What is the best time of year to travel to Italy? It depends!

Depending on where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there, the best time to travel to Italy varies. Read on to find out the best time for travel deals, hot sun, snowy days, festivals, and more.

Work with a local to build your trip to Italy. They'll offer up-to-date information that you might not find online—and tips on how to stay away from the crowds. Learn more. 

Table of Contents

• Why Visit Italy? 
• The Best Season to Visit Italy
• The Weather
• Events and Festivals
• The Cheapest Month to Go to Italy

Why Visit Italy?

Before even thinking about the weather or the seasons, you need to decide if you even actually want to visit Italy. But with all that Italy has to offer, there is little reason for your decision to be anything but an enthusiastic yes!

Italy has ice-cold gelato and steaming hot pizza. It has busy, bustling cities like Rome and Florence. And tranquil villages like those that line Lake Garda. It has mountains in the north, a sparkling coastline, and delectable islands in the south. 

Whatever it is that you want from your next vacation, you’ll find it in Italy. 

So, now the next question, when should you go?

The Best Season to Visit Italy

While the answer to which season is best to visit Italy varies according to your goals and preferences, there is an overall easy answer. Go in shoulder season.

Shoulder season in Italy is much the same as it is across the rest of Europe: late spring and early autumn. In other words, May, June, September, and October. 

The reason why shoulder season is such an excellent time to go to Italy is that you’ll still be greeted with sunny skies and warm weather, but the massive crowds of summer will have cleared out along with the highest prices that come with that level of demand.

While that is the simple answer, we can get more specific on the best time to visit based on the area you’re heading to.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the best places to visit in Italy, and the answer to when to go is similar to overall Italy. But since many of the activities you’ll want to do here are water-based, it’s a good idea to stick with June or September rather than May or October since the weather will be a bit warmer and more appealing for jumping in the water. 

Rome

Rome, as a busy, lively place with plenty of locals, is one of the best cities to visit in Italy, and as such, there is always loads going on. The tourists though do tend to mob it in the summer months. So if you can, try to avoid them. In addition to the shoulder season, Christmas is a great, cozy time in Rome when you can find Christmas markets. 

Tuscany

While shoulder season is great in Tuscany and summer does bring with it hot weather and crowds, it can still be a great time to go because there are a lot of excellent events and festivals on.

Lake Como

If you happen to have time to visit Italy in April, head to Lake Como. This is one of the few areas of the country that locals say is great to visit that time of year! It does get quite hot and humid during the summer, but it is always gorgeous! If you want more local recommendations make sure to chat with someone who can help you plan your perfect Italy trip!

The Dolomites

When you visit the Dolomites depends hugely on what you want to do while you’re there. Of course, if you’re going for the skiing you should head there in the winter – December through to April has great snow. But if you prefer hiking or mountain biking, pop over in the warmer months of summer.

Venice

Venice doesn’t quite see the same level of heat as Rome or Florence in the summer, but it does certainly see the crowds. Cruise ships coming through peak in July and August, so those months are best to avoid. It’s also worth noting that the safety levels in Venice fluctuate based on the number of tourists. 

The Weather

Italy is classified as having a temperate Mediterranean climate and while the exact climate varies from region to region it means generally that you can expect cool winters and hot, humid summers.

Rainy Season

The wettest seasons in Italy are spring and autumn. But that definitely doesn’t mean you should expect rain every day. In fact, you can get some amazing, warm, sunny days during the rainiest months. 

Warmest Months

You can expect warm days from June through September, but the temperatures generally peak in July. So if you do visit in July, make sure to include loads of gelato stops on your itinerary!

Events and Festivals

While knowing the weather forecast is important, it’s not the only thing to base your plan on when to visit Italy around. There are some fabulous festivals all year round which may pique your interest regardless of the weather.

Some of the festivals that locals recommend either for their popularity or their perfect nicheness include:

• Capodanno (New Year’s Day) – January – best place to celebrate: Courmayeur

• La Befana – January – best place to celebrate: Urbania

• Fair of Sant’Orso – January – only in Aosta

• Carnevale – February – best place to celebrate: Venice

• Festa di Sant’Agata – February – best place to celebrate: Catania

• Feast of the Almond Blossom – February – Agrigento

• Easter Sunday And The Scoppio del Carro Fireworks – April – best place to celebrate: Florence

• Il Palio di Siena – July – only in Siena

• Cous Cous Festival – September – only in San Vito Lo Capo

• International Truffle Fair – October - December – only in Alba

The Cheapest Month to Go to Italy

There are several things to take into account when thinking about the price of your trip. The two biggest ones are the cost of your hotel (or other accommodation) and the flights to and from your destination.

In terms of flights from the US to Italy, generally, the cheapest time to fly is in February – but if you pay attention and book far enough in advance you can get good deals all year round. Conversely, the most expensive flights are in July. 

When it comes to your accommodation, November often has the lowest prices. But, keep in mind that with the low prices come trade-offs. Many attractions take time off and restaurants close up during this low season, so you may miss out on some key highlights you were hoping for. To be sure not to have that happen, chat with a local about when the things you want to see are open.

While there is a lot to consider when deciding when to visit Italy, you’re more than likely always going to have a spectacular time. The only difference is if you lean more into the gelato to cool you off, or the Sangiovese to warm you up.

Once you’ve decided when to visit, read on for more:

Connect with a Local to Plan Your Trip

Is Italy Safe for Travelers in 2024?

Italy Travel Restrictions: What Travelers Need to Know

Your Guide to the 19 Best Places in Italy in 2024

The 5 Best Cities to Visit in Italy According to Locals

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