When is the best time to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy is during the spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, the prices are low and the crowds are thin. Italy is fortunate to have a temperate climate most of the year, with the summer months (June, July, and August) being the hottest. Although popular tourist spots get very busy during European summer, don't let that deter your travel plans! From the major cities to the Dolomites to the Amalfi Coast, there's something to satisfy an itinerary for every month of the year.

When to visit to avoid crowds

Like most of Europe, Italy is a tourist mecca in the summertime (June-August), so if crowds aren't your thing, it's probably best to avoid the major cities during this time. While Italy does get high numbers of tourists year-round, October through April tend to be the quietest times (despite a small spike during the holidays), and many of the major attractions will have minimal crowds and be yours for exploring. Keep in mind some hotels and sights might close during the colder months, especially in smaller villages or along the coast, so make sure to plan ahead.

When to visit to cruise the Mediterranean

You may be dreaming of cruising the Med during the summer when temps are high and skies are clear, but you may have to compromise by paying the price for peak periods. Consider a sailing trip just before or after the summer months (April-May or September-October), where daytime temps are less intense, mainland prices are more manageable, and you won't have to battle huge crowds to get the best photos on Capri.

When to visit Italy's wineries

If you're a wine lover, choosing to visit during the grape harvest season (September-October) is ideal. Italian wine producers typically harvest in the fall, so these months are the perfect time to explore the different wine regions, see vineyards in full fruit and watch the rolling hills transition from verdant greens to reds and browns. Exact harvest dates vary per year, so it's always wise to book a wine tasting in advance to make sure you can participate.

When to visit to appreciate Renaissance art

If you're an art or history buff and have come to Italy to museum hop, consider an off-season trip in the early spring, fall, or winter. There's nothing worse than arriving at the Vatican museums in Rome or the Uffizi in Florence in the sweltering summer heat just to be told there's a three-hour wait to get inside. Trust us, this happens a lot! During the off-season, crowds are much lighter, and lines to get into attractions are often non-existent. Plus, flights and accommodation are usually cheaper, and you won't have to fight for a reservation at the best restaurants. Win, win, win!

When to visit Italy – a monthly guide:

January

Best for: skiing, snowshoeing and spa-ing in the Dolomites

In January, frosty temperatures can make northern Italy a skier's paradise, one that's often more cost-effective than the resorts in neighbouring France or Switzerland. Although snow-capped peaks and fresh powder aren't typically what come to mind when you think of a trip to Italy, resorts in the Dolomites have become premier destinations for winter sports and relaxation. From skiing to snowshoeing to sitting by a fire in the lodge, January is the month for you if you're looking for alpine activities.

February

Best for: celebrating Carnavale and enjoying the perks of the low season

While February is typically the low season for Italy's tourism, the Carnavale festival brings an explosion of life to an ordinarily sleepy month. A mischievous last hurrah before Lent isn't just for those in New Orleans; in cities across Italy, you can expect weeks-long celebrations filled with elaborate masks, boisterous parades, and special sweet treats. Expect the largest, most famous parades to take place in Venice, Milan, and Puglia, but the exact festival dates vary by year and location.

March 

Best for: Flexible itineraries, museum hopping and sweet, sweet savings

March weather in Italy can be unpredictable, so this is the best time to visit if you have a flexible itinerary. Wandering through sleepy villages, taking a seat at an outdoor cafe if the sun is shining, or ducking into the Accademia for some art appreciation without the masses will have you feeling like a local. Bonus: fewer tourists mean March can be one of the most inexpensive times to visit.

April

Best for: Visiting outdoor archaeological sites

If you visit Italy in April you'll be trading high-season crowds and blazing summer temps for light breezes and manageable walkways in sites like Pompeii, Herculaneum, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. These sites typically have little to no shade for relief during the hotter months. Although you might need an umbrella, it's a small price to pay for the freedom to explore without a flood of tourists.

May

Best for: Nature photography, outdoor dining and festivals

May is one of the best months to visit Italy to appreciate the scenery before the summer explodes with tourists. Temperatures tick up, outdoor cafes and rooftop terraces will be bustling with activity, and the hillsides are alive with wildflowers. From north to south check out festivals that celebrate the warmer weather like the Flower Festival in Sicily and the Lemon Festival in Cinque Terre.

