With snow-covered mountains and sun-kissed lakes, ancient cities and vibrant piazzas, Italy is a diverse and dazzling destination. But what’s the best time to visit Italy to get the most out of your trip?
In this guide, you’ll discover when to plan a getaway to the Belpaese (“beautiful country”). Read on for a round-up of the top things to do while you’re here, including events worth travelling for. You’ll also find out what the weather’s like throughout the year.
- Immerse yourself in “la dolce vita” on one of these Italy tours
What are the best months to visit Italy?
The best time to go to Italy depends on your interests and the experience you want to have. For instance, we recommend visiting Italy between May and October, especially if you’re planning a road trip.
By travelling in spring, summer, or autumn, you’ll have plenty of daylight hours to fill with adventures. The warmer weather is also perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming in lakes, and dining al fresco.
If you’re visiting in June, July, or August, keep in mind that these are the most popular months for travellers. This means it’s best to book early to avoid missing out. Or, consider travelling in May, September, or October for slightly cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
- Hit the road on a self-drive tour of Italy
Spring: March to May
Come to Italy between March and May to explore a country shrugging off its winter coat and blossoming into spring. It’s an ideal time to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer people around than in the high season.
What’s the weather like in spring?
In early spring, snow is still possible – especially in the mountains – but, by May, the days are warming. That said, the weather will also depend on where you choose to visit.
For instance, in Milan, May brings average temperatures of 17°C (63°F) with highs of around 23°C (73°F).
Venture to the Dolomites or the Italian Alps, and you’ll find it’s much cooler, with a chance of snow until June. Further south – around Naples and the Amalfi Coast, for instance – you can enjoy temperatures of 25°C (77°F) in May.
Things to do in spring
With pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors, spring is perfect for sightseeing in Italy's many charming towns and cities. These are some of the top things to do in March, April, and May:
1. Soak up culture and art
Head to Milan to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, and the magnificent Milan Cathedral (“Duomo di Milano”). Or visit Venice for the Biennale, an international contemporary art exhibition that starts in May.
2. Cross top attractions off your wish list
Spring is a great time to explore Italy’s most popular sights before the summer season kicks off. For example, you’ll find Verona’s Shakespearean landmarks and ancient amphitheatres are quieter than in summer.
3. Follow Italy’s iconic cycle race
Mid-May marks the start of the Giro d’Italia, a world-famous cycling race, which takes a different route across the country every year. Take to the roadsides to see thrilling sprint finishes, cheer the athletes on gruelling hill climbs, and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
- Related: Top things to do in Northern Italy
Summer: June to August
If you want to soak up the sunshine, summer is the best time of year to visit Italy. Travel between June and August for plenty of opportunities to dine al fresco, go hiking, and swim in sparkling lakes.
- Good to know: Italians have 15 August off work for “Ferragosto”, a national holiday, meaning some destinations will be busier than usual.
What’s the weather like in summer?
Italy can get hot in the summer months, especially in July and August. With sunny and sometimes humid weather, you might find yourself, like the locals, looking forward to a refreshing rain shower.
At this time of year, there are fewer regional differences in the climate. Venice, for instance, has average highs of around 28°C (82°F) in the summer. Meanwhile, in the southern part of Italy, you’ll find it’s only a few degrees warmer.
Wherever you’re going, make sure you’ve got sunglasses, sun cream, and plenty of water in your day bag.
Things to do in summer
It may be warm between June and August, but you’ll still find lots of reasons to stay in town. Once you’ve had your fill of culture, venture to the Alps or the Italian lakes to cool off. Here are some ideas for the perfect summer escape:
1. Explore the Alps on a road trip
Northern Italy is blessed with breathtaking mountain scenery. Think Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in the west, not to mention the jagged spires of the Dolomites in the east. Why not take the wheel for a road trip in the Alps, Europe’s longest mountain range, and visit Switzerland and Austria too?
2. Swim in glittering lakes
Visit Lake Como or Lake Garda for a dip in turquoise waters at the foothills of the Alps. Como is known for its glamorous residents and sumptuous waterside villas. Less famous, but no less stunning, is Lake Maggiore.
3. Try outdoor activities
The Italian countryside is a playground for hikers, cyclists, and sightseers throughout the summer. You’ll have lots of destinations to choose from. For instance, head to the Aosta Valley or Trentino to hike surrounded by picture-perfect Alpine scenery.
