Welcome back to our new series of What to consider when planning a holiday in Italy and the continuation of our guide to the different charms and considerations that one should keep in mind when deciding on the best time of the year in which to plan a vacation in Italy. In the first part of this guide, we looked at winter for all of those who are just itching for a getaway right away or who are after some winter sun or fun on the slopes as well as the gentle charm of the warmer climes and lushness of spring. This half of the guide will introduce our readers to the most popular time for Italian vacations, summer, as well as to the wonderful selling points of autumn, just on its heels. So, if you are thinking about finally booking that trip but you are still trying to decide when to go, then read on and start planning a perfect holiday in Italy today!
Summer.
Of course, there are those sun-worshippers who want the proper heat of the summer months. There are those who thrive on the energy and excitement of this busy time of the year. And there are those who can only get away once summer comes. If you fall into any of these categories, then a proper classic summer vacation in Italy is just the thing!
If you are looking to work on a tan, want to spend long and lazy days in the water, or plan on attending music festivals or any of the other vast array of annual celebrations and events that take place all across the country each summer, then a summer break in Italy is the best option for you.
Just keep in mind that as you get deeper into the summer, costs and temperatures will rise and crowds will grow. However, this will all vary depending on when you plan to visit exactly and where you are going. In June, it will still be a little cooler and tourists will have arrived but you’ll find that beaches aren’t yet swamped and queues for cultural attractions in the country’s most beloved cities aren’t as large as they can get – especially towards the beginning of the month, before many schools have finished for the year. July is when things will start to get a good deal busier, hotter, and more expensive. August is the hottest and busiest month but is also when many Italians take their annual holidays and head to the coast, lakes, or, sometimes, mountains. Seaside resorts, therefore, will be exceptionally busy at this time of the year. The big cities like Rome and Florence, however, empty of many locals and it will just be you and other tourists battling the rising heat that can be quite intense in urban areas in particular.
With all of these things taken into consideration, it is worth also keeping in mind that you can definitely have a wonderful and relaxing holiday at this time of the year even if you’re not a fan of crowds or you’re worried about the heat, you just need to know what to expect and to come prepared. Doing things like avoiding beaches in the middle of the day and going early in the morning or in the evening will mean you’ll be able to miss the worst of the peak season crowds. Similarly, booking ahead for tourist attractions where possible so that you arrive for a slot and don’t have to queue will make things a lot more comfortable. To cope with the heat better, you can browsing our luxury villas with pools in Italy and our villas with air-conditioning in Italy to keep you cool at home and plan indoor activities like wine-tasting or visiting a museum for the hottest parts of the day to ensure you are not out in the sun for too long. We have actually written a whole guide to staying cool in Italy during the summer so check that out here.
Autumn.
Towards the beginning of autumn, a lot of Italian destinations will still have summer-like weather conditions, although temperatures will begin to drop once more. Tourist crowds will also be beginning to dissipate and prices will start to drop. Early autumn has increasingly become a popular time for tourists who have realised these things for themselves so the change in crowds and prices will not be drastic until well into the season, however. Still, for many, this is a more pleasant and peaceful time to plan a getaway in Italy, when it is yet possible to enjoy the beaches and fine weather and outdoor pursuits without the queues and busy streets.
As you get further into the season, days by the pool or in the sea will no longer be possible for the vast majority of travellers but Italy still has plenty to offer if you are planning an autumn trip! While Italy always boasts incredible regional dishes, a hearty cuisine, fresh produce, wonderful gelato, unbeatable coffee, and delicious wines, autumn is harvest season and, therefore, is an excellent time for foodies to plan a trip to the country. If you find a villa in Tuscany or a holiday rental in Piedmont or a vacation rental in Umbria, you’ll discover some of the most prized ingredients in the world: truffles. In fact, there are endless local food fairs and festivals dedicated to this one ingredient alone! In addition to truffles, though, there are all sorts of autumnal foodie delights that are perfectly comforting for a cosy and delicious fall season. If you really like to eat, then you’ll love Italy in the fall.
Similarly to spring, autumn in Italy is also when the weather is ideal for getting out and exploring the country. It is a perfect time for those who like to hike to venture out across the mountains and lakesides and coastal walks – not too hot so that you’ll be sweating all the time but not so cold that you’ll need endless layers.
So, as you can see, each season in Italy has more than a little to recommend it and all sorts of charms to be discovered but each also has unique selling points. If you are thinking about planning a vacation in Italy then use this guide to help you find the right time to book your getaway or contact us and our team of experts will be able to offer you even more recommendations and personalised suggestions!
