Best Time to Visit Capri
Famous for its dramatic coastline dotted with grand villas, the island of Capri is filled with glitz and glamor as a playground for the rich and famous, including big-name celebrities. The tourist season is generally considered to start around the Easter holidays and run through early November, but many feel the best months to visit Capri are May, the first half of June, and September through mid-October when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are manageable. Temperatures average in the 70s Fahrenheit and during the evening hours, it can be quite tranquil with most of the day-trippers returning to the mainland by then. It might be a bit too chilly for swimming in early May with the sea around 67 degrees, but by the end of the month, it rises to a comfortable 73 degrees and stays warm through at least mid-October. July and August are the hottest and busiest months.
Best Time to Visit Capri for Sightseeing
Many feel that spring is the best time for sightseeing on the island of Capri, with mild weather that includes temperatures around the mid-60s in April and the low 70s in May. The tropical flowers will be blooming while the fragrance of orange blossoms and jasmine fill the streets which won’t be overcrowded with tourists. Restaurant and shop owners and staff will be feeling refreshed after enjoying their winter breaks often resulting in better service and the chance to get to know some of the locals too. In the spring, there won’t be a long line for visits to the Blue Grotto and you can enjoy a beautiful walk to see the annual flowering of the wild freesias in Cetrella Valley. The latter half of September is also a great time to visit Capri with the summer crowds thinned significantly by now while temperatures dip back down to the mid-70s.
Best Time to Visit Capri Island for Sailing and Boat Tours
The best time for sailing and boat tours in Capri is from May through October when there is a low probability of storms and temperatures will be warm on land and in the water. As one of the most desirable yachting destinations in the world, boats crowd the harbor during the peak season from around mid-June through early September, so you might want to sail in May or mid-September through October. Not only will it be crowded during the high season, but them mooring fees will be at their highest. Those who plan to take a boat tour will want to schedule their trips early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the seas won’t be nearly as busy. During the peak of the season, the waters that surround the island are very busy with tour boats, so those who plan to rent a boat should consider enlisting the services of an expert crew.
Best Time to Visit Capri Island for Beaches and Swimming
The best place to be during the summer on Capri Island is the beach. There’s no better way to spend a hot day than spending time in the crystal-clear blue waters in between sunbathing which means practically everyone will be at the beach clubs. If a lively, crowded scene isn’t something you relish, come to Capri when the sea is warm enough for swimming while the crowds aren’t at their peak. That’s generally in late May/early June or mid-September through mid-October. After a day at the beach, you’ll still be able to enjoy balmy evenings for a stroll along the elegant Via Camerelle or to unwind in the Piazzetta with an aperitivo. You might spot some of the rich and famous at the café tables and you can gawk at the many luxury yachts in the marina. Even when avoiding the peak of the high season, however, it’s important to book your accommodation well in advance.
Best Time to Visit the Capri Island for Festivals and Events
There are many events throughout the year, with most occurring during the general tourist season between Easter and early November, so you might want to plan your visit around the one that interests you most. Easter is celebrated with traditional parades and other festivities involving locals and tourists alike. July brings celebrations of the patron saints of Anacapri on July 4th and Capri on July 30th , while one of the biggest events is celebrated during the first week of August. The International Folklore Festival features bands and folk dancers, providing a great way to learn more about the local culture. The 10-day Settembrata Anacaprese festival celebrates the grape harvest in September with many different activities and games, bringing the chance to discover the methods of grape harvesting and winemaking on the island. In December, the island hosts the Hollywood International Film Festival which attracts movie stars, and international and Italian artists from across the globe.
Best Time to Visit Capri Island for a More Budget-Friendly Trip
The island of Capri is well known as a luxury destination with high price tags but there is a way to visit without blowing your budget. A visit during the off-season is the best way to significantly lower your expenses with cheaper accommodation rates available in April, May, September and October. The cheapest visit can be enjoyed in the winter, which is considered November through March here, but keep in mind that most restaurants and hotels will shutter for the season, which means your options will be limited. In addition to avoiding the most expensive months, July and August, there are other ways to enjoy a more budget-friendly trip on Capri. You might book a vacation rental with a kitchen and purchase local ingredients at the market to make some of your own meals. Avoiding the tourist traps and dining where the locals go means you’ll enjoy more authentic food and save money too.
