Italy Weather by Month
Italy is a European country located in the southern part of the continent, bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north. It is shaped like a boot, stretching into the Mediterranean Sea, and includes several islands, most notably Sicily and Sardinia. Italy’s geography is highly varied, from the towering Alps and Apennines in the north and central regions to the coastal plains and rolling hills in the central and southern parts of the country. The country is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, with coastlines along the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Ligurian seas.
Italy can be divided into three main geographic regions:
- Northern Italy: This region includes the Alps and the Po Valley, featuring cities like Milan, Venice, and Turin. Northern Italy has cold winters and warm summers, with heavy snowfall in the mountains.
- Central Italy: Featuring cities like Rome, Florence, and Bologna, this region is known for its rolling hills, mild winters, and warm summers.
- Southern Italy and Islands: The southern regions, including Naples and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, experience a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Italy’s climate is characterized by four distinct seasons: winter (December to February), spring (March to May), summer (June to August), and autumn (September to November). However, the country’s diverse geography means that the weather can vary greatly depending on the region and elevation. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Italy’s weather.
January
Weather Overview
January is the heart of winter in Italy, with cold temperatures, especially in the north. Snowfall is common in the Alps and Apennines, while the coastal and southern regions experience milder conditions.
Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, Turin)
- Temperature: -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F)
- Rainfall: 40-80 mm
- Weather: Cold with frequent fog and potential snowfall, particularly in mountainous areas. Cities like Milan and Turin experience chilly temperatures and overcast skies.
Central Italy (Rome, Florence, Bologna)
- Temperature: 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Mild but wet, with occasional rain showers. Rome and Florence can be damp, but snowfall is rare in lower elevations.
Southern Italy and Islands (Naples, Sicily, Sardinia)
- Temperature: 7°C to 14°C (45°F to 57°F)
- Rainfall: 50-90 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain. Naples and Palermo in Sicily experience cooler temperatures, but the winter is much milder than in the north.
February
Weather Overview
February remains cold in much of Italy, particularly in the north, though the days begin to lengthen slightly. The southern regions continue to experience milder winter weather.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 0°C to 9°C (32°F to 48°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Cold with potential snow, especially in the Alps and foothills. Fog is common, and temperatures remain chilly in cities like Milan and Venice.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet. Rain is frequent in Rome and Florence, but snow is rare, except in higher elevations of the Apennines.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)
- Rainfall: 40-80 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain. The south remains much warmer, and places like Sicily and Sardinia see more sunshine compared to the north.
March
Weather Overview
March marks the beginning of spring in Italy, with temperatures slowly rising, especially in the central and southern regions. However, the north may still experience some winter weather.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 3°C to 14°C (37°F to 57°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Cool with occasional rain showers and the last remnants of winter snowfall in the mountains. Cities like Turin and Milan start to see more sun, though it remains chilly.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 7°C to 16°C (45°F to 61°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Warmer and wetter, with more frequent showers. Rome and Florence experience mild, spring-like weather with increasing sunshine.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 30-70 mm
- Weather: Pleasant and mild, with occasional rain showers. The Mediterranean climate of Naples and Sicily makes this a great time to visit southern Italy.
April
Weather Overview
April is full spring in Italy, with warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. Rain is still common, especially in the northern and central regions, but the days are sunnier and more pleasant.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 7°C to 18°C (45°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Warmer but wet, with frequent rain showers in Milan, Turin, and Venice. Snow is no longer common except in the highest mountain regions.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Warm and increasingly sunny, though rain showers are still possible. Rome and Florence experience lovely spring days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 30-60 mm
- Weather: Pleasant with occasional showers. The southern coast and islands of Sicily and Sardinia are particularly mild, offering a Mediterranean spring climate perfect for early beach visits.
May
Weather Overview
May is one of the most pleasant months in Italy, with mild temperatures, increasing sunshine, and less frequent rain. Spring is in full swing, and the weather is ideal for travel throughout the country.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Mild and sunny, with occasional rain showers. Milan, Venice, and Turin experience comfortable spring weather, though rain is still possible.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with fewer rainy days. Rome and Florence enjoy mild temperatures, perfect for exploring historical sites and outdoor events.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 20-50 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with minimal rain. Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia are ideal for beachgoers, as the sea begins to warm up and the weather is pleasant.
