From ancient cities to rolling vineyards and postcard-perfect beaches to snow-capped mountains, Italy is one of those year-round destinations that keeps on giving. Anytime is the right time to visit this incredible country.
Oh, and did we mention the divine food, sumptuous vino, and rich local culture?
If you’re raring to book your Italian adventure, read on for everything you need to know about the best time to visit Italy in 2022 and beyond.
Table of Contents
- The Weather in Italy
- Italy’s Most Popular Annual Events
- The Best Tourist Attractions in Italy (And Where to Find Them)
- Italian Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
- Italian Public Holidays & Occasions
The Weather in Italy
So what are the best months to go to Italy? Does the weather affect flight prices and hotel rates? Here’s a quick breakdown of Italy’s four seasons and the best times to travel.
Spring (March to May)
With temperatures warming up, spring is a great time to plan your trip. It’s mild and pleasant across the country, with highs of 59°F in March, 64°F in April, and 73°F in May (although this will vary depending on city/region).
Summer (June to August)
July and August are the peak travel months, with airfares at their highest. The weather really heats up (85°F or more), which could make it uncomfortable for outdoor sights. But fly out in June when temperatures are cooler, and you could also grab yourself a bargain.
Fall (September to November)
Arguably one of the best times to visit Italy, fall transforms its landscapes with spectacular hues. Temperatures can drop down to 62°F by November, which might be chilly for some, but the low prices more than make up for the need for layers. November is one of the cheapest months to travel.
Winter (December to February)
The colder months are considered the low season but don’t fret. There’s still plenty to do. Cities like Rome and Florence experience highs of 55°F and lows of 39°F, while the Dolomites can be as chilly as 10°F. For cheap flights, February is a fantastic time to plan a getaway.
Italy’s Most Popular Annual Events
There’s no denying that Italy is one of the most culturally exciting places in the world, so make sure you add these festivals and events to your calendar.
Carnevale, Venice (January/February)
For over two weeks, the floating city becomes an exhibition of beautiful Venetian masks. This celebration, which began in the 12th Century, marks the run-up to Lent and features a masquerade ball and street parades. While tickets for the ball are expensive, street parties are free to attend.
Battle of the Oranges, Ivrea (February)
Consider this Italy’s biggest and most outrageous food fight! So get your oranges ready and join this famous battle reenactment where people hurl oranges at one another. Tickets for Sunday are usually €10 ($11 USD), while the weekday events are free.
Scoppio del Carro, Florence (April)
On Easter Sunday, locals come out to watch the ‘Scoppio del Carro’ (an exploding cart). This age-old tradition kicks off the rest of the fireworks display, providing family-friendly entertainment for all ages.
Marriage of the Sea, Venice (May)
The last weekend in May is a great time to visit Venice, as a huge display of colorful rowing boats descends upon the waterways. Watch the drama unfold as teams race each other in river sprints and enjoy the bustling market in the nearby square.
Eurochocolate 2022
Chocolate fans should head to Perugia this October for the ultimate chocolate fix. This event takes place from the 14th to the 23rd and features amazing chocolate art, food tastings, beer tents, and entertainment. Tickets start from €8 ($9 USD) for weekdays or €10 ($11 USD) for a weekend pass.
Rome Christmas Markets 2022
Every December, there’s a traditional Christmas market at Piazza Navona in Rome. This year will include street food, musicians, street artists, nativity scenes, and amusement rides for children. The market at Piazza Mazzini, which runs from early December to Christmas Eve, is also worth visiting.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Italy (And When to Visit Them)
Famed for being the ‘cradle of western civilization,’ Italy is a never-ending playground for culture lovers. When it comes to attractions, there are simply too many to name—but here are a few to inspire you on your travels.
Colosseum, Rome
This massive amphitheater is the largest of its kind and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Admission fees start from €21.50 ($23 USD), and advanced booking is advised if you want to skip the long queues.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Go from November to February for fewer crowds (but beware that the Christmas period is usually busy).
Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
Climbing up the 463 steps of the Duomo is worth it for the view. Bring your camera, and don’t miss the cathedral museum while you’re there. For a ticket price of €18 ($19 USD), you’ll get access to multiple monuments in Piazza Duomo.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Visit in spring or fall when the cathedral will be less busy. If you do travel in peak season, aim to get there early.
Grand Canal, Venice
Few experiences beat a gondola ride through the waterways of Venice. It’s a relaxing and romantic way of exploring the city, and 30-minute rides start at €80 ($84 USD).
Next Vacay Travel Tip: For the most comfortable ride, avoid July and August when the weather is scalding!
Vatican City, Rome
Fill up on culture and explore the Basilica of St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums in the city-state of Vatican City. While the Basilica is free to visit, the Vatican Museum prices will range from €8-17 ($9-18 USD).
Next Vacay Travel Tip: The museum and Sistine Chapel can get extremely crowded, so the best time to visit is in the low season.
Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany
If you love Italian wine—or just the art of winemaking—this 5,000-acre estate and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. Discover the winery’s organic viticulture, enjoy the stunning views, and sample the estate’s four Brunello di Montalcino DOCG labels.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: September to October is grape harvesting season and the best time to visit Italy for wine.
Italian Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
Italian sport is home to global champions, and nothing beats a live sporting event in Italy. Here are the most beloved events to plan a trip around.
Serie A Football
Italy’s Serie A is the country’s premier football league and will start in mid-August 2022, lasting until the end of May 2023. Watch the country’s biggest clubs, including Atalanta, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Lazio, Napoli, and Roma.
Italian Grand Prix
Held at the Monza Circuit every season, this incredible racing event is one of the most prestigious F1 events in the world. Upcoming dates for 2022 are September 9th and 11th, and the best way to get there is on the 30-minute train from central Milan.
Italian Public Holidays and Occasions
Although winter is the low season in Italy, towns and cities can get busy during Christmas and New Year as locals and tourists book their family vacations. While this can be a wonderful time to visit and explore the festive markets, it’s best to avoid the holidays if you prefer to beat the crowds.
Also, bear in mind that many shops and businesses close during religious holidays like Easter. Other bank holidays to be aware of include Liberation Day on April 25th, Labor Day on May 1st, Republic Day on June 2nd, Ferragosto on August 15th, All Saints Day On November 1st, and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.
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