Best Time to Visit Italy

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  • NovAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
  • DecAvg Daily: 15 ° CAvg Nightly: 4 ° C
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Italy is the ideal country to travel to for a number of reasons: the food, the views, the history, the people, everything about this beautiful country feels so perfect. There is no best time to visit Italy as the weather varies depending on which part of the country you’re visiting. But there are some elements that make it easy to answer the question of when to visit Italy.

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Quick Facts

  • Best Time to Visit Italy: April to June, September to October
  • Low Season: November to February
  • All Seasons: March to May, June to August, September to November, December to February
  • August: Many hotels and restaurants close down in August, and it can also get quite hot, especially in inland areas, like Tuscany, and Veneto.
  • December - March is the best season for those who want to head to the Italian Alps for a ski holiday.
  • Rome is best visited between April to June, or September and October.
  • If you want to travel to the coastal areas, like Sicily, April to October is the best time to visit Italy, as there is plenty of sun, and little rainfall.

There is no unequivocal answer to the question “when to visit Italy”, as it depends on where you want to go. There is a lot of climate variation from the northern mountains to the southern coast, so you should first pick your destinations and then consider the weather in Italy, to plan the perfect itinerary.

April to June is, however, considered the best time to visit Italy, unless you’re going on a skiing holiday. The weather is pretty temperate all around during this period, and the absence of huge crowds makes most attractions easier to access. This period is perfect for those who want to visit the coastal areas, as there is little to no rain, and the ocean is warm enough for a great swim.

By September to October, the initial rush is over, and the summer heat reduces, especially in the inland areas. The coastal towns also become graciously cooler. The countryside, especially towards Tuscany, is exceptionally beautiful during fall, as it gets painted in shades of red and gold as the trees begin shedding their leaves, drenching the land in a variety of fall colors.

Seasonal Overview

1. March to May — Spring / Good Season

Hiking in Italy via Sentiero degli Dei, Amalfi Coast.

Sentiero degli Dei Amalfi Coast, Path of the Gods, Italy

The weather in Italy is good during these months, which means the culinary services also reach a peak. Spring produce in Italy is amazing, with wild strawberries, fava beans, and fresh chestnuts being served everywhere. Except for Easter weekend, this season is hands down one of the best time to visit Italy. The weather around the coast and the inland areas is quite warm, and there is usually no rain anywhere.

  • Avg. Temperature: 46 – 84° F / 8 – 29° C (in Rome)
  • Rainfall: 6 – 33 mm
  • Season: Spring
  • Highlights: This is the perfect time to visit Rome, Florence, Milan, or Venice. If you are in the mood for a swim, explore Sardinia and its beautiful seas or simply relax in the resorts of Puglia. This is also the ideal time to visit the Amalfi Coast. Head to Tuscany to enjoy some of the finest food, cooked fresh off the farm, with some great cheese.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Italy in March 
Italy in April
Italy in May

2. June to August — Summer / High Season

Venice
Venice, a city built on the waters of the Adriatic Sea is dreamlike with its elaborate architecture, Italy

The weather in Italy, especially in Tuscany, and Umbria gets quite hot. This is the peak season for tourists, as it is the holiday season. Many Italians themselves go holidaying towards the coast, during this period, so some shops and hotels might be shut. The lines at popular destinations in places like Venice and Vatican City, etc. will be quite long, so expect hours of waiting lines.

  • Avg. Temperature: 64 – 90° F / 18 – 32° C (in Rome)
  • Rainfall: 0 – 7 mm
  • Season: Summer
  • Highlights: Rome is more empty than normal as the local citizens are holidaying, so if you want to visit the Opera, now is a good time! If you’re not a fan of the heat, you can head up to the Italian Alps, which do not get too much of a footfall during this period.

In-depth month-wise articles: 
Italy in June
Italy in July
Italy in August

3. September to November — Fall / Good Season

Hiking in Italy via Cinque terre trail—A famously scenic trek.
Cinque Terre Trek is the treat for the eye; thanks to its colourful settlements along the way, Italy

The months of September to November are ideal for anyone searching for an answer to the question ‘when to visit Italy’ – this is a good time to take a trip to Italy. Early September is still high season and the weather is comfortable and pleasant, albeit with a little more rainfall compared with Spring and Summer. Rome also starts becoming more active, as do Milan, Florence, and Turin.

  • Avg. Temperature: 54 – 81° F / 12 – 27° C (in Rome)
  • Rainfall: 38 – 42 mm
  • Season: Fall
  • Highlights: Nightlife in major cities definitely picks up during these months, so if you’re a people-watcher, or a party animal, you will definitely enjoy Italy during this period. The temperature goes down around this time, and the crowds are lesser. There will still be a lot of rush around the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, but at least it’s down to bearable limits! The fantastic Regatta happens in September, so travel to Venice for the experience of a lifetime. Milan attracts fashion lovers with the upcoming Spring / Summer Fashion Show in September or October, so you can see the streets bustling with some of the most fashionable people around!

In-depth month-wise articles: 
Italy in September
Italy in October
Italy in November

4. December to February — Winter / Low Season

Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of Italy's most famous and extensive ski town, Italy

This is generally considered as low-season in Italy, for the winter chill picks up in most of the areas. Even the coastal areas and resort towns usually close down between November and February. Most major attractions in Rome, Florence and Milan will be open for fewer hours around this period, owing to the winter sunsets. However, obviously this is also the high season for all skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts who wish to visit the Alps for a great winter holiday.

  • Avg. Temperature: 37 – 64° F / 2 – 17° C (in Rome)
  • Rainfall: 19 – 96 mm
  • Season: Winter
  • Highlights: Italy can get quite crowded during the Christmas period, as Florence and Milan have some enviable Christmas Markets. Make sure you check the calendar before you travel during the holiday season, for many places might be closed. Venice and Viareggio Carnivals happen around this period- and you will definitely not want to miss that. As mentioned above, adrenaline junkies will have a great time traveling to the Italian Alps during this period. The weather in Italy is cold enough for great skiing, e.g. in Courmayeur and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

In-depth month-wise articles: 
Italy in December
Italy in January
Italy in February

If any of the seasons interest you, plan a trip to Italy with the help of our local travel experts in country and create your customized tour to Italy

For more detailed information, read our travel guide on how many days to spend in Italy

Published by Erik Jensen, updated on September 7, 2022

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