The Best Time to Visit Italy (Hint: It's Not Summer)

Leigh Morrow
29 minutes ago
2 min read

Italy is always incredible, but there’s a certain time of year when it just feels right.

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through historic streets without feeling rushed, lingering over meals instead of waiting in lines, and soaking up the atmosphere without the chaos, there’s a quieter, smarter time to visit. It’s called shoulder season, and once travelers experience Italy this way, they rarely want to go any other time.

So what is shoulder season in Italy?It refers to the periods just before and after peak summer travel:

Spring: April through early June
Fall: September through October

During these months, you’ll still enjoy warm temperatures, open attractions, and beautiful scenery—just without the intensity of peak crowds.

Why avoid summer if you can?Traveling in Italy during July and August often comes with real challenges:

Overcrowded cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice
Long lines at major sights and packed trains
Extreme heat, especially in urban areas
Peak pricing on hotels, flights, and tours
Some local restaurants and shops closing as Italians take their own holidays

The benefits of shoulder season travel are hard to beat:

Fewer crowds and shorter waits at top attractions
More comfortable sightseeing temperatures
Better hotel availability and often better value
A more relaxed, authentic local atmosphere
Seasonal highlights like spring blooms, fall harvests, wine festivals, and regional cuisine

If Italy is on your travel wish list, shoulder season may be the key to experiencing it at its very best—beautiful, balanced, and far less stressful. Let’s plan an Italian journey that gives you the culture, cuisine, and charm you want—without the summer crowds.