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Italy calls to curious travelers year-round.
It’s a country for foodies, for history buffs, for art connoisseurs, for fashionistas, for first-timers and 10th-timers. Between mountains, islands, iconic cities, and all the villages in between, there is so much to uncover.
Once you’ve decided to go, you’ve got to decide the best time to visit Italy. And the answer to that question depends entirely on what you hope to experience, traveler.
Italy in Spring
If the chill of the winter air is too much and you’re looking to skip the larger crowds of summer, spring (especially earlier in the season) may be the perfect time to visit Italy. As long as you’ve got layers packed and a rain jacket or small umbrella, you’ll be ready to explore Italy in the spring!
Here are some more perks of visiting this trendy destination in the springtime:
Italy in March
March heralds the arrival in spring and a great time to take advantage of the flexibility and smaller crowds of the low season. Senior Product Design Manager Shannon Levi, a tour designer for Collette and self-proclaimed born-and-bred Roman, notes that this is the perfect time to visit Tuscany and other Central Italy destinations on your bucket list.
“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."
Italy in April
Tourism in Italy begins picking up steam in April, and the larger cities are very crowded starting now. Like the flowers in bloom, small businesses that were still closed in the winter months are opening back up. And tourism to popular locales is in full bloom, too. Tour designer Shannon Levi wrote a blog detailing the shifts that busy season brings starting in April.
But we know the beauty of the season calls to travelers; we get it! The Tuscan and Umbrian countryside is dotted with spring wildflowers, and the local shops are starting to showcase the season’s best fresh produce like artichokes, asparagus, peas, radishes, and the first strawberries of the year.
Italy in Summer
More flexible schedules to travel with family; long, hot summer days; and pleasant coastal experiences – summer is a very popular season for travel to Italy. We understand why travel to Italy in June, July, and August makes sense for so many people. If this is the right time for you to travel, we want to set the expectation of the large crowds you’ll come across.
Our local expert Shannon Levi lives in Rome and included some great insight and explanation on peak season in Italy in this blog.
Italy in Fall
Italy is very busy in early autumn because it combines the best weather with the convenience of peak travel season. It’s a tradeoff: Ideal conditions come with bigger crowds in September and October.
Late fall, however, offers unique experiences, slightly cooler weather conditions, and fewer people visiting.
Italy in November
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!"
If you’re lucky enough, you may even catch the olive harvest. Olives are picked over a period of approximately 45 days. The exact starting and ending day depends on the weather and can vary from mid-October to mid-December.
Italy in Winter
Smaller seasonal businesses may be closed for the year and days may be shorter. You have to dress in layers. But the exchange? Getting closer to culture. Shannon notes you will hear locals speaking Italian more than English in the streets, and you have a real opportunity to connect with business owners with more time than they have in busier times of the year.
Collette tours like Winter in Sorrento — a trip that reflects our Rome and the Amalfi Coast tour with some added holiday flare — were crafted with these perks in mind.
Italy in December
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.
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 with bright lights, a large Christmas tree, and a huge nativity scene.
Italy in January
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."
Italy in February
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."
Book Your Italy Trip With Collette
Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. You should be able to spend your time getting closer to culture and exploring instead of trying to navigate crowds and manage logistics.
That’s part of the reason why travelers book Collette tours to Italy — to let experts take care of all the details.
When you’re ready to book your Italy tour, call us or see your travel professional and ask for Collette.
