Northern Italy (Alps, Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto):
- Winter (December – February):
- Temperature range: -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)
- Winters are cold, especially in the Alps. Snow is common in mountainous areas, and lowland regions like the Po Valley experience fog and frost. Ski resorts are active in the Alpine regions.
- Spring (March – May):
- Temperature range: 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)
- Mild and pleasant, but early spring can still be cool, especially in higher altitudes. Rain is common in early spring.
- Summer (June – August):
- Temperature range: 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
- Warm, though the northern cities like Milan and Turin can be humid. Mountain areas remain cooler, and coastal areas around Venice experience milder temperatures.
- Autumn (September – November):
- Temperature range: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
- Cool and crisp, especially in the Po Valley where fog is frequent. By November, temperatures drop and rain increases.
Central Italy (Tuscany, Lazio, Umbria):
- Winter:
- Temperature range: 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F)
- Milder compared to the north, but inland areas can experience frost and cooler temperatures, especially in Tuscany’s countryside.
- Spring:
- Temperature range: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
- Pleasant and warm with blooming flowers. Early spring might have occasional showers, but the region warms up quickly by late spring.
- Summer:
- Temperature range: 18°C to 35°C (64°F to 95°F)
- Florence and Rome can get quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in July and August. Coastal areas like Tuscany’s seaside remain cooler with sea breezes.
- Autumn:
- Temperature range: 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F)
- Warm in early autumn, especially in September, but temperatures cool down by late October. Tuscany experiences grape and olive harvests during this time.
Southern Italy (Campania, Calabria, Apulia):
- Winter:
- Temperature range: 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F)
- Generally mild, especially along the coast, though inland and mountainous regions like Calabria’s Sila may experience colder conditions. Snow is rare but possible at higher altitudes.
- Spring:
- Temperature range: 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F)
- Warm and sunny earlier in the season than in the north. Coastal areas in Campania and Apulia are great for visiting during spring.
- Summer:
- Temperature range: 22°C to 38°C (72°F to 100°F)
- Hot and dry, particularly in Apulia and Calabria. Coastal areas are slightly cooler due to sea breezes, but interior regions can experience scorching heat.
- Autumn:
- Temperature range: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
- Warm and dry in early autumn, with a long summer feel lasting through September. Rain increases by late October, particularly inland.
Islands (Sicily, Sardinia):
- Winter:
- Temperature range: 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F)
- Mild winters, especially along the coasts. Mount Etna in Sicily sees snow, while coastal cities like Palermo and Cagliari stay relatively warm.
- Spring:
- Temperature range: 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
- Warm and dry, with early spring seeing some rain. By late spring, temperatures rise, making it ideal for hiking and visiting coastal areas.
- Summer:
- Temperature range: 22°C to 40°C (72°F to 104°F)
- Extremely hot, particularly inland where temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F). Coastal areas benefit from sea breezes, though they still remain quite warm.
- Autumn:
- Temperature range: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Warm well into October, with sea temperatures remaining comfortable for swimming. Rain increases in November, but early autumn remains ideal for visiting.
Italy’s varied geography, from the Alps in the north to the Mediterranean coast and islands in the south, leads to distinct regional differences in seasonal experiences and temperatures. Make sure to take this into account when planning for a trip!
