Italy is dotted with villages suspended in time, discreet and charming, and metropolitan cities, modern but still rich in history. The ability to go from one to the other in very short distances is one of the most unique features of the Italian boot. Then there is the unspoiled nature, from the mountains of Trentino Alto-Adige or Aosta Valley to the sea of Puglia or Sardinia, not forgetting Tuscany, with its enchanting countryside. The central Apennines offer breathtaking foliage, rivers and lakes of fascinating colors, and still very distinctive wildlife. From islands to the Alps, Italy’s natural variety enchants tourists today as it did then. Museums, archaeological sites, monuments and ecomuseums make Italy a cradle ofart and culture, with an endless artistic heritage. Tourists unfamiliar with it cannot help but be amazed to encounter paintings, frescoes, and statues created by the world’s best-known artists within the humble walls of a small country church. And it doesn’t end there: not only art from the past but also modern and contemporary art, along with museums dedicated to industrial heritage and more futuristic collections. Completing the picture is one of the world’s best-known cuisines. Genuine flavors linked to ever-changing regional traditions guarantee an unforgettable experience that will make returning home truly difficult. Get advice and experiment, you will not be disappointed with the flavors of the Belpaese! How many days to spend in Italy? At least seven. Find out what is the best time to visit Italy with our travel guide!
Destinations
The best time to travel
The Boot can be visited all year round. You just need a map of Italy, just to decide where to go. However, there are some clarifications: the North in the winter time is ideal for snow sports lovers, but also for Christmas market enthusiasts. The South and Central, on the other hand, are preferable in the spring and summer periods for all lovers of the sea and Mediterranean cuisine. Let’s see, then, when to visit Italy in the four seasons of the year.
March – June Spring is the most colorful and fragrant season. The days are divided equally into 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark. Among the advantages of traveling to Italy in spring are the low number of tourists and lower prices compared to other seasons. Spring then is the perfect season to visit cities because of the mild temperatures. Especially in the North, however, the weather could be variable and rainy.
Weather
The weather in Italy in spring is mostly sunny. In the North, temperatures are less mild (7-18°) than in the Center (8-19°) and the South (11-20°).
Events & Parties
There are numerous spring events and festivals. In Valeggio sul Mincio (VR), during the months of March and April, you can watch more than a million tulips bloom in Sigurtà Castle. Another event not to be missed is the Lemon Festival in Monterosso in the Cinque Terre. Wonderful then is the Laurel Festival on Easter Monday in the small village of Forza d’Agrò in Sicily: young artists create works using laurel leaves.
Price evolution
Traveling during the Easter holiday means being in the higher price range, with costs for flights and overnight accommodations significantly above the seasonal average. Outside that period, however, prices revert to those of the low season.
June-September Summer is the liveliest season in Italy: for mountain lovers it is the ideal time for hiking, while for beach lovers it is the sunniest time to get a tan and fully enjoy the waves. Tourists are everywhere, especially in the main vacation spots. This aspect is among the disadvantages of traveling to Italy at this time of year, compounded by the decidedly high costs and very hot temperatures in the southern area.
Weather
Summer weather in Italy is decidedly sunny. The North has warmer temperatures (18-30°), but often more humid, than the Center (19-30°) and South (20-32°).
Events & Parties
Summer in Italy comes alive with festivals and events of all kinds. On Lake Maggiore, from July through September, attend the Stresa Festival, an incredible folk, jazz and rock music event. Then in June, in Civitacampomarano, there is Cvtà Street Fest, the best-known event related to street art. Also in June, the Festival del Cammino in Franciacorta, between Brescia and Lake Iseo, is not to be missed.
Price evolution
Traveling to Italy in summer is definitely the period of least convenience. Wherever you go the price range is the highest, both in terms of overnight stay and travel. From June to August costs are high, but it is not until September, when temperatures are still warm and the weather is still favorable, that prices drop sharply, as does the flow of tourists.
September – December Autumn is a magical season in Italy. Its forests are colored in beautiful hues that allow for forest bathing or scenic train tours. The sea becomes wild, with cooler, though not yet winter temperatures. There are fewer tourists at that time of year, and this is one of the advantages, as well as reduced costs. On the downside, however, you find climate variability and humidity starting to take over, especially in the North.
Weather
In autumn, temperatures begin to drop and the weather becomes very variable, with frequent rains, almost all over Italy. In the North, temperatures are lower (8-16°) than in the Center (10-18°) and South (12-22°).
Events & Parties
Autumn in Italy is mainly characterized by festivals and events. In Val di Non, Trentino-Alto Adige, there is Pomaria, the PDO apple festival, in October. Alba in Piedmont from October to November is home to the world-renowned truffle fair. Again, in Cremona, we recommend the Nougat Festival in November.
Price evolution
Fall is the time when traveling in Italy is most convenient. Flights, hotels or overnight accommodations of all kinds involve decidedly low costs.
December – March In winter, Italy is tinged with white. The days are definitely shorter, darkness comes early. There is no shortage of tourist flow, however, especially in the north, which is chosen by winter sports enthusiasts. Among the advantages of traveling to Italy in winter are the possibility of finding snow in the mountains and lower costs, provided you do not decide to travel under the holiday season. Disadvantages include very cold temperatures.
Weather
The weather in Italy in winter definitely changes with respect to the area you decide to visit. In the north, temperatures are between -2 and 5°. In the Center, the weather begins to be less cold (3-10°), until we reach the South where we experience milder temperatures (10-17°).
Events & Parties
Winter is marked by festivals and events such as Christmas markets: among the best known are those in Bolzano, Merano and Bressanone in Trentino-Alto Adige. In Rome, Lazio, the famous Befana Festival is held in January, with stalls and events throughout the city. Another incredible event is the famous Venice Carnival in February.
Price evolution
Traveling during the holiday season means being in the higher price range, with flight and overnight costs above the seasonal average. Beyond this period, prices fall within the low season, except in mountain areas where winter is high season.
Routes and plans
Visas, currency and restrictions
Where to stay
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