Best Time To Visit Italy: Your Ultimate Season-by-Season Guide

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If you’re struggling to pin down the best time to visit Italy, check out this helpful guide. It’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime with good weather, low prices, and lighter crowds!

I might be slightly biased as a born and bred Italian, but Italy is one of the most incredible countries in the world.

From the glimmering waters of the Amalfi Coast to the ancient ruins of Rome and the wild beauty of Puglia, it’s unsurprising that the famous European boot remains a hotspot for tourists every year.

But there’s one thing that people struggle to figure out when they’re planning their ideal itinerary.

WHEN is the best time to visit Italy?

Although you’ll need to choose a time that ultimately works for you, one of the best travel hacks is to avoid the unbearable crowds and soaring prices you’ll experience during the peak season.

The best time to visit Italy is usually hidden in those periods when crowds are low, prices and reasonable, and the weather is still pleasant.

By following this detailed guide and my top Italy travel tips, you’ll be able to plan the trip of a lifetime.

When is the best time to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy is in late spring (April and May) or fall (September and October).

During this time, the weather is pleasant, prices are more affordable, there are fewer crowds, and top attractions are usually opened across the country.

Also check the 15 Most Romantic Places in Italy that Will Steal Your Hearth.

Why should you avoid Italy during the summer?

I always suggest avoiding the absolute peak of the Italian summer between mid June and August.

You’ll be battling excited tourists trying to snap pictures of the Trevi Fountain and the conical huts of Alberobello during the summer.

But Italians will also be flocking to coastal areas for a hit of the summer sun, leading to massive crowd levels in spots like the Amalfi Coast.

This time of year also overlaps with many school holidays (in Italy, schools close between the second week of June and the first week of September). So you’ll have to deal with more kids and longer queue times for major attractions. 

If you’re visiting Italy for the first time or as a child-free couple, this will get old pretty quickly.

Crowded beach in Italy

How about winter?

For travelers on a budget, I’d say that wintertime after the Epiphany (6th of January) is the time to snag the best bargains (unless you’re skiing – sorry!).

Accommodation prices in cities will take a dive, flights are cheap, and few tourists will want to brave the cold to stand in line for outdoor attractions.

You’ll need to consider shorter opening hours for touristy locations and seasonal businesses closing.

But if you’re heading to cities like Venice, Rome, or Milan, winter is the perfect time to visit Italy for a steal!

Best Time To Visit Italy (Month-by-Month Guide)

Spring in Italy

Average Temperature in Italy During Spring

Destination
Mar
Apr
May
Amalfi Coastweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
60°F (16°C)
8 days
66°F (19°C)
10 days
71°F (22°C)
8 days
Florenceweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
50°F (10°C)
9 days
57°F (14°C)
13 days
64°F (18°C)
9 days
Milanweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
50°F (10°C)
8 days
55°F (13°C)
14 days
65°F (19°C)
12 days
Naplesweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
60°F (16°C)
10 days
64°F (18°C)
13 days
73°F (23°C)
8 days
Romeweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
53°F (12°C)
7 days
57°F (14°C)
9 days
69°F (21°C)
7 days
Veniceweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
50°F (10°C)
8 days
54°F (12°C)
13 days
63°F (17°C)
11 days

Italy during spring (between March and May) is genuinely stunning.

Not only will you see plenty of wildflowers that pop up as the weather gets warmer, but it’s also largely considered the country’s shoulder season.

It’s one of my favorite times to visit Italy, as you get longer daylight hours and a burst of warmth without having to battle with Italy’s hot summer sun.

You’ll also be able to catch a few unique festivals, check out the wine regions, and hit the Dolomites without burning up or freezing.

But you don’t want to visit around Easter as prices will rise, and popular areas are overcrowded. Just something to keep in mind!

Alberobello in Puglia during spring
Alberobello in Puglia in the spring

March in Italy

March in Italy is quieter than April and May. It’s usually cold and there are plenty of rainy days, especially at the beginning of the month in the Northern regions like Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto. 

