When to Travel

Taormina, Sicily

There is never a bad time to visit Italy!

Italy has something to offer throughout the year, from active city jaunts to idyllic trips to the beach or countryside. Choosing the best time to explore Italy will depend heavily on what you’re hoping to see and do in Italy, your budget, and when you’re able to travel. Pinpointing the perfect combination can be challenging, but Amici Vacations will help you determine the right time to go to Italy that meets all of your needs.

Most of Italy has four distinct seasons as well as peak tourist periods during the year. Different experiences will be available depending on which season you choose to travel, and your budget will be impacted if traveling during peak periods.

In general, you can expect larger crowds and higher prices in the summer months while winter will be more affordable, though the weather will be less than ideal. We find that Spring and Fall are the best times to visit Italy in terms of climate, costs and fewer crowds.

Spring

Spring (March, April, May) in Italy is absolutely beautiful and is one of the best seasons to visit Italy. The weather is pleasant in the north with occasional showers, and warm and summery in the south. As temperatures begin to rise, the landscape reawakens in bright hues, such as fields of poppies in Tuscany.

Key Considerations:

  • Prices are lower than peak summer season, but start to increase in May.
  • Rainy days make great opportunities for shopping and visiting churches, museums and galleries.
  • Mild weather makes for great hiking and outdoor adventures.
  • Easter is a major celebration in Italy and most town organize parades and processions, such as the Scoppio del Carro in Florence.
  • Giro d’Italia Cycle Race travels across the country for a three-week period in May.
  • May is a good time to visit coastal resorts before high season is fully underway.
  • Lots of festivals and events exist for wine and food lovers, such as the international wine competition, Vinitaly in Verona, the Frittata Festival in Montaquila and the Sagra del Pesce in Camogli.
  • Spring is a time for other unique festivals, such as the Festa di San Marco in Venice, the famous Flower Festival in Noto, Sicily, the Corsa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles) in Umbria, and the Calendimaggio in Assisi.

Summer

The summer months (June, July, August) are the most popular in Italy, making this time of the year the most crowded and expensive. The weather can also be oppressively hot, particularly in the cities. However, it’s also when most families have the opportunity to travel and, with good planning, a great vacation is still possible.

Key Considerations:

  • In the countryside, this is a rewarding time to see field upon field of sunflowers and enjoy heaps of fresh produce. The sun, while hot, produces the most ethereal light as it bounces off the hills.
  • You can escape the city heat by heading to the cooler mountain towns or soaking up the sun and scenery at one of Italy’s pristine beaches.
  • August is a holiday month in Italy when locals will also flock to the beaches. The cities will be less crowded, but many attractions and shops may be closed due to vacationing owners.
  • Summer in Italy is the season of outdoor festivals and concerts. Popular events include the Opera Festival in Verona, the Palio in Siena, the feast of San Giovanni in Florence, the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, and the Redentore Feast in Venice.

Fall

Competing with Spring, Fall (September, October, November) is one of the best seasons to visit Italy. The oppressive summer heat finally breaks though the weather is typically still pleasant and warm, especially in the southern regions. There are less crowds and, therefore, much cheaper rates than the high season. The autumn colors are breathtaking and it’s also the harvest season, so a good time for gastronomic tours and wine tasting.

Key Considerations:

  • Cooler temperatures arrive in October, earlier in the north, and the rainy season typically begins in November.
  • The cooler air makes it a great time to sightsee in the major cities of Rome, Florence and Venice.
  • Coastal resorts will often close in October or November for the winter season.
  • Popular Fall events include: the Venice Film Festival, the Venice Regata Storica (Historical Rowing Regatta), the Festa di San Gennaro in Naples, the Festa della Rificolona in Florence, and the Rome International Film Festival.
  • Fall is also a busy season for Italian food festivals, such as the Festa dei Tartufi in Alba, the chocolate festival in Perugia, and the Boccaccesca Food and Wine Festival near Florence.

Winter

As expected, Winter (December, January, February) is the least crowded and least expensive season to visit Italy apart from the ski resorts and the holiday period. While the weather will be colder and wetter, the temperatures are moderate and are rarely long below freezing. Winter also offers the opportunity to experience the holiday season in a country that is renowned for its Christmas and New Year’s celebrations and traditions.

Key Considerations:

  • Winter can be a good time to visit the big cities and their numerous museums and galleries without the jostling crowds. 
  • The best skiing opportunities can be found in the Alps and Dolomites in the north or the Appenines in Abruzzo and central Italy.
  • Early December is quiet, but people begin to flock to Italy to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays starting in the middle of the month. Rome is the focus at Christmas time, with the Pope’s Christmas Eve Mass drawing in the crowds. New Year celebrations, or Capodanno, are marked by parties, concerts, and fireworks throughout the peninsula.
  • As the coldest month of the year in Italy, January is the perfect time to look for bargains on flights and accommodation. And the post-holiday sales kick off in January, so a great time to shop.
  • February means Carnival time, with the most popular celebration taking place in Venice and drawing lots of visitors. Other famous festivities include Arcireale, Viareggio, and Ivrea.