The Italian weather is renowned for being as beautiful as Italy itself. The country measures 600 miles from the Alps to Sicily, so it is easy to imagine that the weather in Italy is varied. However, like most of Europe, Italy’s weather tends to be more moderate than the extremes found in the US. Americans who travel Europe in summer are pleasantly surprised by the non-humid and generally comfortable nature of the Italian weather. By European standards, Italy weather is on the warm side, but nothing like the terribly hot, humid conditions experienced in the US.Italy’s weather patterns are nevertheless similar to America. The hottest month is July and the coldest is January; the wettest month is November, the driest is July. Summer is hot, especially in the south. Spring and autumn are mild with fine, sunny weather. Winter in the south is much drier and warmer than in northern and central areas. Mountain regions are colder with heavy winter snowfalls.
The weather is pleasant throughout the rest of Italy, with long, hot summers and mild winters. Take a trip to Calabria in December and don’t be surprised to see lemons and oranges still on the trees with shrubs still in bloom. It’s no wonder Sicily is becoming the winter sun destination. Such favorable climatic conditions are due mainly to the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Mountainous areas around the Alps in the north, on the other hand, are prone to long and often severe winters, in turn allowing a thriving skiing industry to develop. Northern Italy’s weather produces cold Alpine winters, which are followed by warm, wet summers, except in the Po Valley, where arid summers contrast with freezing, damp winters. Land close to the Apennines, mountains running down the peninsula of Italy, often has snow during the winter. Other areas are protected by hills and mountains, such as Liguria in the northwest, and so enjoy milder weather.
It’s best to be prepared for the subtle and sometimes substantial changes in Italian weather. Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during the summer, except in the mountains. Light to medium-weight clothes are worn in the south during winter, while warmer clothes are worn elsewhere. Alpine and Ski wear is advised for winter in the mountains.
All in all, Italy’s weather is some of the nicest in Europe.
Learn more about tracking the weather in Italy!
