Climate: The moderating influence of the sea and the protection given by the Alpine barrier from the cold north winds join to bless Italy with a Mediterranean temperate climate. Nevertheless, the weather varies considerably according to how far one is from the sea or the mountains. The winter is very cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain and the central Apennines; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and in Sicilia. Summer is hot and dry, but the temperature is mitigated on the coast by sea breezes and in the Apennines and Alps it is pleasantly cool.

In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and summer for excursions, hiking, etc. Seaside and lake resorts, with their excellent hotel facilities, have an intense tourist season in summer, while the cities that are rich in art treasures are ideal in spring and autumn. Every season is suitable and every month is the most interesting time depending on the region you choose to visit or what you want to do. Nevertheless, the best times to visit Italy is between April and June, when the climate is mild and temperate everywhere, the blooming countryside affords breathtaking landscapes and you can visit the cities and enjoy the mild climate at the same time.