Weather in Italy

Even though Italy lies in a temperate zone and is regarded as a sunny and warm country with mild weather it can actually be quite cold, wet, and uncomfortable at times. Winter in the northern mountains can be long, cold, and very wet. The Alps protect Milan from the extreme weather that can cripple the rest of Europe during the winter.

Other cities in the north like Liguria enjoy a mild climate most of the year thanks to the Alps. Venice is hot and humid during the summer and the winters can be very cold. Florence is surrounded by hills so the weather has a tendency to be extreme at times, but as you travel south towards Rome the weather gets milder. Rome can get very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Sicily and other southern cities experience a true Mediterranean climate with long summers and mild winters.

When to Go Italy

April through June is the best time to visit, but most people say anytime is a great time to spend a few days in the countryside or in the warm cities down south. Ski season in the north usually starts in November and festivals usually start in April and run through September, but there’s always some kind of local or religious festival going on every month.