Best time to visit Italy

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Italy

Best time of year to visit Italy

Choose periods between April and May or September and October as the best time to visit Italy. Despite possible showers, the weather in spring stays mild most of the time with perfect conditions for sightseeing and chilling in Terme di Saturnia. Easter might be rather busy, so book in advance. Peak season from June to August can sting with high prices and temperatures. Well, Italians invented gelato for a reason. In August, lots of local eateries and small shops close down, and big cities see more tourists than locals. A period from September to November will introduce you to the grape harvest traditions and Italian cheeses like Casu Marzu and Raguzano. Crowds and lodging rates in autumn go down a little, and the weather in southern regions is still good for a beach vacation. The Dolomites from December to February is a pure heaven for addicted to winter sports. Winter is the time to enjoy Chrismas foods, gondola rides in Venice, sunsets at the Colosseum, and shorter queues to major attractions.

35 THINGS TO DO IN ITALY (JUNE 13 - JUNE 22)

Infiorata Flower Carpet Festivals

Infiorata Flower Carpet Festivals

late May–early June • event

Witness how towns and villages create incredible art that will only last for a few days

Napoli Pizza Village Festival

Napoli Pizza Village Festival

unconfirmedJune 14–23, 2024 • event

The festival of the most known Italian dish

Flea Markets

Flea Markets

all year round • activity

Get ready to hunt and maybe you'll be lucky to find something precious

Gelaterias

Gelaterias

April–September • food

Don't jump to say you dislike ice-cream until you've been to Roman gelateria—these recipes have lived through centuries

Roman Pasta

Roman Pasta

all year round • food

Don't hesitate to try Rome's world-famous pasta. Bucatini all’amatriciana, spaghetti alla carbonara, tagliatelle cacio e pepe—these are a must!

Luminara of San Ranieri Pisa

Luminara of San Ranieri Pisa

June 16 • event

One of the most beautiful nights in the ancient Italian city

Arena di Verona Opera Festival

Arena di Verona Opera Festival

June 8-September 7, 2024 • event

Watch an opera at a majestic Roman amphitheatre

Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio)

Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio)

June–October • activity

A popular cycling destination in the Ortler Alps

A Walk around Mount Etna

A Walk around Mount Etna

March–August • activity

For over half a million years mount Etna has been in a state of continuous eruption

Bougainvillea Bloom

Bougainvillea Bloom

June–September • nature

Rome's streets become even more romantic when houses are covered by vibrant bougainvillea in bloom

Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri

Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri

mid-March–October • nature

This sea cave amazes with its mysterious blue waters

Trulli of Alberobello

Trulli of Alberobello

all year round • activity

One of Italy's best-kept tourist secrets

Lake Garda Holidays

Lake Garda Holidays

May–September • activity

Visit Italy's largest lake to enjoy its landscapes and different activities

Zucchini Blossom

Zucchini Blossom

May–June • food

Fried zucchini blossoms, stuffed with cheese, is a masterpiece of the Italian cuisine.

Grand Italian Trail (Sentiero Italia)

Grand Italian Trail (Sentiero Italia)

March–November • activity

A long path of all across Italy must be quite a challenge to thru-hike. The good news is you can choose the most scenic parts from its 368 sections

Great St Bernard Pass

Great St Bernard Pass

June–September • activity

A scenic mountain pass that gdot famous thanks to its dogs

Casu Marzu, Sardinian Maggot Cheese

Casu Marzu, Sardinian Maggot Cheese

mid-May–mid-November • food

This Sardinian delicacy has live maggots inside! Sounds disgusting? Just try it! The taste reminds of strong Parmesan

Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean Cruises

April–October • activity

Enjoy an award-winning vacation, highlighting picture-perfect coasts, ancient history, and fine cuisine

Vespa Scooter Tours

Vespa Scooter Tours

June–August • activity

Ever dream of riding like the wind with an Italian beau or belle? The teenage dream can come true!

Strawberry Season

Strawberry Season

May–June • activity

Don't miss the chance to try the best Italian wild strawberries

Beach Season

Beach Season

May–September • activity

Turquoise water and plenty of shade make Tuscan beaches a dream summer getaway

Aperitivo Time in Milan

Aperitivo Time in Milan

all year round • food

Pre-dinner drinks are something special in Northern Italy. They usually involve cocktails, snacks, and good company

Timmelsjoch

Timmelsjoch

June–October • activity

A secret Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road in the Ötztal Alps attracts adrenaline-seekers

Wild Mushroom Season

Wild Mushroom Season

April–early November • food

Italy is lucky to have plenty of fresh wild mushrooms

Santuario Basilica
Madonna della Corona

Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona

all year round • activity

Have you seen a church, suspended halfway between Heaven and Earth?