Visiting Verona by Month
January in Capri
Generally, January is not the best month to visit Capri. After New Year’s and the Epiphany holiday on January 6 th , most restaurants and hotels shut down for the season and won’t reopen until Easter. This is also the coldest time of the year to visit the island, with frequent rainy, gray days and an average temperature in the mid-50s. It’s chilly and wet, with a high chance of rain although showers are usually short-lived. Sunbathing and swimming is pretty much out of the question with the sea far too cold. There are some advantages to visiting Capri in January, however. There will be few other tourists around, so you won’t have to worry about long lines or crowds. While many hotels close, there are an increasing number of B&Bs on the island that stay open year-round. Ferry routes might be temporarily suspended when sea conditions are rough, making it important to check the forecast before traveling.
February in Capri
February is another one of the wettest and coldest months of the year, with winter gales and choppy seas. Many islanders leave to enjoy their getaways in warmer climates before the tourist season officially begins. As the month progresses, the mimosa trees will burst into bloom and the sun starts to peek out from behind the clouds more often, with the smell of spring’s upcoming arrival in the air. If you come now, accommodation that’s available is likely to be more budget-friendly and you’ll be able to enjoy the sights practically all to yourself. The days are starting to get longer too – while sunset in mid-January is at about 5 p.m., by late February, the sun doesn’t go down until 5:53 p.m. Instead of swimming at the beach, bring the proper attire, such as clothing that can be layered and topped with a rain jacket to enjoy quiet contemplation while gazing out at the scenery.
March in Capri Island
March typically starts out by following that well-known saying – it “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” That means early in the month you’re likely to experience cooler, rainy days mixed with some sunny afternoons. The average high temperature is now 60 degrees, but mornings and evenings are quite cool with the overnight low around 51 degrees. The sea is still too chilly for a comfortable swim, but walks are likely to be especially enjoyable now with colorful flowers and lush foliage blanketing the hillsides while the aroma of orange blossoms and mimosa flowers wafting through the air. The later you visit Capri in March the more pleasant it's likely to be, and the days get much longer by month’s end with Daylight Savings Time meaning sunset isn’t until about 7:30 p.m. There will be few crowds to contend with now and the accommodation that’s available is likely to offer discounted rates.
April in Capri Island
The high season begins in April, with Easter typically marking the start. The island’s hotels, bars, and restaurants will be opening up again for the season and spring is officially here, meaning the average temperatures are much warmer too. The average daytime high is 67 degrees although you can expect a mix of cooler and warmer days as April is a bit unpredictable. There are usually quite a few sunny days for sunbathing at the beach, with the beach clubs reopening around the middle of the month. This is an optimal time for hiking Capri’s many trails and visiting the archaeological sites. As tourist demand won’t be as high as it will during the peak of the tourist season and the hotels and other accommodations that closed will be open, there’s a good chance of finding more affordable rates. When it comes to packing, bring clothing that can be layered along with a light jacket or sweater.
May in Capri Island
Many say that May is the very best month to visit Capri, with the countryside in full bloom and the weather mild, with long and sunny days. There is little if any rain to be concerned about, while the average temperature is 75 degrees. Look forward to afternoons sipping wine while people-watching in the Piazzetta and walking picturesque trails. The downside is large tour groups start to arrive now, making it a lot more crowded during the day. In the evening, after the day trippers have gone, you can enjoy more tranquil walks and dinner in restaurants that won’t be as busy. If you plan on visiting now, you’ll want to make reservations for accommodation well in advance. Be sure to bring items for sun protection too, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you visit later in the month, toss in a bathing suit too as the sea will be warm enough for swimming.
Capri in June
With the arrival of June, the summer season officially begins and the beaches start to get crowded, with the biggest crowds typically later in the month. Expect long, sunny days with temperatures in the mid-80s and sunset after 8:30 p.m. June usually isn’t as humid as July or August so it’s an ideal time to enjoy sunbathing and swimming along with sightseeing as it’s unlikely to feel miserably hot. Come earlier in the month if you prefer a more tranquil setting and be sure to bring your summer attire, such as shorts, tank tops, skirts, and dresses along with a couple of swimsuits so that you’ll have a dry one when the other is wet. There is no “dress code” per se but as Capri is a very fashionable island, you might want to bring more stylish-casual clothing that’s loose and flowing, made of natural materials like linens and silks that are more breathable to reduce sweat.
