Best Time to Visit Italy
The best time to visit Italy is generally April–June & September–October. This season-by-season guide covers peak, shoulder and low season, the weather you can expect, the festivals that fill hotels and what to pack.
Weather in Italy
Hot, dry summers in the south and on the coasts, cooler and wetter in the north. Spring and autumn suit city sightseeing; the Alps and Dolomites hold snow from December to March.
Peak, shoulder and low season
Peak season runs June–August, with the highest flight and hotel demand. Shoulder season (April–May and September–October) offers similar conditions with thinner crowds. Low season (November–March, outside Christmas and the Dolomites) is the cheapest, with less predictable weather or reduced opening hours at some attractions.
Festivals and holidays
August sees many family-run businesses close as Italians take their own holidays. Easter, Venice Carnival (February) and harvest season are busy regionally.
What to pack for Italy
Walking shoes for cobbles, shoulder cover for churches, and sun protection in summer.