June
Weather Overview
June marks the start of summer in Italy, with warm temperatures and long, sunny days. This is the beginning of the peak tourist season, especially in central and southern Italy.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Warm with occasional thunderstorms. Milan, Turin, and Venice experience hot days and mild evenings, though rain is still possible.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 30-60 mm
- Weather: Hot and sunny, with occasional rain showers. Rome and Florence experience summer-like weather, with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 19°C to 29°C (66°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry, with minimal rain. The beaches of Sicily, Sardinia, and Naples are now fully open, and the Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for beach vacations.
July
Weather Overview
July is the height of summer in Italy, with hot temperatures, especially in the south and central regions. The north is warm, though thunderstorms may still occur.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Hot with occasional thunderstorms. Milan, Turin, and Venice experience hot, sunny days, but humidity can lead to rain in the evenings.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry, with clear skies and intense sun. Rome and Florence are bustling with tourists, and temperatures can reach their peak.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 23°C to 33°C (73°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Very hot and dry. The beaches of Sicily and Sardinia are packed with visitors enjoying the Mediterranean summer.
August
Weather Overview
August is the hottest month in Italy, with temperatures reaching their peak across the country. Many Italians take vacations during this month, heading to the coast or mountains to escape the heat.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Hot with thunderstorms likely in the evenings. Milan and Venice are quieter as locals head out of the cities, but the heat remains intense.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 21°C to 33°C (70°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry, with lots of sunshine. Rome and Florence are warm, and tourist numbers peak despite the heat.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Very hot and dry. Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia experience scorching temperatures, and the beaches are full.
September
Weather Overview
September brings relief from the summer heat as temperatures cool slightly and the crowds begin to thin. It’s a great time to visit Italy, with warm days and cooler nights.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Cooler and more comfortable, though rain showers increase toward the end of the month. Milan, Turin, and Venice experience pleasant weather with less humidity.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers. Rome and Florence are less crowded, and the weather is ideal for sightseeing.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with fewer tourists. Sicily, Sardinia, and Naples are still hot, but the weather is more comfortable than in August.
October
Weather Overview
October is the start of autumn in Italy, with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. It’s still a pleasant time to visit, especially for those looking to avoid the summer crowds.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with frequent rain showers. Milan, Venice, and Turin experience crisp autumn weather, with colorful foliage and occasional fog.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Cooler and wetter, with rain showers becoming more frequent. Rome and Florence experience pleasant fall weather, though some days can be rainy.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 40-80 mm
- Weather: Warm and wet, though the rain is less frequent than in the north. Sicily and Sardinia experience pleasant autumn weather, perfect for late-season beachgoers.
November
Weather Overview
November brings cooler temperatures and more rain, particularly in northern and central Italy. It’s a quieter time for travel, with fewer tourists and more temperate weather.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 90-140 mm
- Weather: Cool and rainy, with fog and overcast skies common in Milan and Venice. Snow may start to fall in the Alps by the end of the month.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with rain showers frequent in Rome and Florence. Autumn is in full swing, with cooler evenings and shorter days.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Mild and wet, with more frequent rain showers. Sicily and Sardinia remain relatively warm, but the weather can be unpredictable.
December
Weather Overview
December is winter in Italy, with cold temperatures in the north and central regions. The south remains milder, but rain is common throughout the country.
Northern Italy
- Temperature: 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)
- Rainfall: 70-110 mm
- Weather: Cold with rain and occasional snow. Milan, Venice, and Turin experience chilly winter weather, and the Alps are covered in snow, making it ideal for skiing.
Central Italy
- Temperature: 4°C to 13°C (39°F to 55°F)
- Rainfall: 80-110 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with frequent rain showers in Rome and Florence. The winter season begins, though snow is rare in the lowlands.
Southern Italy and Islands
- Temperature: 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Mild and wet, with occasional sunny days. Sicily and Sardinia remain relatively mild, though rain showers are frequent.
