Best Time To Visit Italy

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What is the best time to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy is during the Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) seasons. During Spring, the weather is mild, and the landscapes are lush and colorful. Mild temperatures, harvest festivals, and wine regions come alive in fall. It's a great time for food and wine enthusiasts. These months offer pleasant weather conditions and smaller crowds. It is also an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities, as it is typically dry season and the crowds are also not at their peak. J

uly and August are the hottest months in Italy whereas January is the coldest. November is the wettest month, so you might want to avoid it if you're looking for outdoor activities.  Summer tends to get hot and crowded, as well as, expensive, while the winter months are plain wet and cold (especially in the North). Travellers might even want to consider the winter months if they are keen on experiencing a ski resort in the mountainous regions. Once the dates of your trip are finalised, make sure to check the list of holidays and festivals that might coincide with your stay.

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Summer Season in Italy - Peak Season (Mid-May to July)

Italy experiences its peak travel season during the summer, despite the soaring temperatures. Mid-May to July sees the highest number of tourists in this country. The rates are also at their maximum during this time. September is another month that is part of the peak tourist season. If you do want to avoid crowds during the peak season, then it is recommended to plan a trip to lesser-known places and smaller villages. Big cities like Venice and Florence would be packed with tourist crowds. Mountainous regions with ski resorts witness a high season during the months of snowfall.

Shoulder Season in Italy (March to mid-May and October to November)

The shoulder season for Italy's tourism is from March to mid-May and then again from October to November. Surprisingly, these are some of the best months to visit Italy. They offer delightful temperatures and reasonable prices. Autumn is, however, gaining popularity and might soon become a part of the peak season.

Winter Season in Italy - Offseason in Italy (December to February)

Winter (December to February) is considered to be Italy?s offseason for tourism. The time around the Carnival (usually in February) is an exception. August is also a part of the low season as a majority of the locals go on vacation this month, leading to decreased hotel prices and much lesser crowds. Most of the restaurants and shops usually shut down during this period. You can expect to get excellent deals on your hotel accommodation during the low season. Mountainous regions with ski resorts are an exception to this norm. They experience a high season during winters.

Italy Weather in January

North Italy Weather in January
January is the coldest month in the whole of Italy, recording an average low temperature of 3 degrees Celsius in the northern regions. The average high temperatures reach about 11 degrees Celsius. Travellers are advised to brace themselves for some of the chilliest weather conditions of the year, irrespective of the region they are visiting. Certain areas experience snowfall, white few others witness heavy fog and rain. Overall, January sees frequently cloudy skies. Make sure to pack lots of winter clothing including, sweaters, scarves, gloves and jackets.

South Italy Weather in January
The average temperature in the southern parts of Italy is about 9 degrees Celsius with the average high and average low temperatures recording 13 degrees Celsius and 5 degrees Celsius respectively. You can expect to experience Mediterranean weather in these parts, the weather conditions becoming cool but not intolerably cold. January sees pleasant and warm afternoons and also a fair chance of rainfall and even frost during the nights.

Events and Festivals in Italy in January
  • The first week of January sees two national holidays - New Year?s Day and Epiphany or La Befana on 6th January. Several public places including restaurants, museums, galleries, shops and historic sites remain shut during these two days. Italians exchange gifts with each other following an age-old tradition.
  • The Trasimeno Blues Festival holds its winter edition during the first week of January. It is a prestigious music festival that takes place at Lake Trasimeno.
  • The festival of Saint Anthony the Abbot is an Italian holiday that is held on 17th January throughout the country.
  • Another significant event in Italy during January is winter sales. The sales start in January and go on till mid-February.

Italy Weather in February

North Italy Weather in February
The temperatures start to gradually increase in February, with an average high temperature of 8 degrees Celsius and an average low temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. However, the temperatures in the mountainous parts are still close to freezing. You can also see a considerable decrease in the amount of precipitation.

South Italy Weather in February
The weather conditions in the southern parts of Italy are similar to that in January. The average high and average low temperatures remain 13 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius respectively. One difference is that this month sees relatively more rainfall, that is followed by bright sunshine. So you can expect some fluctuations in the temperatures.

Events and Festivals in Italy in February
  • February hosts one of the years most significant events in Italy, the Carnival. It is a period for masked celebrations in several towns across the country. The Venice Carnival is regarded as the biggest and the best among all. The entire floating city transforms into a living theatre set for more than two weeks. Thousands of participants don costumes and attend masquerade balls during the Carnival. The main highlight of the event is the candlelit, silent water parade with hundreds of gondolas floating along the Canal Grande.
  • Feast of Saint Agatha is one of the biggest religious festivals in the world. It takes place in Catania, Sicily and attracts around million people to participate in the three-day event.
  • February is a great time to go skiing on the powdery slopes of the mountains.

