Italy in April: Weather Info & Best Places to Travel (2024)

Planning a vacation to Italy in April? 

April is the month when Italy starts to come back to life after the winter season. The blossoms start to bloom, the sun starts to shine, and the crowds are slim compared to the high season.

We have spent months exploring Italy throughout all four seasons, and we are sharing everything you need to know about traveling to Italy in April.

Spring in Italy is one of the best times to go sightseeing in the major cities, and this guide will take you to some of the best places to visit, including Venice, Rome, Florence, and Bologna.

Additionally, you’ll learn about April weather in Italy, popular Italian holidays in April, and tips on how to pack for your trip this time of year.

Read on to learn what it’s like to spend April in Italy.

April Italy Weather

The weather in April in Italy can vary significantly depending on the region, as Italy stretches from the Alps in the north to the Mediterranean Sea in the south.

However, generally speaking, April marks the transition to the warmer, spring season, bringing milder and more pleasant weather.

Expect a mix of sunny and rainy days, as the climate tends to be unpredictable during the spring season in Italy.

This is a wonderful time of year to enjoy the spring blossoms. Everywhere, from the big cities to the vineyards in the countryside, have a pop of color in April.

Average Temperature in Italy in April

• Northern Italy: Average high temperatures between 63°F – 65°F (17°C – 18°C)
• Central Italy: Average high temperature between 61°F – 67°F (16°C – 19°C)
• Southern Italy: Average high temperatures between 67°F – 69°F (19°C – 21°C)

As you can see, Italy is decently warm in April, with the southern region being the warmest.

Does it rain in Italy in April? Yes, overall, expect rain during your trip to Italy in April. Of course, it depends on where you are visiting.

In northern Italy, the average rainfall is higher than down south. For example, in Milan, it rains about 3.3 inches on average. Whereas, in Palermo (Sicily), it rains around 1.5 inches on average in April.

Our experience: We have visited Venice, Florence, and Rome in April, and it was rainy and cloudy most of the time.

Fortunately, we were visiting the major tourist attractions and many of those are indoors, so the rain didn’t bother us too much. Based on our experience, we would suggest visiting the cities in April and save outdoor activities (hiking, beach days, etc.) for later in the year when the weather is nicer.

Here’s an overview of the weather throughout Italy in May:

Advantages of Visiting Italy in April

• Less crowded: April is before the high season, so cities and popular destinations are not as busy.
• More affordable: Since April is shoulder season, you can often find better deals on hotels, flights, and certain activities.
• Flower in bloom: Early spring brings beautiful flowers and colors all around Italy making it a wonderful time to visit for enjoying natural beauty.
• Great for city hopping: The mild weather and smaller crowds makes April a fantastic time for sightseeing around the major cities in Italy.

Disadvantages of Visiting Italy in April

• Not everything is open yet: Certain restaurants, hotels, and activities in destinations like Puglia, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast, may not be open yet for the season. However, most places will be open in the big cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan.
• Too cold for a beach vacation: The temperatures in April are a bit cooler in popular coastal destinations, so don’t plan on taking a beach vacation in April.
• Weather is unpredictable: April can be quite rainy and cloudy in Italy. On the other hand, it could be warm and sunny. It’s hard to predict good weather this time of year.
• Hiking is not always an option: Many hiking trails are still closed in April. Don’t plan a hiking vacation to places like the Dolomites this time of year. It’s better to wait until late May and June.

13 Best Places to Visit in Italy in April 

Wondering, where are the best places to travel in Italy in April? Below, you’ll find our top 13 places to visit in April to help you plan your trip.

1. Venice in April

Venice is one of the most popular (and busiest!) destinations in Italy year-round. With that being said, April is an ideal time to visit Venice for several reasons.

First, the mild temperatures during April make it a great time for sightseeing and exploring the city’s canals and streets. Unlike the sweltering heat of the summer months (trust us – it gets hot!), April is pleasantly warm and nice for walking around.

Additionally, April falls before the peak travel season, meaning the crowds are significantly smaller.

Always make sure to purchase your tickets in advance, though, because things tend to book out quickly in Venice!

Venice weather in April? 

