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Best time to visit Italy: month by month
Short answer
April to June and September to October are the best months, with highs of about 19–30°C — but they are also the busiest. July and August are hot (about 32–34°C) and crowded in Rome and Florence. November to March is cooler, rainier and much cheaper; Venice can have acqua alta floods from October to January.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 4°C | 11 | low |
| Feb | 15°C | 4°C | 6 | medium |
| Mar | 16°C | 5°C | 8 | medium |
| Apr | 19°C | 8°C | 11 | high |
| May | 24°C | 13°C | 12 | very high |
| Jun | 30°C | 18°C | 6 | very high |
| Jul | 34°C | 21°C | 3 | very high |
| Aug | 32°C | 21°C | 6 | high |
| Sep | 28°C | 18°C | 7 | very high |
| Oct | 24°C | 14°C | 9 | high |
| Nov | 18°C | 10°C | 16 | low |
| Dec | 14°C | 6°C | 10 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 16°C in March to 24°C in May, with 8–12 rainy days a month; Easter brings crowds to Rome.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and dry, with highs of 30–34°C and only 3–6 rainy days; the busiest months, with Ferragosto (15 August) holidays.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from about 28°C in September to 18°C in November; November is the wettest month (about 16 rainy days).
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool, with highs of 12–15°C and lows of 4–6°C; quiet museums and lower prices, except at Christmas and Carnival in Venice.
Events worth planning around
- Venice Carnival — February
- Easter and Holy Week in Rome — March or April
- Palio di Siena horse race — 2 July and 16 August
- Ferragosto national holiday — 15 August
When to avoid
Late July and August are the hottest months, and some small businesses close for holidays around Ferragosto. Easter week and the peak weeks of May, June and September are the most crowded.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Italy?
May, June, September and October, with warm weather; expect crowds and book early.
Is Italy too hot in August?
Rome and Florence often reach 32–36°C. Sightsee early and late in the day.
When is acqua alta in Venice?
Mainly from October to January, usually for a few hours around high tide.