The best time to visit Italy
The best time to visit Italy for warm, sunny weather is June to September, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 83/100 with daytime highs around 27°C / 81°F. May and October are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 5 months a year, warmest in August at 29°C.
Italy by month, averaged across 30 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 | 9° / 48°F | 64 mm | 14° | Poor |
| February | 15 | 10° / 50°F | 64 mm | 14° | Poor |
| March | 34 | 13° / 55°F | 62 mm | 15° | Mixed |
| April | 58 | 17° / 63°F | 57 mm | 17° | Very good |
| May | 79 | 21° / 70°F | 56 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| June | 84 | 26° / 79°F | 42 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| July | 84 | 29° / 84°F | 34 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| August | 83 | 29° / 84°F | 40 mm | 29° | Excellent |
| September | 80 | 24° / 75°F | 67 mm | 26° | Excellent |
| October | 70 | 20° / 68°F | 79 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| November | 40 | 14° / 57°F | 99 mm | 19° | Good |
| December | 19 | 10° / 50°F | 76 mm | 16° | Poor |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: June to September — Italy's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 83/100, ~27°C / 81°F days). Shoulder season: May and October — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~29°C / 84°F. Wettest: November (99 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Lampedusa (3,022 h/yr), Cagliari (2,726 h/yr), Comiso (2,584 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Italy month by month, the hottest places in Italy, or every Italy destination with a full climate card.