The best time to visit Italy
The best time to visit Italy for warm, sunny weather is May to August, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 84/100 with daytime highs around 28°C / 82°F. April and September are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 5 months a year, warmest in August at 29°C.
Italy by month, averaged across 30 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22 | 11° / 52°F | 64 mm | 14° | Poor |
| February | 26 | 12° / 54°F | 64 mm | 14° | Mixed |
| March | 48 | 15° / 59°F | 62 mm | 15° | Good |
| April | 73 | 19° / 66°F | 57 mm | 17° | Excellent |
| May | 83 | 23° / 73°F | 56 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| June | 86 | 28° / 82°F | 42 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| July | 84 | 31° / 88°F | 34 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| August | 84 | 31° / 88°F | 40 mm | 29° | Excellent |
| September | 82 | 26° / 79°F | 67 mm | 26° | Excellent |
| October | 77 | 22° / 72°F | 79 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| November | 54 | 16° / 61°F | 99 mm | 19° | Good |
| December | 28 | 12° / 54°F | 76 mm | 16° | Mixed |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: May to August — Italy's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 84/100, ~28°C / 82°F days). Shoulder season: April and September — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~31°C / 88°F. Wettest: November (99 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Lampedusa (3,136 h/yr), Comiso (3,021 h/yr), Trapani (TP) (2,928 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Italy month by month, the hottest places in Italy, or every Italy destination with a full climate card.