Best Time to Visit Veneto

Sightseeing is one of the top things to do in Verona. As the city was a Roman colony, it boasts a number of impressive Roman remains, from the 1st-century AD amphitheater and the many 11th – and 12th -century Romanesque churches to Renaissance buildings constructed under the powerful della Scala family, or Scaligeri. In the 15th and 16th centuries, leading architects Fra Giocondo and Michele Sanmicheli were responsible for many.

The best time to visit Verona for sightseeing is when the weather is typically mild but the crowds aren’t too thick, such as April or October. If you don’t mind chilly temperatures and potentially wet weather, November and the second half of January can be a good time for sightseeing without the crowds and you’re likely to find discounted prices on hotels and airfare. The worst time to visit for sightseeing is in August – it will be uncomfortably hot and you’ll be bumping elbows with countless other sweaty tourists.

Verona is an affluent city home to many skilled artisans selling their wares in little boutiques and independent shops and you’ll also find discount designer outlets and big-name designer stores like Burberry, Gucci, Valentino, and Givenchy along with individual manufacturers and emerging labels. The best time to visit Verona to take advantage of the myriad of shopping opportunities is during the summer or winter sales which are hosted throughout the country.

The winter sale typically starts on January 5th and runs through February or until inventory is gone. In the summer, they’re held during the months of July and August. You’ll have the widest range of options at the start of the sales which usually offer discounts of a third to half off, but as inventory begins to dwindle, you’ll find the biggest discounts of 70 percent or more. You’ll have fewer competitors if you come in January simply because the colder weather keeps many away.

While summer is hot and crowded in Verona, the season is the very best for experiencing Verona’s many festivals and events. All the major ones take place during this season with the biggest by far the Verona Opera Festival, held from mid-June through early September at the ancient Roman amphitheater, an unforgettable experience in the world’s largest open-air opera house. Festival Bellezza takes place between mid-June and mid-October.

Verona’s artsiest festival, it features live music in a variety of genres along with non-musicals events. That includes stage shows, speakers, and poets with performances in outdoor venues, lounges, and theaters throughout Verona, including the Roman amphitheater. If you want to enjoy some great jazz and cooler weather, Lake Garda is just a short jaunt away and during the first half of August, the towns around its shoreline will feature numerous jazz concerts at outdoor venues, bars, pubs, and more.

January is the coldest month of the year in Verona with average temperatures ranging from just below freezing to the mid-40s Fahrenheit. While sleet, freezing rain, or even snow are possible, there isn’t much precipitation this month, averaging less than two inches. When it does snow it’s typically just a light dusting.

Morning fog is common, but it usually clears by midday. If you don’t mind bundling up, the second half of January is one of the best times to avoid the crowds and enjoy potential discounts on hotels and airfare. Do keep in mind that days are shorter too, with sunset at about 5 p.m. on January 15th . Be sure to bring waterproof boots with slip-proof soles to avoid slipping on icy surfaces. You’ll also want to pack clothing that can be layered and topped with a winter coat to stay warm. Warm socks, gloves, a scarf, and hat are a good idea too.

Change is in the air with March marking the arrival of spring although it will start out similar to February with foggy, cold, rainy days along with some sunny ones too. Temperatures range from 40 to 57 degrees on average now, so you’ll want to pack clothing that can be layered as you would for January and February, especially for cold evenings and mornings, but bring some items for warmer, sunny afternoons too. A waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes or boots are also a good idea.

The days will be getting longer, with sunset at 6 p.m. on March 1 st , but thanks to Daylight Savings Time, by month’s end the sun doesn’t go down until just after 7:40 p.m. While visitors arrive all year long to enjoy the delights of Verona, it’s likely to be a bit less crowded now and you might even enjoy some discounted hotel rates.

Warm, sunny days start to become common once May rolls around. Temperatures range from an average low of 54 to a lovely 73 degrees now so you’re unlikely to need much more than a light sweater or jacket unless you plan to be out late or up very early in the morning. There is a bit more rain this month although it’s still moderate at an average of 2.9 inches that fall over roughly eight days.

This is the time to bring mostly clothing for warmer weather along with a light rain jacket and perhaps a portable umbrella. There’s a better chance for sunshine now and the days are wonderfully long with the sun setting at about 8:30 p.m. early in the month and not until almost 9 p.m. on May 31 st . The crowds noticeably thicken with many coming to take advantage of the mild weather for sightseeing as the tourist season is officially here.

July is one of the busiest and hottest months of the year. It’s the peak of tourist season in Verona with the average high temperature of 86, although it can feel much hotter, especially in the afternoon. It can feel rather muggy due to the high humidity with little to no wind. Evenings are quite balmy too with nights dipping to an average of 66 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is a time when you’ll want to prepare your itinerary accordingly to avoid the biggest crowds and the worst of the heat, perhaps exploring outdoor attractions earlier in the day and during late afternoons/early evenings. You’ll want a hotel room with air-conditioning to sleep comfortably, so be sure to book well in advance. If it has a pool, all the better. Pack your summer attire, with a focus on moisture-wicking clothing to help keep you cool. A wide-brimmed hat should be included along with sunglasses and sunscreen.

While September starts out hot and humid, as it moves forward the crowds start to thin and the weather begins to cool. It will still be quite warm but not unbearably so and evenings are often lovely, especially during the latter half of the month. The average high temperature is 77 degrees, but you can expect it to be warmer earlier in the month and cooler in late September.

Rainstorms are fairly common but usually don’t last long. Bring a light rain jacket and pack mostly clothing for warmer weather with a light sweater for cooler evenings that can drop just below 60 degrees. If you’re here around the middle of the month, you can join in the festivities of Tocati, a street festival with games, concerts, and a variety of other cultural activities. As this month is still quite busy, you’ll need to book your accommodations well in advance.

November is cool and wet with afternoon temperatures ranging between the mid-40s and low 50s while nighttime lows dip down to 37 degrees. If you visit early in the month it can be quite busy with more than 150,000 coming to enjoy the Fieracavalli festival at VeronaFiere, the city’s exhibition center. Dedicated to equestrianism, tourism, and horses, there will be themed workshops for kids and shows, with over 2,400 horses involved.

Otherwise, this is mostly a slow month in terms of tourism and arguably the best for a more budget-friendly visit with reduced rates for hotel rooms and airfare. If you travel to Verona in November, you’ll want a rain jacket and waterproof shoes along with warm clothing. When it’s not raining, it will be a great time to explore the historic center with its many monuments and churches without having to elbow your way through the masses.