THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ITALY : YOUR ULTIMATE MONTHLY GUIDE
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This post is all about when is the best time of year to visit Italy with an ultimate season by season guide and monthly review
Are you planning a trip to Italy but you’re struggling to decide the best time to visit Italy. If so this helpful guide will help you plan a trip of a lifetime.
From the beautiful waters of the Amalfi Coast to the ancient ruins of Rome it’s unsurprising that the famous European destination of Italy remains a hotspot for tourists every year.
But there’s one thing that people struggle to figure out when they’re planning their ideal itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
Do you love mild weather and fewer crowds? Spring might be your sweet spot. Prefer sun-drenched beach days and buzzing city life? Summer is for you. Want to experience Italy like a local, with crisp autumn air and vineyard harvests? Autumn could be perfect. Or maybe you’re after cozy winter vibes with Christmas markets and snow-capped mountains. No matter your travel style, there’s an ideal time for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best times to visit Italy based on weather, crowds, and the experiences you don’t want to miss. Let’s find the perfect season for your Italian adventure!
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This post is all about when is the best time of year to visit Italy
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ITALY?
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If you’re short on time I’ll just tell you right now the best time to visit Italy is the shoulder seasons of late Spring (April and May) and Autumn (September and October).
During this time the weather is pleasant, the prices are decent and the crowds are managable. Most of the attractions will also be open during this time too.
SHOULD YOU AVOID ITALY IN THE SUMMER?
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I have a possibly controversal opinion that Italy in the height of summer is best avoided. Summer is June, July and August and I’d say particularly for July and August just avoid. You could go beginning of June and it would be alright but anything later into the summer months and you’re facing higher prices, crazy crowds and honestly, sometimes, a pretty unpleasant experience.
Now this does of course depend on where abouts you are going in Italy. In the summer the Italians will be headed to the coastal areas for their summer holidays and this leads to huge crowds in places like the Amalfi Coast. Add to that the oversees tourists and it can can crazy with crowds. Italy is a popular holiday destination!
The summer also overlaps with many school holidays in Europe. In Italy schools close the second week in June until mid September so there will be lots of families and young children about during the summer.
SPRING IN ITALY
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Italy in springtime in wonderful! Mid to late May may be my personal favourite time for a visit although to be honest I’d visit Italy whenever, wherever! I love the place!
March, April and May are the shoulder season in Italy and the temperatures are starting to warm up but the crowds haven’t all decended yet.
There are beautiful wildflowers that begin to pop up everywhere sending the already beautiful countryside in to fields of rainbows.
The days are getting longer so you can wake with the early morning sunshine but not have to contend with the scorching Italian mid day sun you get in summer.
Be careful around Easter though as the prices will shoot up and people will go on holidays around that time so there will be an influx of crowds in the 2 weeks either side of Easter.
ITALY IN MARCH
As the winter fades and spring slowly emerges, the country begins to wake up from its quieter months. The temperatures start to warm up, especially in cities like Rome and Florence, where daytime highs can reach around 15°C (59°F).
In the north, particularly in the Alps, there’s still snow if you want to squeeze in some last-minute skiing. Meanwhile, in the south, places like Sicily and the Amalfi Coast enjoy milder weather, making it a great time to explore without the peak-season crowds.
One of the biggest perks of visiting Italy in March is the lower number of tourists compared to the busy summer months. Famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Uffizi Gallery are far easier to enjoy without long lines. Plus, prices for flights and accommodation tend to be more budget-friendly.
MARCH HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Carnevale di Venezia (late Feb/early March) – One of the most famous festivals in Italy, featuring elaborate masks, grand parades, and lively celebrations in Venice.
Festa della Donna (March 8) – International Women’s Day is widely celebrated in Italy, with men giving mimosa flowers to women as a sign of appreciation.
San Giuseppe / Father’s Day (March 19) – Celebrated across Italy, particularly in Sicily, with special treats like zeppole (fried pastries filled with cream or ricotta).
Spring Equinox at the Pantheon (March 20-21) – A fascinating natural event where the sun aligns perfectly with the oculus of the Pantheon in Rome, filling it with light.
Rome Marathon (varies, usually mid-March) – One of Italy’s biggest marathons, taking runners past iconic landmarks in the Eternal City.
