Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires and moves like no other.
Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country. Should you walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, revel in Ravenna‘s glittering Byzantine treasures or get breathless over Giotto’s revolutionary frescoes in Padua? It’s a cultural conundrum as thrilling as it is overwhelming with many wonderful things to see and do.
But another consideration is the best time to visit the country. Do you go in summer when the sun is high but so are the prices, or do you wait until low season for cheaper rates, but run the risk of many attractions not being open?
Plan the perfect time for your visit to Italy with this seasonal guide to weather, crowds, prices and events throughout the year.
April to June offers the best weather
Often considered the best time to visit, spring offers the ideal mix of good climate and manageable tourism flows. Nature blooms as the snow melts in the mountains and the rolling hills of the central Italian countryside come to life after the chilly winter.
While April is typically unpredictable when it comes to weather – pack both sunscreen and a raincoat – May and June offer mostly clear, sunny skies without the scorching temperatures of July and August. As the summer approaches, both Italian and European tourists try to make good use of their weekends, meaning that lines are to be expected in major museums. Weekdays, however, are a great opportunity to explore sights without the crowds.
Late spring is perhaps the best time of the year to enjoy the great outdoors. Deals on accommodations are easily found in rural areas, beaches are often empty, and nature reserves offer a peaceful retreat from the city buzz.
Many Italian regions – Abruzzo, Umbria and Sardinia, for instance – have been investing in sustainable tourism infrastructure in recent years, building new cycling routes and hiking itineraries that offer the chance to admire spectacular scenery at a slow pace.
It is worth keeping an eye out for the Giornate FAI di Primavera (FAI Spring Days), a two-day event happening all around the country during which the National Trust for Italy (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) opens the doors of hundreds of heritage buildings that are not usually accessible to the public – free of charge.
Held annually in Milan in…
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