As it’s not the most popular time to visit Italy, you’ll benefit from cheaper accommodation and shorter queues.

Make sure to pack a few layers to pull on or whip off during the day.

Towards the end of the month, when spring begins, it can be quite pleasant if the sun shines, especially in Rome and the southern regions like Sicily.

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • February/March each year: Carnevale. This festival has been around since the 12th century and usually involves concerts, performances, street parties, and balls to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Venice and Viareggio are the most popular, but there will be celebrations nationwide.
  • March 8: International Women’s Day, across Italy. You might spot yellow mimosa flowers across the country or see men giving women bunches of these blooms!
  • March 15: Ides of March Commemoration of Caesar’s Death, Rome. This small cultural celebration marks the date of Julius Caesar’s assassination. There’s usually a reenactment of events near Largo di Torre Argentina if you want to check it out!
  • March 19: Festa di San Giuseppe. This is Italy’s version of Father’s Day. You may also want to grab Zeppole, a fried filled pastry traditionally eaten on this day!
  • Easter Week: In Rome there will be several processions held by the Pope, a Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square, and the famous Settimana Santa March which is incredibly popular. These events may also cross over into April, depending on the year.
  • Late March: Rome Marathon. Keep an eye out for the Rome Marathon, held on the third Sunday in March. It’ll make navigating the city a bit of a nightmare, so I suggest avoiding it unless you’re running.

April in Italy

April sees some of Italy’s mildest temperatures, meaning it’s much more pleasant for sightseeing and dining outside.

It’s still slightly rainy, especially in the North, but nothing you can’t tackle with an umbrella!

Certain times of the month are extremely busy as most regions are bustling with Christian visitors and holidaymakers taking advantage of school holidays (especially in other parts of Europe!).

Watching the Good Friday services and experiencing the other festivals can be cool, but they’re not worth tackling the crowds for if you have other options.

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • Easter Week: Depending on when Easter falls, see above.
  • Early to mid-April: VinItaly Wine Festival. Verona. This takes place from early to mid-April, allowing wine enthusiasts to taste local and international pours.
  • April 21: Natale di Roma, Rome. This is Rome’s birthday and involves historical parades and reenactments near Via dei Fori Imperiali.
  • April 25: Liberation Day, nationwide. Liberation Day is quite a low-key and somber holiday in Italy, which marks the end of fascism. You’ll see a few anti-fascist parades and plenty of wreaths near Altare della Patria in Rome.
  • April 25: Festa di San Marco, Venice. If you want something more upbeat to do on the 25th, why not enjoy street food and partying to celebrate Venice’s patron saint?

May in Italy

May is an ideal time to visit Italy as it’s warm enough but not too hot to tackle outdoor activities, and you’ll still get good deals on hotels and flights.

Whether you are lounging on the beaches in Capri or taking advantage of fewer tourists around the Amalfi Coast during this period (summer is nuts here!), this is the perfect time to visit Italy for the first time.

The countryside is in full bloom, with flowers and trees in full blossom. This makes areas like Tuscany an incredible sight. It’s also a great opportunity to visit the big cities like Florence and Venice before all the summer tourists appear.

Just bear in mind that the famous Giro d’Italia cycling race takes place this month, and the dates change every year. 

It won’t affect crowds too much, but hotels and flights increase quite a bit in any towns the race passes through.

