Best Time To Visit Italy

Under the Tuscan sun: a guide to Italy’s seasons

Italy is a treasure trove of activities. From ancient towns to high-fashion, stunning coasts and world-renowned monuments, there is no dearth of things to do in Italy. Our destination experts weigh in on when is the best time to visit Italy.

The best time to visit Italy is from April to June and September to October. Temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.5°C), ideal for exploring its myriad attractions.

Best Time To Visit

Most Ideal

Low Season

overview

This is the coldest month in Italy, so ensure you carry plenty of layers! While northern Italy experiences temperatures between 25-45°F, the south is milder with temperatures ranging from 50-60°F. Around this time several areas such as the Amalfi Coast, shut down to prepare for the summer rush.

we recommend

Head to the Italian Alps for a spot of skiing!
If you are in Rome, take advantage of any sales to get in some shopping

overview

Expect the cold, damp conditions to continue throughout the month. This is Carnevale time in Italy, so expect the party atmosphere to be in full flow, especially in Venice. Do book well in advance if you plan to visit the city at this time. Temperatures range from around 25-60°F across the country and expect a fair bit of rain as well. If you happen to travel during this time of year, the number of visitors traveling to Italy is less, so there will be fewer crowds in the bigger cities and museum hopping could be a good option as well.

we recommend

Expect the bigger cities like Rome, Venice and Tuscany to be abuzz with the Carnevale celebrations

overview

March is considered shoulder season in Italy, but this is one of the best times to visit the country. The cold of winter gives away to the warmth of spring and the crowds are yet to arrive in the country. Expect temperatures to range between 35-61°F across the country. This is a good time to plan trips to the bigger cities, sans the overwhelming crowds.

we recommend

Explore Venice by walk and gondola
Take in the sights of Rome on a Vespa tour
The Rome Marathon usually takes place this month

overview

This is one of the best times to travel to Italy. Expect temperatures to be around 63°F. The country will start to get busier towards the end of the month as summer sets in, so make the most of the time in the early part of this month. This is a good time to relax on the beaches as well as admire the wildflowers growing across the country.

we recommend

Discover the sights of Florence on a walking tour
Relax and enjoy a morning cappuccino along the beautiful Amalfi Coast

overview

Spring is on its way out so expect temperatures to rise – and the crowds to swell. Popular attractions are busy at this time so if you do plan to visit Italy during May, do book well in advance.

we recommend

Explore the ruins of Pompeii
Go on a wine tour in Tuscany
Visit Florence’s Iris Garden, open only during a few weeks this month

overview

June is officially peak tourist season in Italy, so remember to book well in advance. You will see crowds wherever you go, and expect huge lines at all the major attractions.

we recommend

Attend a glass blowing workshop
Explore the vibrant islands of Murano and Burano
Enjoy open-air performances in Rome and Verona

overview

This is the middle of summer in Italy, so expect it to be hot throughout the country. Temperatures range between 65-90°F around the time, but it can often feel hotter, thanks to the blazing sun and the crowds. This is one of the busiest months in the country, so plan well in advance. Expect prices to be at their highest around this time.

we recommend

Learn how to be a gladiator at the Gladiator School of Rome
Journey to the charming city of Siena where the Palio Horse races begin in July

overview

August is a hot and busy month in Italy. Temperatures in Rome usually average around 75°F, but there can be heatwaves across the country making it much more oppressive. The beaches will be especially crowded around this time with locals and international visitors making a beeline for them.

we recommend

Marvel at the Verona Opera Festival
Visit the picturesque South Tyrol region in north Italy
Make the most of milder temperatures and enjoy a day trip Italy’s lake district

overview

This is one of the better months to visit Italy. While temperatures and prices will still be on the higher side, expect the crowds to gradually reduce, especially with the school holidays ending in Italy. The end of the month sees the start of the harvest season and there will be several events across the country celebrating all things gastronomic!

we recommend

Embark on a culinary tour of Rome and attend a pizza-making class
Participate in any of the harvest-season food festivals happening across the country
Plan a beach vacation

overview

Fall has set in around this time; expect temperatures to start cooling down and ranging between 50-75°F across the country. Expect a few showers, so carry layers and rain gear. The harvest festivals are in full flow and this is also a good time to plan a visit to the major cities to take advantage of the (relatively) fewer crowds!

we recommend

Marvel at the attractions in Pisa and Lucca
Discover the sights of Rome on foot
Take in the sights of Sicily

overview

This is one of the wettest months in the country, so expect rain wherever you go. Winter also sets in around this time, so weather-wise this is not one of the best months to visit Italy. But if you do plan a trip around the time, then pick and choose your activities. Do note that several attractions and destinations could be closed around this time. This is also truffle season in Italy!