Panzanella

Panzanella

June–August • food

This is the summer taste of rural Tuscany

Rose Gardens

Rose Gardens

May–mid-June • nature

The iconic symbol of passion and love blooms all around Italy

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

March–October • activity

Rock climbing can be the most exciting part of your holidays in Italy

Aubergine Season

Aubergine Season

May–September • food

Don't miss the chance to try fresh aubergines while in Italy

Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi

May–September • activity

The large chalk cliff lures tourists and photographers to the azure coast

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica

all year round • activity

The largest church in the world is a masterpiece of Renaissance art

Italian Black Summer Truffles

Italian Black Summer Truffles

May–August • food

Try typical fresh Italian black truffles while visiting Italy

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

March–October • activity

Ride strong thermal winds in the paradise of Mediterranean

Ponte alla Luna (Bridge to the Moon)

Ponte alla Luna (Bridge to the Moon)

all year round (best April–November) • activity

Suspension bridges connect two peaks in Sasso di Castalda

78 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Calcio Storico (Calcio Fiorentino)

Calcio Storico (Calcio Fiorentino)

out of rangeJune 24 • event

54 footballers in traditional costumes play the brutal game to glorify their historic districts

Ravello Music Festival

Ravello Music Festival

out of rangeAugust 11, 2023 • event

A classical music festival with breathtaking views over Amalfi Coast

EuroChocolate Festival Perugia

EuroChocolate Festival Perugia

out of rangeMarch 15–24, 2024 • event

Visit one of the most significant Chocolate events in Europe

Regata Storica

Regata Storica

out of rangeSeptember 1, 2024 • event

A great chance to see a historic pageant and race

Medieval Festival Monteriggioni

Medieval Festival Monteriggioni

out of rangeJuly 6–9, 2023 • event

One of the oldest medieval festivals in Italy with dances, music, and traditional crafts

La Sciuta di San Sebastiano

La Sciuta di San Sebastiano

out of rangeAugust 10 • event

The celebration of San Sebastiano in Sicily can easily top every patron saint festival in the whole Italy

Stelvio Bike Day (Scalata Cima Coppi)

Stelvio Bike Day (Scalata Cima Coppi)

out of rangeSeptember 2, 2023 • event

One day a year one of the highest drivable paths in the Alps is completely free of traffic, drivers leave it in favour of thousands of cyclists

Easter Explosion of the Cart (Lo Scoppio del Carro)

Easter Explosion of the Cart (Lo Scoppio del Carro)

out of rangeMarch 31, 2024 • event

Easter in Florence is memorable for splendid fireworks display

Saint Agata Festival

Saint Agata Festival

out of rangeFebruary 3–February 5 • event

The celebration of the Catania ma​​rtyr is one of the central events in this region of Sicily

Carnevale di Venezia

Carnevale di Venezia

out of rangeJanuary 27-February 13, 2024 • event

A party that simply can't be missed

Palio di Siena

Palio di Siena

out of rangeJuly 2 | August 16 • event

A picturesque horse race in the heart of historical Siena

Carnival (Carnevale)

Carnival (Carnevale)

out of rangelate January–late February 2024 • event

The whole Italy dresses up in incredible costumes and masks

Biker Fest International

Biker Fest International

out of rangeMay 9-12, 2024 • event

One huge roaring party by the warm Adriatic Sea

Terme di Saturnia

Terme di Saturnia

out of rangeMarch–May • activity

Ancient Romans enjoyed this relaxing spot and used to come here for treatment. You too can try its healing powers

Festival della Mente

Festival della Mente

out of rangeAugust 30-September 1, 2024 • event

The first European festival dedicated to human creativity in Sarzana

Wild Poppy Bloom

Wild Poppy Bloom

out of rangelate April–early May • nature

Poppy fields attract many photographers trying to capture the beauty of spring flowers

Fiera del Cacio

Fiera del Cacio

out of rangeAugust 28–September 1 • event

The cheese fair held in the birthplace of pecorino itself offers the best selection of world-famous Tuscan cheese

Milan Women's Fashion Week

Milan Women's Fashion Week

out of rangeFebruary 21–27, 2023 | September 19–25, 2023 • event

To stay stylish explore latest vogue collection in Milan

Winter Sunsets

Winter Sunsets

out of rangeDecember–February • activity

Heard a lot about Rome's beautiful architecture? This city's Baroque masterpieces look especially charming during winter sunsets

Vendemmia or Grape Harvest

Vendemmia or Grape Harvest

out of rangelate August–early October • activity

Vendemmia is one of the most important seasons in Tuscany

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

out of rangeearly November–early January  • event

A mix of Mediterranean food and culture with Alpine traditions

White Truffle Season & Fairs

White Truffle Season & Fairs

out of rangemid-September–December • food

Enjoy the smell of fresh truffles in the air while visiting the best Italian white truffles markets

