From hot and humid summers to chilly and wet winters, Italy’s weather takes you on a delightful Mediterranean journey throughout the year. Whether you’re planning your next holiday or making remote work plans, if Italy is on your bucket list, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
This brief guide to the weather in Italy by month will help you plan when, where, and how to make the best of your Italian getaway!
Weather In Italy By Month
Italy’s weather can dramatically vary as you move from north to south. Here’s what you can expect from the major regions in Italy to give you a clear view of what the weather in Italy by month looks like.
January
Image source: Pinterest
January is one of the coolest months in Italy with temperatures running between 35 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It is midway through the winter and nowhere close to summer, making it the least favorite month for tourists. So you’ll find quieter cities and little to no traffic around the region’s attractions. As long as you’ve dressed up warmly, you’ll have no trouble enjoying the views.
If you’re in search of cooler weather, head north where the temperatures are in the 25 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit range. There you can enjoy skiing and other winter activities along with spectacular views of the mountains, without the tourist rush.
The southern seaside regions will have milder and more welcoming temperatures.
Pro tip: Check whether the sites you want to visit will be open in January since most of them remain closed during this time, especially along the Amalfi Coast and Tuscan region.
February
Image source: Pinterest
February will give you equal amounts of winter and spring. It marks the end of winter in Italy, with temperatures ranging from 55 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather is neither too cold nor hot so it’s no wonder that the Carnival is held at this time of the year. If you manage, you can make it to both the Carnival in Venice and the fashion week in Milan.
When you’re not enjoying the festivities, you can make an itinerary of museums, art galleries, and culinary spots in the city.
Whatever your schedule looks like, make sure to dress up in layers that you can easily add or remove for comfort.
March
Image source: Pinterest
With temperatures rising around 34 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, March marks the beginning of spring in Italy. From the flora to the fauna, everything comes alive outdoors, making it the perfect time to explore destinations like Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Puglia.
You can enjoy Italy’s outdoors and outdoor activities to the fullest at this time. Some of the popular activities that are only enjoyable in this weather include white-water rafting and mountain climbing/hiking. If you’re looking for a more relaxed time, you can take a trip to the vineyards for some wine sampling.
Then, of course, you also get to take part in Easter week events. Most towns and cities host their own Holy Week celebrations that give a lot of options for your itinerary.
Just remember that the pleasant weather and a huge number of festivities attract a large crowd of both locals and tourists.
April
Image source: Pinterest
Italy in April is the best place to be. With temperatures ranging between 57 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, you can roam around freely dressed in light layers.
Spring is already upon the region, giving you a great variety of options for sightseeing no matter where you look. Besides, since it is Italy’s shoulder season, travel is relatively cheaper.
If you’re near Verona during mid-April, don’t miss out on VinItaly. It is the largest wine exhibition in the world and is held for 4 days. Don’t dismiss it even if you’re not a wine lover, the event also brings you the best of culture, food, music, and other fun activities to enjoy.
May
Image source: Pinterest
May is another popular month in Italy for enjoying the outdoors. The temperature starts rising to 65 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit, signaling the arrival of summer.
If you’re planning to get a tan, frolic on the beach when the heat and sun are still tolerable. However, the weather does turn cold in the evening, so make sure to carry layers when going out.
June
Image source: Pinterest
If you want to get the best of the Italian Sun, June is the time to make your way to Italy. With temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it marks the beginning of summer in Italy.
The chances of rain are minimal and the days promise plenty of sunshine. Plus, it’s still not sweltering hot. Beware of tourists though, Italian summers are a global favorite.
If you get there soon enough, you’re quite likely to catch Italy right before the tourists arrive. If you’re lucky, make your way to Rome or Verona to enjoy their open-air performances. Or head to Pisa for the firework festival, Luminara di San Ranieri.
July
Image source: Pinterest
July in Italy registers between 76 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and is easily one of the hottest months in the region. But that’s no reason to worry, sunny weather means you can pack your itinerary with outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.
You can leave the layers at home and pack your most comfortable dresses for the season along with sunglasses and a hat. Of course, keep enough water with you when exploring and follow precautionary measures.
August
Image source: Pinterest
Many Italians are known to take the entire month of August off and most businesses close shop. This is mainly to escape the hottest temperatures which can go from 80 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit during peak hours.
Where do the people go?
Most escape to the countryside, beaches, and mountains. So the cities are relatively quiet. If you’re planning to explore the cities of Italy at your pace, this is the best month to do it. However, dress up lightly and smartly so you’re comfortable even in the heat.
Be ready to spend a substantial amount of your savings, because August is the most expensive month to visit Italy.
September
Image source: Pinterest
September brings a welcome respite from the heat with wet showers and temperatures of between 77 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather is most pleasant for enjoying outdoor attractions, going wine tasting, or dining by the sea every night.
If you want to avoid summer tourists but don’t want to miss out on summer fun, plan your trip in September. You can still take a dip in the waters, get a tan, go truffle hunting, and enjoy vineyard tours before the winter sets in!
Some calendar holidays you want to mark are the festival of lanterns in Florence (6-7 September) and the night of museums in Rome (13 September).
October
Image source: Pinterest
If you want to experience Italian autumn, October is the perfect time. The temperatures start to settle between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool weather makes a stronger appearance. And yet, chances of rain are also quite high in October because it’s the wettest month in the Italian calendar.
But make no mistake, you will still find a lot of tourists in Italy during October. Most will start making appearances during the first couple of weeks, especially for the autumn harvest season.
If your plans involve indulging in Italy’s finest wine and chocolate truffle, this is the time to mark your calendar. Check out regions like Tuscany, Umbria, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna to get in on the harvest season festivities. You can also try to catch the festival of grapes, which is celebrated on 5th October.
November
Image source: Pinterest
In November, the average temperature starts dropping to between 53 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it is a transition month in Italy (autumn to winter), there’s still plenty of rain and sun in store. It suffices to say that the weather in Italy by month gets the most unpredictable in November. So make sure you dress warmly but in layers and carry an umbrella with you at all times.
Thankfully, the unpredictable weather makes for cheaper travel expenses and low tourist traffic. If you’re trying to get cheaper tickets for a winter vacation in Italy, make your bookings for November.
December
Image source: Pinterest
The end of the year in Italy marks the beginning of winter, with temperatures growing colder. Expect anywhere between 40 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit in most parts of the country and much colder temperatures if you’re visiting the Alpines. It is the ideal time to get your winter gear out and head to the ski resorts for some outdoor fun.
December is also the driest month on the calendar so you can enjoy the perfect sunny/cold weather.
Another activity to do in Italy during December is go shopping. The prices of winter products go down so you’re set to get some great discounts. Besides, it is also the holiday season. So shopping during this time will be a fun experience.