Calling all pasta aficionados, aspiring sommeliers, and Renaissance buffs! Wondering when’s the best month to visit Italy? We’ve got you covered at Basic Economy B and will walk you through the prime times to savor la dolce vita without breaking the bank.
Like many destinations, deciding on the best month to visit Italy can be one big fat “it depends.” I’ll start by saying rarely is traveling to Italy a bad idea. When looking when to visit, though, what you want out of your Italy itinerary plays a huge part in when the best month to visit Italy is. Your budget plays another huge part in determining the best month to visit Italy.
Here’s the tl;dr: if money’s no object and you want to visit the Mediterranean sea, head in August. If you’re more of a history buff, take advantage of low accommodation prices in November. If you’re indecisive and want both, the shoulder months of October or May are your best bets.
Understanding Italy’s Climate and Seasons
Italy has a Mediterranean climate in most parts of the country. That means hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Northern Italy has an alpine climate thanks to the Alps with cool winters and wet summers. The southern part of the country is generally going to be noticeably warmer.
It’s also at the same latitude as New York in the USA and follows similar patterns in season. So just like New York can get quite warm in the summer and chill down substantially in the winter, so can Italy. Rome, for example, will have average temperatures in the 50s (we’re going Fahrenheit here) during the winter and temperatures will climb into the 90s during the heart of summer.
“The boot” is a long country though, so the further north you travel from Rome, the cooler temperatures you’ll encounter. And the closer you get to the Alps. Milan, for instance, only sees average daily temps in the 70s in the summer but in the winter average temps fall into the low 30s.
In general, Italy is not a rainy country. Your daily chance of precipitation is highest in the winter at around 30% and goes down to about 5% in the middle of the summer. Italy also has at least a 50% chance of clear skies all year round, but that number does spike to as high as 90% in the summer months.
If you’ve ever stood in a long outdoor line in the middle of a cloudless sunny sky with temps over 80 degrees…you’ll know that clear skies aren’t necessarily always a great thing.
In short: Spring flirts with you with perfect temperatures for wandering historic streets with a gelato in hand. Summer turns up the heat with crowded beaches and piazzas full of chatter until late into the night. Fall sweeps in and turns the vineyards shades of gold and red, while Tuscan cuisine gets impossibly better. And winter? It may be chilly but it’s perfect for cozying up with a steaming cappuccino and exploring Christmas markets.
The Best Month to Visit Italy: November, for the Culture Fanatic
If your itinerary includes Rome, Florence, or even Milan, the best month to visit Italy is November. In November, the average temperatures will be cooler, but well above freezing so you shouldn’t be cold enough to have to pack your parka.
If you’ve dreamt of seeing the Colosseum, visiting Vatican City, or seeing priceless Renaissance art and your Italy itinerary is centered around that, you should take advantage of November accommodation prices and lack of crowds. Airfare should be noticeably cheaper as well.
Trying to see as much of Italy as humanly possible in a short amount of time? Check out my Rome in 2 Days itinerary that includes all the must-sees for history buffs.
With this type of culturally-based sightseeing in mind, you won’t want to be dealing with hot summer temperatures. Accommodation prices will be cheaper in most cities that you’ll be visiting. The same is not true for October, which is still very much considered the high season in a lot of areas in Italy because of people trying to capture more pleasant temperatures than summer or winter.
Italy is a popular destination year-round, but in November you should be dealing with some of the smallest crowds you’ll find. That means you’ll be able to enjoy exploring and absorbing all of the culture and history in Italy without constantly bumping into people. Italian cuisine is also just as good now as during peak season, so if that is important for your adventure, November is still a perfect month to go to Italy.
If you venture out of Rome or Florence into smaller Italian towns, make sure you are planning ahead to ensure you are not impacted by any seasonal closures. A large number of tourist establishments will close during the winter months. If you head to the Amalfi Coast, for example, you’ll find lots of “Closed” signs hanging from the windows.
Knowing a little of the language can be super helpful in situations like that. Mastering a few key Italian expressions will add a delightful layer to your experience. Download my free Italian phrasebook to screenshot essential phrases customized for your trip to Italy.
The Best Month to Visit Italy: August for the Beach Babe
If you’ve ever daydreamed about lounging with Limoncello on the Amalfi Coast and letting the sun-soaked days drift away next to the sparkling sea, then August is the best month to visit Italy.