Italy Weather in March

North Italy Weather in March
The weather conditions gradually improve throughout March. Expect to see a significant decrease in rainfall and snow, with the average high and average low temperatures recording 10 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius respectively. However, towards the end of the month, the temperatures start reaching about 17 degrees Celsius. The last week of March is hence, an excellent time to plan a visit to Northern Italy.

South Italy Weather in March
March is the month of Spring in Italy. The weather conditions in the southern parts can get quite unpredictable. You can expect to take in plenty of sunshine with the average high temperatures reaching 16 degrees Celsius. The increased daylight hours also make it an ideal time to take part in outdoor activities. March is often considered to be a perfect time to visit the southern parts of Italy as it's less crowded and the weather conditions are neither too hot nor too cold.

Events and Festivals in Italy in March
  • The Carnival and Easter can sometimes fall in March. Travellers are advised to check the calendar for that year?s dates before planning their trip.
  • Festa Della Donna or Women?s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year. In Italy, men gift yellow mimosas or other flowers to the women in their lives. There are several local events and concerts held in different parts of the country.
  • Festa di San Giuseppe or Father?s Day is celebrated on March 19 in Italy.

Italy Weather in April

North Italy Weather in April
April marks the transition from spring to summer. Expect unpredictable weather conditions and occasional April showers. The average high temperature reaches 19 degrees Celsius, although on some warmer days it may even touch around 25 degrees Celsius.

South Italy Weather in April
If you?re visiting South Italy in April, make sure that you pack sunglasses and lots of sunscreens. The sea temperatures are usually cold, ruling out any visits to the beach. The warm, sunny days are followed by cooler evenings. Similar to the North, the average high temperatures reach 18 degrees Celsius, with some days recording close to 25 degrees Celsius.

Events and Festivals in Italy in April
  • Every church throughout Italy celebrates Easter Mass. The biggest and most popular Mass is celebrated at Saint Peter?s Basilica by the Pope. Individual statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus are paraded around in the city and are put on display in the main square. Towns of Trapani and Enna are known to hold particularly elaborate processions.
  • VinItaly is the largest wine exhibition in the world. It is held in Verona in mid-April for four days. Visitors get to study, taste and buy wine at this celebration of wine, food, music and art.
  • Liberation Day, on April 25th, which is also Saint Mark's Day is a national holiday in Italy. It commemorates the fall of Mussolini. The celebrations include a large boat race and a party at Saint Mark?s Square.

Italy Weather in May

North Italy Weather in May
May is one of the best times to visit North Italy. With summer about to settle in and the crowds starting to increase, this month brings warmer temperatures and lesser rains. The average high temperature in May is 24 degrees Celsius. The days get warmer as the month progresses and you can expect to see lots of bright and sunny days. Towards the evening, the weather conditions start to get colder with temperatures falling to around 13 degrees Celsius.

South Italy Weather in May
The average daily high temperature in the southern parts of Italy reaches 23 degrees Celsius in May, which is a considerable increase from last month. Expect abundant sunshine and much lesser rainfall.

Events and Festivals in Italy in May
  • Labour Day or International Workers? Day is a national holiday in Italy. It is held annually on 1st May. Majority of the museums and other business organisations remain closed on this day. Public transport and even restaurants have limited options. Rome hosts a free rock concert, Concerto del Primo Maggio, on Piazza San Giovanni. It features famous bands and songwriters who perform till the late hours of the night.
  • Festival of Sant?Efisio is an important festival for the city of Cagliari. It takes place on May 1st each year and is attended in huge numbers by both locals and tourists. This fabulous festival holds a colourful parade through the picturesque streets of the historic city.
  • One of Italy?s oldest folklore events, Festa dei Ceri, is hosted in the town of Gubbio on May 15 every year. A race is organized to honour Saint Ubaldo, featuring a unique procession where the locals carry large wooden candles to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo.

Italy Weather in June

North Italy Weather in June
June is when summer officially starts in North Italy. You?ll get to experience plenty of sunshine and warm days. Italy also gets crowded around this time of the year. The average maximum temperature shoots up to 28 degrees Celsius this month. On some of the warmer days, the temperature can also go up to 40 degrees Celsius.

South Italy Weather in June
South Italy records an average maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. Expect warm days that are followed by pleasant and cool evenings. The sea temperatures rise to around 24 degrees Celsius and hence offer ideal conditions for visiting the beach.

