Luxury Holidays Italy

The season in Amalfi typically starts at Easter and runs until the beginning of August. During high summer, temperatures can soar and the roads and resorts become quite crowded. The ideal time to visit is in May, June and September, when you’ll find pleasant temperatures, abundant blooms and fewer tourists.

WEATHER: Coastal breezes keep Amalfi cool even in the hottest months, with sunny skies and warm temperatures from May to September.

The isle of Capri is cooled by coastal breezes that take the edge of its high temperatures; it’s often cooler here than on the mainland, with the same sunny skies and luxuriant florals. The small island becomes crowded in the peak summer months, with the best times to visit between April and early November.

WEATHER: Capri’s island locale means cooler temperatures than the mainland, with welcoming sea breezes to take the edge off the hot, dry summers.

Florence is a year-round destination, with mild winters and hot, humid summers when its streets are packed with tourists. Sightseeing is best during spring and autumn as it can get chilly between November and March, and if you want to visit the wider region of Tuscany you’ll find it stays pleasant into the later half of autumn.

WEATHER: Florence’s ancient streets are ideal for city breaks year round, with mild and sometimes cold winters and hot summers.

The Italian Riviera is a hubbub of activity from June until early September, when superyachts bob in the harbour and the bays become a magnet for both chic Italians and travellers alike. Late September sees the amount of visitors dwindle to a trickle, while the last of the honeysuckle scents the streets; peace at last.

WEATHER: Portofino is a little suntrap on Italy’s west coast Riviera, with mild winters and hot summers. Visit from May to early October for the best weather.

During the summer thousands of Italian holidaymakers descend on Puglia’s unspoilt beaches. The ‘heel’ of Italy stays warm long into autumn, when the crowds thin and the heat becomes more bearable. For sightseeing you can visit its ancient towns for much of the year; for beaches you’ll want to time your trip for May-September.

WEATHER: Puglia is blessed with some of Italy’s best weather, with very hot summers and mild winters; the shoulder season is best for sightseeing.

The Eternal City can be visited year-round; if you’re not fussed about sun, it’s best to visit in the off or shoulder season (October to March). From early spring until autumn the city smoulders and is crowded with tourists, but this is when you’ll find the best exhibitions and street festivals, alfresco dining and a lively atmosphere.

WEATHER: Hot in summer, mild in the autumn and winter, Rome is a year-round destination ideal for short breaks.

During August, Sardinia is filled with Italian holidaymakers and tourists seeking its hot sun and white sand beaches. May and June offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies, while September sees warm sees and a calm descend on the island. Most resorts are closed from late autumn until Easter.

WEATHER: Sardinia is one of Italy’s sunniest isles, with hot summers and wet winters. Spring brings wildflowers and sunny skies, while autumn is cooler and calmer.

Like much of Italy, August is peak season in Sicily when an exodus of Italians arrives on its shores to enjoy the superb weather and excellent beaches. Due to its southerly location the island stays pleasant well into late October, with the season starting earlier in late April and early May.

WEATHER: Sicily’s Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters, with its mountainous terrain resulting in regional variations in climate.

The best time to visit Italy’s northern lakes is between April and September, when the temperatures are ideal for sightseeing. Springtime in the lakes brings with it a carpet of wildflowers, while late autumn and winter can be chilly and often wet. Summer months can be crowded, and require advance booking for hotels.

WEATHER: The Italian Lakes are at their best between April and September, with sunny skies, warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

The city of Venice floats on a web of canals and is therefore subject to high humidity year-round. The summer heat can be quite oppressive, and you may wish to avoid the ‘acqua alta’ floods, which usually occur in November and December. Otherwise, Venice is a popular destination at any time of the year.

WEATHER: Appropriately called the ‘city of water’ and not just for its canals, northerly Venice has cold, wet winters and hot, humid summers.