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Best time to visit Bologna: month by month
Short answer
The best months are April to June and September to October, with highs of about 17–29°C and lively streets. July and August are hot (31–32°C) and humid, and winter is foggy and cold (8–11°C), though good for food.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 1°C | 8 | low |
| Feb | 11°C | 3°C | 4 | low |
| Mar | 14°C | 4°C | 5 | medium |
| Apr | 17°C | 7°C | 10 | high |
| May | 22°C | 13°C | 11 | high |
| Jun | 29°C | 18°C | 7 | medium |
| Jul | 32°C | 21°C | 5 | medium |
| Aug | 31°C | 19°C | 7 | low |
| Sep | 26°C | 16°C | 8 | high |
| Oct | 22°C | 12°C | 4 | high |
| Nov | 13°C | 6°C | 11 | medium |
| Dec | 9°C | 2°C | 9 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from 14°C in March to 22°C in May, with lows of 4–13°C. April and May are ideal for walking, but can be rainy (10–11 days).
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot: highs of 29–32°C and lows of 18–21°C. The porticoes give shade; some restaurants close for holidays in August.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September (26°C) and October (22°C) are excellent, with harvest and truffle season. November cools to 13°C and is rainier.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold and often foggy, with highs of 8–11°C and lows of 1–3°C. Quiet, cheap and the season for tortellini in brodo.
Events worth planning around
- Bologna Children's Book Fair (spring, usually March or April)
- Cosmoprof beauty trade fair (spring)
- Cinema Ritrovato, open-air classic films in Piazza Maggiore (late June to early July)
- Bologna's patron saint, San Petronio (4 October)
When to avoid
Avoid big trade-fair weeks, when hotel prices can double. August is hot and some family-run trattorias close for the holidays.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Bologna?
April to June and September to October, with highs of 17–29°C.
Is Bologna too hot in summer?
July and August reach about 31–32°C with humidity, but the porticoes provide shade.
Is Bologna worth visiting in winter?
Yes for food and museums. Expect fog and highs of 8–11°C, but fewer visitors and lower prices.