Best Time to Visit Bologna

The best time to visit Bologna for sightseeing is during the peak of spring in April or May, or early fall, mid-September through October. This is when the weather will be mild, with often idyllic temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. You’ll enjoy longer days with plenty of light, with sunset after 7 p.m. throughout much of this period, with the exception of late October with the time change shortening days further. As many are discovering the delights of these “shoulder” seasons, there are likely to be some crowds and longer lines but visiting the sights early in the morning or at the end of the day can make a big difference. If you aren’t averse to the cold, consider November or early December. While the days are chillier, shorter, and often gray, it’s a great time to bundle up and explore the sights without having to elbow your way through the crowds.

Speaking of hiking and other outdoor activities, Bologna is an outdoor lover’s paradise with the Bologna hills offering miles of scenic trails with plenty of options for short and long hikes with everything in between. There are many parks with paths for strolling and paved routes for biking too. As the summer can be so hot and humid, the best time to visit Bologna for outdoor activities is April, May, or mid-September through mid-October. Those months typically bring plenty of sunshine with milder temperatures that are ideal for all sorts of outdoor pursuits. There are likely to be plenty of others out there enjoying the sunshine and pleasant weather with you, but it won’t be overly crowded. While there are often some nice winter days for tranquil walks, many feel the season is a bit too chilly and wet. If you come now, you’ll be able to take advantage of the idyllic temps for sightseeing too. 

If you hope to immerse yourself in the culture, experience daily life, and spend time with some of the locals, visit Bologna during the low season. Without many tourists here, the locals have more time to sit down and chat. Plus, without the high demand for hotels, discounts on room rates can be enjoyed too. The very best months of the low season for an authentic vibe are November (and into early December) and January, after the holidays. Yes, it will be chillier but compared to many places it’s fairly mild, with November the wetter month, a time when afternoon highs are in the low 50s. January is a bit colder, with nighttime temperatures close to freezing and highs in the mid-40s. As long as you have the right clothing, like a waterproof coat, items that can be layered, and warm boots, you can easily enjoy the city sights and a more

Bologna will still be chilly in February, but it’s starting to warm up with the average high temperature now 50 degrees although the mercury still dips down to just 34 degrees at night. Rain is possible but there isn’t much more than last month, with an average of about 1.4 inches. The sun starts to come out more often but there are usually more grey days. As it is still winter, pack warm clothing, with a good coat, hat, gloves, and scarf essential. Clothing that can be layered is a good idea too. This is the off-season as far as tourism so you might enjoy some discounts on hotel rates and airfare. Plus, if you’re here with the one you love on Valentine’s Day, there will be plenty of romantic dining options. This is also when Carnival celebrations with a parade and colorful costumes and masks can be enjoyed.

Spring has officially arrived in Bologna with the weather starting to warm more significantly now. You can expect afternoon highs in the mid-60s with nighttime lows in the mid-40s. There are typically more sunny days than cloudy ones now, making it a great time to enjoy the outdoor cafes and people-watching. There will be a few more visitors arriving to coincide with the more pleasant weather yet the crowds aren’t at their peak just yet. This is a shoulder season which means shorter lines at popular attractions along with the opportunity to score more affordable airfare and accommodation. You’ll want to prepare for somewhat unpredictable weather by bringing a mix of clothing, ideally with items that can be layered and topped with a light rain jacket. Bringing sunglasses and a couple of items for sunny days and warmer afternoons like short-sleeve tops is a good idea now too.

Early June is a great time to visit Bologna as the weather will still be comfortably warm and the skies sunny, with the average afternoon high now 80 degrees. Even evenings are quite pleasant with the lows in the mid-60s. It won’t be horribly crowded just yet although as the month progresses, it will get warmer and the humidity higher, and an increasing number of tourists will arrive. If you plan to visit now, you’ll want to book your reservations well in advance and secure airfare early too for better prices. This is a time you’ll definitely want a pair of sunglasses, plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight clothing such as short-sleeve shirts, tank tops, dresses, capris, and shorts.  Bring a water bottle to stay dehydrated too, fountains can be found throughout the city for filling up. The days will be wonderfully long with sunset just after 9 p.m. on the Summer Solstice.

August continues the hot and humid weather, although it will be a lot less crowded. This is when many Italians take their vacations, traveling abroad or heading to the seaside. It’s also the month when university students leave. That means that some businesses will be closed and there are likely to be more tourists filling the streets than locals. There will be plenty of tourist facilities open, including shops, restaurants, and cafes, including outdoor tables for aperitivo, however. You’ll still need to book airfare and accommodation well in advance and pack as you would for July, bringing plenty of items that will help you keep cool and keep your protected from the sun. This month is a great time to enjoy the Cinema Ritrovato Festival or Cinema Under the Stars. Held in Piazza Maggiore through the middle of the month, it’s a great way to spend a summer evening.

Autumn has arrived, with the weather now fluctuating between crisp, cool days to pleasant warm ones with bright blue skies. The average temperatures range from a low of 50 at night to right around 70 degrees during the day, a big dip from August when the mercury often rises above 90. In fact, October is one of the best months to visit Bologna with plenty of sunshine along with the occasional rainfall, with an average of just over three inches this month. There will be a number of food festivals that celebrate seasonal harvests and the arrival of autumn, including the Frutti del Sottobosco and the Portico di Romagna. When it comes to packing, it’s all about layering. Bring a mix of short- and long-sleeve shirts and skirts with leggings or pants. You’ll want a waterproof jacket with a hood to protect from rain, and perhaps a sweater for those cooler days too. 

The first half of December is another great time to visit Bologna without the big tourist crowds with few visitors here now although with the Christmas festivities and holiday shopping, by the middle of the month, it will start to get busier and colder. The high temperature can reach the mid-50s but with lows averaging around 35 degrees, snow is possible although unlikely. This month doesn’t bring much precipitation, with an average of just two inches and skies often bright blue. When it’s grey, the holiday décor and twinkling lights are sure to brighten things up. Of course, you’ll want to pack for the winter weather, bringing a warm coat, hat, gloves, and boots. You can look forward to warming up with the rich Bolognese dishes of the season too. Keep in mind that arriving around the holidays means booking your accommodations well in advance and preparing to pay higher prices for both hotels and airfare.