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When it comes to exploring Italy, many travelers picture the bustling summer months: Busy cobblestone streets, sunny skies, and crowds flocking to the must-see sites. But when it comes to truly getting to know Italy, low season offers unique experiences that summer travelers often miss out on. Travelers who visit Italy from mid-November to mid-March avoid the crowds and get better access to genuine local connections.
To further shed light on Italy in the off season, I sat down with Collette’s tour Design Manager for Italy, Shannon Levi. A born-and-raised Roman and veteran tour designer, she is a local expert with the inside scoop.
She wrote a blog detailing some of the difficulty that comes with traveling to Italy amid overtourism. After reading it, I knew Shannon would offer incredible local insight on why low season travel to Italy should be on your list.
Why Choose Italy for Low Season Travel?
Many savvy travelers have heard of the three I’s in travel. These countries are some of the most popular and home to some of the most sought-after trips in the world. They are: Iceland, Ireland, and, of course, Italy.
Off-season travel offers fewer crowds to this incredibly trendy destination, but according to Shannon, there are more benefits than that.
Italy’s Off Season Provides the Ideal Climate
Shannon emphasizes that the climate in Italy during the low season is a perk for travelers, as it isn’t too hot for getting out and getting to know the destination.
“The weather is really great for sightseeing,” Shannon says. "Especially if you’re more active and into visiting cities and museums, or walking around exploring.”
Even though the thought of chilly days might deter some, there's an undeniable charm to the relatively mild temperatures and fewer rainy days.
"In Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, daytime temperatures between mid-November and mid-March range between 55 and 65 Fahrenheit, with daytime highs of 75,” Shannon says. “In Florence or Venice, daytime temperatures range between 50 and 60 Fahrenheit, with nighttime lows that can go down to 45, 42."
Fewer Crowds, More Authentic Experiences
One of the standout benefits of traveling during the low season is the reduced crowd sizes, of course. But an underrated consequence of this: allowing for a more immersive and authentic travel experience.
"You can hear more Italian than English spoken in the streets,” Shannon says. “Yes, you will still need to pre-book certain museums, like if you want to visit Uffizi in Florence, but they will not be crowded elbow to elbow. You have a much more enjoyable experience."
The impact of fewer crowds extends from the must-sees to city streets and small businesses.
"For example, destinations like the Cinque Terre are much more enjoyable,” Shannon says. “During high season, streets are really crowded, but from mid-November to mid-March, you can enjoy the small-town atmosphere and have pleasant conversations with local business owners."
Cultural Benefits and Holiday Cheer
There are local festivities and traditions that you can only experience when you visit Italy during the low season. From Christmas to Carnival, Italy comes alive with local customs.
According to Shannon, "If you're traveling between mid-November and February, you hit over the Christmas holidays and Carnival, especially in Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, full of local traditions that you will never experience during the high season."
As someone who grew up in Italy, the holiday season in the region is particularly magical for Shannon. She highlighted some of her favorite sites.
By mid-November, Sorrento’s main square is decorated with a massive Christmas tree each year. Rome’s Piazza Navona Christmas opens by early December, featuring sweet seasonal treats. It’s around this time that St. Peter’s Square gets its holiday transformation when bright lights, a large Christmas tree, and a huge nativity scene are installed.
But it’s not just the large city squares where the winter wonderland feelings come to life, she explains. From small businesses dressing up their window displays with Christmas cheer, to local restaurants adding festive fare, and even grocery stores and markets offering unique seasonal treats, the holiday spirit glows everywhere you turn.
Recommended Tours for Italy Off Season Travel
Now that you’re sold on visiting Italy in the low season, it’s time to choose your tour.
We asked Shannon to share some of her favorite off-season offerings and explain what makes each tour special during that mid-November to mid-March window.
Southern Italy and Sicily
Shannon identified the Southern Italy & Sicily tour as one of her favorite low season tours with its ideal weather and comprehensive itinerary.
"It covers the whole of southern Italy, with all the gems from Sicily to Matera, to the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento,” she says. “It really is a perfect snowbird destination if you want to get away from winter. It offers a mild climate, lovely daylight, and lots of local traditions."
Winter in Sorrento
New for 2025, Shannon recently designed Winter in Sorrento — a tour that reflects our Rome and the Amalfi Coast tour with some added holiday flare.
"It has the same flow and number of days as the Rome and the Amalfi Coast tour, but includes a day trip to Naples,” she says. “[Sorrento is] the Italian capital of Christmas, filled with unique traditions and a buzzing atmosphere."
Old World Sicily and Malta
Shannon loves travel to Sicily for low season and was excited to share a small group tour to this region for traveler consideration.
"It's an Explorations tour with a maximum group size of 24 people,” Shannon says. “After four nights in Malta, which is packed with history, travelers take a ferry to Sicily, spending three nights in different stunning locations. It's a relaxed pace, and at the same time, it has a wonderful winter climate."
Month-by-Month Guide to Low Season Travel
Choosing the right time to book your off-season trip to Italy may seem like a daunting task, but fear not: I got a month-by-month breakdown from Shannon.
Hear from the local expert on the best time to go, whether you’re looking for a quiet trip, the most delicious food, or stellar natural views.
November in Italy
November is a "fantastic foodie month," according to Shannon.
"It's the month of freshly squeezed olive oil, particularly from Rome northward,” she says. “There's also a bit of foliage and crisp air – a perfect excuse for a glass of wine!"
December in Italy
December brings the holiday season, especially vibrant around the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
"There's all the Christmas traditions coming up, with beautiful decorations and local customs to enjoy," Shannon says.
January in Italy
January is ideal for travelers looking to get a unique look at local culture with few other travelers in destination.
"It's the quietest month of the year, perfect for visiting places like Venice where you can even hear your own footsteps,” says Shannon. “Enjoy a thick Italian hot chocolate at one of the historic cafes on St. Mark's Square."
February in Italy
February offers the charm of almond blossoms in Sicily and the excitement of Carnival. Shannon offered some advice for those looking to experience Carnival:
"Stay away from Venice during Carnival due to high hotel prices and crowds,” she says. “Instead, pick our Spotlight on Northern Italy tour that stays on the mainland and goes into Venice for a day trip."
March in Italy
March heralds the arrival of spring, making it an ideal month for locations like Florence and Tuscany.
"Florence is the City of the Flowers, and March truly brings out its beauty,” Shannon says. “It's a perfect time for scenic walks and enjoying the blossoming gardens and countryside."
Booking Your Italy Tour
With fewer crowds, mild weather, rich local traditions, and significant cost savings, traveling to Italy in low season an opportunity you don't want to miss.
As Shannon aptly puts it, "No tour really is bad in Italy, particularly in the low season months."
Experience Italy in a way that’s relaxed, authentic, and full of hidden gems only the low season can offer. Whether it’s indulging in freshly squeezed olive oil in November or experiencing the vibrant Carnival in February, Italy in the low season promises countless unique opportunities.
When you’re ready to book your tour, call us or see your travel professional and ask for Collette.