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • May 1: Labor Day. Most shops will be closed around Italy.
  • Early May: Calendimaggio, Assisi. This renaissance festival features concerts, dance performances, and processions.
  • Sometime in May (it varies each year!): Festa della Sensa, Venice. Also known as the Feast of Ascension, this festival celebrates Venice’s relationship with the sea.  There’s a ceremony reenactment, the mayor appears, and a regatta rowing competition across the water!
  • Mid-May: Nationwide. During mid-May (the date changes each year!), the museums across the country will offer lower prices and extended hours (some will stay open until midnight) to draw people in.
  • Throughout May: Giro d’Italia. This annual cycling race passes through several Italian towns and cities.
  • Throughout May: Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Florence. This art festival has been around since 1937 and is held in Florence each year. You’ll be able to buy tickets online (though they sell out FAST) for a festival of concerts, operas, and dance performances.
  • Throughout May: Flower Festivals. If you’re visiting Florence between the end of April and mid-May, you’ll be able to visit the Iris Garden in Florence. It’s only open for 20 days a year, so take the chance! You can also check out Infiorata di Noto, a lovely flower festival held on the third Sunday in May.

Summer in Italy

Average Temperature in Italy During Summer

Destination
Jun
Jul
Aug
Amalfi Coastweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
80°F (27°C)
5 days
84°F (29°C)
3 days
86°F (30°C)
3 days
Florenceweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
84°F (29°C)
8 days
89°F (32°C)
5 days
89°F (32°C)
6 days
Milanweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
80°F (27°C)
8 days
86°F (30°C)
5 days
84°F (29°C)
6 days
Naplesweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
80°F (27°C)
5 days
86°F (30°C)
4 days
86°F (30°C)
4 days
Romeweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
82°F (28°C)
4 days
87°F (31°C)
3 days
87°F (31°C)
0 days
Veniceweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
78°F (26°C)
8 days
82°F (28°C)
6 days
82°F (28°C)
4 days

Summer in Italy is filled with sunny days and beautiful with high temperatures. 

Rain is super rare during these months (except for some quick summer storms), making it the best time to visit Italy for long days of exploring and dining al fresco. For this reason, you’ll find tourists everywhere starting to hit the beaches, grabbing gelato, and going on hikes!

It’s the perfect time to enjoy street festivals and incredible open air performances.

But the major downside? It’s CROWDS.

They’re no joke. As school is out for the summer, Italians are taking advantage of the sun, and everyone appreciates those longer daylight hours.

You can probably manage the slightly lower crowd levels in June, but July and August will be very busy and next-level expensive.

The beautiful coast of Capri in the summer
The beautiful coast of Capri in the summer

June in Italy

June is one of the best months for weather in Italy, with sunny skies and warm temperatures. It’s a great time to enjoy the beaches, outdoor activities, and al fresco dining.

Plus, the days are longer, which means more time to explore the cities, countryside, and coastlines. You can take advantage of the extra daylight to see more sights, enjoy more activities, and have more time to relax.

Although it’s a great time of year to visit, prices increase significantly for flights, hotels, and even local businesses.

As the first half of the month is still considered one of the county’s shoulder seasons with fewer crowds, this is when I’d visit the country if I were after an Italian summer.

But past that? 

It might not be worth the stress!

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • June 2: Festa della Repubblica, nationwide. This national holiday is the annual celebration of the birth of the Italian Republic. You’ll find everything from parades on Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome to fighter planes flying overhead!
  • Beginning of June (it varies each year!): Spello Infiorata, Umbria. Every year, during the Corpus Christi festival, Spello’s streets are covered in intricate and colorful flower designs. A truly incredible sight!
  • June 16: Luminara di San Ranieri, Pisa. This city festival celebrates the city’s patron saint San Ranieri. There will be beautiful candles placed on wooden frames throughout the city, floating lanterns on the Arno, and fireworks in the evening.
  • End of June: Festival dei Due Mondi, Umbria. The Festival dei Due Mondi is one of Italy’s most popular summer festivals and involves jazz and classical music, opera, and exciting cultural exhibits.
  • June 24: Saint John Feast Day, across Italy. There are several events held for Saint John Feast Day, including the Sagra di San Giovanni on Lake Como and a wonderful medieval tournament in Florence. 

July in Italy

July is even warmer than June.

