Travel to Italy: How to Plan Your Dream Trip

High season in Italy is from June to August. You’ll enjoy the height of summer with the lovely Italian sun and lots of gelato. However, it's important to remember that during peak season, prices will be inflated and there will be swarths of other travelers at all of Italy's major attractions. If you’re set on traveling during high season, consider visiting less popular Italian destinations that still provide you with a unique experience. Off-the-beaten-path destinations include areas outside of capital cities such as Bergamo, Como, and Parma, which are all located in Lombardy, just outside of Milan.

Pros

• Nice Weather: Italy often doesn’t get much rain during this time of year. Warm temperatures make eating a slice of pizza and people-watching highly popular. Nights are often warm enough to make staying outside very enjoyable, especially with a flute of Italian prosecco or an Aperol spritz.
• Long Days: The sun doesn’t set until quite late at night especially the farther north you are. You can often cram in a lot of sightseeing before having a late dinner and watching the sunset on an Italian patio.
• Open Attractions: Most popular tourist attractions are open throughout high season.

Cons

• Crowds: Italy is full of tourists during the summer. This means long waiting times at museums, art galleries, and crowded trains. You should prepare to spend a significant amount of time waiting in lines during high season and several pre-sale ticket options may be sold out. Train reservations may also be required in order to guarantee you get a seat.
• Heat: Italy can become very hot in the summer especially in July and August. 90°F+ (32°C +) temperatures are not uncommon and air conditioning might be limited.
• High Costs: Prices go up significantly during high season. Expect to pay top price for everything from flights to hostels during peak season.
• Closed Shops: Since many Europeans often go on vacation during the summer, many restaurants and shops will be closed. Specifically, many businesses in Italy are closed for the entire month of August.

Low season in Italy is from November to April with the exception of the Alps and Dolomites that boast high season from late December to March. For budget travelers, traveling Italy in low season is ideal as prices can be up to 30 percent less. Low season is a great time to attend cultural events and do some sightseeing without the crowds. However, make sure to check where your accommodation options before traveling in Italy, as several hotels and resorts near the coast can be closed during low season.

Pros

• Lack of Crowds: There aren’t nearly as many tourists during the winter months making it far easier to see the attractions. You can often visit museums and art galleries without waiting in line at all during the low season. This (relative) lack of tourists also makes it a bit easier to meet locals while in Italy.
• Lower Prices: Both flights and hostels are considerably cheaper during low season.
• Winter Sports: Italy has a lot of great locations for winter sports and activities. Why not ski or snowboard through the Alps in Italy?
• (Relatively) Mild Winters: While it can get quite cold, Italian winters are usually quite mild compared to winter in the northern United States and Canada. Most Italian cities have average temperatures between 40-60°F (4-16°C) during the winter. Regionally, the mountainous north boasts the coldest temperatures.

Cons

• Short Days: It will start getting dark quite early (often around 4:30 p.m. in northern Italy) so make sure to plan your day and sightseeing accordingly.
• Bad Weather: While Italian winters are usually mild, they are also quite rainy, gray, and dreary. Be sure to pack accordingly for both rain and cold if you intend on visiting Italy during low season.
• Reduced Hours of Attractions: Many Italian attractions have reduced hours during the low season. Some may even be closed during the winter due to the lack of tourists. Be sure to check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Some of the best months to travel in Italy are from April to June when spring is in full swing and the onslaught of seasonal travelers haven’t arrived yet. It is also great to travel between September to November when the weather is cooling a little, along with the number of tourists at the most popular Italian attractions.

Pros

• (Generally) Nice Weather: Italy’s weather during shoulder season is usually quite temperate and nice.
• Relatively Few Tourists: While lines will likely be longer than in winter, travelers can still visit many attractions without having to wait at all. Similarly, hostels usually are not completely booked or completely empty during shoulder season.
• Gardens & Parks: Many parks and gardens in Italy will be in bloom during spring shoulder season or full of colorful leaves during fall shoulders season.
• Lower Prices: Prices often remain low during shoulder season.

Cons

• Some Attractions Closed/Shortened Hours: The vast majority of attractions will be open; however, some may still be maintaining winter hours of operation.
• Inconsistent Weather: The weather in Italy can be quite variable during shoulder season. Make sure you pack layers and a rain jacket/umbrella to be prepared for anything.

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence features master pieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci at the Uffizi and dell’Accademia galleries as well as the iconic Duomo Cathedral which dominates city's skyline. Stroll along Florence’s the historic city center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to check out the Arno river that cuts through the old city, and continue your walk along the Ponte Vecchio bridge before shopping for some of Florence's world-famous leather goods.

Milan is the home to some of Italy's biggest fashion houses, including Armani, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, meaning it's a must-visit for all fashionistas traveling in Italy. Those who aren't interested in haute couture will be glad to know that the city has a lot more to offer and is the headquarters of the Italy’s Stock Exchange and largest international companies. Milan is chalked full of beautiful architecture, delicious Italian cuisine, historical museums, and artistic experiences. From the Castello Sforzesco art gallery to the Piazza Duomo, Milan is full of breathtaking sights that will delight the senses. Be sure to live like a local and sample an espresso in the Piazza after a long day of exploring the city!

The home of the pizza has a special place in everyone’s heart. Naples’ historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which attracts lots for visitors to see and explore one of the largest collections of historical monuments and churches in the world. Movie buffs also have a great appreciation for the city that has served as a backdrop from many famous films in Italian cinema. The Naples dialect, often referred to as the "Neapolitan language" to describe the language of all of the region, further distinguishes the city apart from the rest of Italy.

Traveling in Italy? It's likely you'll head to it's majestic capital. Rome, the Eternal City, is a world-famous center of history, fashion, art, and cuisine even three millennia after its mythical creation. From the Colosseum to the Villa Borghese to the Spanish Steps, Rome's timeless splendor will be sure to captivate travelers from around the world. No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to Vatican City, which is located entirely within the city of Rome.

Venice is a must for any Europe trip! Situated in the Northeastern Region of Veneto Italy, Venice was founded in 5th century AD. Spread over 118 small islands, the city and its lagoon is officially a UNESCO World Heritage protected Site. Don’t expect to be the only tourist there though. Tourism makes up a major sector of the Venetian economy with over 50,000 estimated tourists a day.