Given the country’s length and topography, it’s no surprise that Italy’s weather varies considerably, even between regions at the same latitude. Much of northern Italy’s interior with the exception of the Alpine areas has a humid subtropical climate, while its Ligurian coastline and the Florentine peninsula enjoy Mediterranean temperatures. During the far southern Palermo winter, highs can reach 68°F, while on the same day Rome will see temperatures only around 46°F and Milan will have snowfall and freezing conditions. In summer, regional temperature differences as not as noticeable.

The Adriatic Sea coast is drier than the western coastline, but is colder in winter and the more northerly areas are subject to the chilly Bora winds throughout winter and spring, with Trieste getting the strongest gusts. Along the Apennine mountain slopes, winter blizzards are common and while snow is falling in the north, warmer sirocco winds blow farther south. The waters of Venice have been known to freeze solid in winter, and the wind comes in icy blasts. Rain in the north is evenly distributed over the year, with temperatures veering between cool and cold.

Summer weather in Italy is far more stable, with most regions enjoying warmth, sunshine and similar high temperatures, especially in the central and southern areas. In the north, afternoon thunderstorms hit, and skies are greyer than in the rest of the elongated peninsula. On average, summer highs are around 75 to 80°F, and humidity stays mostly in the northern interiors.

Spring and fall in Italy are changeable from weeks of warm, sunny days to cold, damp periods. Most southern summers are hot and dry, with the occasional rain and periods of extreme heat occurring across the country. Southern areas see 100°F and the north reaches between 80 and 90°F. The hottest month is August and the coldest January, with temperatures in the northern Alpine regions occasionally dropping below -15°F.

Best Time to Visit Italy

In general, a trip to Italy can be taken at any time of year, dependent on its agenda. Spring and fall are the best times for hiking, cycling and other outdoor sports dependant on the weather, and high summer is great for a beach holiday, although crowded during the high season. Exploring Italy’s magnificent heritage sites is best done in the shoulder seasons as there are fewer crowds and less chance of searing heat.

For museum buffs, any time or year is good, and winter sports run from late November to April. The peak summer season is the most expensive in regards to accommodation, with winter breaks far from the ski areas the most likely to attract bargain rates. Rome, of course, is packed solid at Christmas and Easter.

Sardinia is summer heaven, with package tourists arriving in the high season, but far less busy in the late shoulder months, with falling hotel rates and many resorts shutting down completely in the winter. Sicily is less of a major destination than the Italian mainland and often cheaper, yet is wild and lovely and has more than its fair share of ancient ruins.