Find out all about Italy climate and weather by month and the main characteristics of each season. It’s important to know what the seasons are like in the country so that you can plan your trip properly.
Climate and temperature in Italy
Italy has a varied geographical terrain, with beaches, alps and mountains, which influences the variation of its climate. However, Italy’s climate is predominantly Mediterranean, especially in the south. The country also has a continental climate in its central region.
Below is a graph of the temperatures throughout the year:
1. Summer in Italy
Summer in Italy begins on June 21 and ends on September 20. This season marks the high season in the country and also the hottest months of the year. In July and August, temperatures reach high levels, with bright sunshine throughout the day.
- Temperatures: a minimum of 16°C and a maximum of 27°C.
What to pack for summer in Italy? Pack light, cool clothes, such as t-shirts and shorts. But it’s also worth taking a thin jacket to wear at night, when the temperature drops slightly. Other essentials for this time of year include swimwear, hats, sun cream and water bottles to keep you well hydrated.
Tours to do in Italy during the summer: most of the sights in Italy are outdoors. So plan to get up early in order to enjoy the sights while the weather is still mild and there are no queues. Take advantage of the paradisiacal beaches in southern Italy, such as Rabbit-Beach, on the island of Lampedusa, off the southern coast of Sicily; Sferracavallo, in Palermo; the beaches in Amalfi or Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, and many others.
Even towns without beaches have incredible sights. Walk around the squares, take a pleasant stroll through the parks and gardens, and cool off in the indoor museums. You can also take the famous gondola ride on Venice’s canals. For lunch, visit the best restaurants in Rome or other Italian cities.
Summer holidays in Italy
- 02/06: Italian Republic Day
- 29/06: St. Peter and St. Paul
- 15/08: Assumption of Our Lady
- Important tip: Italy is a country that has many tourist cities, with museums, attractions and tours. So, regardless of where you go there, always buy the tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
2. Winter in Italy
Winter in Italy, which lasts from December 21 to March 20, is characterized by frost, fog and, in some regions, snow. During this period, rivers can freeze over, making it difficult to move boats. For this reason, it’s important to plan alternative tours in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as the impossibility of taking boat trips according to your schedule.
- Temperatures: minimum 2°C and maximum 14°C.
What to pack for winter in Italy? To cope with the Italian winter, it’s important to pack warm clothes, such as pants, thick coats, woolen garments and closed shoes. Don’t forget essential accessories such as gloves, scarves and hats.
Tours to do in winter in Italy: take advantage of this time of year to prioritize walks indoors. Italy’s capital, Rome, has some great attractions of this kind. Among them are Rome’s enriching museums, which have complete collections of unique works. In Florence, there are also unmissable cathedrals and galleries, such as Florence Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio and other must-see sights.
In Milan, on the other hand, winter is a little more intense. However, the city remains enchanting, even when its buildings are covered in white snow. There are some very interesting museums and galleries to visit, such as Milan Cathedral, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and the Scala Theatre.
Winter holidays in Italy
- 08/12: Immaculate Conception
- 25/12: Christmas
- 26/12: Saint Stephen
- 01/01: New Year
- 06/01: Epiphany
- Important tip: To make the most of your trip to Italy, staying in the best tourist cities is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main cities, regions, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
3. Spring and fall in Italy
Spring takes place between March 21 and June 20, while autumn runs from September 21 to December 20. During these seasons, Italy’s climate becomes milder, marking the best times to travel to the country. These months offer ideal weather conditions for exploring the sights of Italy’s cities, providing travelers with a pleasant experience.
- Temperatures: minimum of 10°C and maximum of 28°C.
What to pack for spring and fall in Italy? In these seasons, there is a transition in temperatures. It is therefore important to pack both warm and lighter clothes. Always have a jacket on hand, as it can get a bit chilly at night. Similarly, in the fall, take umbrellas or raincoats on your walks, as the incidence of precipitation is higher at this time.
Tours to do in spring and fall in Italy: there are several tours you can do in Italy in both spring and fall. In Venice, take a boat tour of its canals and bridges; also walk around Piazza San Marcos, where you’ll find the basilica, the bell tower, the Clock Tower and the Doge’s Palace. Another interesting city is Pisa, which in addition to the Leaning Tower, has the Campanile Monumentale and the Duomo of Pisa in the same square.
In Rome, take advantage of the open-air sites such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. The Italian capital also offers beautiful squares and magnificent fountains, such as the Trevi Fountain. Another great region to visit at this time of year is Tuscany. Some of its main cities are Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Livorno and Arezzo. Each of them has a unique charm.
Spring and fall holidays in Italy:
- 19/03: St. Joseph and Father’s Day
- First Sunday after the first full moon, usually in April: Easter
- Monday following Easter Sunday: Angel Monday
- 25/04: Freedom Day
- 01/05: Labor Day
- Second Sunday in May: Mother’s Day
- 01/11: All Saints’ Day
- 02/11: Day of the Faithful Departed
- 04/11: Italian National Unity Day
- 08/12: Immaculate Conception
Save money on your trip to Italy:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Italy cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Italian tickets in the cheapest and safest way – for parks, museums and ticket combos. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on the main tourist cities in Italy. You’ll discover the best cities in Italy, as well as tips on how to find the best hotels.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on, reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
