Best time to visit Italy

Exploring Italy can be enjoyed all year round due to its mild Mediterranean climate, but there are some considerations depending on where you want to go and what you want to experience. The best time to eat delicious ice cream, stroll through the open-air museum which is Rome and the Tuscan countryside, is from May to November.

In August, the Italians go out en-masse and it is busy everywhere. 90% of the Italian middle class will be enjoying the Italian coast and lakes themselves – in addition to many tourists. Many shops and even restaurants will be closed at this time and accommodation prices peak.

In the winter months, the temperature in Tuscany hovers between 10 and 16 degrees, it is much quieter and queues at major sites reduce. The lead up to Christmas gets busy with markets and festivities throughout the country. 

Read on for more information on the different regions of Italy and what you can expect through the year.

Northern Italy

Warm summers and mild winters characterize the rolling green hills, medieval Italian towns and the holy city of Rome. From spring the temperature rises from about 25 to 30 degrees in the summer. In the evenings it can still cool down considerably, so always take an extra layer with you.

In autumn and winter, the lush landscape is peppered with rain with temperatures sitting around 18 degrees. During these seasons country life is at its peak with the grape picking in October, the olive harvest in November and truffle hunting in December.

Southern Italy

From Naples downwards, there is a more subtropical climate, where you can expect even in the coldest months to barely drop below 17°C. In winter it is much quieter with many bars, restaurants and accommodations closed or operating shorter hours.

In the summer, the thermometer can easily reach 40°C so if you do decide to travel at this time of year, follow in the local’s footsteps and adopt the practice of pranzo (Italian siesta) during the heat of the day. Visit Vesuvius and Pompeii early in the morning and cool off and relax in the afternoon. As the sun sets so do the temperatures and you can enjoy eating outside in comfort. 

We think Spring and Autumn are the best times to travel through southern Italy. The temperatures are usually between 20°C and 30°C, perfect for sightseeing, beach days and al fresco dining. 

Sicily

The island of Sicily has mild winters and long hot summers, almost comparable to the climate in North Africa. Throughout the summer the sun shines, usually without a drop of rain. At this time we find it best to stay inland, up in the cooler hills and near Mount Etna. Here the temperatures are on average about 5 degrees lower than on the coast which can reach above 35°C frequently.

The sirocco also rises in both Sardinia and Sicily in the summer, a hot, humid air which comes from the Sahara, this makes it around 10°C warmer than normal meaning the temperature can rise up to 4°C. Winter can be wet and unsettled but offers mild temperatures for hiking, whilst Spring and early Autumn boast cooler days and plenty of sunshine.