Are you preparing for a trip to Italy but wondering when the best time to visit is? Andrea and I have visited Italy as tourists for more than 20 years, and in that time, we’ve come to discover that there are certain times to visit that are better than others. But, what’s best for us isn’t necessarily best for you.
So, before booking your stay, review this guide as it’ll help you prepare for your trip to Italy by discovering when is the best time to go.
Italy is beautiful in all seasons, but you might not see the best if you visit some regions during the tourist season. Knowing the best time to visit Italy might also save you from paying high prices at restaurants and tours.
Enjoy the sights of the best Italian cities and regions without the crowds and skyrocketed prices. Here is a complete traveling guide!
So, When Is The Best Time to Visit Italy?
In our opinion, the best time to visit Italy is in the spring and late summer. Early fall days are also good for a relaxing vacation since the weather is still warm and good for visiting some coastal cities and villages.
Festivals, the sea, tours, and breathtaking historical attractions are just a tiny part of the beautiful side of Italy. Italy is a romantic place where you should eat, pray, and love!
And drink a lot of wine…
However, the time of the year often relates to the place you want to visit in Italy. So, whether you plan to travel in a specific season or specific place, we promise this guide will help you make the right decision.
| Season | Best Time to Visit | Weather | Crowds | Activities |
| Spring | Apr to May | Pleasant | Moderate | Coastal cities, museums, festivals, Italian delights |
| Summer | Jun to Aug | Hot | High | Sunbathing, beaches, festivals, big cities |
| Autumn | Sep to Oct | Pleasant | Moderate | Wine tasting, local food, coastal exploration, shopping |
| Winter | Dec to Feb | Cold/Snowy | Low | Visiting cities, lower costs, Christmas/New Year celebrations |
| Location | Best Places | Popular cities, coastal villages, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Dolomites |
Seasons and Temperatures in Italy
Spring
Early spring days might be pleasantly warm but rainy. Italians recommend taking an umbrella even if the weather seems pretty sunny and warm.
Because temperatures rise in May, it might be best to visit the coastal side of Italy. There are no crowds and no sky-high prices for accommodation and food.
It might also be good to visit some popular museums, enjoy the Easter parades and celebrations, and join some festivals during spring. The spring in Italy is best for:
- Exploring coastal cities and villages;
- Visiting museums;
- Eating gelato and Italian delights;
- Easter festivals.
Summer
Summers in Italy might reach up to 38-40C (100°-104F). The coastal areas are crowded, and the prices might get too high. Flights and accommodations are pricier during the summer since Italy has incredible coastal locations.
Summer days in Italy are pretty festive. You might see numerous celebrations, festivals, and markets in many locations.
The summer in Italy is best for:
- Sunbathing;
- Beaches;
- Festivals;
- Exploring big cities.
Big cities tend to be crowded with tourists during the summer, while locals focus on visiting the Italian Rivera and coast.
Autumn
Autumn is excellent for trying traditional food and wine since the prices start dropping when the summer season ends.
If you’re visiting Italy in the fall, you’ll find the temperatures are still pleasant and warm at the beginning of fall, but it is best to carry an umbrella just in case. The weather during spring and autumn is full of surprises.
In the fall, the big cities are less crowded. Also, the accommodations and flights are more affordable, which is why autumn is one of the best tourist seasons. The autumn in Italy is best for:
- Tasting wine;
- Eating Local Italian food in restaurants;
- Exploring the coastal side;
- Shopping.
Winter
Winters in Italy are warm in the south and cold and snowy in the alps. This is an excellent time to visit most locations in Italy as it’s usually inexpensive and crowd-free. The average temperatures are around 10-11C (53°F). However, you should expect a lot of rain and many closed popular establishments.
Nonetheless, the low tourist number will let you visit the popular cities, Carnevale, and enjoy Italian food at the most affordable price. The winter in Italy is best for:
- Visiting popular cities;
- Spending less money since it is off-season;
- Enjoying the Christmas and New Year and carnivals.
Best Time to Visit Popular Destinations in Italy
Rome
Rome is such a charming place. This city is mainly crowded during late spring and summer days, so the best time to visit Rome is from October to March.
You can visit the city’s popular attractions, like the Christmas Market, Holy Week, and Easter, without waiting hours in line to enter.
Venice
Late September and October or April and May are the best months to visit Venice. This city is too crowded during summer, and you can not see anything else but millions of people waiting to take a photo on the Bridge of Sights and Rialto Bridge.
Tuscany
Tuscany is a place you should visit in late spring and autumn. The green fields, wineries, and festivals happen exactly in spring and autumn, giving a unique vibe to Tuscany.
Visiting Tuscany during spring and autumn is best because the tourist crowds are moderate and the weather is pleasant, not too hot as in the summer days.
Italian Coast
Positano
Positano is a busy place from April to September. To avoid the crowd, you should visit Positano in March and October. The temperatures in March and October are still pleasant, and the prices are incredibly lower.
Sorrento
Sorrento gets crowded from Easter to late September. The best time to visit Sorrento is April and May and September and October. Summer days are excellent, but the palace is pretty crowded since most people come here to enjoy the sun and sea.
Portofino
Portofino is wonderful in all seasons. It gets crowded from May to August, but it is not a big issue since the village is pretty small. The best period to visit Portofino is early spring and autumn.
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is best for visiting in spring, early summer days, and autumn. The place gets crowded in July and August. The weather is mild during all seasons, which makes this place suitable for visiting anytime.
Amalfi
Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist location, especially from June to September. April to May and late September to early October are the busiest months.
Temperatures in spring and autumn range from 15 to 26C (60°F to 80°F), making it ideal for visiting Amalfi Coast without the crowds.
Dolomites
The Dolomites is a region we love staying at any time during the year. Winter is excellent for skiing and spas, while other seasons are excellent for hiking and mountain biking.
Conclusion
You can visit Italy at any time of the year. Each season has advantages and drawbacks, but you can still visit some parts of Italy, while others get crowded.
Generally, the best time to visit Italy is in spring and autumn, when everything gets balanced and affordable.