When is the best time to visit Italy?

Trying to figure out the best time to visit Italy? It’s not as simple as “spring is great” or “summer is hot.” 

The truth is, there’s no single “best” time, just the best time for YOU.

It all depends on your travel style, budget, and what you want to experience. Dreaming of beach days on the Amalfi Coast? Crowd-free city explorations? Skiing in the Dolomites?

I’m Italian, based in Milan, and I’ve explored Italy in every single season. In this guide, I’ll break down when to visit based on your interests—plus what to expect season by season and month by month.

Let’s get started! 🇮🇹✨

Best time to visit Italy based on your interests

For the best weather

Well, the best weather depends on what you want to do!

For sightseeing: April, May, June, September, and October are the absolute best months in my opinion.
Warm but not scorching hot temperatures, sunny days and long daylight hours perfect for sightseeing.

If you want to go to the beach, do boat trips or go hiking in the mountains: July, August and September. 

If you want to ski, it’s best to visit from late december until the end of March. 

For budget travel 

The cheapest months to visit Italy depend on which region you want to visit. 

In general, January, February, November and early December have the lowest prices for city travel, but the weather is not at its best. 

The exception is if you’re visiting the dolomites and mountain resorts: January and February are peak ski seasons, so it won’t be cheap.  

A good balance between budget travel, weather and crowds are the shoulder months like March and October. 

For beaches and islands

Weather-wise, from June to September is a good time. 

If you want to balance price, crowds and weather, I highly recommend June and September. The weather is nice and sunny, the water is warm and prices aren’t as high as July or August and the crowds are much more manageable, especially in places like Sicily, Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre. 

June and September are also amazing months if you want to combine some beach time and sightseeing in bigger cities like Rome, Florence or Venice in the same trip. 

For food & wine lovers

Without a single doubt, autumn!

Autumn is wine harvest and truffle season and there are so many festivals going on.

Tuscany is of course a fantastic destination but the absolute best place to visit is Piedmont, especially around the Langhe, where you’ll find both wine and truffles, especially at the International Alba White Truffle Fair. 

You can do wine tasting tours and even join truffle hunting tours with dogs, it’s amazing! 

Another great time for wine lovers is April and May.

In April, you’ll find Vinitaly in Verona, the biggest wine fair in Italy but also one of the most important in the world. 

There are also several initiatives called cantine aperte where you can go and visit wineries for tastings, tours, and special events during several times of year, often around May and October. 

As for the cities, you can basically try local dishes and traditional food year round. Food is a big deal in italy so, unless you want to visit a festival, you can really visit anytime and have great food!

To avoid crowds

Visiting Italy without crowds isn’t easy but it isn’t impossible, you just have to time your trip right. 

The quietest times are from January through March and from November to early December, depending on where you go. 

If you want to visit cities, they’ll be super quiet, with mostly empty museums and no big crowds at landmarks and historic sites. Be prepared for the weather though, Winter can be quite cold and gloomy and November is usually rainy. 

If you are looking for a good balance of crowds and weather, I’d recommend the shoulder months like March, April and October.  

The weather is much nicer and it’s great for sightseeing, you won’t have to battle the overwhelming crowds like in July or August, but it’s also not going to be as quiet as deep winter. In early October, you can also plan to spend some time on the coast or at the lakes or in the mountains.

It’s a good balance of number of tourists, price and weather. 

Italy by season: what to expect each time of year

Italy in spring 🌸

If you want to explore Italy without the peak-season crowds, chaos, and intense summer heat, spring is a fantastic time to visit.

Why? The days are longer, temperatures are warm, and by April, gardens and the countryside are at their absolute best—I can’t tell you how magical the villa gardens around Lake Como are! 

Everything is in bloom, and there’s a fresh, lively energy everywhere after winter. It’s finally time to eat outside at a restaurant, take long strolls in the sunshine, and soak up the spring atmosphere.

Just keep in mind that spring weather can be a bit unpredictable, with occasional rain showers—so pack layers and a light rain jacket, just in case.

Spring is also a big time for celebrations, with Easter bringing religious processions, special events, and incredible seasonal food like Colomba and Pastiera Napoletana.

Italy in summer ☀️

Half of the people in Italy love summer, the other half hates it—there’s no in-between! 😂

If you’re dreaming of boat trips on Lake Como, sunbathing on the Amalfi Coast, or hiking in the Dolomites, summer is absolutely PERFECT. You’ll also get festivals, town fairs (which always mean incredible street food), concerts, nightlife on the beach… summer has it all!

Where’s the catch? Well, it’s peak tourist season, so prices and heat can be brutal.

I’m serious! Temperatures in July and August regularly hit 40°C (104°F) or more in the cities. Mix that heat with big crowds, and well… it’s not always a dream.

Most Italians take their holidays in August, so beaches, mountains, and lake towns are packed with both locals and international tourists. Meanwhile, some businesses in cities shut down around Ferragosto (August 15), making places like Milan and Florence feel quieter—but also kind of empty.

