Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast

Italy › Amalfi Coast › Best Time to Visit
Updated: July 15, 2023
By Santorini Dave

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When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast in Italy?

The best time to visit Italy’s Amalfi Coast is late spring and early fall. May and September are especially wonderful. During these months, big crowds are unlikely, and temperatures are the most comfortable of the year. Sea temperatures off Amalfi are best for swimming from June to September.

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild, sunny, and pleasant. This is an ideal time to explore the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and boat trips, while avoiding the peak tourist crowds and heat of the summer months (July and August). Additionally, during the shoulder seasons, you’ll find it easier to secure accommodations and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Amalfi Coast January Weather:
Cold, damp, few sunny days.

Amalfi Coast February Weather:
Cold, rainy, few sunny days.

Amalfi Coast March Weather:
Cool, occasional rain, more sunshine.

Amalfi Coast April Weather:
Mild, showers, increasing sun.

Amalfi Coast May Weather:
Warm, sunny, occasional showers.

Amalfi Coast June Weather:
Hot, sunny, little rain.

Amalfi Coast July Weather:
Very hot, sunny, minimal rain.

Amalfi Coast August Weather:
Very hot, sunny, little rain.

Amalfi Coast September Weather:
Hot, sunny, occasional rain.

Amalfi Coast October Weather:
Warm, some rain, fewer sunny days.

Amalfi Coast November Weather:
Mild, rainy, less sunshine.

Amalfi Coast December Weather:
Cold, rainy, few sunny days.

Amalfi Coast beautiful weather.

Ravello on the Amalfi Coast.

Weather: The most pleasant weather on the Amalfi Coast is typically from April to June and September to October. During these months, the temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 80°F (27°C), with mostly sunny days. In July and August, the Amalfi Coast experiences hot, sunny Mediterranean weather, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C). These months are the peak of the beach season, with warm sea temperatures and plenty of sunshine, but can also be crowded and humid. During winter, the Amalfi Coast experiences cooler and wetter weather, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15°C), and occasional rainstorms.

Gardens: The Amalfi Coast is home to beautiful gardens, such as Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. The best time to visit these gardens is during spring (April to June) when flowers are in full bloom, offering a stunning display of colors and scents.

Beaches: The beach season on the Amalfi Coast runs from June to September, with the warmest sea temperatures occurring in July and August. However, the beaches can be quite crowded during these peak summer months. Visiting in late spring (May and June) or early fall (September) offers a good balance of warm weather and fewer crowds.

Sailing: The best time for sailing along the Amalfi Coast is during the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to October) when the weather is generally calm and sunny, and the seas are less crowded than during the peak summer months.

Sunsets: Sunsets on the Amalfi Coast are beautiful year-round, but they can be particularly stunning during the shoulder seasons when the weather is clear, and the sun sets over the shimmering sea.

Families: For family trips, the summer months (June to August) provide the warmest weather and a range of activities suitable for all ages, such as beach time, boat excursions, and exploring the charming coastal towns. However, be prepared for larger crowds during this time. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to October).

Avoiding crowds: To avoid the crowds on the Amalfi Coast, visit during the off-peak season, which typically runs from November to March. During this time, you can expect fewer tourists, shorter lines at popular attractions, and lower prices for accommodations. However, the weather will be cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15°C), and many hotels and restaurants will be closed.

Amalfi Coast Travel Seasons

  • High Season (July and August): High season on the Amalfi Coast coincides with the peak summer months. July and August offer a full calendar of festivals and hopping nightlife, although it also tends to bring hordes of tourists, soaring temperatures, and the highest accommodation and transportation prices of the year.
  • Shoulder Season (April through June – except around Easter; September and October): The shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall can be the most ideal times to visit the Amalfi Coast. In the spring, the thickest crowds haven’t yet arrived, but meals can be enjoyed outdoors, often under idyllic temperatures with the scent of jasmine and orange blossoms wafting through. In early fall, the temperatures are still mild yet many of the tourists have gone home.
  • Low Season (November through March): Low season on the Amalfi Coast is generally winter, when powerful storms create dramatic waves that pound the shoreline, sometimes resulting in mudslides that block the coastal road. Storm-watching can be dramatic, and This is a great time to score a bargain when it comes to airfare and hotel rates, but note that many restaurants, cafes, and shops will close for the season.

