Best Time to Visit Italy

The new frontier (amira_a)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
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On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Italy. We created climate tables and charts for the locations of Rome, Milan, South Tyrol und Messina. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.

Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Italy for your holiday.

Climate Overview

Thermometer Symbol -7 °C to 31 °C
Waves Symbol 8 °C to 26 °C
Rainy Cloud Symbol 0.125.04 in (1 – 14 Days of Rain)
Average Annual Temperature is between 5.5 °C (South Tyrol) and 18.7 °C (Messina)
Show temperatures in degree

Geographical location

The state of Italy is located in southern Europe and has a population of around 61 million inhabitants, covering an area of around 187000 square miles. The population density is thus around 200 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Italy borders France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, the enclave of San Marino and the Vatican State. There is only a maritime border with Croatia.

The maximum extension spans on the north-south axis and is about 750 miles. The capital and largest city of Italy is Rome on the banks of the Tiber River.

The two largest Italian islands are Sicily in the south and Sardinia in the west. Italy is also known for its volcanoes. Italy is the European country with the most active volcanoes. Besides the 1281 meter high Vesuvius, the 3323 meter high Etna has become world-famous.

Italy has 24 national parks with a total area of around 9300 square miles.

Climate in Italy

The Tower and the Duomo of Pisa (Justin Ennis)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources' Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. On the one hand, this is due to wonderful old towns, great beach regions and scenic highlights such as Tuscany. On the other hand, it is due to the Mediterranean climate, which runs through large parts of the Italian boot.

The Italian Alps offer a high alpine climate in the winter months, which invites you to ski and winter holidays. In the foothills of the Alps in South Tyrol and at the lakes of Northern Italy such as Lake Garda, the climate is rather mild, which is reflected, among other things, in quite warm winters.

Central Italy, Liguria and Veneto have a much more Mediterranean climate. In the south of Italy, especially in summer, there is a very hot climate, which keeps its temperature until late into autumn. In the interior of the country, snow may well fall in winter at higher altitudes.

On the islands of Sicily and Sardines, on the other hand, a very special climate prevails. Especially in Sicily, the proximity to the North African continent cannot be denied. Sardinia also has a significantly higher climate level all year round than areas on the mainland.

Best Time to Visit Italy: Overview

JanuaryJan
MaximumMax. 15 °C
Water max. 14 °C
FebruaryFeb
TemperaturesTemp. up to 15 °C
Water max. 13 °C
MarchMar
TemperaturesTemp. up to 16 °C
Water max. 14 °C
AprilApr
TemperaturesTemp. up to 19 °C
Water max. 15 °C
MayMay
Good time to traveltime
mostly Perfectmostly perfect climate in Italy
JuneJun
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in Italy
JulyJul
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in Italy
AugustAug
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in Italy
SeptemberSep
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in Italy
OctoberOct
Good time to traveltime
mostly Perfectmostly perfect climate in Italy
NovemberNov
TemperaturesTemp. up to 19 °C
DecemberDec
TemperaturesTemp. up to 16 °C
Water max. 16 °C

When to travel to Italy?


Due to its size and variety, the best travel time for Italy cannot be generalized. There are different travel recommendations for different seasons. The winter season in the Italian Alps begins in November and lasts until April. Here you will find ideal conditions for winter sports.

Travellers who prefer the sun can travel to Sicily as early as March. With about 20 °C and flowering landscapes you can escape the German winter weather super. In the summer months of June to September, for example, temperatures of up to 30 °C and little rainfall of no more than 2.52 in can be found in Messina.

The summer months of June to August are characterised by high temperatures and little rainfall throughout Italy, both in coastal regions and inland. In the autumn months you can still travel to Sardinia and South Tyrol. You are spoilt for choice in dreamlike Italy!

Best Time to Visit the Regions

Find the best time to visit the regions (Italy) in the following overview.

