Before planning your travel Italy do check the weather forecast. Sunny days could make your impressions yet brighter!
Encyclopedias say climate in Italy is diverse. But here are some general tips of what to expect of the weather this or that time of the year.
So when to set off on your travel to Italy?
The month opening the year, January, is usually chilly, so be ready for the freezing tramontana winds sweeping down from the North. Days of the blackbird (January 29, 30 and 31) are the coldest of the year. Nevertheless a winter vacation does not lack obvious advantages: once the Christmas holidays are over, the sights become almost deserted so you can expect a warm welcome everywhere. Moreover in low seasons more agreeable prices apply in hotels.
February is often called “corto e maledetto” – that is, short and accurst. Sometimes it is as cold as January, though winter is traditionally expected tobe at an end if the weather appears nice on the Feast of Candlemas (February 2). Again, tourists are few, so cheap flights and hotel rooms abound.
Hurray, here comes the spring… and brings unbelievably capricious weather: it is still cold, and often windy and rainy, too. As the Italians say, “Marzo e pazzarello” – March is crazy. Anyway, the days are becoming longer, and March 21 officially marks the commence of spring. The clocks go forward in the late month, giving more time for sightseeing. There inevitably appear more tourists, particularly if Easter falls early.
It’s funny to see what different nations say of the same things: according to the English, April showers bring May flowers, while the Italians find it more important to observe, Aprile, ogni goccia un barile. (In April, every raindrop is a barrel of wine.) In April, tourists begin flocking to Italy. “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi”, as another proverb advises: Christmas with the family, Easter with whoever you want. Many nationals have holidays at Easter, adding to the crowds of tourists. The temperature rises, along with the prices.
May, the month of roses, is famous for its fine weather that is warm but yet not unbearably hot for sightseeing. Thus it’s not surprising that the major sights already appear crowded. Though early June is mild, much like May, the temperature rises steeply by the second half of the month, particularly in the south of the land. Seaside resorts are gradually filling up.
We beleive that July and August are far too scorching to make sightseeing comfortable this time of the year. So if you have a chance to choose, think twice before going on an Italian holiday this time of the year.
On the other hand, September is far more advisable. Temperatures are dropping down while the weather is rather dry. Summer resorts are not so crowded as a schoolyear begins and noisy kids are busy studying. September 23 is the “official” beginning of autumn.
Connoisseurs say, October is the best month of all for visiting Rome: it’s time for the sunny “ottobrate romane”. In northern Italy, however, the weather becomes more and more chilly. During the last weekend of the month the clocks go back.
November is another month that will not help make your visit to Italy more pleasant. The days’ve become shorter and it often rains. Some hotels and restaurants may close for renovation. Yet if you do choose to have a November vacation, don’t miss the “vino novello” (new wine) and chestnuts tastings that are traditional at this time of year. The land prepares for the winter sleep.
In December, cold weather returns: forget about sitting outside on the piazza with cappuccino. With the holiday season, prices begin to rise and hotels are filling up: take care to book early to avoid disappointment.
Yet, whatever the weather might be, we wish you to enjoy the good company of Italian sightseeings and attractions all year round!
For vacationers who prefer a general sightseeing or idle strolling, travel Italy has many offers to stimulate the body, mind and soul. Mountain chains (including the backbone of Italy, the Apennines) and splendid countryside for skiers and walkers, lakes and seas for those wishing to enjoy water trips with windsurfing and sailing, top-class cuisine for feasters, designer clothes for shopaholics, study trips…. There are many beautiful places for sport activities and more relaxed pastimes that won’t make you choose where and when to go in Italy. Among great places to visit during your travel to Italy are such Italian ski resorts as Courmayeur and Cortina d’Ampezzo, National parks like Abruzzo with the high-altitude havens called rifugi and spa resorts with natural hot springs.
In Summary
Disregarding the fact that the year starts with January, let us look at summer months first, as these are the hottest not only in terms of weather; it is also the peak of tourist season.
July/August: there is an opinion that July to August are optimal for visiting large Italian cities: when most of the nationals are on vacation, traffic becomes lighter and moving around is considerably easier. However, be ready to find a number of shops and businesses closed this month. Another attraction is the bustling nightlife with open-air music shows, discos and festivals in many historical places collectively called “Estate Romana” (Roman summer). Information about this sort of events is unlikely to be on the travel guides, so consult a local newspaper or ask your hosts. Usually during July and early August performances of the Rome Opera at the ancient Roman ruins are given.
Much better time to go to the seaside is in June and September: Resorts are not crowded yet and it’s not too hot. Early September sees the magnificent Historic Regatta along the Grand Canal in Venice. But, the Roman summer will be gone.
April, May and October are perfect for visiting both cities and countryside. Cruising along Grand Canal in Venice will be more pleasurable as the water is cleaner and does not smell any more (as it does in August). If you plan to travel to Italy for Easter, book in advance because there’s going to be a lot of holiday-makers willing to do it too.
Traveling to Italy in November to March can be a good way to check your luck: it may be cold and rainy or sunny and pleasantly dry. The advantage of this period is mainly low prices for flights and accommodation.
Family is of course the Christmas theme. In recent years all of the major cities and also smaller centers have streets decorated this time of the year boosting your spirits and inviting to join the large scale parties and local celebrations. On the New Year’s Eve, for example, huge fires are built on the central squares of Tuscan towns burning all night long. The Christmas season is closed by the Epiphany, on January 6.
