There is a uniqueness and allure that pulls us back to Italy and will bring us traveling there again this year. Italy welcomes you if you enjoy the snowy mountains, crystal blue seas, rolling hills, or relaxing islands.

But when is the best time to visit Italy? The truth is that it depends on what experience you’re looking for. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Italy is in the mild months of May-June or September; don’t listen to those who try to sell you on visiting Italy only during those months, though.

As an avid fan of Italy and from speaking to other travelers and citizens of the country, I know very well that the food, atmosphere, and weather change from region to region, and the popular activities change from month to month.

So please keep reading this article to find the best time to visit the Bel Paese. Here, you will find suggestions on where to travel each season, when to visit the popular tourist cities, and where to go if you are looking for a specific style of vacation.

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Average Temperatures in Italy

Italy has gorgeous mountains and beaches in both the north and the south — thus, you can experience wonderful snowy skiing days and relaxing days at the beach in both regions.

However, at the very north and the very south of the country, you will find extremes in temperature during the summer and winter.

Because of this, take a few minutes to read about the average climate of the area you want to visit. Do your homework before you book your trip, and you won’t regret it!

Climate in Northern Italy

In the north, there is moderate heat from June to August and bitter cold from December to February.

Many people love to spend their winters skiing in the Alps in the north; thus, the tourist season is high during the colder months – with it peaking in February

Climate in Southern Italy

On the contrary, in the south, you will find scorching heat in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter. Thus, the tourist season is high from June to August —  especially during August when many Italians take a few weeks off for vacation and head to the beach!

Despite this, you can still find amazing beaches in the north (like Cinque Terre) and beautiful mountains in the south (like Le Alpi Lucane).

Climate in Central Italy

You always hear about Northern and Southern Italy, but don’t forget there is also Central Italy! It includes the cities you probably like the most: Rome and Florence. Other regions in central Italy are Umbria, Abruzzo, and Le Marche.

This entire central strip of Italy is ideal if you’re looking for more mild temperatures at any time of the year. For example, temperatures are plentiful in the Spring or early Fall for outdoor visits to some of the world-famous Tuscany hills.

In the winter, instead, you’ll find snow in one of the National Parks of Abruzzo – your best chance to ski!

To summarize, there’s truly never a bad time to visit Italy!

Best Time to Visit Italy’s Popular Cities

The best time of year to travel to Italy also depends on the location you want to visit. In this section, I’ll discuss some of the most popular cities.

A visit to any big Italian city can leave you stunned regardless of the time of year, so let’s share some tips to make your visit even more memorable.

Numerous cultural events, like the Venice Carnival, can give you a once-in-a-lifetime memory during your visit.

Major Cities

• Rome
• Venice
• Florence
• Milan
• Amalfi Coast & Positano
• Parma

So, if you’re interested in seeing the must-see attractions, listen up! Here’s where we’ll visit some of the most popular cities in Italy.

Best Time to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is, without a doubt, from April to May. The moderate temperature of the Eternal City is ideal during these months, so you can take advantage of that while you walk around the beautiful cobblestone streets—or take the easy-to-use public transportation!

Among the must-see buildings are the world-famous Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Castel Sant’Angelo (also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian). If you would love to learn more about the city’s rich history, visit Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.

From Tuesday to Friday, you can visit the Vatican museums in Vatican City for a quieter and more enjoyable experience at this sacred site.

Finally, if you want to visit the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, or Piazza Navona, try to avoid summer weekends if you dislike large crowds.

Best Time to Visit Venice

The best time to visit Venice, weather-wise, is in the Fall—especially in September and October. It is a perfect temperature at that time; the summer heat fades away, and refreshing winds flow through the calli (or the characteristically small streets in Venice) and the bridges of the city.

As I’ve mentioned at the beginning of this article, you’ll want to find the best time to travel to Italy. For Venice, the best time for you could depend on when the events and festivals you want to attend take place.