You’ll get tourists coming in from across Europe and often from the US, too, making attractions crowded and trickier to queue for (I’m talking to you, Coliseum!).

If you are visiting Italy during July, try and look for hotels that guarantee air conditioning, as you will need it. Unless you are heading to the Italian alps.

Although some of the most famous cities will be crowded, July is a beautiful time for exploring spots like Lake Como or Cinque Terre.

It’s also the perfect weather to lay on a beach: Sicily and Sardinia are pure heaven, but they’ll be packed…especially at weekends, with all the locals trying to escape the heat and cool off in the water.

And if you need more space?

Try the Dolomites!

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • July 2: Palio di Siena, Siena. A historic horse race takes place in Piazza del Campo each year. It involves the city’s different areas fighting to be crowned victorious. This festival runs into August too!
  • July 2: Madonna della Bruna, Matera. This festival involves the procession of a large float representing the Madonna Bruna to honor Matera’s protectors. 
  • Third weekend of July: Festa del Redentore, Venice. This event is held on the third weekend of every July to commemorate a plague that ended in 1577. The iconic bridge opens, there are tons of fireworks, and there are regattas of Venetian boats on Sunday.
  • Mid to late July: Jazz and Wine Festival, Montalcino. This long-standing festival has been running since 1998 and combines wine tasting with high-quality jazz music.

August in Italy

August is the month to avoid at all costs, especially in the coastal parts of Italy!

This is when Italians go on holiday, and you’ll get 60 million people moving away from the cities all at the same time – during the two central weeks of August! 

The weather tends to be very hot but dry, making the mountains and beaches very popular during this time of year.

As everyone is going to the beach or looking for a bit of fresh air in the mountains, cities will generally be less busy.

This is good news for visitors to Milan and Rome, but some attractions and many shops will be shut down for the summer holidays.

And you’ll feel incredibly HOT while walking through the cities. I saw tourists passing out from the heat in Florence and Rome. So if you want to visit Italian cities in August, be careful, always wear a hat, and always bring plenty of water with you.

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • First weekend: La Quintana, Travertine in Marche. This vibrant festival involves a 15th-century parade, jousting, archery, and flag-throwing!
  • August 15: Ferragosto, nationwide. This national holiday marks the height of the summer period and often involves fireworks and music in many towns. Many local businesses also close down, so keep this in mind!
  • End of August: Venice International Film Festival, Venice. This extremely popular movie festival runs from August into September and is one of the “Big Five” film festivals worldwide.

Fall in Italy

Average Temperature in Italy During Fall

Destination
Sep
Oct
Nov
Amalfi Coastweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
78°F (26°C)
9 days
71°F (22°C)
8 days
64°F (18°C)
11days
Florenceweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
80°F (27°C)
9 days
69°F (21°C)
12 days
59°F (15°C)
14 days
Milanweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
50°F (24°C)
10 days
64°F (18°C)
11 days
51°F (11°C)
12 days
Naplesweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
80°F (27°C)
9 days
71°F (22°C)
11 days
64°F (18°C)
14 days
Romeweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
80°F (27°C)
6 days
71°F (22°C)
8 days
62°F (17°C)
8 days
Veniceweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
75°F (24°C)
9 days
64°F (18°C)
10 days
53°F (12°C)
11 days

Along with Spring, fall is probably the best time to visit Italy.

The weather is starting to cool down, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it perfect for exploring.

Crowds are beginning to clear, and you’ll be able to experience several local festivals, as well as delicious food and wine.

The harvest season means that there is an abundance of fresh produce, like grape vines, fresh olives, mushrooms, and chestnuts.

Late September or October are the best times to visit, although the days start to become shorter.

But if you’re a fan of truffle season and want the cities to yourself, November might be your best bet!

Courmayeur, a beautiful alpine resort at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the fall
Courmayeur, a beautiful alpine resort at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the fall

September in Italy

The start of September in Italy is still busy, as you’re seeing the last of the summertime stragglers.