Expect a mix of rain and sun. The mornings and evenings are cooler and the afternoons are decently warm. On average, the highs are around 63°F (17°C) and the lows average at 47°F (8°C).

Things to do in Venice in April

• Take a gondola ride along the canals
• Visit the Rialto Bridge
• Check out St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica
• Explore the Doge’s Palace
• Visit Murano (famous for glass blowing) and Burano (known for its colored houses)

2. Rome in April

April is one of the best months to visit Rome and enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities. With the spring blossoms in bloom and mild weather, the city is beautiful and pleasant in the spring.

Wondering if Rome is crowded in April? The answer is yes and no. Being the most visited city In Italy, Rome is always crowded. However, since April is in the shoulder season, the crowds are fewer than peak season in May, June, July, and August.

One thing to note – Rome does get extremely busy on Easter weekend. If you are planning to visit over this time, then book everything well in advance.

Rome weather in April? 

The temperatures in Rome in April are comfortably mild, neither too hot nor too cold, making it perfect for wandering around the ancient city center, or enjoying al fresco dining.

Average temperatures in Rome range from highs around 67°F (19°C) and lows around 48°F (9°C).

With that being said, you should plan for rainy weather. When I visited Rome in April, it rained most of the trip, so you do need to pack and umbrella and rain jacket just in case.

Things to do in Rome, Italy in May

• Explore the ancient Roman sights, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon,
• Visit the Trevi Fountain
• Climb the Spanish Steps and enjoy the views from Pincian Hill
• Visit Vatican city and see the Vatican museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

3. Florence in April

Planning to visit Florence in April?

You’re in luck – April is one of our favorite months to visit Florence. Not only because the spring weather makes this incredible city feel even more dreamy, but because you’ll get to enjoy Florence without the huge summer crowds.

During our visit to Florence in April, it rained most afternoons. However, rainy weather in Florence isn’t so bad because it’s a museum city!

With the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery being two of the major attractions in Florence, it’s a pleasant place to visit rain or shine.

Florence in April Weather

With a mix of rain and sun, you can expect typical spring weather in Florence in April. The average high temperatures are around 67°F (19°C) and the average low temperatures are around 46°F (8°C).

Plan for cooler evenings and warmer afternoons. Pack a rain jacket, an umbrella, and a heavier jacket for the evenings.

Things to do in Florence in April

• Explore the Florence Duomo, baptistry, and bell tower
• Enjoy Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery
• Wander across Ponte Vecchio
• See Michelangelo’s “David” at the Accademia Gallery
• Visit the Boboli Gardens

4. Bologna in April

Bologna is one of our favorite cities in Italy. And while it’s an up-and-coming destination, we think it’s still highly underrated.

Known as “Italy’s Foodie City”, the food in Bologna is top notch and some of the best in the country. Not only that, but wandering the streets of the medieval city center is a real gem.

The region surrounding Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, is a foodie haven and is wonderful to explore during the spring season. A few of our favorite day trips from Bologna are:

• Parma – home to Parmigiano Reggiano and one of the most beautiful Duomo’s in the region.
• Modena – home to Balsamic Vinegar and the Ferrari Museum.
• Ravenna – home to the most beautiful Byzantine Mosaics that are a must-see.
• Dozza – a small village with an incredible wine shop and art painted on the buildings.

Bologna in April weather

Located just 30 minutes north of Florence by train, Bologna has a similar climate to Florence. You can expect mild temperatures with a mix of rain showers and sunshine.

Luckily, Bologna is home to over 62km of porticoes (covered walkways), so even if it rains, you can stay dry without an umbrella.

We’ve experienced Bologna in rainy weather and brutally hot weather, and it’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy year-round.

Bologna’s April weather ranges from 63°F (17°C) as a high and 49°F (9°C) as a low.

Things to do in Bologna, Italy in May

• Go on a Bologna Food Tour
• Climb the longest portico in the world to San Luca
• Enjoy the views from the Asinelli Tower
• Appreciate the medieval architecture in Piazza Maggiore
• Explore the oldest university in the world

5. Verona in April

Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy. With fewer crowds and ideal temperatures, Verona in April is a fantastic time to visit.

