When is the best time to visit Italy?
Last updated on May 20th, 2026.
The answer to ‘when is the best time to visit Italy’ isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
Speaking as a local, there are times of the year I favor traveling in Italy over others.
But times are changing.
While I once would have recommended late spring as the best time to visit Italy, 2023 squashed that dream.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my honest thoughts on when is the best time to visit Italy. Suffice it to say, the information will differ depending on your subjective tastes and travel situation.
Whatever your circumstances, you can use this post to help plan your trip to Italy.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
Winter in Italy
Personally speaking, I really enjoy winter in Italy.
Living in the north (Veneto) for most of the year, temperatures usually dip to single digits. They can go into minus figures but not to the level that you’d find in northern or eastern European countries.
The rainiest months in Italy tend to be January and February. However, wild card months like May and July can also produce its fair share of rainy days.
We learned this first hand during our 3-day trip to Lake Como. Because of this, make sure to come prepared with a poncho, sport shoes and an umbrella.
The below table gives you an idea of the temperatures you might experience in Italy in winter. Taken from 2022, they show the average maximum highs and lows of several cities from December to February:
| City | Month | ||
| December | January | February | |
| Milan | 46°F (8°C)/34°F (1°C) | 45°F (7°C)/32°F (-0°C) | 49°F (9°C)/33°F (0.5°C) |
| Turin | 44°F (7°C)/30°F (-1°C) | 43°F (6°C)/28°F (-2°C) | 46°F (8°C)/29°F (-2°C) |
| Venice | 48°F (9°C)/39°F (4°C) | 46°F (8°C)/37°F (3°C) | 48°F (9°C)/38°F (3°C) |
| Trento | 36°F (2°C)/22°F (-6°C) | 34°F (1°C)/18°F (-8°C) | 36°F (2°C)/20°F (-7°C) |
| Trieste | 45°F (7°C)/35°F (2°C) | 42°F (6°C)/32°F (0°C) | 44°F (7°C)/33°F (0°C) |
| Bologna | 50°F (10°C)/35°F (2°C) | 47°F (7°C)/33°F (0°C) | 50°F (9°C)/34°F (1°C) |
| Florence | 47°F (9°C)/32°F (0°C) | 45°F (7°C)/32°F (0°C) | 44°F (7°C)/30°F (-1°C) |
| Rome | 56°F (13°C)/42°F (6°C) | 53°F (12°C)/40°F (5°C) | 55°F (13°C)/41°F (5°C) |
| Naples | 57°F (14°C)/47°F (9°C) | 54°F (12°C)/45°F (7°C) | 55°F (13°C)/45°F (7°C) |
| Bari | 55°F (13°C)/41°F (5°C) | 54°F (12°C)/45°F (7°C) | 56°F (13°C)/45°F (7°C) |
| Palermo | 59°F (15°C)/51°F (11°C) | 56°F (13°C)/48°F (9°C) | 56°F (13°C)/48°F (9°C) |
While winter in Italy may be colder, wetter and not to everyone’s liking, it’s usually the cheapest time to visit. January and February (except carnival in Venice) are the cheapest months to travel in Italy.
Pros of traveling in winter in Italy
Like we experienced on our visit to Venice in winter, there are far fewer crowds in Italy in January.
On the flip side many services are closed during this season. As I outlined in where to spend winter in Italy, it’s important to check services and hotel availability before booking.
Spring in Italy
For me, April or late May are probably the prettiest months (I couldn’t decide between the two) in Italy. The last signs of winter disappear by mid-April and in their place arrive colorful blooms and signs of new life.
March can still be chilly across many parts of Italy, but it also has its advantages when traveling. Late winter/early spring brings plenty of bright sunshine and the temperatures are good for visiting attractions.
When to visit Rome
Personally, I think that late March is the best time to visit Rome.
It can feel fresh in daytime temperatures of around 60°F (15°C) but for me it’s better than stifling heat. March is also likely to be more affordable as it doesn’t coincide with the Easter holidays.
It's one of several reasons why I added Rome to the best places to visit in Italy in March.
But, as I mentioned above, I can’t say for sure anymore whether spring is the best time to visit Italy.
Italian spring showers
Our trip to Naples and the Amalfi Coast in May 2023, for the most part, was a washout — bar one or two days. Instead of sipping spritz Aperol on the beach in Positano, we were huddled beneath the portico sheltering from the rain.
Spring weather in Italy is becoming more unpredictable. Traveling today means being prepared for any eventuality and packing the right Italy travel essentials.
June, June, June
If I’d to hedge my bets, I’d say June is a good time to visit Italy. Temperatures haven’t yet reached their highest point and popular destinations won’t yet be (as) packed with visitors.
Late June is probably also the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast. It’s usually sunny, warm and with high enough temperatures to swim and sunbathe on the beaches at Positano and Amalfi.