we recommend

Enjoy jazz, music and film festivals that are held throughout the country
Indulge your taste buds by visiting the truffle, chestnut, chocolate and wine festivals, which are held in the north of the country and in Tuscany

overview

Winter has set in so expect things to be cold across the country, more so in the north than in the south. Skiing enthusiasts can start hitting the slopes!

we recommend

Go skiing in the Dolomites
Visit the Christmas markets that come up all over the country and partake in the festivities

Best Time to Visit Italy by Season

The best time to visit Italy is during spring, from the months of March to May and then fall, from the end of September to November. This is the time that temperatures are comfortable and you are likely to experience fewer crowds. June through September is usually high season in Italy. This is when the country is buzzing with visitors – both international as well as local – as Italians love to travel within their country. It can get very hot around this time so do keep that in mind. While the winters in the south are largely mild, Northern Italy can get cold and wet – expect some attractions to be closed around this time. Do note that the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Sicily, and Liguria and Cinque Terre remain closed from the end of October to the beginning of April.

Best time to visit Italy - cafe in Venice

What to Pack for Italy

What you pack for Italy depends on when you travel to the country. Carry plenty of layers and rain gear if you are traveling in the winter months. For spring, summer and fall, ensure you have cotton clothes and summer wear, but carry a couple of layers for the chilly evenings during spring and fall.

There are numerous operas, performances and celebratory events being held regularly across the country, so it may be prudent to pack a formal jacket or dinner wear if you wish to do something special. In cities such as Rome and Florence, expect to do a lot of walking and therefore, carry a pair of good, sturdy sneakers or running shoes for day excursions. A hat is a must in summer, as well as sunscreen and loose cotton clothes, if you are visiting the coastal regions in the south.

Do note that all churches, basilicas, cathedrals and other religious sites have a dress code. You will need to factor that while planning visits to these places.

Plan an unforgettable trip to Italy with advice from our experts. We’ll time your vacation just right so you don’t miss out on any of the highlights. Get in touch with us today for your obligation-free tour itinerary.

Popular Trips to Italy

Italy: Lakes & Wine

10 Days from $8,890 USD / person

Discover Italy beyond the famous cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. This customizable Italy vacation takes you through the resort town of Stresa, the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Langhe, and the picturesque Gulf of Tigullio.

View Vacation

Italy & Switzerland Highlights

10 Days from $15,890 USD / person

If you are a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast, this specially curated vacation is for you. Your journey begins in the beautiful waterfront town of Bellagio. Explore the Roman and Baroque architecture of Como, enjoy fabulous views of Lake Como in Varenna, and soak in the atmosphere of Bellagio’s medieval centre. Next, hop over the…

View Vacation

Italy: Rome, Matera & Apulia

11 Days from $6,990 USD / person

This tour is ideal for those who want to go beyond the usual and see Italy’s hidden gems. Enjoy a walking tour of Rome and admire the glorious Vatican museums before heading off to explore the towns of Matera, Lecce and Fasano. Learn about Matera’s turbulent history on a tour that takes you to an…

View Vacation

Italy: Best of Sicily

9 Days from $3,490 USD / person

This customizable self-drive tour is ideal for those who want to experience the top attractions of Sicily, and get in a bit of relaxation as well. Admire some of Palermo’s most famous landmarks such as the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy, and Chiesa della Martorana, a majestic 12th century Byzantine church. Explore…

View Vacation

Italy: Sicilian Heritage and Beaches

12 Days from $8,990 USD / person

Delve into the region’s culture and heritage as you make your way through some of Sicily’s loveliest cities and towns. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of Palermo and get a taste of the local cuisine on a guided street food tour. Unwind on a picturesque beach and enjoy a boat tour in Cefalù. During a…

View Vacation

Parthenon temple on the Acropolis in Athens-

Expert Pick

Highlights of Italy and Greece

12 Days from $7,490 USD / person

Experience the best of Italy and Greece on this superb 12-day tour. Enjoy guided walking tours of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and Rome, which was the center of the mighty Roman Empire.

View Vacation

Sorry, your search found no results.

Night view of a restaurant located on an old cozy street in Trastevere in Rome — Enjoy a **culinary delight** in Trastevere in Rome when you book a trip with Enchanting Travels

Best Places To Visit

Agrigento is a hillside town on the southwestern shores of Sicily and its heady mix of ancient archeology, natural Mediterranean landscape and modern energy is hard to beat.

Agrigento

Alta Badia is located in the southern Val Badia valley, in the heart of the Dolomites. It is the perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors, particularly if you are into skiing and snowboarding. A haven for skiers, the region also offers mountain biking, mountaineering and trekking opportunities.

Alta Badia (Dolomites)

Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch in the Campania region, boasting 32 miles of stunning coastal scenery, hugging the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. Renowned for its unparalleled beauty, thanks to the natural Mediterranean landscape, Amalfi Coast is especially immortalized in pop culture.

