Best Time to Visit Italy

The beautiful spring and autumn months are the best time to visit Italy. However, you can even plan your trip during summer vacations. 

In this blog, we will look at the information you must know if you are planning to spend your holidays in this beautiful country.

Experts have recommended late spring and autumn as suitable times when one can enjoy a memorable experience in Italy. However, many tourists believe April is the best month to visit Italy. Let us look at the best seasons to visit Italy:

Spring

• Time Period: March to May 
• Temperature Range: 5.5 to 23.33 degrees Celsius 
• Average Rainfall: Ranges from 30 mm to 90 mm

You can be assured of one thing while travelling to Italy during the late spring months. It is this that you will witness the beauty of the country like never before. Let us look at the best places to visit in Italy and things to do during late spring:

1. Soak in the flavour of the traditional festival Sagra

2. Enjoy some me-time in Ravello on the Amalfi coast

3. Visit the Umbrian countryside

4. Explore the stunning countryside of Abruzzo

5. Soothe your eyes with the picturesque greenery of Tuscany

6. Explore the lake districts of Italy – Como, Garda and Maggiore

7. Visit Florence, the heart of the Renaissance

8. Soak in the ambience of Milan

Autumn

• Time Period: September to November 
• Temperature Range: 7 to 24 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 113.3 mm 

If you are unable to plan a vacation during springtime due to work, do not be discouraged. Instead, plan your travels during autumn. In these beautiful months, you will witness the best places in Italy in all their splendour. 

The weather is pleasant, allowing visitors to enjoy the views of the landscape and experience various festivals that occur during this time.

Some of the activities that you need to try in Italy during autumn are listed below:

1. Enjoy the beauty of Venice

2. Travel to Emilia Romagna

3. Explore all the activities to do in Umbria

4. Visit the stunning towns of Puglia

5. Take a walk in the visually stunning Matera

6. Visit the stunning archaeological sites of Sicily

7. Enjoy an autumn vacation in the Italian Alps

8. Relax amidst the stunning scenery of Veneto

9. Enjoy the truffle festival at Piedmont

Given below are the details of the time when it is best not to travel to Italy:

Summer

• Time Period: July to September
• Temperature Range: 32 to 42 degrees Celsius 
• Average Rainfall: 1 to 139 mm

While you can visit Italy whenever you wish to, it is a good idea to avoid the summer months, especially August. It is the hottest month in the country. Moreover, most Italians go on vacations during this month. As a result, you would find many hotels and restaurants are closed. Overall prices tend to increase in this month. 

Italy sees a lot of dry weather during this time, which is unsuitable for people who suffer from allergies and rhinitis. There is a possibility that the most beautiful cities in Italy remain crowded. Museums, shops, churches and major tourist destinations might change timings without prior notice. Generally, there are huge lines at the entrance. 

Please note that the holiday mood may continue till the first few weeks of September. So, it would be helpful for tourists to note that these two months are not the best time to visit Italy. 

If you are a budget traveller, you can consider travelling to Italy during winter. This time period lasts from November to March, and the temperature ranges between 0℃ to 4℃. There’s snow in the mountainous regions of the country.

The time between November and March is considered a low season in Italy. Travellers on a budget can avail of the benefit of reduced prices. Please note that Italy sees a dramatic fluctuation in airfare. However, in the winter months, people can benefit from cheap airfare. This is an excellent time to check out the visiting places in Italy. 

Moreover, the winter season offers the benefit of fewer crowds. You can visit the famous historical destinations in peace. Soaking in the festive fervour of Christmas and New Year is an added attraction of Italy during winters. 

During this time, visitors can enjoy themselves in the hot springs of this country. Other activities to enjoy include winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Listed below are the vital things that you need to know before visiting Italy:

• You will find shops and restaurants closed from 1 pm to 4 pm because Italians take their riposo (midday break) very seriously.
• When you visit Italy, you may have to get used to eating late.
• Generally, restaurants have a cover charge called coperto. The restaurant might not even mention this charge beforehand.
• Your salad will have olive oil.
• You will get cappuccino and espressos everywhere in Italy.
• Learn a bit of the local language—it would go a long way in endearing you to the locals.

Given below are essential tips that would be helpful if you are travelling in Italy: 

• Dress modestly if you are planning to visit the Vatican church.
• You will not get a cappuccino after a meal because Italians do not like the combination of hot milk on a full stomach.
• However, you can have espresso all day.
• One-two days will be more than enough for soaking in the ambience of Venice.
• Italy boasts of a convenient public restroom system. So travellers do not have to worry about finding clean washrooms.
• If you are using public transportation, do not forget to validate your tickets at the little machines at the bus or train stations.
• Get a well-rounded travel insurance plan to keep your trip covered.

Listed below are essential phrases you must know if you are travelling in Italy:

• Yes – Si
• No – No
• Thank You – Grazie
• Please – Per favore
• Do you speak English – Parla Inglese
• I am sorry – Mi dispiace
• Excuse me (for passing by) – Permesso
• Excuse me (for attention) - Scusi
• Cheers (To your health) – Salute
• You are welcome – Prego 
• Hello – Ciao 
• Good Morning (formal) – Buongiorno
• Good Night (formal) – Buonanotte 
• Pleased to meet you – Piacere 
• Good, thank you – Bene Grazie
• Goodbye (formal) – Arrivederci 

Italy is undoubtedly a major tourist destination. If you decide to plan a trip, keep in mind the best time to visit Italy. While you can always plan your vacation at your convenience, spring and late spring are the ideal time to visit this European country. Other seasons like autumn and winter present Italy differently but still stunningly. So, do not hesitate any longer. Make this magical place your next holiday destination.