Southern Italy is known for its mild climate, gastronomy and sea, but to truly enjoy its charms, it's important to choose the right time to travel. Find out when is the best time to go to southern Italy - weather, seasons, prices, festivals and the ideal time to travel without the crowds

Southern Italy is a true mosaic of colors, flavors and emotions, where the sun shines longer and life flows more slowly. The regions of Abruzzo, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise and Sicily are places where you can experience Italy at its warmest. But for a perfect trip, you should choose the right season.

Lonely Planet experts have named the best time to visit Southern Italy to enjoy its wonders to the fullest.

When traveling to Italy, even for a short time, it is worth having a valid policy. Medical care in the country is expensive, and insurance covers not only treatment, but also flight delays, lost luggage or trip cancellation.

You can apply for travel insurance online in just a few minutes - go to the insurance section on Visit World and choose the best offer for your trip!

Summer (June - August): Sea, Festivals and Heat

In summer, the south of Italy lives to the rhythm of beaches and holidays. City squares are filled with music, locals bring life to the coast, and tourists enjoy Negroni cocktails, pasta al forno and the sea.

The beaches of Sicily, the bays of Capri and the Aeolian Islands are filled with vacationers from late May to August. This is the time of high prices and crowds, especially on the Amalfi Coast. In August, most Italians leave the big cities and go to the resorts of Campania, Tropea or Cefalù.

At the same time, this is the season of bright festivals - music, theater and gastronomy. If you like active recreation and a hot atmosphere, summer is your time.

Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October): the best balance

This is a golden time for those who dream of a quiet holiday without crowds and heat. The weather is warm, the sky is clear, and the prices for accommodation and tickets are noticeably lower.

In May or September, it is convenient to travel to Amalfi, Capri or Taormina - the weather is still (or already) summer, and there are significantly fewer tourists. At this time, you can go hiking, explore historic towns or rural landscapes, admiring spring flowers or autumn shades.

In autumn, the grape harvest season begins and local communities hold gastronomic festivals - sagre. October is also added to the mushroom and chestnut season, which makes the trip especially colorful.

Winter (November-March): cozy Italy without crowds

The winter south of Italy is quiet, authentic and underrated. There are few tourists, hotel and flight prices drop by up to -30%, and the weather in most regions remains mild.

At this time, you can ski in the Sila National Park (Calabria) or near Lake Laceno (Campania). And on Mount Etna, slopes open from December to March for winter holidays with a view of the sea!

The Christmas and Carnival period (December-February) is a time of festive lights and culinary traditions, when cities decorate Christmas trees and fairs. The only thing to consider is that in many coastal areas some hotels and restaurants close until spring.

What to see in southern Italy?

Start your trip in Bari, the capital of Puglia - an ideal place to explore the charming towns of Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. On the other side of the "boot" is colorful Naples, from where it is convenient to go to the legendary Pompeii.

So, the answer to the question “When is the best time to visit southern Italy?” can be as follows:

Southern Italy is wonderful at any time of the year, but each season reveals it in its own way.

- Spring and autumn are ideal for traveling without crowds.

- Summer is the best time for beach holidays and festivals.

- Winter is a period for those looking for peace, skiing and an authentic atmosphere.

Planning a trip to Italy?

Use the travel guide from Visit World - it contains all the necessary information:

- how to apply for a visa or residence permit;

- features of traveling in the regions of Italy;

- rules for car rental, insurance and safety;

Step-by-step instructions for a comfortable trip to Italy in just a couple of clicks!

Reminder! In 2026, the Italian city of Bolzano plans to introduce a unique tourist tax of 1.50 euros per night for each dog. Similar fees for pet owners are already in effect in Germany and the Netherlands. We have already told you how dog taxes work in different European countries, why they are introduced and what exceptions are provided for locals and tourists.

Photo – Freepik

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