Finding the best time to visit Italy is a delicate balance between finding the most comfortable weather, avoiding the flood of summer tourists, and keeping prices in check. The periods when many Italians are taking month-long vacations of their own often see the shutdown of local businesses in some areas and skyrocketing prices in others.
The climate in Italy varies significantly by region. Southern Italy experiences a mediterranean climate with moderate winters and warm, dry summers, while northern Italy is typically cooler, more humid, and foggier. The Alps get harsh and long winters with snowfall beginning as early as November and lasting through April.