Surrounded by rolling hills, there are many wonderful things to do in Verona – from visiting stunning churches and unique museums to enjoying the sunset from the hillside. You will love your time in this romantic city, which is also known as the birthplace of “Romeo and Juliet.”

Additionally, Verona is a great home base for exploring the greater region. Here are a few of our favorite day trips from Verona:

• Mantua
• Padua
• Vicenza
• Venice
• Lake Garda

Verona in April weather

As with most of Italy during the springtime, expect some rain and cloudy days mixed in with sunnier days. Temperatures average at 64°F (18°C) for a high and 45°F (7°C) for a low.

Things to do in Verona, Italy in May

• Visit the ancient Roman Arena
• Step into literary history at Juliet’s House
• Admire the panoramic view from Catel San Pietro or at the top of Torre dei Lamberti
• Enjoy the spring flowers at the Giusti Garden

6. Milan in April

Considering Milan is one of Italy’s northernmost cities, April is actually a wonderful time to visit this metropolitan city. The winter’s are chilly in Milan, and April is the first month of the year where it finally starts to feel warm and sunny again.

Of course, spring weather means there is a decent chance of rain, but Milan is great to visit whether it rains or shines.

Milan in April weather

Weather in Milan in April is typically what you expect for spring – both rainy and sunny. Expect 65°F (18°C) highs and 50°F (10°C) lows.

Top things to do in Milan in April

• See The Last Supper by Leonardo DaVinci
• Visit the Duomo and get tickets to climb to the roof
• Shop at the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II
• Aperitivo by the canals
• Visit the stunning Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

7. Tuscany in April

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most idyllic regions. With rolling hills, vineyards, charming farmhouses, and quaint villages, no wonder if it’s one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe.

Tuscany in April is when the countryside starts to come alive with wildflowers, blossoms, and green hills. Plan to visit from mid April if you want to see more flowers and experience better weather.

There are many walks and hikes around Tuscany, but we suggest visiting in May if you plan to do this. The trails could be muddy or potentially closed in April depending on the weather.

Whether you’re staying in Florence or in one of the smaller towns, here are a few places we recommend visiting in Tuscany:

• Siena
• San Gimignano
• Montepulciano
• Volterra
• Lucca

Tuscany in April Weather

April Tuscany weather usually hovers between 40°F – 67°F (4°C – 19°C) from low to high temperatures. Expect warmer weather towards the end of the month.

8. Turin in April

Located in the northwest corner of Italy, Turin is one of our favorite hidden gems in Italy. Home to historic cafes, elegant buildings, and some of the best chocolate in Italy, Turin in April is a wonderful time of year.

While the temperatures in April in Turin are cooler than most of Italy, it’s a great city to visit no matter what time of the year. Make sure to try some Gianduja chocolate from Caffarel and order a Bicerin from one of the many cafes. This is a drink made of espresso, cream, and chocolate – is there anything better than that?

Turin in April Weather

April weather in Turin sees both sunny days and cooler, rainy days. Plan for both and make sure to pack a jacket and umbrella just in case it rains.

The average high temperatures in Turin in April are around 63°F (17°C) and the average lows are around 49°F (9°C).

9. Puglia in April

While Puglia is known for its crystal-clear waters and gorgeous beaches, visiting during the shoulder season is actually one of the best times to visit. With its Mediterranean and dry climate, Puglia is one of the warmer destinations you can visit in Italy in April.

We recently spent a bit of time in Puglia during the shoulder season, and there were very few tourists. It was wonderful!

Don’t expect to swim in the sea this time of year. Instead, take a road trip and explore the small villages and towns around the Puglia region. A few of our favorites are:

• Lecce
• Alberobello
• Locorotondo
• Ostuni
• Polignano a Mare

Puglia in April Weather

April is the very start of the warmer season in Puglia. At mid-day, you can expect highs around 65°F (18°C) and 48°F (9°C) in the evenings.

10. Sicily in April

Sicily is the largest island in Italy and in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also the furthest south you can go in Italy, which means it has moderate temperatures year-round.

April in Sicily is a fantastic time to visit. With warm weather, little rain, and a lot of sun, head here if you’re looking for a spring escape!