The Feast of Archangel Michael

The Feast of Archangel Michael

out of rangeSeptember 28–September 29 • event

The celebration in honour of St. Michael offers spectacular events and fireworks

Milano Marathon

Milano Marathon

out of rangeApril 7, 2024 • event

One of the largest athletic events in Milan

Spoleto Festival dei 2Mondi

Spoleto Festival dei 2Mondi

out of rangeJune 28-July 14, 2024 • event

A festival connecting two worlds and celebrating all forms of art

Ivrea Battle of the Oranges

Ivrea Battle of the Oranges

out of rangeFebruary 11-13, 2024 • event

This celebration of the freedom costs 500,000 kilos of fruit and probably that many orange-sized bruises but locals know it's worth the price

Sunflower Fields

Sunflower Fields

out of rangelate June–early August • nature

These large yellow flowers will please your eye throughout the summer

Acireale Carnival

Acireale Carnival

out of rangeJanuary 28–February 13, 2024 • event

Sicily is known for its celebrations of carnival, but the celebrations in Acireale are considered to be truly remarkable

Sicilian Blood Oranges

Sicilian Blood Oranges

out of rangeJanuary–April  • food

The oranges with the red juice and sweet distinctive taste are the fruity pride of Sicily

Gubbio Festa dei Ceri and Corsa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles)

Gubbio Festa dei Ceri and Corsa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles)

out of rangeMay 15 • event

One of the oldest folklore events in Italy takes over the streets of Gubbio in May

Cavalcata Sarda

Cavalcata Sarda

out of rangeMay 19, 2024 • event

A great way to feel the real spirit of Sardinia and learn about its culture and traditions

Milano Film Festival (MFF)

Milano Film Festival (MFF)

unconfirmedOctober 2023 • event

A movieholic can't miss this film event while visiting Milan

Cesena International Street Food Festival

Cesena International Street Food Festival

out of rangeNovember 1–5, 2023 • event

One of the favorite gastronomic festivals in the Emilia-Romagna region

Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens)

Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens)

out of rangeJune 17, 2023 | September 3, 2023 • event

Feel the medieval spirit during this ancient knight competition held twice a year in the city of Arezzo

Umbria Jazz

Umbria Jazz

out of rangeDecember 28, 2022–January 1, 2023 • event

The largest and most famous jazz festival in Italy

Red Bull Cliff Diving

Red Bull Cliff Diving

out of rangeJune 23, 2023 • event

Breathtaking competition in Polignano a Mare on the scenic Adriatic sea coast

Olive Harvest

Olive Harvest

out of rangelate September–late December • food

Live the life of a Tuscan farmer participating in traditional harvest activities

Festa dei Serpari di Cocullo (Cocullo Snake Festival)

Festa dei Serpari di Cocullo (Cocullo Snake Festival)

out of rangeMay 1 • event

One of the most unusual festivals in Europe, where snakes wrap the statue of San Domenico

Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon)

Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon)

out of rangeMarch 17, 2024 • event

Rome hosts one of world's most scenic marathons

Castagnaccio

Castagnaccio

out of rangeSeptember–November • food

When on the lookout for something sweet, help yourself to a slice of chestnut cake

Rome Christmas Markets

Rome Christmas Markets

out of rangeearly December–early January  • event

You can't miss this holiday fair in the beautiful Piazza Navona

Cuneo National Chestnut Fair (Fiera Nazionale del Marrone)

Cuneo National Chestnut Fair (Fiera Nazionale del Marrone)

out of rangeOctober 13–15, 2023 • event

One of the largest food festivals in Italy

Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona

Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona

out of rangeJuly 29–30, 2023 • event

A spectacular Medieval-style jousting tournament

Ragusano Cheese

Ragusano Cheese

out of rangeNovember–May  • food

One of the most famous Sicilian cow milk cheeses, Ragusano is usually seven months aged

VinItaly Verona

VinItaly Verona

out of rangeApril 14-17, 2024 • event

Explore the Italian wine industry and its best-qualified wine

La Partita a Scacchi di Marostica

La Partita a Scacchi di Marostica

out of rangeSeptember 6-8, 2024 • event

Watch an amazing living chess game dating back to the 15th century

Griglie Roventi

Griglie Roventi

out of rangeApril 10, 2023 • event

The Barbecue World Championship for amateur cooks

Messner Mountain Museum Corones

Messner Mountain Museum Corones

out of rangeJuly 9–October 15 | November 25–April 15 • activity

Visit a magnificent museum dedicated to mountaineering and located in the middle of the mountains

Italian International Balloon Grand Prix in Todi

Italian International Balloon Grand Prix in Todi

out of rangeJuly 26-August 4, 2024 • event

Be sure to book tickets to this fairytale hot-air balloon festival!

