ItalyBest Time to Visit

Most guidebooks tell travellers Italy is best visited in the early fall and late spring. European schools are back in, it’s not as busy with visitors, and the temperatures are most comfortable. In reality, the best time to visit Italy is anytime! Winters in the mountain of the Dolomites at Cortina can feel like a fashion show on and off the slopes, or get cozy at Alta Badia, where post-ski dinners of pillow-soft gnocchi have earned the elegant ski town two Michelin-star restaurants. With about 4,000 museums and art galleries across the country, a chilly winter wind is easily subdued once inside thick walls, housing some of the world’s most cherished art. Fall brings the harvest and like any wine-centered country. The vineyards are laden with swollen grapes, and walks or bike rides in Tuscany or Sicily feel like spending time inside a painting.

The Venice Biennale takes place at the beginning of the spring and ends in November. A spectacle of art and architecture, artists from all over the world showcase their talents at this pavilion complex within walking distance from San Marco. Summers by the coast or on the islands are busy, but the waters are at their warmest along the Amalfi Coast or the Italian Riviera. In the summer, try to avoid the crowds by heading out early in the morning and later in the evening. Mid-day naps by the sea, your villa’s pool, or in a decadent hotel room with a view, suits all seasons in Italy. After all, restaurants are open late here and dining after 8 pm is the norm. In Italy, life is for pleasure, in all seasons!

When is Italy’s peak tourist season?

Crowds are heaviest during Italy’s peak travel months of June to August, however in some cities the hot temperatures can make some sightseeing less desirable. More pleasant temperatures, with slightly less crowds, can be found in Italy’s shoulder seasons of May to June, and September to October. National Italian holidays, including Easter, tend to see heavy crowds in Rome, Venice, and Florence.

 When is the most affordable time to visit Italy?

Affordable airfare to Italy can be found nearly year-round, with accommodation rates being lowest during the months of November-April. The very lowest pricing for hotels can be found in February and November, both of which experience cooler temperatures. That said, if you pack appropriately, there is so much to see indoors with the endless list of exquisite museums and cathedrals!

How long should I plan to visit Italy?

Italy is a large country north to south, so if you are hoping to see as much as possible, plan to spend two weeks visiting. You will be able to check out all the highlights from Milan in the north, to the Amalfi Coast in the south. If your time is limited, plan to spend 7-10 days, with a focus on two to three highlight destinations, such as Rome, Florence, and Venice.

When is the ideal time to visit Italy?

Italy’s favourable location makes it a desirable vacation destination year-round. June, July, and August are Italy’s peak travel months, but often have less desirable hot temperatures. Shoulder months including April, May, September, and October are commonly less busy, though you can still relish in pleasant warm weather. Consider visiting in the winter months, when reasonably mild weather makes touring less crowded attractions and historic sites very enjoyable.