When to Go to Italy
To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.
Climate
Stretching from the Alps to the Mediterranean there is no typical Italian climate and Italy has five main climactic zones: the Alpine zone, the North Italian Plain, the coastal Tyrrhenian, the Adriatic coast and the Mediterranean zone.
The Alpine region has severe harsh winters with abundant rain and snow and mild summers; temperatures as everywhere are governed by altitude.
The northern plain or Po region experiences continental weather conditions with reasonably cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Cities in the region – Turin, Milan and Venice can become very cold, damp and foggy with temperatures falling to 0-7°C (32-45°F) in winter. Most of the rainfall occurs in the spring and summer months.
The eastern Adriatic region also has cold winters, particularly when the eastern ‘bora’ blows. Summers however are pleasantly warm to hot. The Apennine mountain zone through the centre of the country experiences continental weather conditions with the exception that rain is abundant through all but the summer months.
The west of the country, the Ligurnian-Tyrrhenian region, experiences weather is moderated by the Tyrrhenian Sea: cool winters, warm summers and plenty of rain. Rome temperatures vary between a low of 5°C -6°C in winter and a summer high of 26°C -30°C.
The far south is classically Mediterranean – winter rains and hot, dry summers. Summer winds in the Med are renowned and Italy has its own in the form of the hot and unpleasant sirocco that erupts from Africa.
Seasonality
Italy is a year-round destination with winter and summer for exploring the mountains (the ski season last from December to April but January to March is more reliable; walking is perfect in mid-summer).
Spring and autumn is best for enjoying the cities and countryside walking trips but choose November and March for Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Verona, Bologna, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, avoiding Easter, May and June, October and Christmas if possible. Summer is great in the busy coastal resorts – high season but most fun. July and August have become less crowded in recent years.
Note that most Italians holiday in one mass exodus in mid-August making it very busy as not all vacation abroad.
National Holidays
| Date |
Description |
| 15 Aug 07 |
Assumption of the Virgin Mary |
| 21 Mar 08 |
Good Friday 21st March 2008; Easter Monday 23rd March 2008 |
| 25 Apr 08 |
Liberation Day |
| 01 May 08 |
Labour Day |
| 02 Jun 08 |
Anniversary of the Republic |
| 01 Nov 08 |
All Saints Day |
| 08 Dec 08 |
Date of the Immaculate Conception |
| 25 Dec 08 |
Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec 08 |
Santo Stefano |
| 01 Jan 09 |
New Years Day |
| 06 Jan 09 |
Epiphany |
National Events
| Event |
Occurs |
Description |
| Almond Blossom Festival |
Agrigento in the first half of February |
Folk festival of song, dance, costumes, fireworks. |
| Sagra di Sant' Efisio |
In Cagliari between May 1 to 4 |
One of the largest, most colourful processions in the world with several thousand pilgrims (wearing costumes dating back to 1657) accompanying a statue of the saint on foot, carts and horses. |
| Scoppio Del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) |
Florence on Easter Sunday |
A pyramid of fireworks in the Cathedral Square is set off by a mechanical dove driven from the altar during High Mass. |
| Calcio Fiorentino (ancient football match) |
Florence between June 24 to 28 |
A revival of a 16th century football match which takes place in medieval costume. |
| Festival of San Gennaro |
Naples on September 19th |
A religious ceremony honouring the patron saint of the city. |
| Epiphany Fair in the Piazza Navona |
Rome on January 5th |
A fair of toys, sweets and others presents takes place in the open air among the beautiful Bernini fountains. |
| Festa De’Noantri |
Rome between July 19th and 26th |
Folklore of old Rome in Trastevere, including colourful procession for the Vergine del Carmine, folk dances and songs along with carnival floats and fireworks. |
| The Palio |
Siena on July 2nd and August 16th |
Procession and horse race in famous Palio Square. Participants are members of ancient city districts, competing for the banner (palio). Colourful medieval pageantry. |
| Venice Carnival |
Venice in February/March |
Celebrations in costumes and masks, entertainment in streets and squares with music, mimes and fireworks. |
| Il Redentore (The Feast of the Redeemer) |
Venice on the third Sunday in July |
Procession of gondolas commemorating the end of an epidemic of 1575. |
| Venice Regatta |
Venice on the first Sunday in September |
Traditional competition between two-oar-racing gondolas and procession of ceremonial boats. |
