Weather in Italy
The majority of Italy follows a standard Mediterranean climate, with hot (hot) summers and pretty mild winters and much of the rainfall occurring in autumn and spring. However, there are some regions with different weather patterns. Italy is quite a long country compared to its neighbours. It’s mountainous in parts and flat and dry in others, so there are 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 by location
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 | 17°C |
September to November | 18°C | 10°C |
December to February | 7°C | 1°C |
March to May | 16°C | 8°C |
Milan
Milan also follows a humid subtropical weather pattern with hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters. Framed by the Alps and the Apennine Mountains, 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 | 18°C |
September to November | 20°C | 10°C |
December to February | 8°C | 0°C |
March to May | 20°C | 8°C |
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, it’s not uncommon for a number of days to clock over 40°C. Snowfall is also rare in winter but not unheard of.
MONTH | AVERAGE HIGH | AVERAGE LOW |
|---|---|---|
June to August | 30°C | 18°C |
September to November | 23°C | 12°C |
December to February | 14°C | 3°C |
March to May | 20°C | 9°C |
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.
MONTH | AVERAGE HIGH | AVERAGE LOW |
|---|---|---|
June to August | 27°C | 22°C |
September to November | 23°C | 19°C |
December to February | 15°C | 11°C |
March to May | 18°C | 13°C |
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