Spring in Italy packing
Given the uncertainty in temperatures it's hard to say with confidence what to pack for Italy in spring.
Be sure to check the forecast a week/few days before traveling to get a rough idea of the weather in Italy.
Staples that I swear by in spring as a local include a light jacket, long-sleeve light cotton tops/sweaters and jeans. I also carry a small compact umbrella in case it rains and live in sport shoes.
The below table shows average maximum highs and low temperatures in Italy from March to May:
| City | Month | ||
| March | April | May | |
| Milan | 57°F (14°C)/39°F (4°C) | 65°F (18°C)/46°F (8°C) | 71°F (22°C)/52°F (11°C) |
| Turin | 53°F (12°C)/35°F (2°C) | 61°F (16°C)/42°F (6°C) | 67°F (19°C)/48°F (9°C) |
| Venice | 55°F (13°C)/43°F (6°C) | 64°F (18°C)/51°F (10°C) | 70°F (21°C)/58°F (14°C) |
| Trento | 45°F (7°C)/28°F (-2°C) | 53°F (12°C)/36°F (2°C) | 59°F (15°C)/42°F (5°C) |
| Trieste | 52°F (11°C)/38°F (3°C) | 61°F (16°C)/45°F (7°C) | 67°F (19°C)/52°F (11°C) |
| Bologna | 58°F (14°C)/39°F (4°C) | 66°F (19°C)/46°F (8°C) | 73°F (23°C)/53°F (12°C) |
| Florence | 54°F (12°C)/37°F (3°C) | 63°F (17°C)/43°F (6°C) | 69°F (20°C)/49°F (9°C) |
| Rome | 60°F (15°C)/44°F (7°C) | 67°F (19°C)/49°F (10°C) | 72°F (22°C)/55°F (13°C) |
| Naples | 58°F (14°C)/48°F (9°C) | 64°F (18°C)/52°F (11°C) | 70°F (21°C)/28°F (14°C) |
| Bari | 59°F (15°C)/48°F (9°C) | 65°F (18°C)/52°F (11°C) | 71°F (22°C)/58°F (15°C) |
| Palermo | 60°F (16°C)/50°F (10°C) | 66°F (19°C)/54°F (12°C) | 71°F (22°C)/59°F (15°C) |
Map of Italy
Summer in Italy
If there’s one season that (so far) has stayed consistent, it’s summer weather in Italy. July and August are the hottest months in Italy, with August (for me), being the worst time to visit.
Like many popular travel destinations, August in Italy is busier and more expensive. Services can be limited and longer than usual waiting times are the norm.
After Ferragosto
If you can’t avoid visiting Italy in August aim to come after Ferragosto. The public holiday on 15 August marks the start of the end of the summer for many Italians. Many (not all) begin to make their way back home from holiday destinations. There’s a noticeable difference in numbers once Ferragosto finishes.
For destinations like Sicily, August is a better idea in theory than in practice. It’s a topic I discuss in more detail in my post on when to visit Sicily.
Heatwave horror
As I was writing this post, the thermometer on our patio in Sicily showed a reading of 98.6°F (37°C).
For the second year in a row, Italy, along with other southern European countries, have experienced another severe heatwave.
So extreme was the heatwave in 2023 that the Italian government had to issue warnings for several cities. In Rome, the city sweltered in uncomfortable daytime temperatures of 105.8°F (41°C) in July 2023.
Experts warn that this trend of heatwaves in summer in Italy, Greece and Spain will likely continue each year. If you love very hot weather this information won’t likely bother you. If not, it’s something to bear in mind when deciding on when you want to visit Italy.
The below table shows average maximum highs and low temperatures in Italy from June to August:
| City | Month | ||
| June | July | August | |
| Milan | 80°F (26°C)/61°F (16°C) | 85°F (29°C)/66°F (19°C) | 84°F (29°C)/65°F (18°C) |
| Turin | 75°F (24°C)/57°F (14°C) | 81°F (27°C)/61°F (16°C) | 81°F (27°C)/61°F (16°C) |
| Venice | 80°F (27°C)/66°F (19°C) | 85°F (29°C)/71°F (22°C) | 85°F (30°C)/71°F (21°C) |
| Trento | 68°F (20°C)/50°F (10°C) | 72°F (22°C)/54°F (12°C) | 72°F (22°C)/54°F (12°C) |
| Trieste | 76°F (24°C)/60°F (16°C) | 81°F (27°C)/65°F (18°C) | 82°F (28°C)/64°F (18°C) |
| Bologna | 85°F (29°C)/62°F (17°C) | 91°F (33°C)/67°F (20°C) | 91°F (33°C)/67°F (20°C) |
| Florence | 80°F (27°C)/57°F (14°C) | 88°F (31°C)/62°F (17°C) | 88°F (31°C)/62°F (17°C) |
| Rome | 82°F (28°C)/64°F (18°C) | 88°F (31°C)/69°F (21°C) | 89°F (32°C)/70°F (21°C) |
| Naples | 79°F (26°C)/66°F (19°C) | 85°F (29°C)/71°F (22°C) | 86°F (30°C)/73°F (23°C) |
| Bari | 81°F (27°C)/67°F (19°C) | 86°F (30°C)/72°F (22°C) | 87°F (31°C)/74°F (23°C) |
| Palermo | 80°F (26°C)/66°F (19°C) | 86°F (30°C)/72°F (22°C) | 87°F (30°C)/74°F (23°C) |
Fall in Italy
My favorite season to travel around Italy is fall. Temperatures range from hot to mild and it’s altogether a pleasant time to visit.