Capri Island in July
July is one of the busiest and hottest months on Capri with little chance of rain and temperatures averaging in the upper 80s although it’s not uncommon for the mercury to soar well into the 90s and humidity is usually higher than June too. Most visitors come to spend their days at the beach or sailing along the coast with evenings spent dining under a canopy of stars. The middle of the day isn’t the best time to hike, walk, or go sightseeing, instead, you might enjoy long, refreshing swims, head to indoor attractions, or take advantage of air-conditioned shops. With the average overnight low at about 72 degrees, you’ll want an air-conditioned space to sleep in, so be sure to secure the appropriate accommodation by booking far in advance, ideally six months or more ahead of your trip. Loose, lightweight clothing, shorts, sandals, and wide-brimmed hats are the perfect Capri-style summer look.
Capri Island in August
August is often the hottest month of the year with the average high temperature at 90 degrees and many days even hotter while the nights are still quite warm at 75 degrees. When combined with the humidity, it can be sweltering, and added to the high-season crowds, it’s a recipe for an uncomfortable visit. Late in the month, there are usually thunderstorms that bring down the humidity and the heat, helping to cool things off. Everyone seems to be on vacation now, taking advantage of the last days of summer, including Italians, most of whom enjoy their getaways around the middle of August. The harbor will be filled with superyachts, while paparazzi are cruising the restaurants and clubs searching for celebrities to photograph. The beaches are very busy, so it can be challenging to find a free spot to toss down a towel or blanket. That said, in early August, you can enjoy the International Folklore Festival.
Capri Island in September
Summer vacations are ending, and schools are back in session, but the tourist season on Capri isn’t over yet. Early in September, it will still be quite warm but soon the temperatures start to dip and the crowds begin to thin. The average temperature is a more comfortable 80 degrees and the sea will still be warm enough for swimming throughout the month. Later in September, you might get the occasional rainy day, but it’s the perfect excuse to explore a museum, shop while keeping an eye out for celebrities, or linger over a meal in a covered space. Sailing is fabulous this time of year with conditions often idyllic and the sea much less busy. Boat tours to the Blue Grotto will be more enjoyable as well. When it comes to packing, follow the same rules for the peak of summer, but add a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and mornings.
Capri Island in October
Summer may officially be over but just about everything stays open through the end of October, including the restaurants and hotels. Beach clubs will close in mid-October, with the sea still warm enough for swimming at least until then with a temperature around 72 degrees. This is a great month for visiting Capri with just about every activity and attraction possible, from hiking the coastal paths to sailing, all enjoyed with mild weather and limited crowds. Daytime temperatures average around 74 degrees, so it’s likely to feel quite warm during the day but it can be chilly at night with the mercury plunging to 61 degrees. The most appropriate clothing is a pair of jeans, a short-sleeve top, and a light sweater or jacket. As fall rains are common, a waterproof jacket is a good idea. Keep in mind that Daylight Savings Time ends in late October, shortening days with sunset around 5 p.m.
Capri Island in November
November marks the end of the tourist season. While there can be quite a few sunny, mild days with afternoon temperatures in the low 60s, this is the rainiest month on average, with rainfall on nearly 18 days in November accumulating to about 6.4 inches of precipitation in total. Many of the restaurants and hotels will now be closed for the season and the days are quite short. By November 30 th , sunset is at 4:37 p.m., limiting daylight for sightseeing. Of course, there are some positives too, like no crowds and you might even enjoy a boat tour around the island while soaking up some vitamin D. Some of the brave enjoy a final dip of the year in the sea which will be about 69 degrees. The Blue Grotto is seldom open now due to the weather, however. While accommodation options are limited, you can probably score a good deal due to the low demand.
Capri Island in December
If you plan your trip to Capri Island in December well in advance you can take advantage of the unique, magical atmosphere. While the accommodation options are more limited now, booking ahead usually brings plenty of choices that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the season. There won’t be any snow, or freezing temperatures, but there will be plenty of sparkling lights while shops are filled with seasonal treats and the scent of struffoli fills the air. Enjoy more authentic experiences, like chatting with locals while sipping a hot beverage under a heat lamp at an outdoor café. You might even ring in the New Year together in the main square, with everyone gathering in the Piazetta, awaiting the stroke of midnight while enjoying the live bands and toasts to the coming year. After midnight, the square is transformed into an open-air disco with music and dancing through the wee hours of the morning.
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