Holy Week and Easter (mid to late March) - Holy Week is one of the busiest times of the year to visit Italy. While Easter Sunday can fall as early as March 21, it usually takes place between March 31 to April 16, with Holy Week preceding it.
Mid to Late March – Pesto World Pesto Championship, Genoa : Every two years, on even years, Genoa holds a competition to see who can make the best pesto in the traditional way, using only a marble mortar and wooden pestle. The World Pesto Championship is open to professionals and amateurs and there is also a competition for kids.
APRIL IN ITALY
April is one of the best months to visit Italy, as spring is in full bloom, bringing mild temperatures and longer days. The weather is generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 12–20°C (54–68°F), though it can still be a bit chilly in the north and higher altitudes.
Tourist crowds are lighter compared to the summer months, making it an ideal time to explore Italy’s iconic sights without the overwhelming hustle and bustle.
Spring festivals, food fairs, and open-air events also kick off across the country, making it a fantastic time to experience authentic Italian traditions.
MARCH HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Easter Sunday & Easter Monday (Pasqua & Pasquetta) (could be March or April) – Major religious celebrations across Italy, with processions, church services, and special Easter feasts. Pasquetta (Easter Monday) is a national holiday where locals enjoy picnics and outdoor gatherings.
Holy Week Processions (Settimana Santa) (leading up to Easter Sunday) – Spectacular religious processions take place in cities like Rome, Florence, and Palermo, with the Pope leading a special service at the Vatican.
Rome’s Birthday (Natale di Roma) (April 21) – Rome celebrates its legendary founding in 753 BC with historical reenactments, parades, and fireworks.
Vinitaly (early/mid-April, Verona) – One of the world’s biggest wine fairs, attracting wine lovers and industry professionals for tastings and exhibitions.
Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) (April 25) – A national holiday marking the end of Nazi occupation during World War II, with political events, concerts, and celebrations.
Tulip Festival at Castello di Pralormo (all month, Piedmont) – A stunning display of tulips at a historic castle, drawing flower lovers and photographers.
MAY IN ITALY
May is a spectacular time to visit Italy, as the country basks in warm spring sunshine, flowers are in full bloom, and the summer crowds haven’t yet taken over.
The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15–25°C (59–77°F) depending on the region. It’s warm enough to enjoy the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, or Sicily without the intense heat of summer, while cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are perfect for sightseeing without the sweltering midday sun.
If you love nature, May is an ideal month to explore Tuscany’s rolling vineyards, the Dolomites’ hiking trails, and the picturesque lakes of Lombardy, as everything is lush and vibrant.
MAY HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Labor Day (Festa dei Lavoratori) (May 1) – A national holiday with concerts, parades, and demonstrations, especially in cities like Rome, Milan, and Bologna.
Cantine Aperte (Open Wineries) (late May, nationwide) – Wineries across Italy open their doors for tastings and vineyard tours, making it a great time for wine lovers.
Giro d’Italia (May, nationwide) – Italy’s most prestigious cycling race, passing through breathtaking landscapes and historic cities.
Sagra della Fragola (Strawberry Festival) (early/mid-May, Nemi, Lazio) – A food festival dedicated to fresh strawberries, featuring desserts, liqueurs, and live music.
Festa di San Nicola (May 7-9, Bari, Puglia) – Celebrations honoring Saint Nicholas, featuring religious processions, fireworks, and traditional Puglian cuisine.
Festa della Sensa (mid-May, Venice) – A historical festival in Venice celebrating the city’s maritime traditions, with boat parades and regattas.
Rolle Wine Festival (early May, Veneto) – A fantastic event to taste Prosecco and regional wines in the charming hills of Veneto.
SUMMER IN ITALY
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Summer in Italy is a sun-soaked season filled with long days, lively festivals, and a buzzing atmosphere.
From June to August, temperatures rise, beaches along the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and Sicily come alive, and cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice brim with tourists.
Outdoor dining, sunset aperitivos, and al fresco concerts make summer a magical time, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive season.
If you’re visiting in summer, be prepared for high temperatures (often exceeding 30°C/86°F), crowded landmarks, and higher accommodation prices - but also incredible energy, exciting cultural events, and stunning coastal escapes.
The major downside of summer is the crowds.
They can be intense! I was in Positano once in August and, honestly, the crowds really hindered by ability to enjoy the place.
You can probably manage the slightly lower crowd levels in June, but July and August will be very busy and it can be pretty expensive.
JUNE IN ITALY
June marks the beginning of summer in Italy, with warm but not scorching temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a great mix of cultural events and outdoor activities. It’s the perfect time to explore cities before the extreme heat of July and August sets in.
The Tuscan countryside, Lake Como, and the Dolomites are stunning in June, offering lush landscapes and comfortable weather for hiking or vineyard-hopping.
Coastal regions like Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and Puglia start getting busier, but the crowds are still manageable compared to the peak season in July and August.
The sea is warm enough for swimming, making it a fantastic time for a beach trip before the summer rush.
JUNE HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Festa della Repubblica (June 2, nationwide) – Italy’s national day with parades, fireworks, and celebrations, particularly in Rome.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino (mid-June, Florence) – An intense, historic football game dating back to the Renaissance, played in medieval-style costumes.
Festa di San Giovanni (June 24, Florence, Genoa, and Turin) – Celebrations with fireworks, parades, and riverboat races to honor St. John the Baptist.
Verona Opera Festival (June–September, Verona) – One of Italy’s most famous opera events, held in the stunning Roman Arena.
JULY IN ITALY
July is peak summer in Italy, with high temperatures (often 30-35°C/86-95°F) and bustling tourist spots.The beaches of Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily are packed, while cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice can feel sweltering and crowded.
Many locals take their holidays in late July, escaping to the mountains or seaside, making some cities quieter but coastal resorts and islands extremely busy.
You’ll get tourists coming in from all across Europe and often the US too, making attractions crowded and the queues for things like the Coliseum incredibly long!
If you are visiting Italy during July, try and look for hotels that have air conditioning, as you will need it.
If you’re visiting in July, early mornings and late evenings are the best times for sightseeing, while afternoons are perfect for relaxing at the beach or enjoying a long Italian lunch under the shade.
JULY HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Festa del Redentore (mid-July, Venice) – A spectacular fireworks festival with a floating bridge across the Grand Canal.
Ravello Festival (July–September, Amalfi Coast) – A stunning classical music and arts festival set in Ravello’s cliffside gardens.
Ischia Global Film & Music Festival (mid-July, Ischia) – A prestigious film and music festival on the island of Ischia.
AUGUST IN ITALY
August is the hottest and busiest month in Italy. Temperatures can get above 35°C (95°F), although it’s more common to be in the high 20°Cs and many Italians take long holidays, particularly around Ferragosto (August 15th), a national holiday. This means that major cities may feel emptier as locals escape to beach destinations and mountain retreats, while coastal areas, islands, and lake regions are at their busiest.
If you’re planning to visit in August, it’s essential to book accommodations well in advance and prepare for crowds, especially in hotspots like Capri, Positano, and Lake Garda.
I would personally avoid August if possible, especially in the coastal parts of Italy!
AUGUST HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Ferragosto (August 15, nationwide) – A major national holiday with beach parties, religious celebrations, and fireworks.
Notte di San Lorenzo (August 10, nationwide) – The "Night of Shooting Stars", when Italians gather outdoors to watch meteor showers.
La Quintana (early August, Ascoli Piceno) – A medieval jousting tournament with costumed parades and historical reenactments.
Sagra dell’Uva (late August, multiple locations) – A series of grape festivals celebrating Italy’s upcoming wine harvest season.
AUTUMN IN ITALY
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Autumn in Italy is a breathtaking season filled with golden vineyards, crisp mountain air, and fewer crowds. Along with Spring it’s probably the best time to visit Italy.
From September to November, the intense summer heat begins to fade, making it a perfect time for city sightseeing, countryside escapes, and wine tasting.
The harvest season brings delicious food festivals, especially in Tuscany and Piedmont, where truffles, mushrooms, and freshly pressed olive oil take center stage.
The changing foliage paints the Dolomites, Umbria, and Lake Como in stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow. Plus, with milder temperatures and lower prices, autumn is an ideal time to experience Italy’s cultural sites, charming villages, and scenic landscapes without the summer rush.
SEPTEMBER IN ITALY
September marks the transition from summer to autumn, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the beaches along the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Sardinia, but without the peak-season crowds.
Wine harvest season begins, making it the perfect time to visit vineyards in Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto for tastings and grape-picking experiences.
The cooler weather also makes it a fantastic time for hiking in the Dolomites or exploring Italy’s historic cities without the sweltering heat.
SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Venice Film Festival (late August – early September, Venice) – One of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, attracting global celebrities.
Regata Storica (first Sunday of September, Venice) – A historic gondola race along the Grand Canal, featuring beautifully decorated boats.
Grape Harvest Festivals (throughout September, Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto) – Celebrations in wine regions marking the start of the vendemmia (grape harvest) with tastings and local traditions.
San Gennaro Feast Day (September 19, Naples) – Celebrating Naples’ patron saint, hoping for the "miracle" of Saint Gennaro’s blood liquefaction.
OCTOBER IN ITALY
October is when autumn is in full swing, bringing cooler weather, stunning fall foliage, and some of the best food festivals of the year.
The grape harvest continues, and wineries welcome visitors for tastings and seasonal food pairings. Truffle season begins, especially in Piedmont and Umbria, where you can join truffle-hunting excursions.
This month is also ideal for sightseeing, as major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are less crowded, and accommodation prices drop.
If you love scenic road trips, Tuscany’s rolling hills and the Dolomites’ rugged peaks are particularly breathtaking in autumn.
OCTOBER HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Alba White Truffle Festival (mid-October – early December, Piedmont) – The world’s most famous truffle market, where food lovers can buy, taste, and bid on prized white truffles.
Eurochocolate Festival (mid-October, Perugia) – A paradise for chocolate lovers, featuring chocolate sculptures, tastings, and workshops.
Roma Film Festival (late October, Rome) – A major film festival attracting international stars and directors.
Chestnut Festivals (all month, Tuscany, Trentino, Piedmont) – Local towns celebrate autumn’s chestnut harvest with roasted chestnuts, chestnut cakes, and street fairs.
NOVEMBER IN ITALY
November is one of the quietest months for tourism, but that makes it a fantastic time for budget travellers to enjoy Italy’s historical sites, museums, and cultural experiences without the crowds.
The weather is cool and sometimes rainy, making it cozy café season, perfect for sipping a cappuccino in Rome or indulging in hot chocolate in Turin.
Truffle and chestnut festivals continue, offering some of Italy’s best seasonal flavors.
Cities like Venice, Milan, and Florence take on a more local, relaxed vibe, as fewer tourists mean you can truly experience the rhythm of Italian life.
Meanwhile, Southern Italy remains relatively mild, making it a great time to visit Sicily, Puglia, or Naples before winter sets in.
In Venice, the unique Acqua Alta (high water) phenomenon begins, sometimes flooding St. Mark’s Square and adding to the city's mysterious beauty.
NOVEMBER HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
All Saints’ Day (November 1, nationwide) – A public holiday honoring saints and deceased loved ones, with church services and cemetery visits.
Alba White Truffle Festival (continues from October, Piedmont) – The most prestigious truffle event in the world.
Festa della Madonna della Salute (November 21, Venice) – A Venetian religious festival where locals walk across a temporary bridge to the Madonna della Salute church to give thanks.
WINTER IN ITALY
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Winter in Italy is a season of contrasts, where snow-capped mountains in the north meet mild, sunny days in the south.
It’s the perfect time for skiing in the Alps and Dolomites, indulging in festive holiday markets, and experiencing Italy’s cities without the peak-season crowds.
Cozy cafes, rich comfort food, and steaming cups of cioccolata calda (Italian hot chocolate) make even chilly days enjoyable. I once spent 2 weeks in Piedmont (northern Italy) just after Christmas and it was wonderful with snow on the ground and clear blue skies.
The holiday season brings Christmas lights, nativity scenes, and New Year’s celebrations.
Whether you’re seeking winter sports, festive traditions, or cultural exploration, Italy in winter has something special to offer.
DECEMBER IN ITALY
December is one of the most magical times to visit Italy, as cities and towns twinkle with Christmas lights and festive decorations.
Christmas markets pop up in cities like Bolzano, Florence, and Rome, offering handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and delicious seasonal treats like panettone and torrone.
Churches and piazzas display elaborate nativity scenes (presepi), with Naples being the most famous city for handcrafted nativity figurines.
The holiday atmosphere is everywhere, from Milan’s grand shopping streets to smaller villages where age-old traditions thrive.
Towards the end of the month, Italy gears up for New Year's Eve (Capodanno) with fireworks, feasts, and celebrations in major cities like Rome, Venice, and Naples.