Fragneto Monforte Hot-Air Balloon Festival

Fragneto Monforte Hot-Air Balloon Festival

unconfirmedOctober 7–9, 2023 • event

Get ready for this breathtaking hot-air balloon festival in Italy

Holy Week & Easter

Holy Week & Easter

out of rangeMarch 24–31, 2024 • event

Take to the streets to see elaborate and dramatic processions and honour the most important week in the Christian calendar

Festa di San Marco

Festa di San Marco

out of rangeApril 25 • event

A rose for a loved one and, of course, a regatta

Game of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte)

Game of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte)

unconfirmedlate June 2023 • event

This most spectacular tradition in Pisa celebrates the great medieval history

Bravio delle Botti

Bravio delle Botti

out of rangeAugust 30, 2023 • event

A fun wine barrel race in a picturesque old town of Montepulciano

Marino Wine Festival (Sagra dell’Uva di Marino)

Marino Wine Festival (Sagra dell’Uva di Marino)

out of rangeOctober 2, 2022 • event

An exceptional festival with local wine flowing from a fountain!

Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga

Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga

out of rangeSeptember–May (all year round) • activity

Visit the largest underground cave in Europe during your Italian vacation

Stramilano

Stramilano

out of rangeMarch 24, 2024 • event

Join this highly popular run when you are visiting Milan

Rome Film Fest

Rome Film Fest

out of rangeOctober 18–29, 2023 • event

One of the most prestigeous film festivals in the world

Cartoomics

Cartoomics

out of rangeNovember 22-24, 2024 • event

A large fair and cosplay area for comics enthusiasts

Easter Holidays in Tuscany

Easter Holidays in Tuscany

out of rangeMarch 24–April 1, 2024 • event

Colourful religious processions are the main highlight of the Holy Week in Tuscany

Chestnut Season

Chestnut Season

out of rangeOctober–early November • food

One of the most awaited street foods in Tuscany

Easter Food

Easter Food

out of rangeApril 9, 2023 • food

You make know Easter bread and Italian panettone but how about trying dove cake or a rustic pizza?

Bringoli Feast of San Martino (Festa dei Bringoli di San Martino)

Bringoli Feast of San Martino (Festa dei Bringoli di San Martino)

out of rangeNovember 10–11, 2022 • event

Delicious handmade spaghetti is a real treat for the real foodies

Bababoom Festival

Bababoom Festival

out of rangeJuly 17-21, 2024 • event

Relax to reggae music on the beautiful Italian beach on the east coast

Journey into the Middle Ages (Viaggio nel Medioevo)

Journey into the Middle Ages (Viaggio nel Medioevo)

out of rangeAugust 25–28, 2022 • event

A summer medieval festival of historical reenactments

Sea Urchins

Sea Urchins

out of rangemid-November–late April • food

Sea urchins, also known as sea hedgehogs, are a cool weather delicacy

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

out of rangeApril–May | December–February • nature

Numerous birds choose Tuscany as their temporary winter home

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate October–early November • event

Italians love holidays, and Halloween is no exception

Palio della Balestra

Palio della Balestra

out of rangeMay 28, 2023 • event

This medieval crossbow competition is a real celebration of the Renaissance era

Skiing & Snowboarding

Skiing & Snowboarding

out of rangelate November–late April • activity

The Alps and Dolomites have some of the greatest resorts in Europe

Giffoni Film Festival

Giffoni Film Festival

out of rangeJuly 19-28, 2024 • event

A film festival dedicated to kids and teenagers

MiVEG

MiVEG

out of rangeOctober 28–29, 2023 • event

Premier vegan festival in Milan

Manualmente Fiera

Manualmente Fiera

out of rangeMalpensaFiere: March 18–19, 2023 | Torino Lingotto Fiere: May 18–22, 2023 • event

A creativity fair for all kinds of crafts in Turin

Christmas Food

Christmas Food

out of rangeearly December–late December • food

Try Tuscany Christmas dainties once – and you will want to spend another Christmas there

Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)

Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)

out of rangeApril 25 • event

The holiday marked with anti-fascist rallies and speeches

Marmeeting Mediterranean Cup

Marmeeting Mediterranean Cup

overSeptember 2, 2018 • event

A spectacular high diving competition in a scenic place

Festa del Torrone Cremona

Festa del Torrone Cremona

out of rangeNovember 11–20, 2023 • event

The sweetest Christmas-time festival in the Lombardy region

Ypsigrock Festival

Ypsigrock Festival

out of rangeAugust 10–13, 2023 • event

Sicily hosts one of the most well-known indie and alternative festivals in Italy

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