While most of the European visitors will have cleared out (aside from pensioners!), there will be a rush of US and Asian travelers passing through.

The main attractions will still have large queues, and the Amalfi Coast, Puglia and Sicily beaches will still be too busy for most people.

But the latter half of the month? You’re back in business.

Many of the crowds will start to clear, and walking around cities will feel manageable and cool in the evenings.

This is also a fantastic time to visit if you’re interested in the wine region’s grape harvest (though this might be at the beginning of October, depending on the year!).

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • Throughout September: MITO Musical Festival, Milan, and Turin. This festival has been running since 2007 and is ideal for classical music lovers.
  • Throughout September: La Vendemmia, several locations. This is Italy’s annual grape harvest, taking place in 20 different regions across the country.
  • First Sunday: Regata Storica, Venice. The Regata Storica boasts gondola races and plenty of fun waterfront activities. Oh, and don’t forget the sale of fried fish!
  • First Sunday: Festa del Cacio, Pienza, Tuscany. If you’re a cheese fan, you should head to Pienza’s traditional cheese festival, which involves cheese rolling, artisan stalls, and so much more.

October in Italy

October is an ideal time to visit as the weather isn’t cold yet, but crowds will have virtually cleared by this point.

This will give you tons of time in your itinerary to see popular attractions without lines, visit the wine regions, and even take a stroll on the deserted beaches.

Italians would never take a dip, but for some adventurous tourists, they might be still warm enough – just!

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • Throughout the month: Truffle Festivals, nationwide. I love the famous Alba White Truffle Festival, which takes place in Piedmont, but you can also check out Volterra’s Mostra Micologica if you’re around in November instead. Most of the country’s other truffle festivals take place in November.
  • Throughout the month: Rome Film Festival, Rome. The Rome Film Festival showcases several international movies throughout the month and sees tons of celebrities pass through.

November in Italy

It’s a great idea to visit Italy in November if you want to explore museums and galleries peacefully.

This is because most tourists will have visited during early fall or will be waiting for the festive season.

You’ll need to wrap up warm as the temperatures drop significantly. 

But that’s nothing that a few espressos and a delicious cooked dinner won’t fix!

Just be aware that it does rain quite a bit during November, and the days are significantly shorter.

This isn’t a huge problem, but photographers or families with kids may not appreciate the reduced daylight hours.

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • November 1: All Saints Day, nationwide. This festival precedes All Souls Day and is the Italian way of paying homage to dearly departed loved ones.
  • Throughout the month: Roma Jazz Festival, Rome. This popular jazz festival is the place to be if you’re looking to catch some of the biggest names in the genre.

Winter in Italy

Average Temperature in Italy During Winter

Destination
Dec
Jan
Feb
Amalfi Coastweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
57°F (14°C)
13 days
55°F (13°C)
9 days
55°F (13°C)
8 days
Florenceweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
51°F (11°C)
13 days
51°F (11°C)
11 days
53°F (12°C)
8 days
Milanweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
44°F (7°C)
10 days
44°F (7°C)
9 days
50°F (10°C)
6 days
Naplesweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
57°F (14°C)
13 days
55°F (13°C)
9 days
55°F (13°C)
8 days
Romeweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
55°F (13°C)
9 days
53°F (12°C)
7 days
57°F (14°C)
6 days
Veniceweather icon thermometer
weather icon rain
46°F (8°C)
13 days
44°F (7°C)
11 days
48°F (9°C)
8 days

While Italy is known for its warm summers and mild falls, it can be a wonderful destination to visit in the winter months.

Italy has some of the best ski resorts in the world, particularly in the northern region of the country, such as the Dolomites and the Alps. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in some of the most scenic mountain areas.

And if you are visiting any other area, there are fewer tourists all around. This means it’s a great time to visit if you’d like to save cash.

Hotels and flights will be far cheaper than usual, and wait times for attractions will decrease significantly.

