The best time to visit Naples, Italy, is spring and fall if you want to avoid the summer heat and devote your time to visiting thrilling sights like Pompeii and Herculaneum. Having said that, if you want to soak up the glamor of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, summer is the best time to visit, with the season in full swing.
Naples is the capital of the Campania region, enjoying hot, dry summers and mild, often wet winters. It lies at the northern end of the broad Gulf of Naples, the mighty Vesuvius volcano to the south. Beyond that is the craggy and beautiful Sorrentine peninsula, where sheer cliffs plunge into the sea and the scent of citrus groves lies on the breeze.
Given that it’s Italy’s third-largest city, Naples is essentially a year-round destination, its cultural treasures available whichever month you arrive in. Choosing when to come is simply a matter of what you want to see and do.
Visiting Naples, Italy By Season
Naples
Summer
June, July, and August is peak season in Naples, with hot, sunny days and warm nights. August is the hottest month, with average daily temperatures of 79°F (26.1°C), while July is the month with the least rainfall, receiving just one inch (25mm) of precipitation on average.
The southerly scirocco wind can bring heat waves, so pace yourself if you are visiting places like Pompeii, where there is little shade.
Fall
Fall is a delightful time to visit Naples. The heat of midsummer has lessened and September still enjoys warm days, with an average of 71.8°F (22.1°C) and only moderate rainfall of 3.1 inches (80mm). The sea has warmed up by now and is still wonderfully comfortable for swimming; the beach clubs along the coast stay open until mid-October.
Galleria Umberto I
By November, rainfall has increased to its peak, with an average of 6.3 inches (160mm). This is a time to head indoors to museums and galleries, and enjoy browsing the shops of the city’s beautiful Galleria Umberto I.
Read: Best Things to Do in Naples, Italy
Winter
December, January, and February are winter in Naples, with mild temperatures; January is the coldest month of the year, with a daily average of 48.4°F (9.1°C). These are also relatively wet months, although October and November actually bring the highest rainfall. Expect an average of 4.7 inches (120mm) of rain in December, dropping to 4.1 inches (100mm) by February.
Snow is rare in Naples, although occasionally, if the cold tramontana north wind is blowing, you might see Vesuvius sporting a white cap.
Spring
March, April, and May is the period when winter transitions into spring. Rainfall drops significantly; by May, there’s an average of just two inches (50mm) of precipitation. March can see cool and windy days, but May is the beginning of summer here, with a daily average temperature of 66.1°F (18.9°C), perfect for hiking, outdoor dining, and sightseeing.
Spring flowers will be in bloom. From March, the lemons on the trees will be plump and ripe. Many would agree that May is the best month to visit Naples, Italy. The season starts a little before May; the beach clubs around Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast open for the season in April, although the sea will still be chilly for swimming then.
When Is Rainy Season?
The rainiest period in Naples is October to February, with rainfall peaking in November. This is not to say that it rains all day, every day; there are plenty of fine days, with rain in November falling on 11 days of the month, on average.
When Is High Season?
Piazza della Borsa
High season in Naples is in July and August, when visitor numbers peak. Italians, who typically take a long summer vacation in August, head for the beaches along the Sorrentine Peninsula, as well as the islands of Ischia and Capri. This is a time for lazy days, siestas, frequent gelato stops, and al-fresco dining.
Pace yourself if you are sightseeing in high summer as the sun in Southern Italy is strong. Carry plenty of water if you are ascending Vesuvius, or strolling around Pompeii and Herculaneum.
When Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season is the spring months, as well as the early fall. Either May or September could be considered the best time to go to Naples, when the city and the surrounding region will be busy, but not packed. Temperatures should be perfect for sightseeing, too.
April and October are also decent shoulder season months to go to Naples if you don’t mind the possibility of occasional rain.
When Is Low Season?
The lowest season in Naples is the winter months of January and February. Visitor numbers drop after Christmas and New Year’s, and the beach towns are all but deserted, local residents aside. In the city, everything is still open, and if you’re looking for an off-season Mediterranean vacation with hardly any crowds, this is a good time to visit.
Naples Promenade
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