If you can handle the crowds and high prices, summer in Italy is an experience you won’t forget!

Italy in autumn 🍁

Autumn is my absolute favorite season in Italy, and it devastates me that it’s so underrated!

Early autumn is pure magic. Summer crowds disappear, prices drop, and the weather is still warm and sunny. You can absolutely still go to the beach, especially in southern Italy, where the sea stays warm well into September.

The countryside and mountains are also breathtaking this time of year: it’s one of the absolute best times to visit the Dolomites, with stunning fall foliage and empty hiking trails.

If you’re into food, wine, and truffles, Piedmont, Veneto, and Tuscany are a dream in autumn. September marks the start of the wine harvest season and plenty of truffle and wine festivals happen throughout the season.

Autumn is also one of the best times for sightseeing. The weather is cooler, making long city walks much more enjoyable, and landmarks and museums aren’t nearly as packed as in summer.

Just keep in mind that by November, daylight hours get much shorter, and rain and fog become more frequent.

Italy in winter ❄️

Winter in Italy is festive, cozy, and budget-friendly—unless you’re visiting during Christmas or Carnival, when prices and crowds spike.

Cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence feel magical in December, with charming Christmas markets, twinkling lights on every street, festive window displays, and ice rinks scattered around the city.

If you love winter sports and Christmas markets, this is also the best time to visit the Dolomites. They’re crowded and pricey, but you’ll get amazing snow conditions—it’s literally a winter wonderland.

Aside from the holiday season, January and February are the cheapest months to visit cities.

The biggest challenge is the weather: it’s cold, and daylight hours are very short. Northern Italy is often gloomy and gray, with temperatures hovering around 0–5°C (32–41°F) in the cities—but in the mountains, it can drop to -10°C (14°F) or even lower.

Southern Italy has milder winters, but most coastal towns and beach resorts shut down for the season, so it’s not the best time to visit, in my opinion.

Italy by month

January 

January is quiet, cold, and budget-friendly—unless you’re heading to the Alps or Dolomites, where it’s peak ski season, so slopes are packed and prices are anything but cheap.

If you’re dreaming of exploring Rome, Florence, or Venice without crowds, this is your best bet.

Just be ready for rain, gray skies, and short daylight hours—northern Italy can be seriously gloomy. Believe me, I’m writing this in late January in Milan, and I haven’t seen the sun in days. 😂

The south stays milder, but it’s still definitely not beach weather. Many coastal towns shut down, so the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como feel eerily empty—personally, I wouldn’t visit them in January.

February 

February is Carnival season, bringing Venice, Viareggio, and many other cities to life with elaborate parades, shows, celebrations, and masks.

It’s still 100% winter, so everything I said about January’s weather applies here too.

If you’re planning a trip to Venice for Carnival, it can absolutely be romantic, but be prepared—it could be cold, damp, and misty. Just set the right expectations to avoid disappointment.

That said, I LOVE Venice in winter! It’s quiet, and the chilly weather adds this mysterious, romantic vibe that I’m so here for.

If you’re after budget-friendly city travel, this is one of the cheapest months to visit. And if you’re coming for winter sports in the Dolomites, ski resorts are still in top shape—it’s still high season.

March 

March is when Italy starts waking up (literally! My friends and I always joke that after a winter in Milan, it feels like everything is coming back to life! 😂).

Days finally get longer, temperatures rise, and signs of spring start appearing. Parks and the countryside turn green again after months of brownish winter tones.

It’s an amazing time to explore cities—crowds are still manageable, and you get shoulder-season prices before Easter tourism kicks in.

That said, the weather is still a bit unpredictable so you might wake up to a beautiful sunny morning, and get caught in the rain by the afternoon.

April

Welcome back, spring!

April is when spring fully arrives across most of Italy, bringing warmer days, flowers in full bloom, and a lively atmosphere. It’s hard to explain, but something about the sunshine puts everyone in a bright summer mood—even though it’s still spring!

Cities are at their absolute best, with the perfect balance of great weather, reasonable prices, and manageable crowds.

April is also usually the month of Easter, which is a big deal in Italy. But it’s not just about religious celebrations—as with everything in Italy, it also means special food like Colomba and Pastiera Napoletana (yes everything here revolves around food, it’s all true!)

If you’re visiting around Easter week, book everything early, because prices spike and crowds can get pretty intense—plenty of Italians take time off too.

May

May is one of the best months to visit Italy. The weather is warm and the days are sunny, but it’s not unbearably hot like in summer. Nature and gardens are at their peak, and tourist spots aren’t yet as crowded.

If you’re dreaming of a Lake Como boat tour or a road trip through Tuscany, May is the perfect time.

It’s not fully summer yet, but southern Italy is already almost there. 

