When is best to visit Italy: how to choose the perfect time without patterns and haste
When is best to visit Italy is not a question of the calendar, but of the purpose of your trip. If you want to see the country, and not just its tourist spots, the time of the visit is critical. In 2026, Italy will host a record number of guests — determining the travel period in advance helps to avoid crowds and overpayments. Below are not the general phrases “spring and autumn”, but specific recommendations for your scenario.
When to go to Italy for an authentic experience
Avoid July and the first half of August — this is the peak of not only tourists, but also prices. It is best to go in April–early May or September–early October — the weather is comfortable and the rhythm of life is local.
In November and February, many regions “freeze”, but it is then that ancient rituals and cozy local festivals are revealed.
The best time for gastronomists is October–November: harvesting olives, grapes, truffles, and the first tastings of the new harvest.
If you are traveling for the first time, do not strive for the maximum experience in one trip.
One region + 7-10 days = depth of impressions. Two cities + 3 days = fatigue and superficiality.
When is best to visit Italy with children
The best period is the end of May or the beginning of June: it is warm, but not hot, the sea is already warmed up, playgrounds are open.
Avoid August — crowded beaches, expensive hotels, queues at water parks. School holidays in Italy begin on June 10 and end on September 10. Please follow this schedule.
In Sardinia and Sicily, it is already possible to swim in June, but prices have not yet reached their peak.
For a family trip, it is important not only when, but also where — not all regions are equally friendly to children.
For example, Trentino and Emilia-Romagna have developed infrastructure: bike paths, parks, and play areas near restaurants.
→ Help in choosing a family itinerary — Italiatut
When is best to visit Italy to inspect real estate and move
For a serious home inspection, choose out of season: January–February or November–December. At this time, there is less competition, the realtor has more time, and the opportunity to negotiate a discount. It is important to see the object in a “working” state: how the heating works, whether there is dampness after the rains.
In winter, it is easier to assess the sound insulation and location relative to the sunny side.
If you are considering buying or renting for the purpose of moving, do not limit yourself to one visit.
Many of our clients come twice: the first time — in the “low” season, the second — in the “high” to compare.
→ Support during the inspection of real estate — Italiatut
When is best to visit Italy for events and festivals in 2026
– March: Festa di San Giuseppe — everywhere, especially atmospheric in Sicily and Calabria.
– April: Scoppio del Carro in Florence is an ancient ritual with fireworks and a procession.
– June: Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo — jousting tournament in medieval costumes.
– October: Eurochocolate in Perugia is the largest chocolate festival in Europe.
– November: Festa del Torrone in Cremona is a sweet celebration with free tastings.
Many of these events are not advertised in international guides, but they reveal Italy as a living culture.
Their dates in 2026 are already known — it costs 3-4 months to plan tickets and accommodation.
How to avoid common mistakes when choosing a date
1. Do not believe the forecasts of the “average temperature” — in the mountains of Abruzzo in June it may be +18 ° C, and in Sicily — +35 ° C.
2. Do not book a hotel in the center of Rome or Venice for the summer without air conditioning — in July it is impossible without it.
3. Don’t ignore the holidays: August 15th (Ferragosto) — almost everything is closed across the country.
4. Do not plan to visit the Vatican Museums on January 1-3 — they are closed for maintenance.
For those who want not just to see, but to experience Italy, the GIDtut team offers author programs. You will visit local festivals, meet artisans, and taste dishes that are not served in tourist restaurants.
All routes are template—free, with an emphasis on authenticity and personal experience.
If you don’t know when to go to Italy in your case, write to us on Telegram.
Our experts will prepare a personal travel calendar for you, taking into account your goals, budget and interests.
To know is to choose consciously. And an informed choice is the beginning of a real journey!
