When is the best time to visit Italy? Here’s your season-by-season guide
The Italian boot stretches from the snowy Alps in the north to the Mediterranean Sea in the sunny south, so the best time to visit Italy depends on the region you’re exploring!
Is there an easier question to answer than, “When is the best time to visit Italy?” Because if you ask us, the best time to go to Italy is any time. Italy is so geographically and culturally diverse (not to mention beautiful, delicious, iconic, historic—the adjectives go on) that you can visit any time of year and have the best experience ever. Here’s our season-by-season guide to planning your perfect Italian vacation.
The best weather in Italy by month
Weather in Italy varies by season and by region. While Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate, its boot-shaped terrain is quite long, and the southern part of the country is generally warmer than the north. So, the Italy tour you decide on and the time of year you choose to travel comes down to the experiences you’re seeking. Taking off in the winter? Head north for brisker temps and snowy landscapes, or go south for warmer off-season weather. Prefer a summer trip? Expect extra hot beach days in the southern part of the country and milder weather in the mountainous north.
Winter in Italy
Go for fewer crowds, seasonal celebrations, and snow-dusted northern landscapes
What’s great about taking our Grand Tour of Italy in the winter is that you’ll have more of Italy to yourself, so you can experience Italy like a local. Italian winters are generally mild thanks to the country’s Mediterranean climate, which means you can still visit some of history’s most unbelievable architectural and cultural relics without having to jostle through peak-season crowds. But if you’re a winter-sports lover, why not take a trip to the Dolomites, Italy’s dramatically rugged portion of the Alps? For foodies, unique off-season culinary treats make winter one of the best times to visit Italy.
The winter months are also a great time to travel to Italy for the season’s energetic events. Christmastime creates a particularly festive atmosphere in cities like Rome and Florence, where beautiful nativity scenes decorate public piazzas. Or maybe you’d like to head to Venice during Carnival in February? For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we’d suggest ringing in the new year in Italy on our New Year’s Eve in Rome: Italy & Greece tour.
Weather in Italy in December, January, and February
The northern reaches of Italy can be drizzly and cold during the winter months—the Alps are there, after all!—and average temperatures are usually 25 F and 46 F. But, wintery days are warmer as you head south, where Mediterranean breezes bring about milder temps around 50 F to 61 F.
December
The holidays are a bright time of year in Italy, with cities and villages all over the country putting on countless celebratory events. That includes Christmas markets, like the one in Florence’s Piazza Santa Croce, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and warm up with a handful of roasted chestnuts. Head to Rome if you want to visit a destination that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark Christmas movie. To watch the magic of Christmas come alive, Go Ahead staffer Jules recommends visiting Piazza Venezia. “They set up a big Christmas tree in the middle of the piazza,” she said. “At night, with the Vittorio Emanuele monument lit up too, it’s such a beautiful sight.”
January
Ready to ring in the New Year in style? Our New Year’s Eve in Florence with Venice & Rome tour invites you to start the year off on a high note—fireworks included. “This trip was absolutely incredible and my family of four had a wonderful experience,” said traveler Angie. “Taking the guesswork out of transport was most helpful and our New Year’s Eve celebration was wonderful. I was a little stressed about the details of New Year’s Eve and what to do, but it was all orchestrated beautifully and we rang in the new year together as a group and didn’t have to figure out anything on our own.”
February
Carnival celebrations are popular all around the world, but when you travel on our Venice tours, you’ll find that the city puts its own unique spin on the event. The merriment takes off during the two weeks leading up to Lent, which often falls during February. It’s the time to see the city burst with excitement as revelers take to the streets wearing elaborate costumes. Check out our insider’s guide to Venice Carnival so you can enjoy the festivities like a local.
Experience the best of winter in Italy on these tours
Spring in Italy
Go for traditional festivals, fresh flowers, and even fresher produce
What is the best time to visit Italy? Well, if you’re like us and you love Italian cuisine, the answer could be spring, when farmers deliver their delicious bounties to the local restaurants. Dig into the freshness when you take our Food & Wine: Southern Italy & Sicily tour this time of year and experience the energy of the fish markets in Catania, sip unique wines from Mount Etna, and take a cooking class at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Campania.
Plus, the springtime weather in Italy can be absolutely perfect, as the chill of winter gives way to sunny, warm days—and wisteria, poppies, and other fragrant flowers come into bloom. You’ll even have more of that beauty to yourself during this time of year. Peak-travel season has yet to arrive, so a trip to Italy in the spring means you’ll experience fewer crowds while admiring the “David” in Florence, the ruins of Pompeii in the south, and more.
Weather in Italy in March, April, and May
Springtime sees rising temperatures across the Italian boot. While northern Italy’s average daily temps linger around 34 F to 70 F as the spring months progress, having a scarf handy is still a good idea. Southern Italy also sees a spike in warmth, too, with average temps between 52 F and 70 F.
March
Spring in Italy is a busy season as far as events are concerned, making it the best time of year to visit Italy to experience local traditions. If experiencing family-centric events and trying seasonal treats is up your alley, plan your Italy tour over Festa di San Giuseppe on March 19. This is Father’s Day in Italy and locals celebrate by attending street fairs and eating zeppole—donuts sprinkled with sugar that feature custard, jelly, or cannoli-like ricotta fillings.