For example, the most famous event in the city is, without a doubt, Il Carnevale di Venezia (the Venice Carnival). For the first two weeks of February, the city leaps into the past to celebrate before the start of Lent, a 40-day religious period in the Christian faith.

You can find many events, such as Il Volo dell’Angelo (the Flight of the Angel), in San Marco’s Tower. You will also enjoy seeing Venetians get dressed in old costumes and wearing traditional masks. We recommend buying a mask, too, to join the festivities—you might stick out if you don’t have one!

As you know, Venice is known worldwide for its canals filled with gondolas. You can either ride yourself (gondolas are open all year round) or watch the popular event in May called La Vogalonga. This non-competitive race with rowboats brings exciting energy to the city!

Also, during the third week of July, you can enjoy fireworks during the Redentore festival. Not surprisingly, the canals are filled with boats for this event, too!

Venice is also known for the Venice Biennale, where you can find international artists and their innovative pieces of work. The event spans from May to November.

Best Time to Visit Florence

The best time to visit Florence is in the off-season months (April-May and September-October). The weather is perfect for enjoying the city and the infamous rolling Tuscan hills around it.

One of the biggest events in Florence is the second New Year’s celebration, Il Capodanno Fiorentino, on March 25th. The city once held its New Year on this day because it was the celebration of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Florence hosts many concerts, exhibitions, and art shows during that week—as well as the “traditional” New Year’s celebration on January 1st! 

As mentioned in the spring section, Lo Scoppio del Carro takes place here during the first Sunday of Lent (usually in February/March). This traditional festival, with its fireworks and crowds, brings excitement to the streets.

Or, if you are looking for a unique athletic event to watch, you should consider attending the finals of Il Calcio Storico Florentino (Florence’s Historical Soccer) in June. It’s an ancient sport that combines soccer, rugby, and fighting — some might say it’s violent!

Nowhere else in the world will you find this event! It has been around since the 13th century and will remind you of the intense gladiator battles but without weapons. It is a gruesome sport, yet it brings a lot of excitement to the city in the summer!

Best Time to Visit Milan

The best time to visit Milan is in the Spring when the temperature is mild and pleasant. You can easily walk around the city — or you can take advantage of the city’s convenient public transportation system. It’s probably the most frantic city in the country, so you should expect crowds all year round.

This northern city is an important economic center; big corporations and many startups give Milan vibrant energy throughout the day. You can count on this all year round, but in July and August, when most Italians take their annual vacation away from the urban area. 

Throughout the night and on weekends, Milan is also filled with energy. The city has many bars and nightclubs where you can enjoy great music. When famous DJs or bands want to come to Italy to perform, you can count on Milan being the selected city. So party lovers, hear me out: You will find the best parties in Milan, Italy!

Another great time to visit Milan is for the world-famous Milan Fashion Week. This series of events occurs twice per year (in February/March or September/October), and you can’t miss it if you are interested in fashion and design. It is known to be one of “The Four” best fashion weeks in the world.

While you likely won’t be able to attend the fashion shows themselves, there are many afterparties and events for the public throughout the city. Also, you can easily spot a celebrity on the street during these times!

Finally, don’t forget to consider the many exhibitions and fairs in the city throughout the year. For example, if you’re interested in furniture and design, your best time to visit Milan is in April. That’s when the international Salone di Milano (Milan Furniture Fair) takes place, which is the biggest fair for this sector in the world!

Best Time to Visit Amalfi Coast & Positano

The best time to visit Amalfi Coast and Positano is May/June or September. The weather is warm, but the locations are not too crowded during these months. You will find all of the tourist attractions and accommodations at a reduced price, which is ideal because these cities can get expensive during peak season!

You can also find many activities in this stunning area of Italy. Generally speaking, just walking around the many small towns (Amalfi, Positano, Maiori, Minori, Sorrento, etc.) will leave you breathless.

You can also take a little trip to Capri Island, which is famous for its charm. An unforgettable experience would be to take a boat trip around the island to see the fantastic caves and jump into the emerald-green sea right from the boat. 

