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When is the best time to visit Italy?

Travel advisory

The info on this page is based on historical averages and might not reflect current conditions. Check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.

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The best time to visit Italy is during the spring from April to June or in autumn between September and October.

Visiting during these “shoulder” periods lets you explore the country’s widely diverse regions with mild temperatures and often fewer tourists than in peak summer season. Spring offers plenty of festivals across the country and the rustic Alpine regions begin to show off their colorful wild flowers. Experience April’s Easter festivities in full swing and unique events like medieval jousting tournaments. Autumn brings a ton of wonderful food festivals, and harvest time means you can savor freshly produced wine and truffles. During autumn, soak up the glamour of major film festivals in Venice and Rome, or visit the beaches in the south to make the most of the last of the warm weather.

Monthly weather and travel tips for Italy

January is Italy’s coldest month, so whichever part of the country you visit, be sure to layer up for the winter weather. In the north, the average temperature tends to stay between 40°F and 45°F, while the central and southern regions climb up to 57°F. The new year rolls in with more national holidays, so expect many local businesses to be closed for a few days early in the month.

Christmas celebrations carry over into the new year, with Epiphany (known as La Befana) celebrations held on January 6th. Festivities vary by city, with some of the best taking place in Venice and Urbania in the Marche region. January is a great time to ski in Italy, with many of the best resorts in the Alps and the Dolomites less crowded than during peak season. The Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot takes place on January 17 in many towns in northern and central Italy. Expect plenty of bonfires, dancing, and toasts to the patron saint of butchers, domestic animals, basket makers, and gravediggers.

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By February, temperatures begin to climb but it’s certainly still coat-worthy weather across the country. Ski season peaks in tandem with the school holidays, so expect the slopes to be more crowded. Temperatures across the country range from lows of 32°F in the northern Alps region to 60°F in the typically sunnier south.

One celebration stands out above all the others in February, and that’s Carnevale. Although many towns hold these pre-Lenten celebrations, the one in Venice is by far the most famous. The Floating City transforms into an open-air theater, filled with elaborate masks, stylish cloaks, and lavish carnival balls with dinner and entertainment. Other notable carnivals are held in Viareggio, Verona, and Ivrea, which holds a giant food fight known as The Battle of the Oranges. If you’d prefer not to play with your food, head to the Umbrian town of Norcia to sample some prized tartufo nero (black truffle).

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The unpredictable weather in March means you’ll want to pack for both rain and shine. Early March is usually cold and wet, but as spring starts to spread across most of the country, temperatures rise up to 43°F towards the end of the month. If you’re not planning on doing outdoor activities like hiking or sunbathing, then this less-crowded off-peak period is perfect for a trip to Italy.

Depending on the liturgical calendar, Carnevale and Easter can often fall into March, so check the events schedule before you plan your trip. Other notable festivals include International Women’s Day on March 8th and the open monuments weekend, when buildings usually closed to the public open their doors to everyone. The actual weekend varies each year, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to attend. Elsewhere, runners head to Rome for the annual marathon while foodies flock to Florence for its 3-day food fair held inside Stazione Leopolda.

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Spring is in full swing and Easter week celebrations take center stage across the country throughout April. The unpredictable weather patterns continue, so make sure you pack some waterproof clothing or at least an umbrella for those April showers. Milder temperatures make for more comfortable outdoor exploration, particularly in the flowering mountains of Calabria and Sicily which have an average temperature of around 65°F.

April brings a long haul of festivals, from Milan’s Salone Internazionale del Mobile showcasing eye-catching furniture to Florence’s Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, which fills the city with theater and musical performances. Verona holds its annual Vinitaly wine and spirits exhibition, complete with tastings, workshops, and book readings. April 25th delivers a double dose of celebrations as the entire country celebrates Liberation Day and Venice holds a huge party in honor of St. Mark – the city’s patron saint.

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Known as the month of roses, May ushers in the first signs of summer with warmer temperatures and blooming countryside scenery. Average highs tend to be between 65º and 70°F, but you should pack a light sweater or coat for the cooler evenings.

May 1st is a public holiday across the country so you might see some interesting festivals and parades, but expect many services such as shops and restaurants to be closed. Italy’s biggest bicycle race, the Giro d’Italia, starts in early May and goes on for most of the month as it passes through grueling Alpine routes and urban city centers. This month, cities like Rome and Florence hold their annual Museum Night, when major galleries offer free admission, special events, and later opening hours. In the last weekend of the month, the Cantine Aperte festival opens the doors of hundreds of wine cellars across the country. Taste wines from various regions and meet the producers to learn about everything from grape harvesting to distribution.

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It’s officially summer in Italy, so pack your shades and shorts for warm weather and plenty of sunshine. The average temperature is around 70°F at the start of the month but highs of 85°F are possible as the month draws to a close.