September in Italy is like an extension of summer — just without the very high temperatures. Kids have returned to school (by the second week) and crowded places gradually become quieter.
October in Italy
Italy in October is another great month for traveling around the country. While you may need to think about packing light outerwear, temperatures are still mild.
In some tourist parts of Italy, for example in Sicily, the end of October signifies the end of the season. It’s a time when some hotels and resorts close for business until the following year. Larger cities like Palermo and Catania are usually excluded from this.
Consider November
The month of Halloween, November in Italy is another of my favorite times to travel. November is usually when we dust off our heavier outerwear and dig out our scarves. With the days getting shorter, visiting Italy in November involves some planning so you get the most from your trip.
The below table shows average maximum highs and low temperatures in Italy from September to November:
| City | Month | ||
| September | October | November | |
| Milan | 76°F (25°C)/58°F (14°C) | 66°F (19°C)/50°F (10°C) | 55°F (13°C)/42°F (5°C) |
| Turin | 74°F (23°C)/54°F (12°C) | 63°F (17°C)/46°F (8°C) | 52°F (11°C)/37°F (3°C) |
| Venice | 77°F (25°C)/64°F (18°C) | 67°F (19°C)/55°F (13°C) | 57°F (14°C)/47°F (9°C) |
| Trento | 64°F (18°C)/46°F (8°C) | 55°F (13°C)/38°F (3°C) | 45°F (7°C)/32°F (-0°C) |
| Trieste | 73°F (23°C)/57°F (14°C) | 63°F (17°C)/49°F (9°C) | 53°F (12°C)/43°F (6°C) |
| Bologna | 80°F (27°C)/59°F (15°C) | 69°F (21°C)/50°F (10°C) | 58°F (14°C)/42°F (6°C) |
| Florence | 77°F (25°C)/56°F (13°C) | 67°F (19°C)/48°F (9°C) | 56°F (13°C)/42°F (5°C) |
| Rome | 81°F (27°C)/64°F (18°C) | 72°F (22°C)/57°F (14°C) | 63°F (17°C)/50°F (10°C) |
| Naples | 79°F (26°C)/67°F (19°C) | 72°F (22°C)/60°F (16°C) | 64°F (18°C)/55°F (13°C) |
| Bari | 80°F (27°C)/68°F (20°C) | 71°F (22°C)/61°F (16°C) | 64°F (18°C)/55°F (13°C) |
| Palermo | 81°F (27°C)/70°F (21°C) | 74°F (23°C)/64°F (18°C) | 66°F (19°C)/58°F (14°C) |
What are your thoughts on when is the best time to visit Italy? Is there a particular month/time that you’d prefer to travel here? Do you have an experience to share? Let me know in the comments below.
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I love when the weather is really hot and I am always wondering which month would be better for me, thank you for sharing!
I think you are the first to comment that! I'm happy you found this helpful 😀
I have never heard about anything like this before! It was helpful to have the information you provided. Your sharing of it is greatly appreciated.
I'm happy to help
Yes, I also prefer visiting Italy during winter. It's less crowded and since it's non-peak, the hotels and flights are cheaper. I would definitely skip summer and avoid the heatwave horror.
That's a good idea
Great tips for visiting Italy. I have been to Italy in winter, spring and summer and liked it every time. In winter I visited Venice and found it really cold, most of the sightseeing spots were not heated at all. I also went to Rome in August - and liked it. It was hot, but not too croweded (was a few years ago though...).
That's interesting to read about Rome in August; for us it's hell on earth 😀 Apart from Covid, we wouldn't dare return in summer and we have many friends there
I am grateful for the relevant information you provided regarding the ideal seasons to visit Italy. Planning a future trip to Italy has been made a lot easier by your in-depth insights into the country's winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons. Your description of spring, with its beautiful flowers and nice weather, has persuaded me that this is the best time to see the country's splendor in full bloom.