Amalfi Coast

Bari is a port city in southern Italy on the Adriatic Sea, 41 miles from Matera. Stroll past the 12th-century Castello Svevo and enter the walled Old Town’s maze of streets to discover quaint churches, alleys, and squares.

Bari

Bellagio is a lovely little romantic waterfront town by the famous Lake Como and its azure blue waters, surrounded by wooded hills and graceful old villas.

Bellagio

Bologna seamlessly blends old world charm with modernity. Distinctive red colored buildings line the city’s streets, interspersed with medieval towers, the cathedral and the UNESCO-listed porticoes.

Bologna

Ode to the Centuries: Art and Architecture in Italy

By: JEMIMA FORBES 6 min

Whether you’re a fan of classical columns and ornate frescoes or more contemporary allures, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Italy. Learn more about Italian art and architecture to plan your cultural vacation.

Read Post

Things To Do

There’s no dearth of things to see and do in Italy – from award-winning gastronomic experiences to world class art, architecture and ancient ruins, preserved coastal towns, medieval villages and beautiful landscapes. To help you choose the best, here’s our list of the top ten.

Things To Do in Italy

Travel Guide

Whether you’re wondering what languages the locals speak, which currency you need to take or if you will require any vaccinations before you fly, make sure you’re ready for your unforgettable European adventure with our handy Italy travel guide.

Italy Travel Guide

Cuisine

The cuisine in Italy is celebrated around the world, and there’s no dearth of delicious no matter where you visit! From mouth-watering pastas to gourmet cuisine, award-winning vintage and top dishes from each region, eat your way through Italy with our travel tips.

Cuisine in Italy

What Our Guests Say

We had a great honeymoon thanks to Enchanting Travels. Both Kyle and Ruth were absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Any hiccups that took place during our trip (that were completely out of anyone’s control) were quickly responded to and we didn’t have to worry about a thing. Enchanting travels spoiled us and now I’m not sure how we’ll ever be able to go on a trip without have the ease and convenience that Enchanting Travels provided to us!

Rating 5/5

Timothy Barnes

Canada

Working with Enchanting Travels made our trip to Italy a breeze. They customized our itinerary and planned out everything from start to finish. We had a wonderful time in Italy and appreciated the planning and assistance we received.

Rating 5/5

Michelle Kiefer

USA

A trip created just for our personal interests and preferences, very well done and well managed. The right blend of planned activities and unplanned time was exactly what we were looking for. All with a trip coordinator who was 100% on top of everything throughout the trip.

Rating 5/5

Beautiful landscape of Vineyards in Tuscany. Chianti region in summer season, Italy, Europe

James Howe

USA

Enchanting Travels delivered!! We wanted a vacation that was an overview of Italy and they delivered. 5+ cities in 12 days. Visited every major landmark, with knowledgeable local guides and drivers. Even trips from the airport/train station to our hotels was a learning experience and tour. The planning process was with engaging trip coordinators, who listened!. The travelling was seamless and they were always on hand checking in to smooth any wrinkles which were all minor thanks to amazing planning. Now we have to use them for all our vacations.

Rating 5/5

Aneisha Crossbourne

USA

I don’t know how they do it but, the staff at Enchanting Travels somehow seems to top itself with each trip that they create for us! Nurit Hod once again planned the most incredible trip for us to northern Italy. Nurit was able to carefully and elegantly organize the trip of a lifetime for us from Milan to the Dolomites through Switzerland and over to Lake Como. Nurit really got to know us and the types of hotels, excursions, and adventures that we enjoy. Each day was planned perfectly. The excursions were always with particular experts in their field. The guides were consistently extremely knowledgeable and made the trips fun, exciting, and relaxing! With the impeccable and detail-oriented Divya Bist by my side as a trip coordinator, I never felt alone during my travels. Divya made sure that each and every detail before and during the trip was confirmed and scheduled perfectly. It is so nice to know that we have such caring, kind, and expert people working with us as a team on these unbelievable trips- making them endlessly fun, exciting, memorable, and life-changing!

Rating 5/5

Famous luxury villa Monastero, stunning botanical garden decorated with mediterranean oleander flowers, lake Como,

Erica Goldberger

USA

Enchanting Travels hit this out of the park. My wife and I had the most amazing honeymoon. We were able to go wine tasting in Tuscany, had an authentic cooking class in Florence, cruised around the waters of Lake Como and climbed to the top of the Duomo in Milan. Everything went so smoothly and we are so appreciative that Enchanting Travels made our honeymoon so smooth and unforgettable.

Rating 5/5

Mark Derner

USA

The Enchanting Difference

Authentic & Unique

Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and exclusive experiences for you.

Personalized & Private

Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences.

High-Quality Experiences

All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team.

Fully Supported Travel

You’ll have a personal and dedicated trip coordinator, backed by 24/7 support in case of emergencies while you’re traveling.

Financial Protection & Flexibility

Your booking is flexible and completely secure with us.

Safe & Secure

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder.

get started