Best Time to Visit Marche

While many visitors come to Marche for its outdoor activities, there are plenty of sights to see as well. If you primarily want to enjoy sightseeing in the region, including cathedrals and fortresses, the best time to visit Marche is when the weather is at its most pleasant and crowds are manageable, either April/May or late September/October. If you don’t mind enduring some wet, chilly weather and would rather avoid the crowds altogether, consider November or the second half of January. This is also a great time for a more affordable trip as both airfare and accommodation are much cheaper, but you’ll want to prepare for temperatures ranging anywhere from the mid-40s to mid-50s and rain by bringing a warm waterproof coat and boots. The worst time to visit Marche is July and August. It will be hot and humid, with the potential for extreme heat waves and temperatures that occasionally rise above 110 degrees.

Marche is home to many idyllic beaches with a 107-mile-long stretch of coastline along the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. It offers everything from organized stretches with umbrellas and sunbeds to remote options that can only be reached by boat. The best time to visit them is between late May through September. They’ll be at their warmest and busiest in July and August, when temperatures are typically in the upper 80s Fahrenheit, although it can get much hotter and the humidity is high along the coast. This is when many people come to escape the heat, with August even better as most Italians enjoy their vacations this month. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds and still spend time on the beach, consider late May through early June or mid-September through early October. If you come during the off-season, November through March, there won’t be many visitors, but lots of businesses will be closed.

There are many festivals hosted throughout the year in Marche, so the best time to visit the region is when the festival you’re most interested in takes place although most are hosted from June to December. Mosciolando is held in late June, celebrating mussels as a way to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures, featuring lots of tasty mussel dishes.

The Macerata Opera Festival is a must for opera lovers held in July and August, while one of the most authentic festivals, Festa del Covo, is held on the first day of August in the small village of Campocavallo. There are lots of historical re-enactments and medieval feasts in villages and cities throughout Marche, including the village of Offagna in late July, which recalls the medieval atmosphere through a variety of events. Food festivals are common in the fall, and around Christmas, there will be lots of fabulous nativity scenes and markets throughout Marche.

In February, temperatures rise slightly, but the difference isn't significant as compared to January. It will still be quite chilly although it’s unlikely to be too wet, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation this month. The weather does tend to be gloomier now, with gray days outnumbering sunny ones, but odds are, you’ll still enjoy some bright blue skies during your visit. You’ll want to bring your warm clothing, such as a winter coat, hat, and gloves, keeping in mind that if you plan to ski at Monti Sibillini, you’ll need appropriate gear for the activity. Away from the slopes and the town of Fano around Carnival, there is still a lack of crowds along with the potential for discounted accommodation. Fano hosts the largest carnival in Marche which typically takes place in February

Springtime is officially here with the lower elevations enjoying high temperatures in the mid-60s although nights are still cold with lows averaging in the mid-40s. There might still be enough snow in the mountains for skiing which means it can be a little too early to enjoy hiking the trails. Expect a mix of sunny and cloudy days, with some afternoons that are warm enough for alfresco dining.

To prepare for the somewhat unpredictable weather, bring clothing that can be layered, easily peeled off when it gets too warm, and put back on when it gets cold. About 2.3 inches of rain falls over 10 days this month so it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket too. You’ll want sunglasses for bright days  as well. April is a shoulder season month at the ski resorts and throughout the region, making it a good time to save on accommodation to avoid big crowds.

Early June is the perfect time to visit Marche if you want to take advantage of the comfortably warm weather and sunshine. Visitors can expect daytime highs of around 80 degrees in the lower elevation areas and closer to 70 higher up. You’ll want to pack lightweight clothing that will help you stay cool, such as dresses, skirts, capris, shorts, short-sleeved shirts, tank tops, and comfortable walking sandals. Don’t forget items for sun protection, including a sun hat. You’ll have lots of daylight for sightseeing now with sunset not until just after 9 p.m. This is a busy month in terms of tourism too, although the crowds are usually more manageable than they are in the peak summer months. Book airfare and hotels well in advance or you may not find an air-conditioned room available which is essential, especially if you come towards the end of June.

August is not the most ideal month to visit Marche as it’s not only very hot, with temperatures similar to July and heat waves possible, but it’s when most Italians take their vacations. The beaches will be jam-packed, and rain is still rare other than the occasional thunder or lightning storm. If you don’t mind the crowds you can take advantage of the clear blue sea for swimming, otherwise you might spend the middle of the day visiting indoor attractions like museums and shops with air conditioning. Keep in mind that the hot weather is dangerous for children and the elderly and the third week of August is typically the hottest. You’ll want high-SPF sunscreen (at least 30 SPF), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses along with your swimsuits. There will be many celebrations throughout the Marche region for the August 15 th Ferragosto holiday, including pasta bakes on the beaches.

October is a shoulder season month with fewer visitors, and you might find some discounted accommodation too. Early in the month, it’s especially lovely with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees, and a bit cooler in and around the mountains which are typically in the low 60s. Having had time to warm up throughout the summer, the sea is usually still comfortable enough for swimming until mid-October. Plus, the natural beauty of the region is even more spectacular now with brilliant autumn foliage blanketing the landscapes. When packing, bring a mix of items for warmer and cooler weather, along with a rain jacket as this month usually sees about 11 rainy days, although rainfall mostly comes during the latter half. October is a great month for wine and food enthusiasts, with seasonal harvests and lots of festivals that celebrate them. Montemonaco is known for its chestnuts celebrated in late October at the Sagra Mercato della Castagna.

Another great time to visit Marche for a more affordable trip and a lack of crowds is early December. As the holidays draw near, the number of visitors will increase too but there will be many festivities and sights to enjoy. Other than in the mountains where snow is likely to be falling and ski areas opening soon, temperatures are relatively mild, with daytime highs around 50 degrees. Overnight lows average 40 degrees in the lowlands, which only gets the occasional snowfall. If you plan your visit around Christmas, you’ll want to book well in advance, but you can enjoy the festive atmosphere with lots of holiday décor, twinkling lights, and Christmas markets. One of the most beautiful is in Candelara, a village illuminated only by candles that also offers a street dedicated to nativity scenes along with entertainment like live music, stilt walkers, and activities for the kids, running between late November and mid-December.