LocationBest Time to Travel
RomeMay, June, July, August, and September
MilanMay, June, July, August, and September
South TyrolJune, July, August, and September
MessinaMay, June, July, August, and September
CagliariJune, July, August, and September
Reggio CalabriaJune, July, August, September, and October
LivornoJune, July, August, and September
Lake GardaJune, July, August, and September
RiminiJuly, August, and September
VeniceMay, June, July, August, and September
TriesteJune, July, August, and September
Brescia / Lake IseoMay, June, July, August, and September
FlorenceMay, June, July, August, September, and October

Climate Charts Italy

In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.

Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.

Show Climate Chart for    

Rome

Climate Chart Rome
Show temperatures in degree

Milan

Climate Chart Milan
Show temperatures in degree

South Tyrol

Climate Chart South Tyrol
Show temperatures in degree

Messina

Climate Chart Messina
Show temperatures in degree

Day Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Night Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Average Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Water Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Precipitation

Hours of Sunshine per Day

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Tables Italy

In the following, you will find some climate tables for Italy, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.
Show climate table for    

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Rome (Italy)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature11°13°15°19°23°28°30°30°26°22°16°13°
Night Temperature10°13°17°20°19°17°13°
Water Temperature14°13°13°14°17°21°23°24°23°20°18°15°
Precipitation (inch)2.993.463.032.832.481.890.550.872.765.045.044.17
Rainy days668864225688
Hours of Sunshine45779911108643
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Rome is 16.1 °C.

For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C

Warmest month: July (25 °C)
Coldest month: January (7.8 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Rome is 24 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 17 °C (Limited bathing is possible):
May, June, July, August, September, October, and November

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
June, July, August, and September

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 35.12 inch on 69 rainy days

For comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in

There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).

Months that have possible snowfall: January

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 10.8 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.9 hours of sunshine per day on average. For comparison: London has 4.1, NYC has 7 and LA has 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Milan (Italy)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature13°18°23°28°30°29°24°17°10°
Night Temperature-1°13°17°19°19°15°10°
Precipitation (inch)2.522.443.193.233.782.562.683.662.683.93.982.36
Rainy days778888675796
Hours of Sunshine235678986422
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Milan is 13.5 °C.

Warmest month: July (24.5 °C)
Coldest month: January (2 °C)

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 36.97 inch on 86 rainy days

There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).

Months that have possible snowfall: January, February, March, November, and December

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 9.4 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 5.2 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in South Tyrol (Italy)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature14°17°20°20°16°11°
Night Temperature-7°-7°-4°-1°-3°-6°
Precipitation (inch)0.980.930.981.352.282.693.022.822.351.971.161.14
Rainy days55569910108755
Hours of Sunshine345567876533
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in South Tyrol is 5.5 °C.

Warmest month: July (14.5 °C)
Coldest month: January (-3.2 °C)

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 21.66 inch on 84 rainy days

There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).

Months that have possible snowfall: all except June, July, August, and September

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 5.2 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Messina (Italy)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature15°15°16°18°22°26°30°30°27°23°19°16°
Night Temperature10°10°11°13°16°20°23°24°22°18°14°12°
Water Temperature14°13°14°15°17°21°24°25°24°22°19°16°
Precipitation (inch)4.053.943.282.691.330.50.791.012.524.484.74.05
Rainy days1110994223691111
Hours of Sunshine456781011108654
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Messina is 18.7 °C.

Warmest month: August (27.1 °C)
Coldest month: January (12.3 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Messina is 25 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 17 °C (Limited bathing is possible):
May, June, July, August, September, October, and November

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
June, July, August, September, and October

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 33.34 inch on 87 rainy days

There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).

You cannot expect snow in any month in Messina.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 10.7 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.8 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Highlights and Attractions


Culturally, Rome is an absolute highlight and should be taken into account in any travel plan to Italy. Whether Colosseum, Pantheon or even the Vatican State, there is a lot to marvel at architecturally around the capital. Another highlight in Italy is Venice.