Let’s start with the negatives of this situation. You’re going to be paying a pretty penny to visit Italy in August. There’s no getting around it. There are things you can do to make your stay more affordable of course, but it’s going to be a bit spendy. You also won’t have the place to yourself and will have plenty in the way of crowds to deal with.
You’re also going to have to book your accommodations way in advance. I’m talking well over 8 months in advance for your pick of places to stay. If you don’t have that kind of timeline to work with, you’ll be running into stiff competition trying to book any of the remaining accommodations. It’s still doable, but it’s going to be more challenging.
That being said, August in sun-ripened Italy with the sea breeze to keep you cool is the ultimate vibe. Getting married in the summer and want a relaxing and blissful honeymoon? August is the best month to travel to Italy.
I mean, come on.
The photos speak for themselves.
Cinque Terre is the other coastal area that would be the ultimate relaxation vacation in August.
If you’re not planning to spend the bulk of your Italy itinerary on the coast, I would avoid June, July, and August. A lot of places in Europe do not have the AC we are used to in the US and it could make for a very unpleasant trip. Europe also has been dealing with unprecedented heat waves during the summer months the past couple of years that have been dangerous to tourists.
The Best Month to Visit Italy: October or May for the Traveler that Wants it All
Hi. It’s me. I want it all.
If you’re following my Perfect 7 Day Italy Itinerary and seeing a blend of all that Italy has to offer from Rome to Florence to Cinque Terre, then you get a pick of May or October for your best month to visit Italy.
I’ll start by once again stating that Italy’s a perpetual hotspot—wherever you go, expect to rub shoulders with a hoard of other travelers. That’s not a bad thing. You should still definitely go. I’m just saying you’re still not going to have the Trevi Fountain to yourself in either of these two months.
What you may get in Italy in those months are the following. You may have cheaper accommodations, although that’s not a given outside of November-February.
You should, however, find slightly less competition for hotels and can likely get away with booking 3-6 months in advance instead of 6+ months like in the summertime. Airfare to Italy in general may be cheaper in May and October than in peak summer months.
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What you will definitely get are more pleasant and milder temperatures than the summer or winter months. The pleasant temperatures will give you the stamina to spend long days wandering around cobblestone streets or eating your weight in handmade Italian pasta without running the risk of getting heat stroke.
As I detail in my travel tips for Italy, make sure you pack layers if you’re traveling at all during shoulder season as the temps will vary. Get my full packing list for Italy here.
We visited Italy in May and have zero regrets. We enjoyed pleasant temps that allowed us to follow our 2 days in Cinque Terre itinerary and hike in the 5 villages and Tuscany.
If you’re a nature lover who is looking to hike or spend time outside, May is the best month to visit Italy. My sister visited in October and will unequivocally tell you that it is the best month to visit Italy. So you get the opinions of two Basic Economy Bs.
When we visited, we had a cloudy morning in Cinque Terre that gave way to a beautiful sunny day and an evening in Florence where our plan to watch the sunset at Piazza Michelangelo was dashed by overcast skies and light drizzle. But we had some seriously hot weather in Rome. It was a mixed bag in May, but generally pleasant.
Check out my post about how to take the train from Florence to Cinque Terre and why it’s a great day trip in spring, summer, or fall.
If you do visit the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, the seas in October should still be warm enough to swim in (not as much in May, but you’re welcome to try).
October is the best month to visit Italy if you’re a wine lover, as wine harvest season is still in full swing in October. You could spend your entire time in Italy wandering through Tuscany or attending any number of wine harvest festivals hosted each year. If you do that, one of the best cities in Tuscany is Cortona. Read about my love of this small Tuscan town.
In summary, Italy is a year-round adventure waiting to unfold, offering something special for every type of traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the lively beaches of summer, the picturesque vineyards of autumn, or the quieter streets of winter and spring, each season brings its own magic to the country.
When picking the best month to visit Italy, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s Mediterranean beaches, priceless Renaissance art, or leisurely strolls through historic towns—and your budget and plan your visit accordingly. Embrace the diversity of Italy’s climate and culture, and prepare for an unforgettable journey
Buon viaggio!
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