This Is the Actual *Best* Time to Travel to Italy, Per a Travel Expert

You have two seasons for mild weather and fewer fellow travelers: Spring (March - May) and fall (September - November). Julius explains that early spring and late fall can often be rainy in the north, while the south (like Puglia), will typically have better weather, even if you’re not at the height of the season.

Springtime offers lots of festivals, with Julius recommending the likes of Scoppio del Carro in Florence, the commemorative celebrations of the birth of Rome on April 21 and the Venice Biennale, a prestigious art festival that runs from May to November. Of the capital’s natal festivities, Julius says, “There are huge parties to commemorate the founding of the city, complete with an exciting parade at the Circus Maximus, historical reenactments, concerts and fireworks. The best part? Most of it is free and open to everyone, so it’s easy for travelers to join in on the fun.”

As for autumn, this is a time to visit the country’s wine regions. While you can taste year-round, fall is harvest time, and Julius notes that some vineyards will host festivals, complete with grape stomping and local delicacies. Some notable regions include Tuscany famous for reds like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). Julius specifically calls out the town of San Gimignano, famous for its crisp white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Much farther north, close to the French border, is the Piedmont region. “Make sure to try their red wines, especially Barolo and Barbera,” Julius says. “These subtle strawberry, rose and spice flavors can be perfectly paired with hearty stews and meat dishes. The Langhe area, just a 30-minute drive from Turin, is stunning in the fall and offers the perfect setting for a day trip.”

While you may be dazzled by the big names and towns, Lombardy isn’t to be missed, per Julius, and neither are the wineries near Mount Vesuvius in the south. “The wines near Mount Vesuvius are truly something special,” he explains. “This is because the volcanic soil gives the grapes a unique character you won’t find anywhere else.”

Winter (December - February) is a beautiful time to visit Italy. While it is cold, it’s not extreme. When I visited Rome, Florence and Naples with my family, the most we needed was a Barbour-esque jacket—no parkas or heavy wool coats required. (Though, it would obviously be a different story if you were headed to the Dolomites or the Alps.)

This season has plenty of Christmas markets, with Julius recommending those in Rome, Florence and Venice for handcrafted goods and food. Meanwhile, he calls out Verona for its unique German market, which is inspired by its sister city, Nuremberg.  “Here, travelers can enjoy German food like sauerkraut, while sipping festive drinks like vin brule (mulled wine),” he explains. “It’s an incredible mix of Italian charm and German holiday tradition.”

If you do choose a mountain vacation, skiing and winter sports abound, with the Dolomites and Piedmont region as Julius’ top picks. (They are on opposite sides of the country; Piedmont in the west and the Dolomites in the east.) In particular, the town of Piedmont is renowned for its wine and truffles—a perfect après ski setup.

And there you have it. Ciao!