Amalfi Coast Weather by Month

  • Amalfi Coast Weather in January: The coldest month of the year on the Amalfi Coast is January, with an average temperature of 8°C, though the mercury often climbs to 12°C or a bit higher on a January afternoon. It’s often dreary and grey, with 104mm of rainfall on average over 14 days. The heavy rain can bring mudslides and blockages along the coastal highway, so it’s important to plan for potential delays if you visit this time of year. Be sure to bring a warm, waterproof coat and clothing for cool weather. Waterproof boots and a portable umbrella are likely to come in handy too. On the upside, being in southern Italy, even on January 1st there will be quite a bit of daylight for enjoying the sights, with sunrise at 7:26 a.m. and sunset at 4:45 p.m. (Average Max Temperature: 12°C. Average Precipitation: 104mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in February: February doesn’t bring much change and is another one of the coldest months of the year on the Amalfi Coast, although the average high temperature increases a degree to 13°C. Precipitation only decreases slightly, down from 104mm to 99mm. The most notable change is that the days are getting longer, with over 11 hours of daylight by the end of the month. Plan to pack as you would for January and remain prepared for road blockages due to mudslides if heavy rains hit. (Average Max Temperature: 13°C. Average Precipitation: 99mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in March: Temperatures are slowly warming up now, with March bringing a mix of blustery cold days and a few balmy ones; sun and rain are both common now, often in the same afternoon. The mercury climbs to 15°C in the afternoon in March, and nights are well above freezing at 6°C. While it’s still one of the wetter months, March sees much less rainfall than the previous three, with an average 86mm of precipitation over 14 days. You’ll still want to bring items for cold, wet weather, but toss in some clothing for warmer days too. (Average Max Temperature: 15°C. Average Precipitation: 86mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in April: There is a significant rise in temperature this month with the afternoon high climbing three degrees to 18°C, although the weather can be somewhat hard to predict now. Some years it’s quite warm, feeling almost like June, while other years are pretty brisk. The amount of sunshine increases, however, with a decrease of rainfall, now down to 76mm over 13 days. Plan to pack clothing that can be layered, bringing items for both warm and cool weather, including a sweater or jacket for evenings, as the average nighttime low temperature is still quite chilly at 8°C. (Average Max Temperature: 18°C. Average Precipitation: 76mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in May: It’s likely to feel like summer on the Amalfi coast now, with afternoon temperatures increasing to 22°C and the chances for rainfall decreasing significantly to an average of just 51mm of precipitation over 9 days. Expect mostly sunny, warm days; now is the time to focus on bringing sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Plan on wearing lightweight clothing, although you might still need a jacket or sweater for late nights – the low temperature is still chilly at 12°C. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C. Average Precipitation: 51mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in June: With summer officially arriving in June, expect sunshine in abundance along with warm temperatures on a daily basis, just not as hot as the next two months will be. With the sea temperature rising to 22°C, this is an ideal month to enjoy swimming off one of the beaches near Sorrento. Rainfall is few and far between; just 33mm of precipitation is expected over 7 days this month. And with the low temperature at 16°C, save room for souvenirs in your suitcase by skipping the coat. You won’t want to leave your bathing suit at home though, and flip-flops or sandals are likely to come in handy. June also brings the longest day of the year, with the sun rising at 5:31 a.m. and setting at 8:36 p.m. on June 21, so you’ll have plenty of daylight for enjoying the sights. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C. Average Precipitation: 33mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in July: July is one of the busiest and the hottest months of the year on the Amalfi coast. The mercury routinely rises to 30°C and often higher, and there’s little rain to cool things off – just 25mm over 4 days. Plan to spend your days at the beach and/or around the pool, bringing a couple of bathing suits along with sunglasses, a hat, and lightweight clothing like sundresses, shorts, tank tops, and the like. There’s really no need for a sweater or jacket now as evenings are still quite warm – even the low temperature is a relatively balmy 18°C. When booking your accommodation, you may want to be sure that you’ve booked an air-conditioned room, or it can be difficult to sleep at night. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 25mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in August: Other than an increase of just a few millimeters of precipitation, August is about the same as July, another hot month, but it can feel even hotter when humidity rises. Be prepared by booking an air-conditioned room and bringing plenty of warm weather clothing, including a bathing suit. You’ll also want to plan your itinerary so that you spend the hottest part of the day indoors – an afternoon siesta is ideal now. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 41mm.)

