On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Italy. We created climate tables and charts for the locations of Rome, Milan, South Tyrol und Messina. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.
Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Italy for your holiday.
Italy borders France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, the enclave of San Marino and the Vatican State. There is only a maritime border with Croatia.
The maximum extension spans on the north-south axis and is about 750 miles. The capital and largest city of Italy is Rome on the banks of the Tiber River.
The two largest Italian islands are Sicily in the south and Sardinia in the west. Italy is also known for its volcanoes. Italy is the European country with the most active volcanoes. Besides the 1281 meter high Vesuvius, the 3323 meter high Etna has become world-famous.
Italy has 24 national parks with a total area of around 9300 square miles.
The Italian Alps offer a high alpine climate in the winter months, which invites you to ski and winter holidays. In the foothills of the Alps in South Tyrol and at the lakes of Northern Italy such as Lake Garda, the climate is rather mild, which is reflected, among other things, in quite warm winters.
Central Italy, Liguria and Veneto have a much more Mediterranean climate. In the south of Italy, especially in summer, there is a very hot climate, which keeps its temperature until late into autumn. In the interior of the country, snow may well fall in winter at higher altitudes.
On the islands of Sicily and Sardines, on the other hand, a very special climate prevails. Especially in Sicily, the proximity to the North African continent cannot be denied. Sardinia also has a significantly higher climate level all year round than areas on the mainland.
Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Italy for your holiday.
Climate Overview
-7 °C to 31 °C
8 °C to 26 °C
0.12 – 5.04 in (1 – 14 Days of Rain)
Average Annual Temperature is between 5.5 °C (South Tyrol) and 18.7 °C (Messina)
Show temperatures in degree
Geographical location
Table of Contents
The state of Italy is located in southern Europe and has a population of around 61 million inhabitants, covering an area of around 187000 square miles. The population density is thus around 200 inhabitants per square kilometre.
Italy borders France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, the enclave of San Marino and the Vatican State. There is only a maritime border with Croatia.
The maximum extension spans on the north-south axis and is about 750 miles. The capital and largest city of Italy is Rome on the banks of the Tiber River.
The two largest Italian islands are Sicily in the south and Sardinia in the west. Italy is also known for its volcanoes. Italy is the European country with the most active volcanoes. Besides the 1281 meter high Vesuvius, the 3323 meter high Etna has become world-famous.
Italy has 24 national parks with a total area of around 9300 square miles.
Climate in Italy
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. On the one hand, this is due to wonderful old towns, great beach regions and scenic highlights such as Tuscany. On the other hand, it is due to the Mediterranean climate, which runs through large parts of the Italian boot.The Italian Alps offer a high alpine climate in the winter months, which invites you to ski and winter holidays. In the foothills of the Alps in South Tyrol and at the lakes of Northern Italy such as Lake Garda, the climate is rather mild, which is reflected, among other things, in quite warm winters.
Central Italy, Liguria and Veneto have a much more Mediterranean climate. In the south of Italy, especially in summer, there is a very hot climate, which keeps its temperature until late into autumn. In the interior of the country, snow may well fall in winter at higher altitudes.
On the islands of Sicily and Sardines, on the other hand, a very special climate prevails. Especially in Sicily, the proximity to the North African continent cannot be denied. Sardinia also has a significantly higher climate level all year round than areas on the mainland.
Best Time to Visit Italy: Overview
JanuaryJan MaximumMax. 15 °C Water max. 14 °C | FebruaryFeb TemperaturesTemp. up to 15 °C Water max. 13 °C | MarchMar TemperaturesTemp. up to 16 °C Water max. 14 °C | AprilApr TemperaturesTemp. up to 19 °C Water max. 15 °C | MayMay Good time to traveltime mostly Perfectmostly perfect climate in Italy | JuneJun Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate in Italy |
JulyJul Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate in Italy | AugustAug Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate in Italy | SeptemberSep Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate in Italy | OctoberOct Good time to traveltime mostly Perfectmostly perfect climate in Italy | NovemberNov TemperaturesTemp. up to 19 °C | DecemberDec TemperaturesTemp. up to 16 °C Water max. 16 °C |
When to travel to Italy?
Due to its size and variety, the best travel time for Italy cannot be generalized. There are different travel recommendations for different seasons. The winter season in the Italian Alps begins in November and lasts until April. Here you will find ideal conditions for winter sports.
Travellers who prefer the sun can travel to Sicily as early as March. With about 20 °C and flowering landscapes you can escape the German winter weather super. In the summer months of June to September, for example, temperatures of up to 30 °C and little rainfall of no more than 2.52 in can be found in Messina.