It's really my favourite time. 2023 was a washout here but the temperatures are still pleasant
This is a great starting point for anyone planning a visit to Italy. I visited it in May and cannot agree more that it was perfect weather and very pleasant indeed. It wasn't too hot nor too cold. I would definitely dread the heat wave that people are experiencing now. I would say January too sounds good given that it isn't as cold as the other parts of Europe.
Thanks Ami. I really like January here. We have plenty of sunshine but it is cool and pleasant to travel around
Lovely post! Quick question, for a first time visit to Italy, which city would you recommend? Love the photos, they are gorgeous. 🙂
Hi Tina, thank you! I would recommend any of the big cities first: Rome, Milan or Florence. There's plenty to see and it's a fun introduction to Italy 🙂
Thank you for this fantastic guide on the best time to visit Italy! I really don't ever get to travel, but if I ever did your post would certainly help me to choose the best time to go. This is a great resource for those who are able to travel if they want to visit Italy.
Thank you Catherine I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 I hope you think about visiting Italy one day, I'm certain you will enjoy your time here x
Very informative post. I appreciate you sharing the best times to visit Italy. Temperature changes seems to be plaquing countries across the globe. But would to visit Italy for the food culture.
For the food you can visit even when it's snowing! We eat well all year round 😀
I am Italian, and I found these really good tips. Great blog!
Grazie mille Claudia!
Such a fabulous article. I love Italy 💜
Thank you, visit us again soon x
I think I have visited Italy in every single month and season. It's one of my favourite countries so I go there a lot. I even lived in Tuscany for a bit, a few years ago. I really like Italy in spring, but also in autumn, when the olive and grape harvests are on. I remember visiting Rome last year at the beginning of April and it down-poured every single day. Whilst everyone was hiding from the rain, I got the Colosseum all to myself, and that was such a special moment.
Yes! I think the months that people shy away from are the best. I think the colosseo looks so much better with the rain too!
I always book my trips to Europe in spring or autumn as summer is too hot and crowded, and for me, it's the best time to stay home in England. The weather patterns around the world are all upside down. I have just spent a month in Malaysia, and the weather was completely out of kilter. Even the locals said it was upside down. With climate change, it is hard to book around the seasons, and you should just go when you feel like it.
I completely agree with you. Each August we stay at home (in Sicily) as it's too crowded, hot and expensive to do anything else
We certainly would look to both spring or the fall for our trips to Italy. But would be willing to start early (March) and stay later (into November). But we have experienced the challenges with restaurants and services being closed. There would likely not be anything that would draw me to Italy in the summer with heat and crowds!
I don't blame you at all! It's really hectic in summer and not enjoyable (for me)
Oh I can totally relate to the heatwave horror in Sicily, I lived in Palermo for half a year during my university exchange and I count my lucky stars that I arrived the second week of September and not earlier! I had friends who were dying in the heat during the summer. I did suffer in the winter though, as I was constantly freezing inside. I think the best time to be in Sicily (in my opinion) is October or November!
I agree, September is still very hot there. I like November too, it's too cold to swim for me but we still go to the beach
I've always been told the fall is the best time bc the summer's are just too hot and the cities are so crowded...everything is booked up and its a bit chaotic. Off seasons are I think always the best time to travel. I'd love to visit Italy and stay there for a few weeks at least.
Autumn is my favorite time. It's still warm and less busy. Come and stay longer next time 🙂
I really dislike the heat so Spring and Autumn sound like great months for me to visit Italy.
I am the same! They're the best times (for me too) to visit)
Thank you for sharing your personal insights on the best time to visit Italy. Your detailed analysis of each season and its pros and cons is helpful for travelers. The personal anecdotes and climate trends provide valuable information for planning a memorable trip to Italy. Well done!
I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂 I hope it helps others plan their Italy trip too
What a great post. Being from Europe, I know how the weather can be different each time. Lots of rain too! For those wanting to visit Italy, they'll be able to get a good gauge on when to go.
Thank you Kimberly, I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I've been to Italy more often in the Autumn time/ early Winter so October and November and generally been quite lucky. Although we spent a few days in Venice one November and there was quite a bit of flooding. But for us the limited crowds, cooler temperatures and prices made a difference. This is really interesting to hear from a local x
Thank you 🙂 I really like autumn here, the weather is still good and so comfortable for traveling around
Take me to Italy please....I love Italy and have been to Italy a few times and love it!!! Such a gorgeous country.
Come again soon
I absolutely agree with June in Italy. Best time indeed. Not so warm or crowded as the summer times, but perfect to enjoy all the places in good weather. I loved my last trip in June and kinda got irritated in my previous trip in August. Good to know that June is perfect for Amalfi Coast too. Gotta plan that next.
Irritation in August is normal I promise! Plan for next June it's great 🙂
I love the vibe of Italy in winter. The fog on the canals is amazing.
I find it so alluring too