Parts of Italy do follow a standard Mediterranean climate, with hot (hot) summers and pretty mild winters, and much of the rainfall occurring in autumn and spring. However, this is not always the case.
Italy is quite a long country compared to its neighbours. It’s mountainous in parts and flat and dry in others, so there’s similarities and differences in weather all around the country. Yes, a lot of the country does fit the classic Mediterranean brief, but some areas, especially in the north, see humid summers with thunderstorms, and thick snowfall in winter.

Weather in Venice
Venice has a humid subtropical climate, with cool winters and hot, muggy summers. Autumnal rainfall in the north of the country and high tides in Venice’s lagoon and canals see some parts of the city prone to flooding in November and December, especially Piazza San Marco.
MONTH | Â AVERAGE HIGHÂ | Â AVERAGE LOWÂ |
---|---|---|
June to August | 26°C/79°F | 17°C/63°F |
 September to November | 18°C/64°F | 10°C/49°F |
 December to February | 7°C/45°F | 1°C/33°F |
March to May | 16°C/62°F | 8°C/46°F |

Weather in Milan
Milan also follows a humid subtropical weather pattern with hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters. This region is framed by the Alps and the Apennine Mountains, which block winds and weather patterns from northern Europe from extending further south. Snow falls in Milan once or twice during winter, and the city has its highest rainfall in April and May.
MONTH | Â AVERAGE HIGHÂ | Â AVERAGE LOWÂ |
---|---|---|
June to August | 30°C/86°F | 18°C/65°F |
 September to November | 20°C/66°F | 10°C/49°F |
 December to February | 8°C/47°F | 0°C/32°F |
March to May | 20°C/67°F | 8°C/47°F |

Weather in Rome
The further south you travel, the steadier the weather becomes. Move over humid subtropical – Rome is on the Mediterranean weather diet. Although average highs in Rome during summer sit at around 30°C (87°F), it’s not uncommon for a number of days to clock over 40°C (104°F). Snowfall is rare in winter but not unheard of – there’s measurable snowfall about once every five years.
MONTH | Â AVERAGE HIGHÂ | Â AVERAGE LOWÂ |
---|---|---|
June to August | 30°C/87°F | 18°C/65°F |
 September to November | 23°C/73°F | 12°C/54°F |
 December to February | 14°C/57°F | 3°C/38°F |
March to May | 20°C/68°F | 9°C/48°F |

Weather in Sicily
Sicily is graced with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The island's higher points see some snowfall, with the summit of Mt Etna usually snow-capped from October to May. Sicily’s coastline, especially in the south-west, is affected by African currents, with the highest average sea temperatures in August at 27°C (80°F). The following temperatures are average seasonal highs and lows for Palemo, on Sicily’s north coast.
MONTH | Â AVERAGE HIGHÂ | Â AVERAGE LOWÂ |
---|---|---|
June to August | 27°C/82°F | 22°C/72°F |
 September to November | 23°C/73°F | 19°C/67°F |
 December to February | 15°C/60°F | 11°C/53°F |
March to May | 18°C/65°F | 13°C/56°F |
Click to read about the best time to visit Italy
Click to read our Italy packing guide
Our tours in Italy
8 Days
From
1373
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
10 Days
From
2291
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
10 Days
From
1207
Travel from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park...
14 Days
From
2499
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
8 Days
From
1135
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
16 Days
From
4505
Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...
8 Days
From
2289
Discover the jewels of the Mediterranean on an 8-day Adventure Cruise on board a small...
8 Days
From
1331
Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...
8 Days
From
1768
Take a small-ship adventure cruise along Croatia's northern coast from Split to Venice....
9 Days
From
2436
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...
15 Days
From
1773
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day trip through Berlin,...
8 Days
From
1535
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
8 Days
From
2924
See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on a ten-day Premium tour...
8 Days
From
2300
Cruise the Adriatic coast, navigating the coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania,...
8 Days
From
1475
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
8 Days
From
2414
Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...
23 Days
From
7128
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
7 Days
From
1470
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
8 Days
From
1462
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
15 Days
From
2839
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
10 Days
From
1654
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
4 Days
From
716
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
750
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
15 Days
From
2924
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
15 Days
From
3301
Take in Croatia’s beauty while sailing from Dubrovnik to Italy's Venice, dropping...
15 Days
From
3301
Meet your group in Venice and then set sail from Opatija, dropping anchor at Krk, Rab,...
8 Days
From
1840
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
15 Days
From
1692
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
16 Days
From
4952
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
8 Days
From
1858
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
8 Days
From
1853
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
22 Days
From
2784
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day trip travelling through...
19 Days
From
2189
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
8 Days
From
1671
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
17 Days
From
2963
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
22 Days
From
4229
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
36 Days
From
5398
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
26 Days
From
3298
Set out from Hungary with Lonely Planet and Intrepid to the cultures and cuisines of...
17 Days
From
2274
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day Lonely Planet Experience, powered by...
29 Days
From
4297
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
8 Days
From
1768
Intrepid's 8-day adventure cruise down Croatia's northern coast. Visit Krk, Zadar,...