April
Easter weekend, which often takes place in April, is a fantastic time to travel to Italy—especially if an Easter Sunday mass with the pope at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is high on your bucket list. The Easter crowds will be out in full force, but the celebrations will, too. (Heads up: While entry to the Easter mass inside the basilica is free, tickets are typically reserved months in advance. It’s just one of the many Vatican City secrets you need to know.)
May
Calendimaggio is a public festival with ancient Roman roots, and is held in Assisi in the month of May. There will be knights on horseback, opulent costumes, and musical performances. Our Grand Tour of Italy features two nights in Assisi, and if you travel in early May, perhaps you’ll get to experience this unique celebration.
Set your heart on a spring trip to Italy
Summer in Italy
Go for sun-soaked days, dreamy Italian beaches, and seafood by the coast
If you love hot weather and seasonal Italian dishes that taste even better under the Mediterranean sun, the best time to go to Italy is the summertime. For beach lovers, June to August is certainly going to be the best time of the year to visit Italy—and you’ll enjoy a combo of seaside relaxation and exciting sightseeing on our Sicily: A Cultural Journey tour. Explore Agrigento’s ancient Greek ruins, marvel at Mount Etna, and then find coastal downtime in Taormina, one of the filming locations for the hit show “The White Lotus.”
Soak up even more of the sweet life on our Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice tour, where the gardens of Villa Carlotta and the bustling villages of Cinque Terre await. Or, if a summer trip to Italy is your things but super-hot weather isn’t, make your way to the mountains on our Northern Italy & Cinque Terre Walking Tour. While sunny days are still a sure thing, the summer weather will be milder in the Alps.
Weather in Italy in June, July, and August
Summer is a sweet spot in much of Italy, especially if warm, sunny days are your thing. Northern Italy welcomes more mild summer months, so if you’d like to get outside sans sweltering temps, head toward the Dolomites to soak up average temperatures between 60 F and 83 F. The southern corners of the country boast much hotter days—but there are also plenty of beaches to cool off at during free time. Expect summer temps to linger around 68 F to 95 F.
June
June 2 is Republic Day, or Festa della Repubblica. The holiday is Italy’s version of Independence Day, commemorating the day Italy became a Republic in 1946. Up and down the boot, and on the islands, the country marks the occasion by going into peak celebration mode with parades and processions.
July
The answer to the question, “When is the best time to go to Italy?” all depends on your travel interests. If time in or on the water is up your alley, look no further than the month of July. Cruising along the coast is one of the top things not to miss in Capri. Plus, taking a dive during one of Italy’s warmest months is always a refreshing and relaxing way to pass a free afternoon on your Italy tour.
August
The spotlight may shine on southern Italy come late-summer thanks to those long, warm days, but what if you could soak up the sunshine in an Italian spot where the weather is a bit more moderate? Say hello to the Dolomites, which are located in one of the world’s top national parks. On average, temperatures in this mountainous, northern Italian area top out around 75 F. Embark on our Northern Italy & Cinque Terre Walking Tour to soak up the beauty of the region, which shines in August.
Soak up the warmth of Italy on a summer tour
Fall in Italy
Go to explore the Italian countryside, hunt for truffles, and sip wine in vineyards during harvest season
Love wine? Then taking a fall trip to Italy is just the ticket because it coincides with harvest season. You’ll get to see the winemaking process in its most active moments if you decide to visit some of Italy’s top wineries with us. Our Food & Wine: Northern Italy & the Italian Riviera tour includes delicious opportunities to explore two of Italy’s most beloved wine regions: Barolo and Valpolicella.
Fall is also the time to get in on another type of harvest: the truffle harvest! If you’re looking for a unique experience when traveling to northern Italy in autumn, partake in a truffle hunt on a visit to Alba. Is there anything more iconic than following an expert truffle hunter and their dog through the woods of Piedmont?
Weather in Italy in September, October, and November
The shoulder-season months are always a magical time in Italy, and autumn is no exception. Head to the country’s northern reaches to enjoy average temps between 33 F and 75 F (depending on the month—it gets chillier the closer you get to November). Still-warm southern Italy will be hanging on to summertime temps, with averages between 55 F and 80 F.
September
Fall is the best time to travel to Italy if you’re interested in cultural and artistic happenings. Head to the streets of Milan in September to see celebs and locals donning the latest street styles in celebration of Milan Fashion Week. If sports are more up your alley, make your way to Venice. The city hosts the Regata Storica on the first Sunday of September. Boats parade down the waterways before competing in a rowing race down the Grand Canal. There are so many things to do in Italy based on your personality and interests, especially in September!
October
October is when Italy’s citrus fruits are at peak ripeness. The best way to indulge is by ordering a blood orange granita from a street vendor in Sicily, which we recommend doing in our Sicily Travel Guide. Plus, since the island is so far south, temperatures sit comfortably around 50 F. That makes October the best month to visit Italy if you want to explore street markets without breaking a sweat.
November
Late fall is when the prized Alba white truffle is harvested in the Piedmont region. Try your hand at truffle hunting with the help of an experienced guide and dog on our Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany with America’s Test Kitchen tour. Heading out on a different trip to Italy in November? Eat at a trattoria that thinly shaves this world-renowned fungi atop pasta—that’s when the flavor shines.