Exploring the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Sicily, or Puglia in May is absolutely fantastic. You can already enjoy the beach (especially from mid to late May), without the summer crowds and high prices.

That said, allergy sufferers beware—pollen levels are super high!

And the only real downside? If mosquitoes were tourists, they’d be arriving in May too. Be prepared—they’re annoying, especially in northern Italy around lakeside areas. If you’re staying in Lake Como, Venice or anywhere near Milan, be prepared—they can be relentless.

June

June is when summer vibes truly kick in across Italy. The days are long and sunny, sunsets are late, and it’s the perfect time for outdoor adventures.

Beach season officially starts, and southern Italy is at its best. 

Temperatures are still bearable in cities, but crowds start rolling in—by mid-June, you’ll notice longer lines and busier attractions. 

That said, it’s still not full summer everywhere—if you’re planning to hike in the Dolomites, the season doesn’t fully start until late June.

July

July is peak summer mode, so it’s perfect if you’re heading to the beach (and don’t mind the crowds), but not ideal if you’re planning to explore Rome all day long. By noon, you’ll be questioning your life decisions—trust me.

Coastal towns and islands are at their absolute best, and the Dolomites are ideal for hiking in summer.

Cities, on the other hand? Not so pleasant. Temperatures regularly hit 40°C (104°F) or higher, so plan sightseeing early in the morning and take long afternoon breaks somewhere air-conditioned. Bonus points if your hotel has a pool.

August

August is Italy’s national vacation month, with most locals taking time off around Ferragosto (August 15).

The busiest weeks are the two central ones, when beach towns are seriously packed. Meanwhile, cities feel empty as many businesses close down because locals escape the heat and take time off.

The good thing about visiting cities in August is that they’re not so expensive. I still wouldn’t recommend doing city sightseeing in August, but at least it’s a decent option for budget travel.

On the flip side, prices skyrocket in places like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Puglia, Sicily, and Sardinia.

September

September is one of the loveliest months in Italy—it’s basically still summer, just without the crazy prices and insane crowds.

The weather is warm and sunny, and you can absolutely still enjoy the beaches. 

It’s also a fantastic month to visit the countryside in Tuscany and Umbria, as well as for sightseeing in the cities: Rome, Venice, and Florence are so much more enjoyable than in July or August!

If you love wine, September is the perfect time to visit. It’s harvest season, so you’ll find plenty of food and wine events happening in Tuscany, Veneto, and Piedmont.

October

October is Italy’s most underrated month (and one of my favorites!).

It’s cooler (I think you probably guessed I hate hot temperatures by now), quieter, and absolutely stunning in the countryside and around the lakes.

The fall colors in the Dolomites and Tuscany are breathtaking, and food festivals start popping up everywhere. It’s a fantastic time for city sightseeing, hiking (weather permitting), and wine tasting.

Just keep in mind that the weather becomes unpredictable and some summer hotspots—like beach resorts, mountain huts in the Dolomites, and hotels around Lake Como—start shutting down toward the end of the month.

November

November is Italy’s rainiest month, but it’s also one of the cheapest and least crowded times to visit—so it’s not all bad.

Cities can be wonderful on sunny (but slightly chilly) days, but also gray and gloomy when it rains. In Venice, the risk of flooding (acqua alta) is also higher this time of year.

It’s not a great time to visit the mountains, since it’s that awkward in-between season—too late for hiking and too early for winter sports. If you’re thinking about a trip to the Dolomites, I’d recommend saving it for another time.

The Amalfi Coast and other beach destinations aren’t great options either—it’s too cold to spend time outside at the beach, and many businesses start shutting down for winter.

That said, if you don’t mind cooler, mistier days, November is perfect for budget travelers who prefer cultural experiences and city explorations over outdoor adventures.

December

Ahhh, Christmas festivities!

December can feel gray, dark, and cold in Italy, especially in the north, but it also brings Christmas magic with markets, twinkling lights, and festive celebrations.

I love Rome, Florence and Milan over Christmas—they have such a magical atmosphere! Meanwhile, the Dolomites kick off ski season and host some of the most charming traditional Christmas markets.

Prices are great until mid-month, but expect a spike around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Italy

Final tips for choosing the best time for you

So, what’s the best time to visit Italy for you?

If you can choose your travel dates freely—meaning you’re not restricted by school vacations, work schedules, or other commitments—start by figuring out your top priority. Is it budget travel? Sightseeing without crowds? Hiking in the Dolomites? Relaxing on the beach on the Amalfi Coast? 

Once you know what matters most, use my seasonal and monthly guide to find the perfect time for your trip.

If you’re locked into a specific time of year, no worries!

You just have to decide if Italy is the right fit for when you can travel and what you’d like to see. Here’s a list of the best places to visit in Italy during your first trip to help you figure out what you want to visit.

Still unsure when to go or need help planning your itinerary? Check out my detailed guide with the 9 steps to plan the perfect trip to Italy without stress or book one of my custom travel planning services.