  • Amalfi Coast Weather in September: The weather is gradually cooling now, with September marking the arrival of fall. The first half of the month is likely to be quite warm, though the latter half is often ideal. The average high temperature is 27°C and the odds of rain increase a bit – 81mm of precipitation are expected, with rain more likely later in the month. You’ll still need that summer attire and plenty of sun protection. The difference now is that if you plan to stay out late at night, you may want a jacket or a sweater. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C. Average Precipitation: 81mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in October: October usually brings plenty of sunshine, but as the month progresses, temperatures dip and it can be very wet. This is one of the rainier months of the year, seeing 129 mm of precipitation over 12 days. If you’re hoping to enjoy the beaches, including taking a dip in the water, plan to arrive earlier in October; sea temperatures are dropping now and likely too chilly for swimming late in the month. You’ll want to bring a mix of clothing for warmer and cooler weather, along with a light waterproof rain jacket now. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C. Average Precipitation: 129mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in November: The rainiest month on the Amalfi Coast is November, seeing 162mm of precipitation on average. If you plan to visit in November, keep in mind that mudslides can make getting around difficult, and you may want to spend more time indoors. It’s unlikely to get too cold, however, with the average high temperature relatively warm at 17°C. This is the time to bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes or boots. You’ll also want to dress in layers with some lightweight clothing, perhaps topping it off with a sweatshirt or sweater. (Average Max Temperature: 17°C. Average Precipitation: 162mm.)
  • Amalfi Coast Weather in December: December one of the colder months on the Amalfi Coast, but while temperatures dip quite a bit further, it’s likely to feel rather mild to those from northern climates – with the average high at 13°C. While rain is to be expected, the average amount decreases to 122mm, so it’s unlikely to be as wet as November. You’ll still need to bring a waterproof jacket, however, along with clothing for cool weather; ideally items that can be layered. (Average Max Temperature: 13°C. Average Precipitation: 122mm.)

Amalfi Coast Events and Festivals

Amalfi Coast in January

  • New Year’s Day – New Year’s Day, January 1, is a national holiday. On the Amalfi Coast, it will be even quieter than usual, with locals often enjoy a relaxing day off with family or friends. There will be limited or no public transportation and many closures, including businesses, restaurants, shops, and museums. There will usually be some restaurants open, though they may have limited hours, such as serving only lunch and dinner.
  • Epiphany/La Befana – January 6 is the national holiday of the Epiphany, sometimes referred to as La Befana, which marks the 12th day of Christmas. This is the biggest event of the Italian holiday season and includes the exchanging of gifts. La Befana, a witch who flies on her broomstick each year the night before Epiphany, brings gifts to children in hopes of finding the Baby Jesus. Children hang their stockings on the evening of January 5th in anticipation of her visit. Many restaurants, shops, and other businesses will be closed on January 6.

Amalfi Coast in February

  • Festival of San Biagio – Saint Biagio is a favorite saint in Southern Italy, celebrated every year on February 3. Churches will hold a special mass and there may be events held in towns throughout the Amalfi Coast.
  • Carnival – While there few events during the wintertime on the Amalfi Coast, February usually brings one of the biggest of the year: Carnival. It takes place before Lent, sometimes beginning as early as late January, or as late as March or even early April. On the Amalfi Coast, some of the most impressive festivities take place in Maiori. The Great Carnival in Maiori is held over 10 days, complete with elaborate floats, dancing groups, masks, confetti, music, shows, and traditional games.
  • Valentine’s Day – February 14, Valentine’s Day, is an imported holiday with plenty of pink and red hearts, romantic gifts to buy for the one you love and special candlelit dinners.

Amalfi Coast in March

  • Festa della Donna – Women’s Day is an annual event celebrated on March 8 across Italy and beyond to honor women. Some restaurants may offer special meals and there may be concerts held as well. This is also a time when Italian males offer yellow mimosa flowers to the women in their lives.
  • Festa di San Giuseppe – Father’s Day is celebrated in Italy on March 19, a time to honor fathers. Many families consume zeppole, similar to doughnuts, as part of the day’s festivities.
  • Primavera Sorrentina – Sorrento celebrates spring as well as summer with a wide range of events that includes food fairs, flower fairs, and musical events that start in March and run through July.

