Looking to visit Italy and Greece in the same trip but unsure about the best time to travel? This article not only provides insights into the optimal times to visit Italy and Greece but also offers valuable weather tips for planning your trip when your schedule may not align perfectly with the ideal season. Our goal is to assist you in selecting the most suitable month for your visit.
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- 1. Best Time to Visit Italy and Greece
- 2. Best Time for Lower Prices
- 3. Best Time for Family with Kids
- 4. Best Time to Visit Islands of Greece and Italy
- 5. Worst Time to Visit
- 6. Overall Weather Tips
Best Time to Visit Italy and Greece
With a close geographic proximity, Italy and Greece share a Mediterranean climate, which is known for its hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Best Times for Good Weather with Fewer Crowds
If you are looking for the best weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting Italy and Greece in May, early June, September, and October.
Late June, July, and August mark the peak tourist season in Greece and Italy, offering very warm weather, which is especially pleasant for exploring the Greek islands.
Winter, excluding the Christmas period, is the off-peak season for both Italy and Greece. While you could find good discounts, expect some rainy days during this time.
Best Times to Visit Italy
In Italy, if you are looking for the best weather, we suggest planning your trip during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) months. These periods provide ideal weather conditions — they are neither too hot nor too cold. Additionally, you could appreciate Italy with fewer crowds during these times. June is also a great time for family vacations to Italy. The country experiences early summer weather in June, which is pleasant without being scorching hot. You and your family could explore attractions with fewer crowds as compared to the peak tourist months of July and August.
Best Times to Visit Greece
For those seeking the finest weather conditions in Greece, the prime times to visit are during spring (April to early June) or autumn (September to October), avoiding the summer peaks of July and August. During these seasons, visitors experience delightful, warm, and sun-filled days with temperatures lingering around 24°C (75°F), without the tourist masses and peak pricing in summer.
Best Times for Families with School-Age Children
For families with school-age children, exploring at the end of May or the beginning of June presents an excellent option for avoiding high prices and large crowds, as the major summer vacation rush has not yet commenced.
July and August mark the peak season in Italy and Greece, attracting numerous families traveling with their children. You could expect more crowds in scenic places and higher prices on tour activities or hotels.
During July and August, both Greece and Italy experience summer heat with temperatures reaching up to 32°C (90°F). If you're planning a trip during these months, consider spending more time in the cooler regions, such as Italy's breathtaking Dolomite Mountains. Alternatively, seek relief from the heat with refreshing sea breezes on the islands of Sicily and Capri in Italy or less crowded Crete and Mykonos in Greece.
To avoid long waits in the summer sun, it's advisable to purchase skip-the-line tickets for most scenic places, even if they come at a premium cost. If your kids have a vacation in June, we recommend visiting Italy and Greece during this month. The weather is pleasant and not too hot, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived.
Best Times for Lower Prices and Fewer Crowds
If you are seeking lower prices and fewer crowds in Italy and Greece, consider visiting during the winter months (December to February), which form the low season for travel in both countries.
Although you may get some discounts and less-crowded scenic places, there are some disadvantages, such as the likely moderate rain or snow and cool weather, which averages 12°C (54°F). You would need to prepare more warm clothes during this time.
One more disadvantage is that many hotels, ferries, and venues on the Greek islands close during the winter season, and the weather might be too cold for swimming.
If you're planning to travel around Christmas and New Year, expect to see an increase in accommodation and flight prices by about 40%. To ensure you secure the best deals and avoid exorbitant costs, consider making reservations several months in advance of your trip.
Best Times to Visit the Islands of Italy and Greece
The best times to visit the islands of Greece and Italy are from May to early October for sunny days and warm seawater temperatures exceeding 22°C (72°F). You could enjoy crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches with warm breezes during this period.
Both ferries and flights operate more frequently during this period, allowing you to make the most of your itinerary. But remember to expect crowds and higher prices during the summer vacation period from June to August.
Choosing the right timing is crucial when planning a vacation to the Greek islands. The peak season and off seasons offer distinct experiences. From April to October, the islands are bustling with life during the peak season. Flights and ferries operate frequently, making it a vibrant time to visit.
However, during the offseason, usually from November to March, ferries are not as active and some islands could feel deserted as hotels and restaurants may close. Make sure to confirm the situation regarding the islands before planning your trip.
To save money and avoid crowds, consider visiting from late May to mid-June or late September to mid-October. You could still experience open hotels and venues without enduring long queues or extreme heat while saving up to 50% on costs.
The Worst Times to Visit Italy and Greece
Rome Vatican Italy, city skyline at St. Peter`s Square.If your travel dates are flexible, it's advisable to avoid the months of August, November, December, January, and February. August typically has dry and scorching weather in both destinations. The period from November to February marks the winter season and the travel low season, resulting in the closure of certain hotels and restaurants. Additionally, ferries to the islands are less frequent during these months.
In Italy, if you're sensitive to summer heat, avoid August due to the high temperatures and crowds. In winter, Italy is rainy and overcast, with November being the wettest month. Despite these drawbacks, traveling during these times has advantages. In winter, you could enjoy uncrowded museums and sights and discounts.
In Greece, if you are doing many outdoor activities, avoid hot-and-crowded July and August. Beach lovers, skip November to March due to island closures and gloomy weather.
If you require further guidance to organize an ideal trip to Italy and Greece, feel free to get in touch with us. We can tailor a private tour that is stress-free and customized just for you.
Overall Weather Tips for Italy and Greece
November to March: In the low travel season, you could enjoy discounts. However, there may be occasional rain or snow in Italy. In Greece, some islands' ferries and hotels close, which could be inconvenient for outdoor activities.
April to June: You could enjoy ideal weather for outdoor activities in Italy and Greece. This is also a great time to visit before the big crowds arrive, allowing for a more relaxed trip.
July and August: The weather in Greece and Italy is hot and dry during the summer peak travel season. This is when many families with children visit, resulting in increased prices and crowded tourist attractions.
September and October: The weather in Italy and Greece remains warm at the start and cools down by mid-September. While the summer crowds start to thin out, larger cities may still see some significant crowds.
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