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Best Time to Visit Campania

When is the Best Time to Visit Campania Italy?

A popular destination year-round, the best time to visit Campania depends on what you’d like to do most, your tolerance for crowds, and your budget. Summer is the hottest and the busiest period, so many feel the shoulder season months of April and May or mid-September through mid-October are ideal with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. As this region enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate, winter can be a good time to visit Campania for those who primarily want to enjoy sightseeing with the average high temperature in the upper 50s. With the exception of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, it will be much less crowded and you’ll have the chance to take advantage of significantly discounted accommodations in some areas. It’s not the best time for the beaches with the sea too chilly, or for scenic drives on the Amalfi Coast as heavy rain can block the coastal highway.

Naples, Italy

Best Time to Visit Campania for Sightseeing

If you’d most like to explore historical sites, monuments, and other places of interest, such as Naples’ UNESCO-listed historic center is during the spring. The crowds will be more manageable than they are in the summer and the weather is often idyllic, not too hot or too cold. May is the sweet spot as one of the best months to visit Naples, with little rain and an average high temperature of 75 degrees. Narrowing it down even more, if you’re here on the first Sunday of the month you can take advantage of free admission to archaeological ruins, museums, gardens, galleries, and all state-run parks too. For an even more budget-friendly trip, bring a rain jacket with a hood to prepare for the possibility of wet weather and come during the second half of January when there is a low demand for accommodation which often results in significantly discounted rates.

Positano, Italy

Best Time to Visit Campania for the Beaches

Many visit Campania to enjoy beach getaways, with options everywhere from Positano on the Amalfi coast to the Flegrean islands of Ischia and Procida, and small sandy stretches near Naples. The main beach season runs from about mid-June through early September with July and August the peak months and the time that the sea will be around 79 degrees, the warmest of the year. This is also the busiest period for enjoying the beaches with many people packing the sands throughout Italy so if you come now, be sure your reservations are made well in advance. August is even busier with many Italians enjoying their vacations this month. If you want to take advantage of the beaches when they’re a bit more tranquil but the water is still warm, come around late May/early June or late September into early October. Late spring is particularly ideal with a slight increase in rainfall during early fall.

Capri Island

Best Time to Visit Campania for Sailing

The Campania region is one of the most rewarding places in the Mediterranean for sailing, with some of the top spots including the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri, and the Flegrean islands. Everything from blue grottos and ancient ruins to volcanoes can be encountered while enjoying time to leap into the turquoise water and soak up the sun and salty sea breeze while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery. The sailing season is April through October, with June through August the peak time. This is when marinas will be fully occupied and the beaches the most crowded of the year. If you want to charter a yacht during this period, book at least several months in advance. Mooring rates will be at their highest and you’ll need to reserve slips and mooring balls in advance too. April, May, September, and October won’t be as busy and you’ll enjoy more comfortable temperatures, with mild, stable winds.

Amalfi Coast Drive

Best Time to Visit Campania for a Drive on the Amalfi Coast Road

There’s no doubt that the Amalfi Coast Road is a stunning stretch, but it’s also rather harrowing with the narrow route becoming even narrower in areas where cars are parked on the shoulder, not to mention the many twists and quite a few blind turns. As it can be more stressful than enjoying during the summer months when traffic is most heavy, if you plan to check this drive off your bucket list, it’s best accomplished in March, April, or October. Traffic will be much lighter but businesses along the coast will be open (many restaurants, bars, and other businesses close for the winter, and some towns virtually shut down). Another option is to hire your own driver so you can enjoy the views and they’ll handle the stress. November is best avoided as it’s the wettest month on the Amalfi Coast and very heavy rainfall can cause road blockages due to landslides.

Festa dell’Assunta

Best Time to Visit Campania for Festivals

The calendar is filled with festivals throughout Campania, with many hosted in Naples. Summer and early fall tend to be the most popular time for these festivities, including the Napoli Teatro Festival Italia, an arts and theatrical festival that takes place over three weeks in June throughout the city. The five-day Festa del Carmine festival is held in mid-July featuring a variety of pop culture and other events, while the third week of September brings the San Gennaro feast, celebrating Naples’ patron saint in a big way. Along the Amalfi Coast, the Ravello Music Festival runs from June through October while Positano hosts its star event on August 15, Festa dell’Assunta. This is when a replica of the Byzantine iconic of the Madonna with Child is carried from Santa Maria Assunta church to the sea, culminating with music and fireworks on the beach. There will be plenty of festivities throughout the region for Christmas too.