June

Best for: beach vacations and cooling cocktails

If you have your heart set on an Italian beach vacation, June is the best of the summer months to visit Italy. Head to Sardinia, Sicily, or Puglia (before the locals arrive for their summer holidays in August) to enjoy beautiful sunny days before the temperatures become stifling. Add an Aperol spritz, an icy granita, or a crisp glass of white wine and your vacation is complete.

July

Best for: Getting out of the city and exploring the mountains

Next to August, July is Italy's hottest and most crowded month, which makes it a perfect time to get out of the city and head north to the Italian Alps. Join a hiking trip and marvel at the dramatic peaks, emerald-green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes of the Dolomites. Temps in the mountains will be cooler at night, a welcome reprieve from the often air-conditioner-less accommodations in the major cities.

August

Best for: Sailing, swimming and slowing down

In August, Italy's beaches and accommodations become extremely crowded. Solution: book a sailing trip! You won't be competing with locals when you're sleeping on a boat, plus a cool dip is just outside your bedroom door. The best views of the candy-coloured houses stacked on the hillsides of the Amalfi Coast are often from the water.  While you might experience some high-season woes on land, at the end of the day, your sailing vessel will be a welcome sight.

September

Best for: Shoulder season sweetness on the coast

If you visit Italy in September, you'll hit that shoulder season sweet spot: pleasant temps, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices. Most of the locals will be back to business as usual, so you'll have some breathing room to live out your Italian summer fantasy on the coast. Cone of lemon gelato in hand, of course.

October

Best for: Vino tasting and vineyard hopping 

Whether you're a total expert or just a casual sipper, October is the best month to indulge in Italy’s amazing wines. Though it varies per year, grape harvest in Tuscany typically happens between late September and mid-October, which means vineyards are bustling with fruit pickers, and you may be able to witness the early stages of wine production while doing some sampling.

November

Best for: Cozy cafes and mouthwatering meals

November in Italy brings colder weather and seasonal delights (like truffles), which makes it the perfect time to let your stomach lead the way. Head to a cozy restaurant and warm your bones with rich pastas, hearty soups, and warm mulled wines. Join a food tour to get insights on how to navigate Italy's giant gastronomic scene like a local.

December

Best for: Holiday cheer and souvenir shopping

If you're looking to have a picture-perfect holiday season, the twinkling lights and festive decorations donning Italy's Christmas markets will surely bring some cheer. Wander through the stalls to purchase traditional holiday gifts, crafts, and festive foods. Travelling with kiddos? Christmas markets typically have activities for all ages, and often times you can catch a glimpse of Santa Claus (Father Christmas) himself.

Click to learn more about weather in Italy

Click to return to Italy FAQs

Our tours in Italy

8 Days From 2147

Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....

14 Days From 2738

Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...

10 Days From 3152

Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...

8 Days From 1525

See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...

8 Days From 3126

See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

8 Days From 2140

Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...

8 Days From 2022

See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...

8 Days From 2300

Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...

8 Days From 3196

Discover the culture, history and beauty of Italy’s Puglia region on an 8-day Premium...

8 Days From 2265

Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...

8 Days From 1598

Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...

10 Days From 2380

Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...

8 Days From 2010

Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...

4 Days From 762

Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...

4 Days From 733

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...

7 Days From 1332

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...

15 Days From 3479

Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...

10 Days From 2277

Discover the secrets of Calabria 10-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National...

8 Days From 1832

Visit Italy and tour through the countryside of Umbria. Travel to Italy's sacred sites...

15 Days From 4225
21 Days From 4655
8 Days From 1814

From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...

8 Days From 2093

Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting 8-day family holiday through...

24 Days From 6590

Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...

17 Days From 4355

Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...

8 Days From 1815

Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...

10 Days From 3447

Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...

26 Days From 3951

Set out from Hungary and discover the cultures and cuisines of Serbia, Montenegro,...

17 Days From 2709

Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day trip including Split, Ljubljana,...

17 Days From 6119

Spend 17 days exploring all of Italy from Palermo to Mount Etna, to Rome and Venice...

24 Days From 11837

Spend 24 days exploring Italy in depth from Sicily to Puglia and on to Tuscany - you'll...

17 Days From 8025

Explore the best of Sicily and southern Italy - including Palermo, Mount Etna, Pompeii...

15 Days From 6522

Spend 15 days exploring Italy on this Premium Trip that visits icons like Rome, Venice,...

8 Days From 1970

Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...

17 Days From 4365

Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...

15 Days From 4480

From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and beyond wandering the ancient city...