Best Time to Visit Italy
Tuscany, Italy
The best time to visit Italy is in the spring and early summer months, from March through June. During this time, the weather is great for the beaches, sightseeing, wine tasting, food tours, and more. Fall, particularly September and October, are also lovely times, when Italy is quieter and the fall colors are on show.
Your ideal experiences also affect the best time of the year to visit Italy for your vacation. Skiing in the Dolomites is exceptional in December, while enjoying the sun-washed beaches of Sicily is best in May. Rome is brilliant in April, while Florence is stunning in September.
From wine tasting to Roman-ruin exploration and coastal sightseeing, find the best time for your experience. As a family, couple, senior, or adventure traveler, we share ideas to help you plan when to go.
Best Time by Travel Season
Portofino, Italy
High Season: August
August in the summer peak season is a great time to visit Italy.
During August, the sunny weather is perfect for exploring southern island beaches or the Italian Riviera. Travelers should expect hotter temperatures, busier cities, and higher travel rates during the high season. Some even argue that summer is one of the worst times to go to Italy. August, however, provides an ideal option during the season.
Learn more: Italy Vacations in August
Shoulder Season: April • May • October • November
April to May and late October to November are the best shoulder-season months in Italy.
The spring months of April and May offer great weather between the crisp winter and sweltering summer. These months lead into the early days of the beach season. Fall’s chillier weather in October and November means travelers can enjoy fewer crowds than in the busy summer months.
Learn more: Italy Vacations in November
Low Season: December • February
The best time for vacations in Italy during the winter low season is in December or February.
The winter months offer great value for travelers seeking authentic Italian experiences in popular summer destinations. The cold weather covers the Italian Alps in snow, and they become an enchanting winter wonderland and skiing destination for families.
Learn more: Italy Vacations in December
Best Time for Great Weather
Isola Bella near Taormina in Sicily, Italy
Best Months: June • July • August
Travelers enjoy sunny, clear skies and warm temperatures in June, July, and August. The weather is stunning during this time of year in Italy, whether in Rome or Tuscany.
The summer months of Italy, from June to August, are also the most popular times of the year. Travelers flock to Sicily's golden beaches and explore cities like Rome, with time outdoors at the heart of a summer trip.
July is particularly busy and the hottest month of the year in Italy. Meanwhile, June is an excellent time in the early half of summer to join the Republic Day celebrations in Rome.
Learn more: Italy Vacations in June
Best Time to Visit Rome
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Best Months: April • May • September • October
The best time to explore the vibrant city of Rome is in April and May or September and October.
Rome, one of Italy's major cities, is packed with travelers during summer. Instead, spring and early fall provide more space to explore the 10 best places to visit in Rome. From the Colosseum to the ornate hallways of Vatican City, you can experience Rome’s highlights with fewer queues.
Learn more: Rome Tours & Vacations
Best Time to Visit Tuscany
Tuscan landcape in Montepulciano, Italy
Best Months: April • May • September • October
The best time to go to Tuscany's breathtaking countryside is in April and May or September and October.
Fewer travelers visit Tuscany during these times, making it a wonderful time to travel. You can worry less about the crowds and focus on embracing the breathtaking Italian countryside. Spring and fall are wonderful times of the year to experience the top 7 things to do in Tuscany on vacation.
Learn more: Tuscany Tours & Vacations
Best Time for the Islands & Beaches
Peschici, Italy
Best Months: May • September
The end of May or mid-September is the best time to explore Italy’s famous islands and breathtaking beaches.
The weather in Italy warms along the entire coastline by mid-spring, especially along the southern shores. The waters of the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Adriatic seas are hottest by July and August. May offers comfortable conditions for days spent on Italy's best beaches. From the Amalfi Coast to Cinque Terre, you can enjoy plenty of sunshine and clear seas in May and September.
Learn more: 10 Best Islands to Visit in Italy
Best Time for Sightseeing
Assisi in Umbria, Italy
Best Months: April • May • September • October • Early November
Mid-April to May and mid-September to early November are the best times for sightseeing in Italy.
Italy has fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and offers great value for travelers in late spring and early fall. You can enjoy the authentic culture and sightseeing as you explore the 7 best places to visit in Italy. The better opportunity for authentic experiences will give you access to Italy’s countless museums, ancient ruins, churches, and vineyards.
Best Time for Wine
Vineyards of Serralunga-d-Alba in Piemonte.