Visiting Campania by Month

January in Capania

January in Campania

January, as it typically is throughout the Northern Hemisphere, is the coldest month of the year in Campania, characterized by daytime highs in the upper 50s, which is likely to feel rather mild for those who live in more northern climates, accustomed to sub-zero temperatures and snow. Rainfall is intermittent, with an average of 1.7 inches, often in the form of drizzle, with the odds about 50/50 for a sunny or gray day. When it comes to packing, you might want to bring a portable umbrella or hooded raincoat. A warmer wrap may be needed in the evening with temperatures falling to the low 40s overnight. Pack a pair of slippers as well. Many hotels, B&Bs, apartments, and other vacation rentals have tile or marble floors that can be very cold beneath your feet. After the Christmas/New Year’s holidays are over, this can be a great time to come for a more budget-friendly trip.

February in Positano

February in Campania

February closely resembles January in Campania, bringing similar weather with the average high temperature still in the upper 50s although there is a slightly higher chance of precipitation with around 4 inches in total this month, a half-inch more than January. There’s usually plenty of sunshine and the days are getting longer too, bringing more time for sightseeing and other activities. Early in the month, the region sees about 10 hours of daylight but that increases to nearly 12 by February’s end. When packing for your trip to Campania, you’ll want to bring a rain jacket with a hood or an umbrella, and a pair of sunglasses for bright days. It’s also a good idea to bring waterproof shoes or boots rather than sandals if you want to be able to walk around comfortably. Carnival usually takes place this month and will be especially vibrant in Naples with colorful costumes, makes, and lots of delicious foods.

March Positano

March in Campania

March is an off-season month in Campania but it can be a great time to visit with the weather gradually warming yet lines to attractions are rarely very long. Expect daytime temperatures in the low 60s with plenty of sunshine mixed with a few gray days. It’s not exactly beach weather with the sea far too chilly for swimming, but rainfall decreases to about 3.5 inches in total and after Daylight Savings Time toward the end of March, the days will be long with sunset at close to 8 p.m. If you’re staying in Naples, there are many day trips that will be especially enjoyable now without the crowds, including the island of Capri, Mount Vesuvius, and Pompeii. When it comes to packing you’ll need a mix of clothing for warmer and cooler days, such as short and long-sleeve shirts, pants, skirts that can be paired with leggings, and a sweater or light jacket.

April in Capri

April in Campania

A wonderful time to be in Campania, with spring officially here, the weather is often quite pleasant with the average high now often hovering between 65 and 70 degrees. There may be some rainfall, with approximately four inches over 13 days this month but more often than not you’ll enjoy bright blue skies and afternoons that are ideal for alfresco dining. If you want to avoid summer’s big crowds and heat, April is a great month to come as long as you’re prepared for the occasional rain. Do keep in mind that around Easter week it is likely to be busier. Throughout the region, there are often processions and various festivities in town piazzas. If you plan to visit then, book your accommodation in advance. You’ll want to bring sunglasses and perhaps a sun hat, along with clothing for the pleasant spring weather and a light jacket or sweater for early mornings and evenings.

Positano in May

May in Campania

While it’s not the peak of the tourist season, the crowds start to get bigger and temperatures warm significantly in May. The average afternoon high has now climbed to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You’re unlikely to encounter much rain now with less than 2.5 inches falling over eight days this month. When it comes to packing, now is the time to focus on summer-type attire, including short-sleeve tops, shorts, skirts, and dresses, along with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you’re looking forward to days at the beach, including swimming, you’ll be happy to learn that the sea has warmed up enough for a comfortable dip, ranging from 80 to 85 degrees. Be sure to bring a swimsuit or two so that you’ll have one that’s dry when the other is wet. The evenings can still be a bit cool, with temperatures dipping to the low 60s, so you might need a sweater too.

June in Positano

June in Campania

With June marking the arrival of summer, it will soon be hot and busier than ever in Campania, but the first half of the month can be quite pleasant. It won’t be as scorching as it will be in July or August, with the mercury rising to an average of 82 degrees. Even the evenings are relatively warm in the mid-to upper-60s. Rainfall is very minimal with only a little over an inch on average over five days this month. There’s really no need for an umbrella or a coat so you can save the room in your luggage for gifts and souvenirs. Bring a couple of bathing suits and loose, lightweight clothing, along with open-toed sandals which will be back in vogue now. Keep in mind that in Campania and most of Italy, flip-flops are considered beach attire only. The days will be wonderfully long, with sunset not until around 8:30 p.m.