Suppose you’re looking for something more active; instead, snorkeling or scuba diving are undoubtedly the most fascinating activities you could do. In that case, the beautiful species of corals and fishes make it a must-try if you’re a water-sport lover!

You can also hike and alternate the relaxation of the beaches with some exercise. The landscape has a memorable view, and it has many paths you can follow very easily. You could take amazing pictures of the colored coast and enjoy the dreamy sunsets. The Path of the Gods is a highly recommended hiking trail.

Best Time to Visit Parma

If you intend to visit this beautiful city in Emilia-Romagna, know that the best time to visit Parma is May or September.

In May, the mild temperatures make for strolls around the city and fewer tourists than in summer.

In September, the Festival of Prosciutto (ham Festival) takes place in Parma. There are three weekends in which you can visit the production sites for free and enjoy a live demonstration of how the world-famous Prosciutto di Parma is made. Best of all, you can grab some free tastings too!

The peak of the tourist season is in June-August; if you don’t mind large crowds, this is your perfect time to visit. Consider August as an exception, though, since most residents go on vacation that month.

Another major factor to consider if you want to visit Parma in the summer is the high humidity. Residents of big cities in Northern Italy (Milan included) prefer to avoid urban areas in the summer because of the combination of high temperatures and high humidity. Keep that in mind!

Best Time to Visit Italy by Month

January

January is the coldest month in Italy, so it’s always a good idea to bring many layers with you! In the northern regions, the average temperature is between 39°F and 45°F (4°C and 7°C), while in the central and southern areas it can reach 57°F (14°C).

Each year opens with New Year’s celebrations and a week later with more celebrations for the Befana (the Epiphany, officially on January 6th). During this period some shops may remain closed.

January is generally the ideal month for skiing in Italy, as many of the most famous resorts in the Alps—for example, the Dolomites—are not yet crowded during the high season.

On January 17th, many towns celebrate Sant’Antonio Abate, the protector of animals and farmers. This occasion is celebrated mainly in the northern and central regions and is characterized by traditional bonfires and animal blessings.

February

In February, temperatures are still generally low in Italy, ranging from 32°F (0°C) in the northern regions to 59°F (15°C) in the south. The ski season peaks this month, and the ski slopes are packed with people because many schools are closed for Carnival.

Carnival is the main event in Italy in February and is celebrated all over the country — most famously in Venice. For the occasion, the Serenissima (an Italian nickname given to the city) is transformed into an open-air theater animated by highly elaborate masks, intricate costumes, and spectacular dances that culminate in dinners and entertainment.

In Milan, the world-famous Milan Fashion Week kicks off (its autumn/winter part) with many fashion shows and public events in the streets. The entire city dresses up for the week in couture, so be sure to bring your Valentino, Gucci, and Prada (or your look-a-likes!).

Other popular destinations to see Carnival celebrations take place in Viareggio, Verona, and Ivrea – this last one with its famous battle of the oranges. If you prefer to skip the big Carnival shows and indulge in a food tour of Italy, visit Umbria, especially Norcia, to enjoy the winter Premium Black Truffle: the most exquisite variety of black truffles.

March

Italians call this month Marzo passerelle (Crazy March), and they know it so well that they always take an umbrella with them! Get ready for an alternation of sun and rain this month!

The first part of March is usually cold and wet, but as spring approaches, temperatures across the country gradually increase to 60°F (16°C) degrees at the end of the month. However, weather variability prevails, so keep this in mind if you travel to Italy during this period – especially if you plan to organize outdoor activities such as long walks in the awakening of nature.

Depending on the liturgical calendar, Carnival or Easter can fall in March. Check the events planned during the year to find out how to organize the trip according to these significant religious events. There’s Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8th. Finally, the annual marathon takes place in Rome, while Florence hosts a three-day food fair inside the Stazione Della Leopolda.

PS. A little insider tip: there’s a weekend, usually in the second half of the month, in which monuments that generally cannot be visited are open for a few days. The dates are variable, but you can find updated information online year by year.