Republic Day, held onJune 2nd, is a national holiday that brings parades and parties to all corners of the country. Rome tends to put on the biggest show with an aeronautical display from the Italian Air Force and free admission to city-run museums. Make the most of the good weather by wandering through the beautiful Tuscan countryside or relaxing on the sandy beaches of Sardinia or the Amalfi Coast. For something a bit different, check out the Giostra del Saracino, a medieval jousting tournament held on the third Saturday of June in the Tuscan town of Arezzo.

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July is one of the hottest months of the year, with minimal rainfall and temperatures up to 88°F. School is out for summer and families head for the mountains and sandy beaches of the south. Cities and villages put on their best shows to pull in the crowds with festivals galore.

Despite the wonderful weather, exploring cities can get tiring due to the intense heat, so be sure to pack plenty of lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and drink lots of water. Music lovers won’t be short of options, with festivals such as Sicily’s 3-week Alkantara Fest and Umbria Jazz Festival both taking place in July. There’s also the Ravello Festival that offers a range of music performances in a beautiful setting along the Amalfi Coast. Not one to be upstaged, Rome puts on its performance-packed Estate Romana, which features everything from live concerts and dance shows to late-night museum access.

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There are two keys words to describe Italy in August – overpriced and overcrowded. Most of the locals go on vacation so many businesses such as shops and restaurants will be shut for the entire month. It’s best to avoid visiting in August if you’re flexible. If not, there’s still plenty to see and do – just be ready to deal with soaring temperatures up to 90°F.

Summer festivals continue in Sicily with an international fire-dancing festival in Palermo and Ypsigrock in Castelbuono hosting some well-known rock acts. On August 15th, the public holiday known as Ferragosto takes place, when Catholics celebrate the assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. Most locals start their summer vacations at this time, so expect cities to empty out and beaches to fill up.

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September is the perfect time to explore Italy as temperatures begin to fall and summer crowds begin to dwindle. The average high rounds out at around 80°F, but there’s more chances of rain than in previous months so bring your umbrella.

The glamorous Venice International Film Festival holds star-studded premieres on Lido Beach, usually from late August to early September but dates change every year. The Floating City also holds the historic Regata Storica di Venezia on the first Sunday of September, featuring teams of costumed gondoliers battling it out in a race along the Grand Canal. Shakespeare fans can join in the celebrations for Juliet’s Birthday on the first weekend of the month, when hundreds of people parade through the streets of Verona dressed in period costumes. September also brings the beginning of the grape harvest, so if you’re in the mood for vino, head to Chianti for the annual wine expo or the Douja d'Or National Wine Show in Asti.

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Autumn sweeps across Italy in October with milder temperatures in the low 70s. However, frequent rainfall and colder evenings mean you should still pack some extra layers. It’s a prime time to visit the beaches of the south, which become less crowded but maintain the warmer weather.

Rome holds its annual film festival in the second half of the month, when Hollywood stars descend on the historic capital to attend world premieres of almost 40 films. To discover some of Italy’s famous food scene, those with a sweet tooth should head to Perugia’s Eurochocolate event. Along with lots of chocolate, there’s also music, workshops, and wine tastings. If you pass through the Piedmont town of Alba, you can experience Italy’s biggest truffle fair, held every Saturday and Sunday of October and November.

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November is low season for tourism in Italy, so it’s a good time soak up culture without the crowds – though with a wintery chill in the air. Temperatures dip as low as 40°F in the north, with the south remaining relatively warm with averages between 55º and 65°F. Layered and waterproof clothing are a must, with lots of rainfall across the country.

The month kicks off with All Saints’ Day on November 1st, a national holiday offering the chance to attend services at historic churches like Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice and St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Truffle season is in full swing, with towns like Alba and Asti in Piedmont and the medieval Tuscan hill town of San Miniato hosting fairs devoted to the fancy fungi. November is a great month for opera fans who can catch performances at world-famous venues like La Fenice in Venice or La Scala in Milan.

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In December, seasonal celebrations take place all over the country as preparations for Christmas go into full swing. The weather might be chilly, but you can keep warm with a traditional cup of mulled wine if you're near the mountains, some thick hot chocolate, or a strong cup of coffee. Pack your gloves, scarf, warm hat, and thick layers to deal with frosty temperatures going as low as 25°F in the north. Alpine resorts like Cervinia and Livigno spring to life for the start of ski season, filled with plenty of snowy slopes.

On December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception marks the first public holiday of the month and often features parades and live music events. Christmas markets add a sprinkle of holiday cheer to cities and villages across the country, with some of the most popular including Perugia Christmas Festival, Trento Christmas Market, and the Weihnachtsmarkt in Merano. If you’re around for the New Year’s celebrations, you can expect to see plenty of fireworks in main squares and large outdoor concerts in cities like Rome, Milan, and Rimini.