July in Capri

July in Campania

Now is the time you’ll need to think about how to stay cool as July is one of the hottest months of the year in Campania. The average afternoon high climbs to the upper 80s and with the humidity, it will feel even hotter. Cooling off in the sea is popular now so you won’t want to forget that swimsuit and you’ll want plenty of protection from the sun like a wide-brimmed hat and high SPF sunscreen. Avoid clothing in dark colors as it will absorb more heat, bringing items like shorts, sundresses, tank tops, and the like. One of the keys to a comfortable stay now is having accommodation that includes air-conditioning as it will still be warm at night, making it difficult to sleep without it. The crowds will be at their thickest which means hotels may be sold out well in advance so booking early is key.

August Positano

August in Campania

August is the month most Italians take their annual vacations so you’ll need to beware that many of the stores and restaurants will shut down, although you won’t have too much difficulty finding places to dine or shop. The heat is scorching now, sending Neapolitans to cooler locations like the mountains and lakes in the north. The streets may be filled with more tourists than locals now and you’ll want to play your days so that you spend hot afternoons inside art galleries, churches, or museums. While the average high temperature is the same as in July, in the upper 80s. The mercury can climb higher and the humidity can be brutal, so be sure to book that air-conditioned hotel room well in advance for a comfortable space to sleep. Pack as you would for July, with a focus on light-colored, lightweight attire, including a couple of bathing suits and items for sun protection.

September Positano

September in Campania

It will still be quite hot early in September but as the month moves forward, it will start to cool with afternoon highs averaging in the low 80s.  The crowds will begin to thin too, and while the chance for rain increases a bit to a little over three inches falling over nine days, sunshine will still be plentiful. With sunset just after 7:30 p.m. early in the month and a little before 7 p.m. by month’s end, there’s plenty of daylight for sightseeing. Plan to pack mostly summer clothing, including a bathing suit as sea temperatures will be warm enough for swimming at least until early October. Don’t forget those items for sun protection either. The only real difference between July and August in terms of weather/clothing is that the evenings will be cooler, dipping down to the low 60s on average, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket or light sweater.

October in Positano

October in Campania

Fall is officially here and October is a great time to be in Campania as the weather is usually quite pleasant, around the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit. There is an increased chance of rain, with over five inches falling over 100 days on average so you’ll need different clothing and accessories now, including comfortable closed-toe shoes, an umbrella, and a jacket with evenings a bit cool, dipping to around 56 to 60 degrees. Packing clothing that can be layered is a good idea for those changing temperatures. If you’re here during the first half of the month, the sea is likely to be pleasantly warm for swimming at around 73 or 74 degrees. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, they’ll decrease significantly as the month progresses. Another factor to consider is that the days are shortening once again. After the clocks move forward, returning to standard time, sunset is at 5 p.m.

November in Positano

November in Campania

A significant change takes place in November. This is the wettest month in Campania with over 5.5 inches of rain over 14 days. It won’t be too cold with afternoon highs of 65 degrees and odds are, there will be more sunshine than rain and grey skies. You’ll want to pack clothing that can be layered ensuring you’ll be comfortable when it’s warmer as well as during those chillier nights when temperatures can dip just below 50 degrees. Bring an umbrella, a jacket, and ideally some waterproof leather boots. Sunglasses are still an essential item for those bright afternoons and you’re likely to need a couple of short-sleeved shirts too. The days are shorter, with the sun setting just after 4:30 p.m. by the end of the month, making it important to carefully plan sightseeing itineraries. While visitors enjoy Campania year-round, lines are likely to be shorter, making it easier to squeeze in more attractions.

Christmas in Naples

December in Campania

Winter will soon be here although it’s rather mild here in the Mediterranean with temperatures rising to the mid-50s on sunny afternoons. There’s likely to be less rain as compared to November, averaging about four inches over 14 days. Darkness is more of an issue with the shortest days of the year, with sunsets just after 4:30p.m, and more dreary days. With the Christmas holidays, there will be endless twinkling lights to brighten things up throughout December and into early January. A variety of free events, including concerts, parades, and plays, along with spectacular nativity scenes, can be enjoyed throughout December. The second half of the month will be busier with many visitors coming to enjoy the delights of the holidays, so book your accommodations well in advance. Bring an umbrella, waterproof boots, and warmer clothing, including a coat. Evenings can be as cold as around 40 degrees, which also means some frosty mornings.