Not only that, but compared to the crazy summer crowds that Sicily gets, April has less tourists, which means you’ll get to experience Sicily with the locals.

Here are a few can’t miss places in Sicily:

• Palermo
• Taormina
• Catania
• Cefalu

Sicily in April Weather

Plan for mostly sun and decent weather in Sicily in April. The average highs are around 67°F (19°C) and the lows are around 55°F (13°C).

The Mediterranean sea is still chilly in April. Taking a road trip to the different cities around the island is a great way to experience Sicily this time of year.

11. Cinque Terre in April

Cinque Terre are five coastal towns that sit on the Ligurian coast. These colorful, charming villages are one of the most popular destinations in Italy and for good reason. With the Mediterranean sea, endless views, and lovely beaches, it has a bit of everything.

Visiting Cinque Terre in April can be a hit or a miss. Either you’ll visit on a glorious sunny day that’s perfect for visiting the towns, or it’ll be rainy and not as enjoyable. That’s the tricky thing about spring weather.

If you are planning on visiting in April, we recommend trying to visit towards the end of the month when the weather is a bit warmer.

You’ll want to keep an eye out to make sure certain trails are open before hiking.

Try to avoid visiting during the Easter holidays, if it lands in April. Many locals and tourists go on vacation over this long weekend and the five towns get extremely crowded.

Cinque Terre in April Weather

Depending on the year, you can get a lot of rain or sun in Cinque Terre in April. On average, you’ll experience 63°F (17°C) weather mid-day and 51°F (11°C) in the evenings.

Things to do in Cinque Terrein May

• Enjoy the beach in Monterosso al Mare
• Experience the sunset in Manarola
• Take in the views in Riomaggiore

12. Amalfi Coast in April

With longer and warmer days, visiting the Amalfi Coast in April is a great idea. April starts the beginning of the tourist season in the Amalfi Coast, so more restaurants and hotels will be open compared to March.

Don’t plan on a beach vacation because it won’t be quite warm enough for that. Instead, this is a great month to do some hiking, such as the Path of the Gods, or to do some island hopping to Capri.

Towns such as Ravello, Sorreto, and Atrani are all wonderful to visit in addition to Positano.

One of the best perks of visiting the Amalfi Coast in April is that the crowds are slim. We visited during the height of tourist season, and it wasn’t as enjoyable because of the crowds.

Amalfi Coast in April Weather

With highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C), you’re in for an amazing spring vacation in Amalfi Coast in April. While the Amalfi Coast isn’t as rainy as northern Italy, you should still plan for rain just in case.

13. Umbria in April

Umbria is a hidden gem located in central Italy. This quieter region is located right next to Tuscany and is just as beautiful as it’s neighbor but with less tourists.

In April, Umbria’s landscapes transform into green hills covered with wildflowers. While the weather is still a bit cooler this time of year, plan on visiting some of the region’s well-known towns.

Assisi, Orvieto, Perugia, and Lake Trasimeno are a few worth stopping by. Stay in a local agriturismo (farmhouse) and enjoy this calmer season at a slower pace.

Umbria in April Weather

A mix of rain showers and sunshine is to be expected in Umbria in April. High temperatures are around 61°F (16°C) and the evening’s lows are around 40°F (4°C).

Cost to visit Italy in April 

You’re probably wondering – Is Italy expensive in April?

April is the beginning of the tourist season in Italy, but it’s still considered the shoulder season. This means prices are lower than peak season, and you can usually get a better rate for hotels and certain activities.

Trains are typically the same prices year-round. However, we always recommend buying high-speed train tickets at least 3-4 weeks in advance to get the cheapest rate.

Avoid traveling over Easter weekend, especially from Easter Sunday to Easter Monday, as this is a very popular travel weekend in Italy. Prices will be much higher over this weekend and destinations are more crowded than usual this time of year.

Holidays & Festivals in Italy in April 

Easter Weekend (Pasqua) – March 29 – April 1, 2024

Easter is one of the most important and biggest holidays in Italy. Often, Easter falls in March and other times it is in April.

In 2024, Easter Sunday is on March 31st and Easter Monday is on April 1st.

