Italy

Best Time to Visit

Italy generally has warm to hot summers and mild to cold winters, but the climate varies greatly from the Mediterranean south to the Alpine north, so the best time to visit varies depending on where you want to go and what you want to do.

For taking in the sites around the cities and places like the Tuscan countryside, northern spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. The beaches and islands are extremely popular in summer and all of Italy is busy throughout the summer holiday season. Easter is also very busy. Winter is best for skiing in the north and for visiting the cities when most (Venice is an exception) are less crowded.

Italy has festivals in various places throughout the year so it's worth planning your trip to coincide with these if you want to get a taste of that famous Italian festive atmosphere.