Amalfi Coast in April

  • Ravello Music Festival – This music festival has been taking place since 1953, held in the gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello. It begins in early April and continues through mid-November.
  • Holy Week and Easter – Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, brings many elaborate processions throughout the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento, in particular, is known for its historic religious processions that included solemn hood figures walking silently on the streets on Thursday and Friday before Easter Sunday, an ancient custom that dates back to the 14th-century. Processions are also held in Sant’Agnello, Meta, and Piano, all linked by the local Circumvesuviana train.
  • Liberation Day – April 25 is Liberation Day in Italy, a national holiday that commemorates the end of Nazi occupation here during World War II and the fall of the Italian Social Republic. Locals honor the fallen who were part of the Italian Resistance fighting the Nazis and Mussolini’s troops throughout the war. Gatherings take place in towns of all sizes, some with marching bands, some with political rallies, and some with concerts. Government services, monuments, banks, and some museums, shops, and restaurants will be closed; public transport runs on limited hours.

Amalfi Coast in May

  • Labor Day/International Workers’ Day – Labor Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on May 1st. It’s a popular time for political protests and rallies organized by a variety of political parties and workers’ unions, especially in major cities. You might see public speeches and marches in piazzas, and many businesses will be closed.
  • The Sounds of the Gods (I Suoni degli Dei) – This event brings chamber music and folk concerts around Praiano every Wednesday throughout May, along the scenic “Path of the Gods” hiking trail.
  • The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics – This historic boat race takes place every 4 years starting in late May. It’s held between Amalfi, Venice, Pisa and Genoa, the city-states that dominated the Mediterranean from the 10th through the 18th-centuries.

Amalfi Coast in June

  • Republic Day –This national holiday is celebrated annually on June 2, marking the day Italy became a Republic in 1946. It’s a bit like Independence Day only without the fireworks. There are usually festivals, parades, and/or concerts throughout the country, including towns along the Amalfi Coast.
  • Feast of Sant’Andrea – On June 27 every year, Amalfi celebrates its patron saint and protector of fishermen with an event that commemorates the “miraculous storm” that occurred on June 27, 1544. According to local tradition, the saint conjured up the storm to prevent a pirate fleet from conquering the town.
  • Music in the Cloister – Hosted in Amalfi, this concert series takes place in the Chiostro del Paradiso at the town’s cathedral starting in late June.

Amalfi Coast in July

  • Amalfi Music and Arts Festival – Held annually since 1996, this series of musical events in Maiori brings some of the world’s best piano, philharmonic, and choral talent to the Amalfi Coast.
  • Festival of Santa Trofimena – Annually on July 13, the town of Minori celebrates its patron saint with a very moving procession. The patron saint is carried around town, there are fireworks and concerts, and everyone enjoys eating pollo ai peperoni, chicken braised with tomato sauce and sweet peppers.
  • Festival del Limone – Held over the third weekend in July, the Lemon Fair celebrates lemons throughout the Amalfi Coast. In the town of Massa Lubrense, there will be local dishes served using lemon, lemon-infused sweets, and plenty of limoncello served at agriturismo farms and in small trattorias.
  • Lampare Lights Night – On July 21st every year the tiny village of Cetara celebrates and reenacts an ancient fishing technique using “Lampara,” a type of boat light. The light beams its rays over a large area of water to attract fish, who are then trapped in nets. After fishing, there is food and music to enjoy.
  • Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena – This event held on July 22 each year in Atrani honors Saint Mary Magdalene with a procession and fireworks over the sea.

Amalfi Coast in August

  • Days of the Blue Fish – In the traditional fishing village of Cetara, locally-important tuna and anchovies are celebrated annually during the first week of August with tastings, concerts, and boat tours.
  • Ferragosto – Ferragosto is a national holiday celebrated on August 15 each year. It not only marks the start of many Italians’ summer vacation, but the Catholic Church celebrates the religious holiday honoring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. On the Amalfi Coast, it’s celebrated with religious processions with spectacular fireworks over the sea; some of the most impressive are found in the towns of Maiori and Positano.
  • Byzantine New Year’s Day – Celebrated on the last day of August and the first day of September each year, this holiday commemorates the beginning of the fiscal new year during the Byzantine era. The highlight is the historical parade that includes over 90 actors in costume who travel from Atrani to Amalfi.

