food and wine.
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December, January, February
As Italy’s weather starts to cool down, winter is the best time to go to Italy to experience its ski season.
From the renowned Cortina d'Ampezzo to the runs of La Thuile, the skiing opportunities are plentiful. We offer a wide range of luxury accommodation across the Dolomites so you can relax in style after a day out on the slopes.
For those who want to explore Italy’s rich culture, many local celebrations also occur during the winter months. The Carnival of Venice takes place in February and is a spectacle to be seen. Meanwhile, in December, visit Rome or Milan’s enchanting Christmas markets, admire the nativity scenes, indulge in delicious festive treats like panettone and torrone, and experience the warmth and joy of Italian Christmas traditions.
- March, April, May
- June, July, August
- September, October, November
- December, January, February
Best Times to Visit Italy for…
For some, the joyful summer atmosphere and busy tourist hotspots are part of the attraction of Italy, while for others it could be off-putting. Follow our tips to get the holiday you’re looking for at the time of year to suit you.
Avoiding the crowds
If you prefer to explore Italy without the hustle and bustle of tourists, avoid the peak tourist season. The months of June to August are the busiest, with popular destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice being particularly crowded. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are less dense.
Italy’s coast is very popular in the summer too, however, there are always those harder-to-reach beaches and destinations that are a little less on everyone’s radar. Sardinia, for example, has space for everyone, and the Italian Lakes are gorgeous, even in their peak season between June and August. Alternatively, head to the Dolomites in the summer, for cooler air and space aplenty.
Enjoying good weather
Italy’s blue sky and sunshine days are plentiful between spring and autumn (March to early October), so you have a big window to visit and make the most of the warm temperatures. It gets hotter, and you have more guaranteed sunshine, as the year goes on, with August being the hottest month in Italy (high thirties), and June being the best month to visit Italy overall.
If you can travel outside of the school holidays, then you can make the most of better prices and fewer people, while still getting the best of the late-spring, early-summer weather. And then you have the pick of the destinations too. Wander around the world-famous cities and sites, enjoying alfresco meals in pretty squares under the sun, or head to the coast for refreshing dips in crystal clear waters, and boat trips around craggy bays.
Exploring different regions
Italy is a diverse country with each region offering unique experiences. The best time to explore them depends on what you're looking for on your holiday. For example, if you're keen on hiking in the Dolomites or visiting Lake Como, summer is the ideal time. To experience the Amalfi without the crowds, visit in spring. Winter is perfect for skiing in the Italian Alps or enjoying the festive atmosphere in cities like Rome and Naples, as well as Venice’s Carnevale in February.
If you’re looking to combine some of Italy’s regions on a road trip, or multi-stop holiday then you’re best travelling when the weather is fine and avoiding the peak times (when the roads and public transport will be busy). Spring and autumn are the best time for driving around Italy, specifically May, June, September, and October. Southern Italy's weather in September and October on average stays in the thirties, making it beautifully warm to explore regions like Sicily and Puglia.
Best Time to Visit Italy FAQs
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For the hottest weather, the best time to visit Italy’s beaches is in the summer, from June to August. If you can avoid July and August, you’ll get better deals on hotels and flights and find the coast quieter.
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Overall, the best time to visit one of Italy’s wine regions is May or September. However, wine is made all over Italy, from the north to the south and the island of Sicily so choosing the best time to visit vineyards and go wine tasting really depends on which region catches your eye. Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, Campania, Lombardy, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna are all best in May, while Veneto and Piedmont are ideal in September.
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For a turbo-charged dose of culture and stunning scenery, combine Italy and Greece on one holiday. The best time to see the two countries together is spring and summer, to make the most of the beautiful coastlines and outdoor sightseeing. One of our favourite pairings is the Dolomites and Costa Navarino.
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France and Italy must be two of the best locations in Europe for absorbing culture (and food!) and visiting both in one holiday will give you a taster of the Grand Tour of yesteryear. Start in Paris, before making your way to the Alps, into northern Italy and down south, ending in Rome. The best time to visit Italy and France is in spring or summer.
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