Just remember that opening times for certain city attractions will be shorter, and it’s not a great time to visit coastal areas like the Amalfi Coast.

The Dolomites in winter
The Dolomites in winter

December in Italy

December in Italy is technically the off-season unless you’re visiting one of the ski resorts.

The Dolomites, the Savoy Alps, and Val d’Aosta will be busy from the 8th of December, and you’ll want to book early if you’re planning to ski.

There will be plenty of tourists who want to visit for the Christmas decorations, Christmas markets, and general festive mood.

But most indoor attractions will be relatively empty, so you can explore things at your leisure.

Although most areas will get cold, the Italian cities will be manageable. 

Just make sure you bring a big coat for those northern Italian areas!

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • December 1 for a week: Saint Barbara Day, Paternò. This festival starts on the first of December and is the main religious feast in this part of Italy. There’s also a glitzy parade near Mount Etna, which is well worth checking out.
  • Throughout the month: Christmas Markets. There are several Christmas markets in Italy throughout December, but the best ones are in Bolzano, Rome, Milan, and Merano.
  • December 8: The Immaculate Conception (L’Immacolata).
  • December 25: Christmas Day (Natale).
  • December 26: St Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano).
  • December 31: New Year’s Eve (Capodanno).

January in Italy

While visiting Italy in January may not be for everyone, it can offer a unique and authentic experience, with lower prices, fewer crowds, winter festivals, winter sports, cultural experiences, and delicious winter cuisine.

January is also one of the cheapest months to visit Italy as you’ll only be dealing with travelers visiting family for the holidays.

Otherwise, things are relatively dead.

I don’t recommend visiting spots like Puglia, Sicily, or the Amalfi Coast as most of the attractions will be closed.

If you’re heading to the cities, though, it will be super peaceful!

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • January 6: Epiphany, nationwide. Epiphany is a major holiday in Italy and marks the end of the festive period and the presentation of Jesus to the three wise men. Kids will get small trinkets and sweets from a witch called La Befana.
  • Throughout the month: Saldi (Italy’s Winter Sales!). If you’re looking for cheap merch or designer gear, head to the shops after Epiphany. You’ll find discounts of up to 50%.

February in Italy

February in Italy is like January – it’s cheap, cold, and rainy, and the crowd levels are almost non-existent.

It’s still suitable for ski enthusiasts as the mountainous areas are getting tons of snow. 

Sadly, this drives the price of an average ski holiday up quite a bit.

Southern Italy is still quite cold, and it can be rainy and humid.

You might see more tourists in Venice (for the carnival!) and a trickle of visitors through to Rome.

Holidays, Events & Festivals

  • Early to mid-February: Carnevale, Venice. This is the most popular festival in Venice. You’ll find all-out parades, masquerade events, and fancy dress parties in St Marks Square. You’ll also be able to check out amazing carnivals in Viareggio!
  • February 4: Festa di Sant’Agata, Catania in Sicily. This celebration commemorates the life of Saint Agatha, who died at just 15. It’s a religious mass, and you’ll find locals eating, drinking, enjoying a procession, and watching a huge firework display in the evening.
Cinque terre in Italy
A colorful street in Cinque Terre, Italy

FAQ

When is the worst time to visit Italy?

The worst time to visit Italy is during August without a doubt. It’s also a good idea to avoid Venice during Carnevale if you can’t handle crowds and tight spaces.

And stay away during major national festivals (unless you want to participate, of course!) as these can seriously drive up crowd levels and costs.

When is the coldest month in Italy?

The coldest month in Italy is a toss-up between January and February.
The Northern parts of Italy are far colder than Central or Southern Italy, so keep this in mind before booking.

Overall, Northern Italy during January is around 4°C, Central Italy is between 5 and 13°C, and Southern Italy is between 10 and 16°C.

When is the rainy season in Italy?

