When is the Best Time to Visit Italy?

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.

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.