April

Spring starts in Italy in April, and it is the period in which the Easter holidays fall most often. The weather is still variable, although temperatures tend to be mild. However, remember to always carry rain-proof clothing and an umbrella with you if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Because of these milder temperatures, it is the ideal time to explore the colorful landscapes of Calabria and Sicily without being drenched in sweat from their hot summer months!

A long series of events occur in April, with the highlight on April 25th: Italy’s Liberation Day (many events and demonstrations throughout the main Italian cities) and San Marco (with many celebrations in Venice in San Marco Square!). Other events you could consider in Italy in April are:

• Vinitaly, in Verona, with exhibitions dedicated to wines and other spirits, tastings, workshops, and readings;
• The inauguration of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (Florence’s Musical May) is a month-long series of events featuring theater and music performances.

The Milan Furniture Fair (in Italian, the Salone Internazionale del Mobile) is the largest trade fair of its kind in the world, with exhibitions and showcases from all over the world.

May

In May, the month of roses, Italian summer finally approaches! Temperatures are on the rise, and nature is in full bloom. Average temperatures are now between 65°F and 70°F (18°C and 21°C), but take a light jacket with you at night — evenings can still be cool!

May 1st is Labor Day, which is celebrated throughout Italy with events and demonstrations. Be aware that many shops and restaurants may be closed! During this month, the “Giro d’Italia” takes place. What does that mean in English? It means “Tour of Italy,” it is the most anticipated cycling race of the year, making stops throughout the peninsula, from the Alpine peaks to the urban centers.

Also, throughout the month, many cities (including Rome and Florence) hold an annual event called the Night of the Museums, in which the main museums open their doors for free in the evening and offer special events to visitors. Not bad, right?

Finally, during the last weekend of the month, there’s an event for you, wine lovers! The Open Cellars festival; throughout the country, you can visit hundreds of wineries, participate in wine tastings, and meet wine producers to discover all the secrets of the harvest and wine distribution.

June

It’s summertime in Italy! Be prepared to wear light clothing and sunglasses to soak up the sunny June days. At the beginning of the month, average temperatures are usually around 70°F (21°C), but towards the end of June, you might go out and experience a nice 85°F (30°C)!

June 2nd is Republic Day in Italy. There are demonstrations and events throughout the country, but you might want to stop in Rome and enjoy the official parade, the highlight of which is the exhibition of the Frecce Tricolori (Italian Air Force). During that day, you can also visit the Capitoline Museums for free.

The month’s climate is ideal for exploring the Tuscan countryside or relaxing on the beaches of Sardinia or the Amalfi Coast. Another choice is to go to Arezzo on the third Saturday in June and attend the medieval show of the Giostra del Saracino.

July

July is one of the hottest months, with temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) and scarce rain. Since schools are closed, July is also the favorite month for families to spend their summer holidays by the sea or in the mountains, in addition to August. Large and small cities and Borghi have many festivals and events.

Remember to wear light clothing, wear a fedora, and always have water available; walking around town in that heat can be tiring!

Music lovers will have many options to indulge in their passion: from the Alkantara Fest in Sicily, featuring 5 days of music, workshops, and typical regional cuisine, to the Umbria Jazz Festival, the most essential jazz event in Italy, and the Ravello Festival, set on the enchanting Amalfi Coast.

Do not miss the events of the Roman Summer (Estate Romana, in Italian) in Rome. This festival offers concerts, dance performances, museum openings in the evenings, and much more.

August

August is the most crowded month to travel to Italy (and generally the most expensive). Many businesses, shops, and restaurants are closed for holidays, so consider this when traveling. If you’re looking for relaxing holidays, please avoid August.

But listen to me: if you’re looking for crowds, late-night events and parties, and scorching hot days at the beach, August is your month! Please remember that temperatures can reach 95F° (35C°).