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Weather and temperature in Italy

Weather wise, Italy is best visited from April to June or between September and October, when temperatures are mild. Hot and muggy August is best avoided no matter which part of the country you’re visiting. The consistently sunny south enjoys warm weather for most of the year, making it the place for scenic seasides and temperatures fit for t-shirts. Northern coastal regions like the Italian Riviera and southern spots like Sardinia or the Amalfi Coast are best avoided during the July and August, when temperatures soar towards 80ºF and beaches are crowded. If you want less crowds and warm weather, visit from September for the best of both worlds. If you prefer snow over sand, the ski season generally runs between late November and April.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rome High 55°F 55°F 62°F 67°F 73°F 82°F 88°F 88°F 80°F 73°F 64°F 57°F
Low 40°F 39°F 44°F 50°F 55°F 63°F 68°F 69°F 63°F 57°F 50°F 40°F
Rainfall 13 days 11 days 12 days 13 days 11 days 10 days 7 days 7 days 9 days 12 days 13 days 13 days
Milan High 45°F 46°F 59°F 64°F 72°F 81°F 85°F 84°F 75°F 64°F 55°F 46°F
Low 33°F 33°F 41°F 48°F 55°F 63°F 68°F 66°F 59°F 53°F 43°F 34°F
Rainfall 13 days 11 days 12 days 13 days 11 days 10 days 7 days 7 days 9 days 12 days 13 days 13 days
Florence High 51°F 50°F 59°F 65°F 71°F 82°F 87°F 87°F 77°F 69°F 60°F 51°F
Low 36°F 37°F 42°F 47°F 52°F 60°F 65°F 65°F 59°F 54°F 47°F 38°F
Rainfall 13 days 11 days 12 days 13 days 11 days 10 days 7 days 7 days 9 days 12 days 13 days 13 days
Naples High 55°F 54°F 61°F 66°F 72°F 81°F 86°F 87°F 80°F 73°F 65°F 58°F
Low 43°F 42°F 47°F 52°F 58°F 65°F 70°F 70°F 64°F 58°F 52°F 44°F
Rainfall 13 days 11 days 12 days 13 days 11 days 10 days 7 days 7 days 9 days 12 days 13 days 13 days
Venice High 46°F 48°F 58°F 64°F 71°F 80°F 85°F 84°F 75°F 66°F 56°F 47°F
Low 35°F 35°F 43°F 50°F 57°F 65°F 69°F 67°F 61°F 54°F 45°F 36°F
Rainfall 13 days 11 days 12 days 13 days 11 days 10 days 7 days 7 days 9 days 12 days 13 days 13 days
Bologna High 45°F 45°F 58°F 64°F 72°F 82°F 87°F 86°F 76°F 65°F 56°F 45°F
Low 33°F 33°F 40°F 47°F 54°F 62°F 67°F 66°F 58°F 53°F 44°F 34°F
Rainfall 13 days 11 days 12 days 13 days 11 days 10 days 7 days 7 days 9 days 12 days 13 days 13 days

Weather data provided by Forecast.io

Cost of stay in Italy

Want to travel smart? Here you can check out the average cost of accommodations per night in Italy.

    0 49 98 147 196
  • $144 Jan
  • $156 Feb
  • $159 Mar
  • $185 Apr
  • $189 May
  • $193 Jun
  • $198 Jul
  • $199 Aug
  • $194 Sep
  • $193 Oct
  • $152 Nov
  • $193 Dec
    0 49 98 147 196
  • $119 Jan
  • $127 Feb
  • $132 Mar
  • $149 Apr
  • $147 May
  • $147 Jun
  • $157 Jul
  • $158 Aug
  • $141 Sep
  • $144 Oct
  • $118 Nov
  • $135 Dec
    0 49 98 147 196
  • $40 Jan
  • $45 Feb
  • $54 Mar
  • $67 Apr
  • $69 May
  • $73 Jun
  • $67 Jul
  • $62 Aug
  • $62 Sep
  • $63 Oct
  • $47 Nov
  • $47 Dec
    0 49 98 147 196
  • $100 Jan
  • $103 Feb
  • $111 Mar
  • $119 Apr
  • $131 May
  • $137 Jun
  • $159 Jul
  • $166 Aug
  • $129 Sep
  • $121 Oct
  • $101 Nov
  • $117 Dec
    0 49 98 147 196
  • $89 Jan
  • $92 Feb
  • $104 Mar
  • $116 Apr
  • $121 May
  • $123 Jun
  • $125 Jul
  • $128 Aug
  • $122 Sep
  • $118 Oct
  • $97 Nov
  • $100 Dec

The best places to visit in Italy

Check out some of the most popular cities, places to visit, and things to do in Italy!

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