Events and Festivals in Italy in June
  • Italy?s Republic Day is celebrated on June 2. It is a national holiday, and the celebrations are similar to Independence Day festivities in other countries, having parades and concerts.
  • Festa dei Ranieri is an ancient festival celebrated in Pisa. The celebrations include parades and fireworks.
  • Saints Peter and Paul Day is an important religious holiday in Italy. It celebrates the two most important Saints of Catholicism on June 29 every year. There are special masses held at Saint Peter?s Basilica and San Paolo Fuori Le Mura.
  • The Gay Village festival starts around mid-June in Rome and runs for six weeks. The events include music and dance parties, a film festival and theatre performances.

Italy Weather in July

North Italy Weather in July
July is the hottest month in Italy, along with August. The average maximum temperature reaches 31 degrees Celsius, with deficient precipitation. Travellers often spend their days at the beach this month.

South Italy Weather in July
Apart from being the hottest month, July is also the busiest month in the southern regions of Italy. The average maximum temperature reaches around 30 degrees Celsius, while the average minimum temperature is about 19 degrees Celsius. Not all the accommodations provide air conditioning and hence, travellers are advised to check in advance before going ahead with any booking.

Events and Festivals in Italy in July
  • Il Palio di Siena is one of Italy?s most popular sporting events. It is a bareback horse race that is held around the Piazza del Campo in Sienna. The race is first held on July 2.
  • The cave city of Matera hosts Festa Della Madonna Bruna on July 2nd. During this festival, a massive float of Madonna Bruna is paraded around the town?s streets. The event ends with a spectacular display of fireworks.
  • The Feast of Saint Rosalia or U Fistinu of Saint Rosalia is held in Palermo, Sicily over five days starting July 10th. It is regarded as one of Sicily?s biggest festivals and hosts music and food events. The Feast honours the patron saint of this city who is believed to have rid its residents of a terrible plague.
  • The Festival for the Rest of Us or Festa de Noantri takes place over the last two weeks of July. It is centred around the Feast of Santa Maria del Carmine and honours the working class heritage of the Trastevere neighbourhood in Rome. There is an abundant feast including wine, dance and music, along with a spectacular display of fireworks.
  • The Ravello Music Festival starts in July. It is held outdoors along the Amalfi coast. The performances range from jazz to contemporary Italian and even classical opera.

Italy Weather in August

North Italy Weather in August
The average maximum temperature goes up to 31 degrees Celsius, while some days record 40 degrees Celsius. Quite a few restaurants and shops remain closed during this month to avoid the scorching heat. The locals often take a vacation during August to skip the soaring temperatures. They usually travel up north towards the mountainous regions with relatively cooler temperatures and picturesque lakes.

South Italy Weather in August
The high temperatures from July continue into August, along with increased humidity. The average maximum temperature reaches 30 degrees Celsius. However, on days with higher humidity, the weather can seem much hotter. It is advised to incorporate indoor activities if you?re planning to visit South Italy in August. The heat exhaustion can be avoided by spending the hottest hours of the day inside galleries, museums and churches. Locals usually spend their time at the beach. The nights tend to stay warm and hence, it is recommended to book an air-conditioned accommodation for the duration of your stay.

Events and Festivals in Italy in August
  • The religious holiday of Assumption takes place on August 15th. Roman Catholics celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven on this day.
  • Palio del Golfo is a rowing race that sees participation from 13 maritime villages. It is held on the first Sunday of August in the Bay of La Spezia. The Tuscan Sun Festival is held in Cortana and hosts renowned musicians and artists from across the world. It goes on for nine days starting from the first weekend of August. Expect art, music, food and wine along with several other cultural and local events.
  • The Festa Della Madonna Della Neve is hosted on 5th August each year. This festival celebrates the magical summer snowfall that occurred way back in the year 352. The main highlight of this festival is the sound and light show.

Italy Weather in September

North Italy Weather in September
Early September experiences hot, sunny days that gradually cool off as the month progresses. The average maximum temperature drops to 27 degrees Celsius while the average minimum temperature comes down to 16 degrees Celsius. This month also experiences a greater chance of rainfall, especially during the latter half. Expect plenty of sunshine during the day followed by cooler evenings.

South Italy Weather in September
September marks the beginning of fall in Italy. The temperatures begin to gradually cool down with the average maximum and average minimum being 27 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius respectively. Expect warm and sunny days with occasional rainfall to cool things off.