The Canale Grande or St Mark’s Square are absolute attractions in the city of 1000 bridges. Those who prefer to travel to the north of the country should not miss Milan. Whether detailed shopping tours or a visit to Milan Cathedral, Italy’s fashion capital has something to offer for every taste.

More information about the best things to do: Lake Garda | Sardinia | Florence | Rome

Popular Activities

More attractions

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Entry Tickets | Milan: Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket | Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and St. Peter’s | Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Access Guide | Rome: Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport | Rome: Colosseum Arena, Roman Forum, & Palatine Hill Tour | Rome: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Tour incl. Papal Tombs |

Current Weather and Forecast

Current Weather in Rome
clear sky     clear sky, 8.5 °C
Clouds: 0 %       Wind: 3 mph
Air Pressure: 1031 hPa       Humidity: 35 %
Last updated: 7th Feb 2023, 12:14 pm
The next days …
7th Feb 20238th Feb 20239th Feb 202310th Feb 202311th Feb 202312th Feb 2023
scattered clouds2 °C to 9 °Csky is clear1 °C to 9 °Covercast clouds1 °C to 9 °Cfew clouds1 °C to 11 °Csky is clear1 °C to 11 °Cbroken clouds2 °C to 12 °C
2 °C to 9 °C1 °C to 9 °C1 °C to 9 °C1 °C to 11 °C1 °C to 11 °C2 °C to 12 °C
Clouds: 26 %Clouds: 4 %Clouds: 100 %Clouds: 22 %Clouds: 0 %Clouds: 65 %
No PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo PrecipitationNo Precipitation
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree

Important Regions and Cities

We have extended climate information for the following regions:

Italy: Experiences of our Visitors

There are 20 reviews for Italy holiday already. Average rating is 4.5 of 5 stars.
  1. Avatar Preview
    Gerhard, 64 years old was there in January

    Partially short showers, some very heavy, then sunshine again. Despite all good travel weather, few tourists, hardly any waiting times at the sights.

    Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed

  2. Avatar Preview
    Astrid, 55 years old was there in July

    very hot and humid, the sea had bathing water temperature. really pleasant

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  3. Avatar Preview
    Christina, 48 years old was there in September

    You could still swim and it was still sunny

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  4. Avatar Preview
    Elke, 67 years old was there in May

    sunny bathing weather with temperatures around 28 degrees in Apulia, super sandy beaches and rocky coast

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  5. Avatar Preview
    Denise, 42 years old was there in September

    it often rained and was changeable, windy, cloudy and partly cold at night

    Weather Rating: 2 stars – Tricky

  6. Avatar Preview
    Julia, 27 years old was there in August

    The weather was excellent. The sun was shining all week.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  7. Avatar Preview
    Irina, 37 years old was there in August

    We were in Italy for the last 2 weeks of August, the weather was sunny until a few cloudy days.

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  8. Avatar Preview
    Frieda, 69 years old was there in December

    We were able to walk during the day, partly even in a T-shirt. It was cool in the morning and evening.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  9. Avatar Preview
    Gunther, 35 years old was there in June

    Optimal bathing weather, not oppressively hot, simply ideal. Also perfect for sitting outside in the evening.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  10. Avatar Preview
    Dikran, 33 years old was there in October

    It was so warm and sunny in October, as if summer was in autumn.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  11. Avatar Preview
    Horst, 76 years old was there in July

    The Villanderer Alm in Villanders is the most beautiful alpine pasture area with excellent alpine pastures and a very good price-performance ratio, is more than worth recommending.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  12. Avatar Preview
    Beatrice Kasbauer, 33 years old was there in September

    Rome: 18-25 degrees for 6 days, blue sky, lots of sun – but not too hot – perfect

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

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Istanti di Giuseppe Broccolo (Fotoclub Pentaprisma Val Bisenzio)  [flickr.com]  CC BY-SA 
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Italy from the air

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