Festivals continue throughout the country: if you love rock music, don’t miss the Ypsigrock Festival in Sicily, which features some well-known bands in the indie and alternative scene. Another event in Sicily is the Teatro del Fuoco Festival in Palermo.

And then there’s August 15th, the most loved celebration for Italian families: Ferragosto. The day is traditionally dedicated to trips out of town and coincides with the Catholic feast of the Assumption. It also marks the start of summer holidays for many workers, so cities usually empty out and beaches fill up.

September

September is a perfect month to travel to Italy—temperatures drop, and summer crowds begin to subside. The maximum temperature peak is in the low 80s F (28°C), but compared to August, the chance of rain is higher.

The famous Venice Film Festival is held in Venice, attracting Hollywood stars and fans worldwide. Dates vary, usually between late August and early September, so check ahead to plan your trip to Lido di Venezia, where the event takes place. Also in Venice, the Historical Regatta takes place on the first Sunday of September, and teams of gondoliers in typical costumes compete in a race along the Grand Canal.

In Milan, the world-famous Milan Fashion Week takes place. The summer/spring part usually occurs in September/October every year. You really can’t miss this!

In Verona, during the first weekend of the month, Shakespeare lovers will be able to attend the celebrations for Juliet’s birthday and join the hundreds of costume figures parading through the streets.

And finally, for you wine lovers! September is also the month of the grape harvest: to make the most of the period, choose the Chianti region to participate in the annual wine expo or the city of Asti, where the Douja d’Or, a famous eno-gastronomic competition, is held.

October

In October, autumn begins to appear in Italy, with temperatures decreasing, usually below 70°F (20°C). The weather becomes rainier, and the evenings are cooler, so dress accordingly. During the day, however, it is still possible to go to the beach, especially in the southern regions, which will also be less crowded than in the previous months.

In the second half of October, the Rome Film Fest takes place, with Hollywood stars flocking to the capital to participate in the previews of about forty films.

For chocolate lovers, Eurochocolate in Perugia is an event not to be missed. It includes musical performances, workshops, and wine tastings.

In Alba in Piedmont, you can participate in the most critical truffle fair in the country, held every Saturday and Sunday in October and November.

November

November is considered a low-season month for tourism in Italy, so it is the right time to book your trip if you’re looking for low crowds and low-budget traveling! But consider a little fresh air. Temperatures can drop as low as 40°F (5°C) in the north, while in the south, they range from 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C), a climate that is still relatively pleasant.

November begins with the All Saints Day feast, celebrated throughout Italy. An ideal opportunity is to visit one of the many historic churches, such as the Basilica of San Marco in Venice or the Basilica of San Pietro in the Vatican.

The truffle is in the middle of its season, and there is no shortage of opportunities to participate in dedicated fairs, especially in Alba and Asti in Piedmont and the medieval Tuscan town of San Miniato. November is also the ideal month to attend a show at two of the most famous theatres in the world: La Scala in Milan and La Fenice in Venice.

December

December is full of festive moments, culminating in Christmas and New Year. The climate is now cold and wintery, but you can cope with the cold with a good hot chocolate, a steaming coffee, or a glass of mulled wine (more common in the mountainous areas in the north of Italy).

Bring a scarf, gloves, hat, and warm clothing with you, especially if you are planning to visit the northern regions, where temperatures can drop as low as 25°F (-4°C). The ski season started with snow-covered slopes in the Alpine resort in Cervinia and Livigno.

December 8th, the anniversary of the Immaculate Conception, is the first holiday of the month and an occasion for events and demonstrations. Christmas markets begin to come to life, adding a touch of joy to cities and villages across the peninsula, especially in Perugia, Trento, and Merano.

During the New Year celebrations, fireworks and concerts can be seen in the country’s main squares. Enjoy them in Rome, Milan, Bologna, or Venice!

Conclusion

No matter what you decide, going to Italy will be one of your best decisions. There is so much culture, food, and attractions here that you will want to come back over and over to keep exploring and learning. It is a wonderful country to make many lifelong memories.