There isn’t a strict “rainy season” in Italy. But it’s much wetter between December and March than at any other time of the year!

What is the cheapest month to go to Italy?

The cheapest month to go to Italy is January when it comes to flights and hotels. This varies slightly across the year, but this is overwhelmingly seen as the country’s low season.

When is the best time to visit Rome? 

Rome’s historical ruins, incredible Vatican City, and vibrant Forum are worth visiting any time of year.

But you’re going to have an easier time outside the peak summer season. My favorite time is October.

Winter is usually okay too, as the weather is mild and the attractions aren’t closed – they’ll just have reduced opening hours.

Oh, and it’s way cheaper too!

When is the best time to visit Florence and Tuscany?

You should try visiting Florence during the late fall months or during springtime. This should give you fewer crowds and less rain

Plus, you’ll be able to explore Florence’s attractions at your leisure.
I
wouldn’t recommend visiting between July and August as the towns are packed, and there are tons of festivals to draw in locals.

The weather is also a little unbearable as it’s extremely hot.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

Ah, Italy’s city of vibrant carnival masks, enormous palaces, and romantic gondolas – what’s not to love?

Like many other popular places to visit in Italy, heading here during the summer is a massive gamble as the place is swarming with tourists, and prices are through the roof.

But you probably won’t want to head here during winter, either. Not only will walkways sometimes be flooded due to heavy rainfall, but you won’t get much daylight.

I’d say that the best time to visit Venice is during the shoulder months.

February is fabulous if you’re planning to hit Carnevale (crowds will pick up significantly, though!), but April, May and September (after the Venice festival) are great also picks.

When is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast?

From its beautiful beaches to its immaculate vistas and rugged coastlines, it’s unsurprising that the Amalfi Coast is packed during the summer.

And that’s precisely why you should avoid it during this period as I honestly think it’s way too hot and busy during the height of summer.

Instead, you’ll want to take advantage of the lovely weather in at the beginning of May or towards the end of September. 

When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a lesser-known Italian gem part of the Italian Riviera.

It’s regarded for its colorful houses, labyrinthine streets, and glittering waters always teeming with boats during the warmer months.

The high season is slightly longer in Cinque Terre and runs from May to October.

So, I recommend heading here at the beginning of May or October if you’re happy with slightly cooler temperatures and want to avoid crowds!

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are the place to be in Italy for outdoors and skiing fans. 

And lucky for you, there’s not really a bad time to visit!

If you’re hiking, it’s best to visit in early September for slightly cooler temperatures or in late May once the snow has melted.

If you’re heading to ski resorts, anytime between December and March is great.

When is the best time to visit Lake Como?

To take advantage of Lake Como’s breathtaking natural beauty, you’ll want to visit in May/June or September/October.

You’ll escape most of the muggy humidity, but you’ll still be able to reach the stunning villas, cathedrals, and coastal spots.

Just be aware that there’s not much point in visiting during the wintertime – you just won’t experience the best of the Italian Lakes!

When is the best time to visit Sicily?

Sicily’s active volcanoes and gorgeous beaches can get incredibly busy during summer. So, you’ll want to avoid these periods if you can.

Anytime between March and June is perfect for festivals and beachgoing (it’s warm enough!), but October is ideal if you want fewer crowds.

Oh, and you’ll be able to catch the famous Ottobrata Zafferana festival during that month which celebrates local dishes!

When is the best time to visit Milan?

Like other Italian cities, the best time to visit Milan is between April and June and September and October.
The weather is still pleasant, and you’ll avoid the worst of the summer tourist crowds.

If you want to snag a bargain, you can duck into the many designer stores to escape the bitter winter temperatures during the winter sale season in January.

There you have it: the ULTIMATE guide on the best time to visit Italy!

Have you been to any wonderful destinations in Italy?

If so, I’d love to hear about your trip in the comments below.

And if you have any questions, just let me know!

More Incredible Tips To Visit Italy & Destinations

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