Best time to visit Italy

Best for: sightseeing and ski season

January is a true off-season month. Alpine areas will see snow season crowds, but the rest of the country is in low season. This makes it a great time to see the bigger attractions without the big crowds.

Southern Italy’s resorts and coastal towns are typically closed over the cooler months, but outside the mountains, the rest of the country sees a relatively mild winter. Spend your days hopping from the Colosseum to Pisa, then warm over a cosy meal of authentic Italian food.

Best for: Carnevale and low-season perks

Traditionally a festive time before the solemn practices of Lent begin, Carnevale is one big, colourful party. Taking place towards the end of February and the start of March, Venice’s Carnevale is one of Italy’s biggest festivals featuring elaborate masks, costumes, parades and performances.

Outside the party, savour the feel of Italy without its usual visitor numbers. Take your time wandering through the galleries of Florence, across the canals of Venice and down the corridors of the Colosseum, all with a bit more breathing room.

Best for: seeing authentic Italy and the start of spring

In March, Italy sees its yearly change from winter to spring. While warmer than mid-winter, March is still considered the off-season, so you can still generally expect walk-in availability for sites, attractions and dining.

Towards the end of the month, some areas across coastal and southern Italy will begin opening for visitors. Land and sea temperatures aren’t quite at summer levels, making this a great time to explore coastal towns without the intense mid-year heat.

Best for: Easter festivities and outdoor adventures

Spring takes over Italy in April, with snow melting and flowers blooming. This is a shoulder season month where travellers can get a lot out of a trip to Italy. Weather can be varied but usually sunny and mild, great for hiking on the Amalfi Coast, exploring ancient ruins or lake cruising in the north.

Easter, a Christian festival, usually falls sometime in April. Marked by religious processions and feasts, you can expect a few extra visitors around the Good Friday and Easter Monday public holidays.

Best for: spring scenery and ideal exploring weather

May offers something for every traveller. Wine lovers can enjoy sunny days sipping vino, museum hoppers can enjoy the art without crowds and the outdoors is bright with flowers and fresh greenery.

This is a good month for excursions to outdoor sites like the Forum, Pompeii and Agrigento when the sun is out but not overly hot. The southern coastal areas will start to open around this time as well.

Best for: trekking and great weather

In June, the winter chill has gone and snow has melted from the trails, so it’s officially the trekking season for the Dolomites and Mont Blanc! If you’re looking to combine an active hiking holiday with a beach vacation, the Amalfi Coast is a great destination and sees perfect weather this month.

While June marks the start of summer, it’s still considered a shoulder-season month, especially when compared to the bigger, hotter and very popular July and August months.

Best for: summer sun and Italian fun

Summer is in full swing, with temperatures reaching their maximum towards the end of July. School holiday, international and local vacationers will be travelling for summer break, so it’s best to pre-book your big activities and evening plans.

Many people will be heading to popular spots like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, but there’s even more of Italy’s famous coastline to explore. Summer like the locals in the regions of Puglia and Calabria, or jump over to Sicily for a true taste of Mediterranean life.

Best for: sailing and swimming

Beaches and resorts are typically at max capacity this month, making it the perfect time for a cruise. This way, you’ll get the best views of the coast and have access to all the lagoons, hideaway beaches and coves. You’ll have a place to watch the sunset at the end of every day.

Around the country, temperatures can get very hot, especially in the cities. This time of year is the busiest month for travel, so many of the must-see sights will be busy, so it’s best to book in advance.

Best for: wine and sunshine

There are almost too many reasons to visit Italy in September: the wine harvest begins, coastal waters are still warm from the summer, daily temperatures are more comfortable and both local and international travellers return home.

Make the most of Italian hospitality at the various food and wine festivals hosted across the country throughout September/October.

Best for: fewer visitors and autumn colours

Across the country, autumn’s seasonal changes should be in full swing by October. Expect sun-filled days, cooler nights and landscapes full of colour. This season does see the most rain, so it’s a good idea to have a flexible itinerary.

Southern Italy, especially the regions from Campania to Sicily, won’t feel much of a change yet, aside from fewer people around. This makes it a great time to explore, hike, kayak or even cruise, as the waters will still be warm from summer.

Best for: cultural outings and Italian cooking

November falls in Italy's off-season and as winter approaches, temperatures across the country move from mild to cool, so make sure you pack some layers.

With the majority of tourists away and a need for flexible plans, November is a great month for an itinerary full of museum hopping, gallery visiting, Italian cooking classes and wine tasting.

Best for: holiday cheer and alpine snow

The end of another year approaches and season’s greetings are aplenty. Christmas in Italy is all about gathering together for meals and spending time with loved ones. Towns and cities will be decorated in lights, hosting winter markets and celebrating with festive parades.

Expect cold weather across most of Italy, with snow common in alpine regions. Visitor numbers will usually pick up for the festivities this month.