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.

Gondola ride through the streets of Venice

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  AVERAGE HIGH   AVERAGE LOW 
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
Milan cathedral with monument of lion

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  AVERAGE HIGH   AVERAGE LOW 
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
Two travellers cycle past the colosseum in Rome

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  AVERAGE HIGH   AVERAGE LOW 
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
Coastal view of harbour and terracotta rooftops in Sicily

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  AVERAGE HIGH   AVERAGE LOW 
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

Click to return to Italy FAQs

Our tours in Italy

8 Days From 3582

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

14 Days From 4748

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

10 Days From 5234

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

8 Days From 2342

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

8 Days From 5532

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 3625

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

8 Days From 3364

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

8 Days From 5335

Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...

8 Days From 4028

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

8 Days From 5406

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

8 Days From 3645

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

8 Days From 3555

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

10 Days From 3970

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

9 Days From 4253

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...

8 Days From 3540

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

4 Days From 1269

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

4 Days From 1217

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

10 Days From 2745

Travel from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park...

7 Days From 2498

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

15 Days From 6455

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

10 Days From 3911

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

15 Days From 3750

Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...

15 Days From 2982

Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day trip through Berlin,...

8 Days From 3015

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

15 Days From 6815
21 Days From 8750
16 Days From 9428

Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...

8 Days From 3345

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

8 Days From 3268

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

24 Days From 10630

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

17 Days From 7445

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

8 Days From 4045

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

36 Days From 12490

Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...

29 Days From 8628

Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...

10 Days From 5652

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

16 Days From 10260

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...

23 Days From 15228

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...

22 Days From 5733

Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day trip travelling through...

19 Days From 4604

Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...

26 Days From 6791

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

17 Days From 5095

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

17 Days From 11404

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

24 Days From 19089

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

17 Days From 13580

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

15 Days From 11088

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

8 Days From 3285

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

17 Days From 7285

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

15 Days From 7190

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