4. Experience an opera beneath the stars
Come summer, Verona Arena, an open-air amphitheatre, puts on a series of operatic performances. You don’t need to be a lover of the arts to appreciate the experience of catching a show in the “City of Love”.
- Uncover the highlights of Venice, Milan and Lake Como on a Northern Italy tour
- Related: Best things to do in Lake Como
Autumn: September to November
Like spring, autumn is a shoulder season in Italy. Italians return to work, the weather gets cooler, and things slow down again. Autumn is also the harvest season, making it the perfect time to savour delicious local food.
- Explore neighbouring nations like Austria, Germany, and Switzerland on a multi-country Alps tour
What’s the weather like in autumn?
Summer temperatures can linger well into September, but by the end of October, you might see a dusting of snow on the mountains.
So while early autumn isn’t too late for a beach trip in the south, head north and you’ll want to be prepared for more changeable weather. On one trip, you could experience warm days, cold snaps, and occasional rain.
Things to do in autumn
Much like spring and summer, September through November is a great time to visit Italy for city sightseeing and spending time outdoors. But here are some experiences best enjoyed in autumn:
1. Taste the rich flavours of the harvest
This time of year is perfect for trying seasonal delicacies like sought-after truffles and freshly-picked mushrooms. You could pair this farm-to-table fare with a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Or learn about wine-making on a vineyard tour during the vendemmia (“grape harvest”), which runs until early October.
2. See Italy’s rolling hills turn golden
Come autumn, the vines in wine-growing regions such as the hills of Veneto turn stunning shades of gold, red, and orange. It’s a gorgeous landscape to explore and photograph.
3. Kick back in scenic mountain towns
Once the Italian summer ends, many towns become quieter again as local visitors head home. There are countless spots to choose from, but you could visit captivating Bergamo, with its historic centre perched on a hilltop. Or take a ferry to the villages that dot the shores of Lake Garda.
Winter: December to February
If you're not travelling around Christmas or staying in a ski resort, you’ll find winter the quietest time to visit Italy. But it's worth knowing that some attractions in major cities and towns will have limited opening hours in winter. And with chillier temperatures, you might not want to spend as much time outdoors.
- Related: Best places in Europe for Christmas
What’s the weather like in winter?
Snow is less common across Italy than it once was. Nowadays, you’ll mostly see it in mountain regions, like the Alps.
That said, when it does snow, it can be heavy, especially at altitude. This means mountain passes and remote roads can sometimes be closed, making driving in these areas difficult.
The winter months also bring lower temperatures and less settled weather to areas beyond the Alps.
Things to do in winter
Winter is the best time of year to travel to Italy for festive events and snowy adventures. Here’s an idea of what you can experience:
1. Meander through Christmas markets
Travel to Italy during the festive season, and you’ll find magical Christmas markets in cities like Milan. For a taste of Europe’s top Christmas markets, combine your Italian escape with time in neighbouring countries, such as Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The cities of Salzburg, Vienna, Munich, and Zurich host some of the biggest events.
2. Visit an Alpine resort
Italians love a settimana bianca (“white week”), a winter getaway to the mountains for skiing, snowboarding, and aprés-ski fun. So it should come as no surprise that the country is home to world-class ski resorts.
But you don’t have to take to the slopes to appreciate an Alpine resort. You could hop on a cable car that’ll whisk you up to a cosy mountain restaurant. Imagine sipping indulgent hot chocolate or tucking into hearty Alpine cuisine with snow-capped peaks in the background.
- Get festive on a European Christmas markets tour
- Check out this guide to weather in the Alps for more seasonal tips
Experience the highlights of Italy with Nordic Visitor
One of the best ways to explore is on a self-drive tour of Italy. You’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace and the flexibility to get off the beaten path.
Or, see more of Europe on a multi-country tour where you could experience countries like Austria, Germany, and Switzerland on a trip to remember. With these expert-curated trips, you’ll cross multiple nations off your wish list on one seamless getaway.
Let Nordic Visitor arrange your trip to Italy for you. Our regional travel experts will organise your accommodation, local transport, and optional excursions. You’ll also get a personalised itinerary with recommendations for what to see and do.
Get in touch with us to start planning your unforgettable Italian escape.
