What is the best time to travel to Italy? This is a frequently asked question.
There used to be a very simple answer. High season was June, July and August. Shoulder season was April, May, September and October. And off season was November through March. In the last few years, as Italy has become a top European travel destination, the borders of high season, shoulder season and off season have become a little blurred.
As Italy became so popular, many tourists that use to go in June, July and August moved their travel plans to April, May, September and October to avoid the crowds of summer. It did not take long for hotel and merchants in Italy to catch on to this shift in supply and demand. Thus, many hotels and resorts now reflect only two seasons, high season and low season. Airfares usually drop November 1st and are lower through March.
As you prepare to make your decision when you should plan your vacation to Italy, there are many things to take into consideration:
There used to be a very simple answer. High season was June, July and August. Shoulder season was April, May, September and October. And off season was November through March. In the last few years, as Italy has become a top European travel destination, the borders of high season, shoulder season and off season have become a little blurred.
As Italy became so popular, many tourists that use to go in June, July and August moved their travel plans to April, May, September and October to avoid the crowds of summer. It did not take long for hotel and merchants in Italy to catch on to this shift in supply and demand. Thus, many hotels and resorts now reflect only two seasons, high season and low season. Airfares usually drop November 1st and are lower through March.
As you prepare to make your decision when you should plan your vacation to Italy, there are many things to take into consideration:
- What is the most important feature of your vacation? Weather, price, crowds, etc. If weather is the most important, then the months of May, June, September and October offer you the best the climate has to offer. Moderate temperatures, minimal rain days, and longer evenings (Italy mirrors the United States in adjusting their clocks during daylight savings time to maximize their hours of daylight).
- If getting the most for your euro is top on your list, then consider off season. You can have that suite on the Grand Canal in Venice at a 4-5 star hotel for more than half the price during the off season. Or consider how much time you are going to be in your room and downgrade your hotel options in high season.
- The crowds and heat of the summer months, particularly in the cities, can be exhausting when you are doing a lot of walking and waiting.
- Harvest of grapes is a big event at the end of September and particularly important if Tuscany is on your agenda.
- If you are traveling to the Lakes, the Riviera/Cinque Terre, keep in mind that many of these areas suspend their boat services after certain dates in September or October. And many hotels close from November until March.
- In August, Europeans take their vacations and you will be competing with them for reservations at water locations, such as the Lakes region, Riviera/Cinque Terre and Amalfi coast.
- If traveling in the off season, these cities are your best option: Rome, Florence, Venice or Milan. All events are open year round and it is opera season as well.
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