Best Months: March • April • May • September • October
March to May brings together the perfect conditions for wine tasting in Italy. In September and October, grape harvesting is one of the best experiences in Italy.
The spring weather provides excellent conditions for wine growing. Fewer crowds search for hidden wine cellars or famous villas, giving you the best opportunities to enjoy Italian wine. The vintners have also returned to their fields to tend to the new growing season. The grape harvest season is great for celebrating the local heritage of fruitful harvests with exciting festivals.
Learn more: Italy Wine Tours
Best Time for Food
Pappardelle with Ragu
Best Months: June • July • August • December • January • February
Italy is a year-round culinary destination, but summer and winter especially stand out for seasonal tasting.
In summer, enjoy vegetables dominating dishes, with forest berries, apricots, melons, and other fruits also coming into season. In winter, Christmas dishes at markets revolve around spices and warmth. Dishes like cassoeula, a hearty pork stew, and Tuscan farro soup take center stage.
Learn more: Italy Food Tours
Best Time to Avoid the Crowds
Ischia, Italy
Best Months: March • April • May • September • October • November
Spring, March through May, and fall, September through November, are the best times in Italy to avoid crowds.
Most travelers visit Italy in summer. The beaches, cities, and islands are extremely busy from June to August. It is far more manageable in spring and fall. The shoulder seasons offer greater options for travelers avoiding Europe during the peak summer months.
Best Time for Families with Children
A mother and daughter overlooking the rooftops of Rome.
Best Months: May • June • December
Late May to mid-June, and the month of December, are excellent times to visit Italy with your family.
The mild early-summer weather provides the perfect chance to relax in cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence. During this time, you can enjoy the top 10 things to do in Italy with family. December is also a great month to visit with your children because of the festive holiday atmosphere across the country.
Learn more: Italy Family Vacations
Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners
A young couple shares an embrace at a vineyard in Italy.
Best Months: April • June • September • October
April to June or mid-September to October are the best months to visit Italy on romantic trips or honeymoons.
Embrace the beauty of coastal resorts or alpine getaways on intimate trips to the10 most romantic places in Italy. You can enjoy sightseeing, hiking, sunbathing, couples’ spas, and more breathtaking couple or honeymoon experiences in Italy.
Learn more: Italy Tours for Couples • Italy Honeymoon Vacations
Best Time for Seniors
Venice, Italy
Best Months: January • February • March • April
Senior travelers can avoid the crowds and Italy’s summer heat on trips between January and April. Including late winter and the start of spring, these times provide perfect conditions.
During these times of the year, Italy is quieter in comparison to summer. There is also more space to explore the famous museums and historical Roman ruins. You could even visit the Venice Carnival in February or sail from Venice to Lido di Venezia.
Learn more: Italy Tours for Seniors
Best Time for Spring & Summer Activities
Saturnia thermal hot springs in Tuscany, Italy
Best Months: April • May • June
April to June is the best time to visit Italy for spring and summer activities.
Spring and summer weather is perfect for spending time outdoors and exploring popular places. You can visit museums and ancient ruins, cycle across the countryside, or visit Sicily's beaches. April, May, and June's warm days and cool nights offer the ideal conditions to explore the outdoors. High temperatures in summer can be overwhelming, but a travel agent can help you prepare when planning your trip.
Activities: Thermal baths • Hiking and cycling • Wine tasting tours • Cliff diving adventures • Flower art festivals • Roman ruin tours • Coastal cruises
Best Time for Fall & Winter Activities
Downhill skiing at the Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort in the Dolomites.
Best Months: October • December • January
October, December, and January are the best times for a trip to Italy for fall and winter activities.
From fall's wine season in Italy to winter snow, there is much to enjoy during the seasons. Go truffle hunting or snow trekking, visit wine makers or popular ski resorts. Enjoy the pleasures of fall and winter during the cooler months in Italy.
Activities: Skiing and snowboarding • Truffle hunting • Christmas markets • Meeting winemakers • Snow trekking • Hot spring tours • Vineyard and wine cellar tours
Book the Best Time to Visit Italy
Amalfi Coast, Italy
You can create life-long memories in Italy's most iconic destinations during the best time for your trip. Experience the top 15 things to do in Italy on Italy tours & vacations during the best times of the year.
Explore more ideas for your vacation in our Italy travel guide. When ready, you can plan to visit with an Italy travel specialist to make it happen.