The summer months of June to August are characterised by high temperatures and little rainfall throughout Italy, both in coastal regions and inland. In the autumn months you can still travel to Sardinia and South Tyrol. You are spoilt for choice in dreamlike Italy!
Best Time to Visit the Regions
Find the best time to visit the regions (Italy) in the following overview.Location | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|
Rome | May, June, July, August, and September |
Milan | May, June, July, August, and September |
South Tyrol | June, July, August, and September |
Messina | May, June, July, August, and September |
Cagliari | June, July, August, and September |
Reggio Calabria | June, July, August, September, and October |
Livorno | June, July, August, and September |
Lake Garda | June, July, August, and September |
Rimini | July, August, and September |
Venice | May, June, July, August, and September |
Trieste | June, July, August, and September |
Brescia / Lake Iseo | May, June, July, August, and September |
Florence | May, June, July, August, September, and October |
Climate Charts Italy
In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.
Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.
Show Climate Chart for
Rome
Show temperatures in degree
Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia
Climate Tables Italy
In the following, you will find some climate tables for Italy, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.Show climate table for
Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Rome (Italy)
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Temperature | 11° | 13° | 15° | 19° | 23° | 28° | 30° | 30° | 26° | 22° | 16° | 13° |
Night Temperature | 5° | 5° | 7° | 10° | 13° | 17° | 20° | 19° | 17° | 13° | 9° | 6° |
Water Temperature | 14° | 13° | 13° | 14° | 17° | 21° | 23° | 24° | 23° | 20° | 18° | 15° |
Precipitation (inch) | 2.99 | 3.46 | 3.03 | 2.83 | 2.48 | 1.89 | 0.55 | 0.87 | 2.76 | 5.04 | 5.04 | 4.17 |
Rainy days | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
Hours of Sunshine | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Rome is 16.1 °C.For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C
Warmest month: July (25 °C)
Coldest month: January (7.8 °C)
The maximum water temperature in Rome is 24 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.
Months with water temperature of at least 17 °C (Limited bathing is possible):
May, June, July, August, September, October, and November
Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
June, July, August, and September
Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 35.12 inch on 69 rainy daysFor comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in
There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).
Months that have possible snowfall: January
Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 10.8 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.9 hours of sunshine per day on average. For comparison: London has 4.1, NYC has 7 and LA has 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Milan (Italy)
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Temperature | 5° | 8° | 13° | 18° | 23° | 28° | 30° | 29° | 24° | 17° | 10° | 6° |
Night Temperature | -1° | 1° | 5° | 9° | 13° | 17° | 19° | 19° | 15° | 10° | 5° | 1° |
Precipitation (inch) | 2.52 | 2.44 | 3.19 | 3.23 | 3.78 | 2.56 | 2.68 | 3.66 | 2.68 | 3.9 | 3.98 | 2.36 |
Rainy days | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 6 |
Hours of Sunshine | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Milan is 13.5 °C.Warmest month: July (24.5 °C)
Coldest month: January (2 °C)
Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 36.97 inch on 86 rainy daysThere is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).
Months that have possible snowfall: January, February, March, November, and December
Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 9.4 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 5.2 hours of sunshine per day on average.Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in South Tyrol (Italy)
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Temperature | 1° | 2° | 6° | 9° | 14° | 17° | 20° | 20° | 16° | 11° | 5° | 2° |
Night Temperature | -7° | -7° | -4° | -1° | 4° | 7° | 9° | 9° | 6° | 2° | -3° | -6° |
Precipitation (inch) | 0.98 | 0.93 | 0.98 | 1.35 | 2.28 | 2.69 | 3.02 | 2.82 | 2.35 | 1.97 | 1.16 | 1.14 |
Rainy days | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
Hours of Sunshine | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in South Tyrol is 5.5 °C.Warmest month: July (14.5 °C)
Coldest month: January (-3.2 °C)
Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 21.66 inch on 84 rainy daysThere is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).