In ski resorts across the Dolomites and Alps, the ski season is in full swing, making it a fantastic time for winter sports enthusiasts.
DECEMBER HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Christmas Markets (all month, nationwide) – Festive markets featuring holiday treats, crafts, and decorations, with some of the best in Bolzano, Florence, and Milan.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8, nationwide) – A public holiday marking the start of Christmas celebrations, often with festivals and processions.
Saint Lucy’s Day (December 13, Sicily, Northern Italy) – A religious festival with parades, lights, and traditional foods.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (December 24-25, nationwide) – Celebrated with big family feasts, midnight Mass, and nativity displays.
Santo Stefano (December 26, nationwide) – A public holiday often spent with family, visiting nativity scenes, or attending holiday events.
New Year's Eve (December 31, nationwide) – Massive celebrations with fireworks, concerts, and feasts, especially in Rome, Naples, and Venice.
JANUARY IN ITALY
January is one of the quietest months for tourism, making it ideal if you’re a budget-conscious traveller who wants to experience Italy without the crowds.
It’s also the coldest month of the year, with snow in the mountains and northern cities, while southern Italy remains relatively mild. Ski resorts in the Dolomites and Alps are in peak season, drawing skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
The holiday season lingers into early January with the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6), marking the end of Christmas. In many towns, La Befana, a friendly witch-like figure, delivers treats to children. After this, Italy slows down, offering visitors a more local and authentic experience.
It’s the perfect time to explore museums, art galleries, and historical sites without the long lines.
JANUARY HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
New Year’s Day (January 1, nationwide) – A public holiday, with many businesses closed as Italians recover from New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Epiphany & La Befana (January 6, nationwide) – A major holiday marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men, featuring parades, processions, and Befana celebrations in towns like Urbania.
Almond Blossom Festival (late January, Sicily) – Celebrates the early blooming almond trees with folk music, parades, and traditional Sicilian food.
Winter Sales (January – February, nationwide) – Huge discounts on fashion and designer brands in cities like Milan and Florence.
FEBRUARY IN ITALY
February in Italy is lively and colourful, thanks to Carnival celebrations that bring elaborate masks, street parades, and festive energy to cities across the country.
Venice Carnival is the most famous, where visitors dress in ornate costumes and enjoy masquerade balls, water parades, and historical reenactments.
Viareggio, in Tuscany, also hosts a spectacular Carnival with giant floats and satirical performances.
Outside of Carnival, February remains a quiet travel month, making it a great time to explore cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples without the usual crowds.
It’s still cold in the north, but southern regions like Sicily and Puglia begin to see the first hints of spring.
Ski resorts remain busy with winter sports enthusiasts, while fashion lovers flock to Milan for Milan Fashion Week.
FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Venice Carnival (mid to late February, Venice) – One of the world’s most famous Carnival celebrations, with masked balls, gondola parades, and street performances.
Viareggio Carnival (February – early March, Tuscany) – A huge Carnival celebration featuring giant papier-mâché floats and political satire.
Saint Valentine’s Day (February 14, nationwide) – Romantic dinners and celebrations across Italy, especially in places like Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet.
Milan Fashion Week (late February, Milan) – A major fashion event showcasing top designers, runway shows, and celebrity appearances.
You’re travelling in Italy? These articles will help you
ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE The place to go for all your Italy travel information. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip to Italy wherever you are planning on visiting. If you’re visiting Italy as a solo traveller you’ll want to read the solo womens guide to travelling in Italy.
ROME : If you’re wondering on what the best things are to do in Rome you should check out how to spend your time in Rome.
CAMPANIA : Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii is an interesting day trip you can do from Rome to learn the history of the huge eruption and the consequences. Are you wondering if you should visit Naples? This 24 hours in Naples will help you decide. If you’re visiting Naples and Mount Vesuvius you’ll want to know how to get to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii from Naples.
AMALFI COAST : Is Positano worth the hype? Amalfi is a great little town on the Amalfi Coast but is Amalfi Town worth visiting? Visiting the Blue Grotto is a great thing to do when in Capri so you can read about our experience for more information. Hidden treasures in Sorrento takes a look at one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. You can also read about my first impressions of Sorrento.
Read all of my articles about Italy in my Italy Travel Guide.
ITALY ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to Italy? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to Italy using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Italy and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in Italy on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in Italy on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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