Amalfi Coast in September

  • Santa Maria della Libera – On the Sunday closest to September 12 each year in Capri, there are grand processions starting at Saint Costanzo in Marina Grande church to honor Mary of Deliverance. This religious festival also includes market stalls, music, and fireworks.
  • Torello Festa dell’Incendio – The Torello Fire Fetsival takes place on the third Sunday of September every year at the foot of Ravello’s mountain. All of the town’s buildings are illuminated and a magnificent fireworks display reenacts the Pisani invasion of the town.
  • Festa di San Matteo – The patron saint and protector of Salerno is celebrated on September 21 each year. Festivities include an elaborate procession that makes its way through Salerno before culminating at the beautiful Cathedral of San Matteo. Concerts are held in Piazza Amendola, and after dark, fireworks light of the Bay of Salerno.
  • Sagra del Pesce – This fish festival takes place on Fornillo beach, bringing lots of seafood and live music to Positano on the last Saturday in September.

Amalfi Coast in October

  • Festa della Castagna – Over the first weekend of October, the village of Scala celebrates the area’s chestnut trees with a chestnut festival. The event includes regional specialties made from locally-harvest chestnuts, lots of roasted chestnuts, and traditional games like a donkey race that runs through the central piazza.
  • Halloween – While Halloween isn’t an official holiday in Italy, or even a big celebration, it’s becoming increasingly popular with adults as a great excuse to party and dress up in costume. Especially in the larger towns, you’re likely to find nightclubs, bars and restaurants hosting costume parties and other Halloween-related events.

Amalfi Coast in November

  • All Saints Day – November 1st is an official Italian holiday honoring all Catholic saints as a holy day for practicing Catholics around the world. It’s celebrated by many Italians, including those on the Amalfi coast, by going to church, enjoying a big family meal and visiting graves to remember loved ones who’ve passed on.
  • Luci d’Artista Light Show in Salerno – Starting on the second Friday of the month each year and running through mid-January, imaginative themed light displays illuminate the city of Salerno, creating an especially magical atmosphere.
  • Feast of Saint Andrew – On the last day of November, the patron saint of Amalfi, St. Andrew, is celebrated by local fishermen. After processing from the cathedral to the beach, men run with a heavy statue of him, carried on their shoulders, all the way back again. Offerings of fish are then presented to the saint and the town also hosts folk shows, games and fireworks.

Amalfi Coast in December

  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Both a national holiday and a holy day of obligation, this feast day celebrates the Virgin Mary annually on December 8. Schools and public offices will be closed, but most restaurants and shops will be open as the day is generally viewed as the beginning of the holiday shopping season. There are likely to be processions, live music, feasts, and other festivities in towns throughout the region.
  • Sausage and Bonfire Fair – Sorrento’s annual celebration of Saint Lucia on December 13th is essentially a big grillfest. Tasty sausages are barbecued over a massive bonfire before being enjoyed with local wine.
  • Divers’ Procession to Grotta dello Smeraldo – In Conca dei Marini every December on Christmas Eve (and again on Epiphany in January), local and guest divers make a scuba pilgrimage from the beach to an underwater manger inside the Grotta dello Smeraldo.
  • Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Santo Stefano (Boxing Day) – The Christmas holidays including an elaborate dinner on Christmas Eve before going to Midnight Mass at the local church. December 25 brings friends and family together for a big feast that lasts throughout the day and often into the next, blending into the national holiday of Santo Stefano. On Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day, most businesses will be closed, although there are usually some restaurants open.
  • New Year’s Eve – December 31st, New Year’s Eve, is celebrated across the Amalfi Coast and all of Italy. In Naples, some of Italy’s biggest and best festivities are held, including fireworks shot from Castel dell’Ovo at the strike of midnight. In Positano, locals and visitors ring in the new year with a feast that includes zeppolas (fried sweet pastries) as well as music, dancing, and fireworks on the beach of Marina Grande.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.