Events and Festivals in Italy in September
  • The Venice International Film Festival is considered the world?s oldest film festival. It takes place in the first week of September at the Palazzo del Cinema.
  • Venice hosts another historic event on the first Sunday of September, the Regata Storica di Venezia. This event hosts four different races along with plenty of music and food events.
  • The San Gennaro Festival is held in Naples on September 19th every year. It is a famous religious festival that honours the patron saint, Saint Gennaro. Thousands flock to the Piazza del Duomo and Naples Cathedral to witness the saint?s blood liquefy. This particular event is called the miracle of San Gennaro.
  • Juliet?s birthday is celebrated on September 12th each year, in Verona. The streets are filled with entertainment, parades, dances and music.

Italy Weather in October

North Italy Weather in October
October is the official beginning of Autumn in the Northern parts of Italy. The initial days of the month experience delightful weather conditions, owing to which it is a popular time to plan a trip to these parts of the country. The tourist crowds are seen to be increasing. The average high temperature drops drastically to 21 degrees Celsius. There is also an increased probability of rainfall. Despite the lack of warm and sunny days, October is a good month to enjoy a quiet time at the beach.

South Italy Weather in October
The southern regions of Italy experience much colder temperatures in October, along with significantly increased chances of rain. The average maximum temperature drops to 22 degrees Celsius and the average minimum temperature is around 13 degrees Celsius. The weather conditions tend to get chillier as the day progresses. This month is considered by many as an excellent time to visit South Italy. It is, however, not ideal if you plan to visit the beach.

Events and Festivals in Italy in October
  • One of Europe?s biggest chocolate festivals, Eurochocolate, takes place over ten days in October. It is held in Perugia and hosts several events ranging from cooking classes to chocolate sculpting and wine tasting. This festival offers a unique chance to taste different sorts of chocolates from around the world.
  • Italy?s biggest truffle festival, the Alba White Truffle Festival, takes place during the weekends of this month. It is held in the town of Alba.
  • Boccaccesca is a gastronomic fair held in the town of Certaldo Alto in Tuscany. You will find numerous stalls that sell Tuscany?s famous food and wine.

Italy Weather in November

North Italy Weather in November
The northern parts of Italy get ready to embrace grey and rainy days in November. It is the wettest month of the year, with precipitation reaching 102mm. On the plus side, you can expect cheap accommodations and lesser crowds. The average maximum temperature falls to 15 degrees Celsius, while on some days it can even dip to about 7 degrees Celsius. The mountainous areas might even start to experience snowfall this month.

South Italy Weather in November
Similar to the North, South Italy also experiences its wettest month in November. Precipitation of 140 mm is recorded in this month, with the average maximum temperature dropping to 17 degrees Celsius. Despite the rain and temperatures, the weather conditions down south are still quite comfortable.

Events and Festivals in Italy in November
  • All Saints Day is a public holiday in Italy. It is held on 1st November every year. Italians visit cemeteries to remember the loved ones who have passed away.
  • A White Truffle Fair is held in San Miniato, the medieval hill town in Tuscany. Expect to see lots of entertainment and craft stands.
  • Festa Della Salute is an annual festival that is held on November 21st in Venice. It commemorates the plague of the early 1800s.

Italy Weather in December

North Italy Weather in December
December is part of the low season for tourism in Italy. The areas with ski resorts, however, succeed in attracting numerous visitors. December is also the second coldest month of the year, with the average maximum temperatures dropping to 11 degrees Celsius and some places experiencing an average low temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. The mountainous regions experience frequent and full-fledged snowfall.

South Italy Weather in December
The weather down South is not as cold as in the North. While nights can see the temperature drop to about 6 degrees Celsius, the average maximum temperature is 13 degrees Celsius. Overall, the conditions are relatively pleasant and favourable to engage in outdoor activities, except visiting the beach.

Events and Festivals in Italy in December
  • The Wild Boar Festival is held in the Tuscan town of Suverto. It is a ten-day festival that medieval competitions and a huge wild boar feast.
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception is an annual public holiday celebrated on 8th December every year. It is the day of the Virgin Mary?s conception of Jesus. Parades and feasts are held as a part of this event?s festivities.
  • Santa Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13th throughout Italy. The biggest celebration, however, happens in Sicily. There is a magnificent parade that carries the saint to the Church of Santa Lucia.
  • Most public places remain closed on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Locals usually spend this time with family and friends and attend the midnight mass at the local church. New Year?s Eve sees spectacular celebrations including fireworks and parties at the town squares. Naples is regarded to have the best festivities on this occasion. You can also expect to catch lots of outdoor concerts in the cities of Milan, Palermo and Rome.

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