The best place to experience Easter in Italy is in Vatican city. Every year, the Pope holds Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square. It is a huge event and people from all over Italy and the world come to experience it.

Other popular cities are Venice and Florence, but truth be told, the entire country is packed over this weekend.

If you don’t care to attend Easter celebrations, then we recommend avoiding traveling to the main cities in Italy over Easter. I’ve personally visited Venice during this weekend and it was extremely busy.

Additionally, prices for accommodation are extremely inflated over this holiday weekend.

Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) – April 25, 2024

Liberation Day, celebrated in Italy on April 25th, is a significant national holiday that commemorates the end of the fascist regime and the Nazi occupation during World War II.

It’s a day of national pride and reflection, honoring the memory and sacrifice of the people who fought bravely for freedom and democracy.

Many shops, restaurants, and certain activities may be closed on this day.

Other holidays and festivals in April in Italy:

What to wear in Italy in April? 

Trying to decide what clothes to pack for Italy in April? Springtime weather is unpredictable. One minute it’s raining and the next it’s warm and sunny. This makes packing for a trip in April is tricky.

Based on our experience, we recommend bringing clothes for rainy weather. A rain jacket, an umbrella, waterproof shoes, a sweater, and some pants.

For warmer weather, pack some short-sleeve shirts, light jackets or sweaters, a hat, sunglasses, and even a pair of shorts or a dress in case it is warm enough.

Below, we’re answering some frequently asked questions about how to pack for Italy this time of year:

• Can you wear white in Italy in April? Yes, of course you can wear white in April in Italy. There is no specific rule about what color you can wear this time of year and it’s totally acceptable to wear white during springtime.
• Can you wear shorts in Italy in April? It depends. The average high temperatures range from 60°F -72°F (16°C – 22°C) depending on where you are going. Visiting southern Italy? There’s a higher chance that you can wear shorts. Our recommendation is to pack a pair just in case.
• Can you wear dresses in Italy in April? We recommend bringing a dress just in case. If you’re visiting Puglia, Sicily, Rome, or the Amalfi Coast, you have a higher chance of nicer weather. I always bring a light sweater, so I can wear a dress even if it’s a bit chilly out.

Getting around Italy in May

Whether you rent a car, take the train, or fly from north to south, there are plenty of ways to get around Italy. Here are a few tips to help you easily navigate your way around:

• Train travel in Italy: Taking the train is one of the best and most convenient ways to get around for your trip to Italy. Book your tickets online in advance via Trenitalia.com, the official website for booking train tickets. Download the app for the easiest use. For high-speed trains, try to reserve your tickets at least 3-weeks ahead of time for the best prices.
• Renting a car in Italy: Taking a road trip through Italy in May is a great idea! Especially because the countryside will be beautiful and green. We have rented a car more times than we can count in Italy and it’s one of the best ways to explore some of the more hidden gems in Italy. Rent your car through Discover Cars, our go-to rental car site for Europe, to get the best prices.
• Traveling by air in Italy: There are plenty of airports to get you around Italy. If you’re planning a trip up north (Venice or Milan) and down south (Sicily or Puglia) on the same trip, then flying is the quickest way to get around.

Travel Tips for visiting Italy in April

• Avoid traveling over Easter weekend – Prices are higher and cities are busy. If you are traveling to Italy during this time, try to visit the smaller towns. Be prepared for some shops, museums, and restaurants to be closed.
• Plan for rain – While April isn’t the rainiest season in April, it’s not uncommon to experience a rainstorm here and there. Pack accordingly and be prepared to pivot your plans if needed.
• Plan ahead – Certain activities and museums in Italy need to be booked in advance no matter what time of year you visit. The Vatican museums in Rome, The Colosseum in Rome, The Last Supper in Milan, the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, and the Doge’s Palace in Venice are all a few sights that we suggest booking ahead of time.
• Make restaurant reservations – If you have particular restaurants that you want to eat at, we always recommending calling in advance to make a reservation. Try to call at least 1 week ahead of time.
• Book transportation in advance – Whether you’re renting a car or taking the train, book ahead at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This way you’ll get the best prices.

Italy in April: Frequently Asked Questions