Months that have possible snowfall: all except June, July, August, and September
Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 5.2 hours of sunshine per day on average.Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Messina (Italy)
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Temperature | 15° | 15° | 16° | 18° | 22° | 26° | 30° | 30° | 27° | 23° | 19° | 16° |
Night Temperature | 10° | 10° | 11° | 13° | 16° | 20° | 23° | 24° | 22° | 18° | 14° | 12° |
Water Temperature | 14° | 13° | 14° | 15° | 17° | 21° | 24° | 25° | 24° | 22° | 19° | 16° |
Precipitation (inch) | 4.05 | 3.94 | 3.28 | 2.69 | 1.33 | 0.5 | 0.79 | 1.01 | 2.52 | 4.48 | 4.7 | 4.05 |
Rainy days | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 |
Hours of Sunshine | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Messina is 18.7 °C.Warmest month: August (27.1 °C)
Coldest month: January (12.3 °C)
The maximum water temperature in Messina is 25 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.
Months with water temperature of at least 17 °C (Limited bathing is possible):
May, June, July, August, September, October, and November
Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
June, July, August, September, and October
Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 33.34 inch on 87 rainy daysThere is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).
You cannot expect snow in any month in Messina.
Sunshine
As our climate table shows, July is the sunniest month with an average of 10.7 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.8 hours of sunshine per day on average.Highlights and Attractions
Culturally, Rome is an absolute highlight and should be taken into account in any travel plan to Italy. Whether Colosseum, Pantheon or even the Vatican State, there is a lot to marvel at architecturally around the capital. Another highlight in Italy is Venice.
The Canale Grande or St Mark’s Square are absolute attractions in the city of 1000 bridges. Those who prefer to travel to the north of the country should not miss Milan. Whether detailed shopping tours or a visit to Milan Cathedral, Italy’s fashion capital has something to offer for every taste.
Popular Activities
Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
Culture & history
from 28 $ »
See priceless works of art from the Papal collections in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Marvel at masterpieces from antiquity to Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes.
Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour
Tours
from 46 $ »
Join a guided tour of the Vatican with fast-track access. Explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Entry Tickets
Entry tickets
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See the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum with a combined package that includes fast-track entrance to the Colosseum. Enjoy a hassle-free experience at your own pace.
More attractions
Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Entry Tickets | Milan: Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket | Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and St. Peter’s | Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Access Guide | Rome: Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport | Rome: Colosseum Arena, Roman Forum, & Palatine Hill Tour | Rome: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Tour incl. Papal Tombs |Current Weather and Forecast
Current Weather in Rome
clear sky, 8.5 °C
Clouds: 0 % Wind: 3 mph
Air Pressure: 1031 hPa Humidity: 35 %
Air Pressure: 1031 hPa Humidity: 35 %
Last updated: 7th Feb 2023, 12:14 pm
The next days …
7th Feb 2023 | 8th Feb 2023 | 9th Feb 2023 | 10th Feb 2023 | 11th Feb 2023 | 12th Feb 2023 |
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2 °C to 9 °C | 1 °C to 9 °C | 1 °C to 9 °C | 1 °C to 11 °C | 1 °C to 11 °C | 2 °C to 12 °C |
2 °C to 9 °C | 1 °C to 9 °C | 1 °C to 9 °C | 1 °C to 11 °C | 1 °C to 11 °C | 2 °C to 12 °C |
Clouds: 26 % | Clouds: 4 % | Clouds: 100 % | Clouds: 22 % | Clouds: 0 % | Clouds: 65 % |
No Precipitation | No Precipitation | No Precipitation | No Precipitation | No Precipitation | No Precipitation |
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
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Important Regions and Cities
We have extended climate information for the following regions:Share your Experience and Win
We want to know: how was the weather during your Italy holiday? You can win a travel coupon of 1000 $. The price will be raffled among all submissions.
Italy: Experiences of our Visitors
Partially short showers, some very heavy, then sunshine again. Despite all good travel weather, few tourists, hardly any waiting times at the sights.
Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed
very hot and humid, the sea had bathing water temperature. really pleasant
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
You could still swim and it was still sunny
Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good
sunny bathing weather with temperatures around 28 degrees in Apulia, super sandy beaches and rocky coast
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
it often rained and was changeable, windy, cloudy and partly cold at night
Weather Rating: 2 stars – Tricky
The weather was excellent. The sun was shining all week.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
We were in Italy for the last 2 weeks of August, the weather was sunny until a few cloudy days.
Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good
We were able to walk during the day, partly even in a T-shirt. It was cool in the morning and evening.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
Optimal bathing weather, not oppressively hot, simply ideal. Also perfect for sitting outside in the evening.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
It was so warm and sunny in October, as if summer was in autumn.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
The Villanderer Alm in Villanders is the most beautiful alpine pasture area with excellent alpine pastures and a very good price-performance ratio, is more than worth recommending.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent
Rome: 18-25 degrees for 6 days, blue sky, lots of sun – but not too hot – perfect
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent