The best time to visit Italy: Your season-by-season guide to planning the perfect Italian vacation
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 anytime. Italy is so geographically and culturally diverse (and not to mention beautiful and delicious and iconic and historic—the adjectives go on) that you can visit any time of the year and have the best experience ever.
Our Italy tours deliver once-in-a-lifetime adventures in a destination that surpasses expectations no matter when you choose to go. But, there are definitely very good reasons to schedule your trip around specific times of the year. (If beach time is a priority, you’re not going to want to visit in January, right?) So, here’s our season-by-season guide to planning your perfect Italian vacation.
What is the weather like in Italy in each season?
Weather in Italy varies by season and by region. Yes, Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate, but its boot-shaped terrain is quite long. The further north you go, the more mountainous the country becomes, meaning winters are great for skiing, but you can’t expect the same conditions in Rome, further to the south, where it very rarely snows. And of course, the reverse is true: While the average temperature in Sicily during the summer can be very high, the weather is much milder in the mountains in July and August.
Shoulder seasons can be the best times to travel to Italy’s biggest cities, too, when there are fewer visitors and the weather in Italy is sunny and comfortable. In fact, spring or fall might be the ideal seasons to visit and live like a local in Italy.
Winter
is the best time to visit Italy to avoid crowds
What’s great about taking our Grand Tour of Italy in the winter is that you’ll have more of Italy to yourself. 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? And 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.
Months to experience winter in Italy
December, January, and February
Go to Italy in December to find Christmas gifts that’ll earn rave reviews
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.”
Visit Italy in January 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.”
Come to Italy in February to attend Carnival
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 fall 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.
Weather in Italy in December, January & February
Average temperatures are between 39F and 56F.
What our travelers say about winter in Italy
“I wanted to be with a group of people when the clock struck midnight,” traveler Leonell said of our New Year’s Eve in Rome: Italy & Greece tour. “Together, we shared a six-course meal on the top level of an amazing hotel and watched the exploding fireworks go off all across Italy.”
Spring
is best for fresh flowers and fresh produce
In springtime, the weather in Italy can be absolutely perfect as the chill of winter gives way to sunny, warm days. Plus, because peak-travel season has yet to arrive, a trip to Italy in the spring means you’ll experience fewer crowds when exploring the country’s most popular historical sights, from the David in Florence to the ruins of Pompeii in the south. We also love how the change in season revives Italian cities and villages—cherry blossoms, purple wisterias, irises, azaleas, poppies, and many more flowers come into bloom, transforming the entire country into a colorful garden. 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. Experience the freshness when you take our Food & Wine: Southern Italy & Sicily tour tour this time of year and soak in 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.
Months to experience spring in Italy
March, April, and May
Go to Italy in March for family-centric events and delicious treats
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 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.
Visit Italy in April to celebrate Easter in the home of Catholicism
In spring, Easter celebrants spill out of churches and onto streets across the country. 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.)
Come to Italy in May to attend public festivals
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.
Weather in Italy in March, April, and May
Average temperatures are between 43F and 75F.
What our travelers say about spring in Italy
“What a fabulous trip this was,” traveler Deb said of our Food & Wine: Campania, Puglia & the Amalfi Coast tour. “I recommend this trip to anyone who really enjoys food, wine, and going to places that are a bit off the beaten track. The weather was perfect for April; upper-60s to low-70s, and sunny most of the time.”
Summer
is the best time to enjoy Italy’s beaches
Summer in Italy is unlike any place on earth. This is the season when the entire country seems to come alive. If you love hot weather and fresh, seasonal Italian dishes that seem to taste even better under the Mediterranean sun, the best time to go to Italy is the summertime.
For beach lovers and sun worshippers, June to August is certainly going to be the best time of the year to visit Italy. For a combination of seaside relaxation and exciting sightseeing, look no further than our Sicily: A Cultural Journey tour. You’ll get to explore Agrigento’s ancient Greek ruins and marvel at the prowess of Mount Etna. For some coastal downtime, you’ll get to visit Taormina, the famous filming location of The White Lotus. Our A Week in Italy: Naples, Sorrento & Rome tour offers a similar itinerary, where you’ll get to pair Roman history and Baroque architecture with memorable visits to the beaches of Sorrento. Alternatively, if you’d rather see how Italians slow it down, take it easy on our Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice tour. You can add a sailing trip on Lake Como and then stroll through the lush villages of Cinque Terre to summer in style and soak up la dolce vita.
Months to experience summer in Italy
June, July, and August
Head to Italy in June to celebrate annual holidays
June 2 is Republic Day, or Festa della Repubblica, Italy’s version of Independence Day. It commemorates 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.
Visit Italy in July to cool off on the water
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.
Come to Italy in August to hike up north
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 75F. Embark on our Northern Italy & Cinque Terre Walking Tour to soak up the beauty of the region, which shines in August.
Weather in Italy in June, July, and August
Average temperatures are between 58F and 91F.
What our travelers say about summer in Italy
“What an amazing getaway in the summer,” traveler Zachary said about our best-selling A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour. “I cannot believe the amount of art and delicious food that I was able to enjoy. At each stop we were able to hear from a local guide about the history of the cities’ most famous landmarks, whether that be the Bridge of Sighs, the Duomo, or the Colosseum.”
Fall
is the perfect time to explore the Italian countryside and vineyards
Italy in the fall is truly a season to pick your own adventure. Depending on when you go and which region of the country you choose to explore, you will be spoiled with a variety of unforgettable travel experiences. In the south, early fall is still prime beach-going season, while the northern countryside in mid-fall is ideal for Food & Wine Tours. This is why fall, for many, is the best time to visit Italy. If you opt for our Grand Tour of Italy, you can truly see how the season transforms the country region by region.
We also recommend Italy in the fall if you love wine, because it’s 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.
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? We think that fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Italy as a solo traveler. The favorable weather makes it easier to explore with new friends, whether that’s during vineyard visits, city tours, or cooking classes. On a solo (but never alone) trip with us, you can dive deep into old interests and discover new ones.
Months to experience fall in Italy
September, October, and November
Head to Italy in September to attend cultural events
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 Regatta 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!
Visit Italy in October to taste juicy citrus fruits at outdoor markets
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 50F. That makes October the best month to visit Italy if you want to explore street markets without breaking a sweat.
Come to Italy in November to eat fresh truffles
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 hunter 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.
Weather in Italy in September, October, and November
Average temperatures are between 43F and 83F.
What our travelers say about fall in Italy
“October was a good time of the year to travel, [with] still comfortable temperatures and less crowds,” said traveler Kelly, who was on our Grand Tour of Italy. “We were blessed with sunny, warm weather the entire tour.”
Now that you’ve got the basics down, are you ready to live la dolce vita? Pick your season and start planning your trip to Italy with us now.
